John Kerry And The Patriot Act

[Proteas]

And now to give every hardcore Kerry supporter here a good swift kick in the nutts, I present to you the U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes of the 107th Congress - 1st Session On Passage of the Bill (H.R. 3162 ), now known as "The Patriot Act."

-----------------------------

Akaka (D-HI), Yea
Allard (R-CO), Yea
Allen (R-VA), Yea
Baucus (D-MT), Yea
Bayh (D-IN), Yea
Bennett (R-UT), Yea
Biden (D-DE), Yea
Bingaman (D-NM), Yea
Bond (R-MO), Yea
Boxer (D-CA), Yea
Breaux (D-LA), Yea
Brownback (R-KS), Yea
Bunning (R-KY), Yea
Burns (R-MT), Yea
Byrd (D-WV), Yea
Campbell (R-CO), Yea
Cantwell (D-WA), Yea
Carnahan (D-MO), Yea
Carper (D-DE), Yea
Chafee (R-RI), Yea
Cleland (D-GA), Yea
Clinton (D-NY), Yea
Cochran (R-MS), Yea
Collins (R-ME), Yea
Conrad (D-ND), Yea
Corzine (D-NJ), Yea
Craig (R-ID), Yea
Crapo (R-ID), Yea
Daschle (D-SD), Yea
Dayton (D-MN), Yea
DeWine (R-OH), Yea
Dodd (D-CT), Yea
Domenici (R-NM), Yea
Dorgan (D-ND), Yea
Durbin (D-IL), Yea
Edwards (D-NC), Yea
Ensign (R-NV), Yea
Enzi (R-WY), Yea
Feingold (D-WI), Nay
Feinstein (D-CA), Yea
Fitzgerald (R-IL), Yea
Frist (R-TN), Yea
Graham (D-FL), Yea
Gramm (R-TX), Yea
Grassley (R-IA), Yea
Gregg (R-NH), Yea
Hagel (R-NE), Yea
Harkin (D-IA), Yea
Hatch (R-UT), Yea
Helms (R-NC), Yea
Hollings (D-SC), Yea
Hutchinson (R-AR), Yea
Hutchison (R-TX), Yea
Inhofe (R-OK), Yea
Inouye (D-HI), Yea
Jeffords (I-VT), Yea
Johnson (D-SD), Yea
Kennedy (D-MA), Yea
Kerry (D-MA), Yea
Kohl (D-WI), Yea
Kyl (R-AZ), Yea
Landrieu (D-LA), Not Voting
Leahy (D-VT), Yea
Levin (D-MI), Yea
Lieberman (D-CT), Yea
Lincoln (D-AR), Yea
Lott (R-MS), Yea
Lugar (R-IN), Yea
McCain (R-AZ), Yea
McConnell (R-KY), Yea
Mikulski (D-MD), Yea
Miller (D-GA), Yea
Murkowski (R-AK), Yea
Murray (D-WA), Yea
Nelson (D-FL), Yea
Nelson (D-NE), Yea
Nickles (R-OK), Yea
Reed (D-RI), Yea
Reid (D-NV), Yea
Roberts (R-KS), Yea
Rockefeller (D-WV), Yea
Santorum (R-PA), Yea
Sarbanes (D-MD), Yea
Schumer (D-NY), Yea
Sessions (R-AL), Yea
Shelby (R-AL), Yea
Smith (R-NH), Yea
Smith (R-OR), Yea
Snowe (R-ME), Yea
Specter (R-PA), Yea
Stabenow (D-MI), Yea
Stevens (R-AK), Yea
Thomas (R-WY), Yea
Thompson (R-TN), Yea
Thurmond (R-SC), Yea
Torricelli (D-NJ), Yea
Voinovich (R-OH), Yea
Warner (R-VA), Yea
Wellstone (D-MN), Yea
Wyden (D-OR), Yea

Nays
Feingold (D-WI)

Not Voting - 1
Landrieu (D-LA)
-----------------------------

Source: U.S. Senate: Legislation & Records Home > Votes > Roll Call Vote

[Proteas]

Not enough for you? How about this letter by John Kerry to President Bush in May of 2003?

-----------------------------

The President
The White House
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

I am writing to request that you instruct the Secretary of the Treasury to identify both Syria and Lebanon as primary money laundering concerns under the authority provided in Section 311 of the USA PATRIOT Act (P.L. 107-56) and to require that U.S. financial institutions provide enhanced scrutiny of financial transactions from these countries to ensure funds linked to international terrorists do not originate from or pass through financial institutions in those countries on their way to the United States. I strongly believe these actions will help curb the funding of international terrorism and could assist in the return of funds stolen from the Iraqi people.

