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> Magically these perspectives flipped when Obama got into power.

Can you provide evidence of this? I know a lot of Democrats, and I don't remember any of them ever saying a positive word about the PATRIOT Act. Certainly, those actually in power are always reluctant to give it up. But I haven't seen that applying to their supporters in the particular example you cite.

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How about this from none less than Senator Feinstein of California. She also happens to have been the head of the senate intelligence committee which is supposed to hold the intelligence departments accountable. They (CIA, NSA, FBI, etc.) always ask for more powers, it's her job (and the job of the entire committee) to protect Americans and their privacy and protection under the law.

Senator Dianne Feinstein Urges Senate Support for USA-Patriot Act Reauthorization http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-relea...

Feinstein voted to support the initial passage of the PATRIOT Act, and voted to reauthorize in 2006. She's been on the same (IMO wrong, but YMMV) side of this since the get-go.

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