HARRY TRUMAN MUST BE SPINNING IN HIS GRAVE - AT 6:21 P.M. ET:  In recent weeks we saw three terror plots busted in the United States alone.  Cracking the cases was made possible in part because of provisions of the Patriot Act.  And what is the response of the keepers of the flame of modern liberalism?  The Washington Examiner explains:

Some Democratic lawmakers have long wanted to weaken the act, and now, with big majorities in the House and Senate, they have their chance. But the renewal debate just happens to come at a time when recently uncovered domestic terror plots -- most notably the Denver shuttle bus driver and his colleagues caught with bomb-making materials and a list of specific targets in New York City -- are highlighting the very threats the act was designed to counter. Republicans are fighting to keep the law in its current form.

And who is one of the Democrats leading the charge?  Why, it's that sober, serious new senator from Minnesota:

Even roving wiretaps, a widely accepted, common-sense feature of the Patriot Act, have come under question. At a Sept. 23 committee hearing, Sen. Al Franken, the newest member of the committee, challenged the constitutionality of such wiretaps, and in the process left an Obama Justice Department official -- who supports the law -- muttering in frustration.

That official, Assistant Attorney General David Kris, tried to explain to Franken that the law allows, and the courts have held, that investigators can wiretap a suspect based on a specific description of that suspect's activities, even if investigators don't know his name.

Franken, who pointed out that he is not a lawyer, was unimpressed...

...Is the Patriot Act's roving wiretap provision consistent with the Constitution? Franken asked.

"I do think it is," Kris answered, "and I kind of want to defer to that other, third branch of government. The courts, in looking at -- "

"I know what they are," Franken joked, as the audience laughed.

Kris seemed taken aback. "This is surreal," he said under his breath.

No, it's Saturday Night Live, brought to the next level.  But won't you sleep better knowing that Al Franken is protecting you?  Think about it.

October 2, 2009