The Secretary of State has designated Syria as a state whose government has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism and has provided designated foreign terrorist organizations, such as Hamas and Hizballah, with sanctuary. The International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), a group of federal agencies with anti-money laundering responsibilities, has classified Syria as a country to be monitored for potential money laundering. There have been a number of published reports stating that individuals from Saddam Hussein's Iraqi regime have attempted to move to Syria and may be using the its financial system to divert funds which have been stolen from the Iraqi people.

The Government of Lebanon has made some progress in updating its anti-money laundering laws, as the Financial Action Task Force has recognized, and it should be commended for doing so. However, Lebanon remains one of the more sophisticated and well-capitalized banking sectors in the Middle East. Combined with a tradition of bank secrecy, the extensive use of foreign currency, the influx of remittances from expatriated workers, and a lack of financial accountability and enforcement, Lebanon has developed a financial environment conducive to laundering the financial proceeds of international crimes such as narcotics, counterfeiting and smuggling. The INCSR has designated Lebanon as a jurisdiction of primary money laundering concern.

The Financial Crime Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has conducted an analysis of the Suspicious Activity Reporting System (SAR) related to Lebanon for the period of January 2002 through October 2003. The FinCEN analysis has revealed 286 SARs that could be linked to transactions associated with suspicious or fraudulent wire transfer activities between Lebanon and other countries. Many of these transactions were structured in an attempt to avoid reporting requirements. Two of the SARs describe the reason for their filing as directly related to possible terrorist activities.

In May 2002, two men in Charlotte, North Carolina were convicted and seven others pled guilty to providing material support for Hizballah. In Dallas, Texas, a senior leader of Hamas has been indicted for conspiring to violate laws that prohibit dealings in terrorist funds.

I believe the United States must take any and all necessary measures to stop international terrorist organizations -- such as Hamas and Hizballah -- and former members of the Iraqi government who may be residing in Syria, Lebanon, and other countries in the area from supporting terrorism overseas and in the United States with the proceeds of international crime.
The United States has the largest and most accessible economic marketplace in the world. Foreign financial institutions and jurisdictions must have unfettered access to markets to effectively work within the international economic system.

In 2000, I introduced legislation that became Section 311 of the USA PATRIOT Act to provide the federal government with the authority to leverage the power of United States financial markets to encourage countries like Syria and Lebanon to reform and enforce their counter-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing laws. As you are aware, it provides measures that are graduated, discretionary, and targeted, focusing on international transactions involving criminal proceeds, while allowing legitimate international commerce to continue unimpeded.

If we are to lead the world in the fight against terror, we must effectively use our own laws to cut off the flow of laundered funds from terrorist groups through the international financial system. The measured use of Section 311 authority against Syria and Lebanon provides the United States an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in the fight against international terrorism and money laundering. Thank you in advance for your consideration of my request.

Sincerely,
John F. Kerry

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Source: Project Vote Smart

[Samuel-HALL]

As much as i dislike kerry...this is nothing new. We all knew, before your incredibly enlightening post, that kerry voted for the patriot act.

Liberals have already found some way to defend that.

[Z17]

At 11/30/04 08:47 PM, Proteas wrote: Not Voting - 1
Landrieu (D-LA)

Oy....not a big fan of our Senator. I liked Breaux, but she's just eh...

What were we talking about? Oh right, Kerry...

Edwards voted Yay too.

~Z~

[BAWLS]

At 11/30/04 08:47 PM, Proteas wrote: Feingold (D-WI), Nay

...we really need that guy in the White House.

At 11/30/04 08:51 PM, Damien3003 wrote: Liberals have already found some way to defend that.

No, not really. And now that the election's over, we don't have to anymore.

[RedSkunk]

At 11/30/04 08:47 PM, Proteas wrote: And now to give every hardcore Kerry supporter

I haven't seen a single 'hardcore Kerry supporter' on Newgrounds. I mean.. *shrug*

But since we're already here, want to see the single senator I respect the most?

Nays
Feingold (D-WI)

Ol' Russ Feingold.

[Samuel-HALL]

At 11/30/04 08:50 PM, Proteas wrote:

Dear Mr. President:

I am writing to request that you instruct the Secretary of the Treasury to identify both Syria and Lebanon as primary money laundering concerns under the authority provided in Section 311 of the USA PATRIOT Act....

Whoa now...this i DIDN'T know about (go ahead red...mock my manhood for not knowing that, and i'll put a dress on for you).

This certainly sheds some light on what kind of weak kneed, pandering ass liberal kerry is.

[Samuel-HALL]

At 11/30/04 08:54 PM, NotYouZ wrote:

At 11/30/04 08:47 PM, Proteas wrote: Feingold (D-WI), Nay

...we really need that guy in the White House.

Warner voted Aye on it...but that doesn't surprise me.

Warner also promised to ease standardized testing in my state...and then he raised the standards, the bastard.

At 11/30/04 08:51 PM, Damien3003 wrote: Liberals have already found some way to defend that.

No, not really. And now that the election's over, we don't have to anymore.

oh...well...it sure is good to believe in a disposable politician.
*shrugs*

[BAWLS]

At 11/30/04 08:59 PM, Damien3003 wrote: oh...well...it sure is good to believe in a disposable politician.
*shrugs*

Who ever said I believed in him? I supported him simply for the fact he was the only major canidate running against Bush.

[fli]

I am not shocked. I remember Kerry admitting that he was for the Patriot Act, but then he regreted his decision. I don't recall his explainations, but as long as he was willing to change that thing, I was willing to vote for him.

[commanderkai]

At 11/30/04 09:03 PM, NotYouZ wrote:

Who ever said I believed in him? I supported him simply for the fact he was the only major canidate running against Bush.

Wow, this kinda proves that there is no such thing as a pro-Kerry voter, there is only such thing of a anti-Bush voter

[theburningliberal]

Just out of curiousity, WHY IN THE FUCK ARE YOU BRINGING THIS UP 28 MOTHERFUCKING DAYS AFTER THE ELECTION?

Yeah... Kerry's a douche. Every politician is. Including Bush. You live with it.

Unfortunately, America decided to pick the bigger douche of the two. FUCK.

[RedSkunk]

At 11/30/04 10:53 PM, commanderkai wrote: Wow, this kinda proves that there is no such thing as a pro-Kerry voter, there is only such thing of a anti-Bush voter

That didn't prove anything. I was voting for Kerry. Fuck, NotYouZ isn't even of age, is he?

[fli]

At 11/30/04 11:04 PM, theburningliberal wrote: rage. anger. loathing.

Whoa!!! So much hate. The only thing you can do is educate folks, and hope stuff won't turn out half as bad as the previous 4 years.

[Proteas]

At 11/30/04 11:04 PM, theburningliberal wrote: Just out of curiousity, WHY IN THE FUCK ARE YOU BRINGING THIS UP 28 MOTHERFUCKING DAYS AFTER THE ELECTION?

Yeah... Kerry's a douche. Every politician is. Including Bush. You live with it.

Unfortunately, America decided to pick the bigger douche of the two. FUCK.

That's just it, KERRY IS A DOUCHE AND PEOPLE ON HERE STILL HOLD HIM IN HIGH REGARDS. This thread was designed to burst that bubble. And it would seem as thought I have succeeded in doing so with you.

My work is done here.

*puts on a cape*

*flys off*

[RedSkunk]

Just because he voted for the patriot act means he's a "douche"? Grow up Proteas, really.

[Proteas]

At 12/1/04 10:02 AM, redskvnk wrote: Just because he voted for the patriot act means he's a "douche"? Grow up Proteas, really.

All right, "douche" wasn't the word I would have used normally. I shall endevour to never use that word on here again. But I will be damnded if I have to remain silent in these forums putting up with people still ranting about how Kerry would have been a good president NEARLY A MONTH AFTER HE CONCEDED.

I refuse to put up wih it any longer.

[ReiperX]

Also you have to look at the time when the Patriot Act was passed. 9-11 was still fresh, the public wanted something done, and maybe thats what people thought needed to be done.

Now we realize it was a mistake, hindisight is 20/20.

I'm not defending Sentator Kerry, or trying to make up excuses, just saying my opinion on why so many people voted on something.

[Hermannator]

At 11/30/04 11:34 PM, spanishfli wrote:

At 11/30/04 11:04 PM, theburningliberal wrote: rage. anger. loathing.

Whoa!!! So much hate. The only thing you can do is educate folks, and hope stuff won't turn out half as bad as the previous 4 years.

Well, I also find it ironic that an anti-Kerry topic is brought up way after the election, while you Republicans keep telling us to quit bitching about the results. YOU REPUBLICANS ARE FLIP-FLOPPERS TOO!

[Hermannator]

At 12/1/04 02:00 PM, ReiperX wrote: Also you have to look at the time when the Patriot Act was passed. 9-11 was still fresh, the public wanted something done, and maybe thats what people thought needed to be done.

Now we realize it was a mistake, hindisight is 20/20.

I'm not defending Sentator Kerry, or trying to make up excuses, just saying my opinion on why so many people voted on something.

Yeah. If 9/11 did not happen, the Patriot Act would more likely be voted against. Otherwise, we would automatically think 98 out of the 100 Senator are douches (as Proteas would put it).

[Ravens-Grin]

At 11/30/04 08:54 PM, NotYouZ wrote: ...we really need that guy in the White House.

More then 2/3 vote will surpass a Presidential veto.

[RedSkunk]

At 12/1/04 12:38 PM, Proteas wrote: I refuse to put up wih it any longer.

So making another Kerry thread was the answer?

[ReiperX]

At 12/1/04 03:46 PM, redskvnk wrote:

At 12/1/04 12:38 PM, Proteas wrote: I refuse to put up wih it any longer.

So making another Kerry thread was the answer?

But of course. I mean if you want people to stop talking about something then you gotta keep brining it up or else people will forget not to talk about it and then start talking about it again and drive you nuts.

[BAWLS]

At 11/30/04 10:53 PM, commanderkai wrote: Wow, this kinda proves that there is no such thing as a pro-Kerry voter, there is only such thing of a anti-Bush voter

Maybe I used the wrong words. Yes, I was pro-Kerry. I thought he'd make a decent president. I did not, however, think he was a very wise choice for the democratic nominee.

During the primaries, I was dreading a John Kerry victory. The only reason the democrats nominated him was because they thought he could beat Bush, and that's all the democrats really wanted at the time. They should have stuck with Edwards.

[BubbleClock]

im royally pissed that kerry didnt win. GWB is a ...fucktard whether you like it or not. so, 4 more years isn't going to help our struggling economy. jesus, how can 51 million people be blinded by the ...fucktards lies. god damnit...

[Proteas]

At 12/1/04 04:11 PM, ReiperX wrote:

At 12/1/04 03:46 PM, redskvnk wrote:

At 12/1/04 12:38 PM, Proteas wrote: I refuse to put up wih it any longer.

So making another Kerry thread was the answer?

But of course. I mean if you want people to stop talking about something then you gotta keep brining it up or else people will forget not to talk about it and then start talking about it again and drive you nuts.

Duly noted.

I should have posted this in another Kerry thread already in existence...

*evil laughter*

[CountPoopoo]

At 11/30/04 10:53 PM, commanderkai wrote: Wow, this kinda proves that there is no such thing as a pro-Kerry voter, there is only such thing of a anti-Bush voter

Because of one person's opinion?

[Proteas]

At 12/1/04 07:31 PM, MuyBurrito wrote: I supported and still support John Kerry because he would make a great president and he holds morality, freedom, patriotism, integrity, and intelligence to the highest respects. He always votes the way the people need him to.

So you knew. You and everybody else here have avoided commenting on the fact that he wrote a section of it. I wonder why...?

Basically:
Just saying that John Kerry voted for the Patriot Act doesn't mean that it was a bad thing that he later realized that it was no longer necessary and did not uphold of the Bill of Rights. John Kerry also voted for the "No Child Left Behind" Act, but is now supporting making dire changes because it had been passed and supported by Bush, but not alotted proper funding or resources.

Would you want someone in office who couldn't make up his mind on an issue?

It was up to Bush to make the Patriot Act work, but instead he just ended up leaving it for those governed to be screwed.

Ah, so now we're shifting the blame on somebody else, trying to change subjects in mid conversation. Again I ask, Why?

[Memorize]

At 12/1/04 07:57 PM, MuyBurrito wrote:

I'm trying to point out that John Kerry did the right thing, and that criticizing his record was undue, seeing as he has good reasons for both his record and his extracongressional views.

So, according to you, no matter what Kerry did (ex. first voting for the patriot act and then not (flip-flopping it sounds like to me)) it was the right thing even if he completely changes his answer later on, while everything that Bush does is wrong?

[Maus]

At 12/1/04 07:57 PM, MuyBurrito wrote: I'm trying to point out that John Kerry did the right thing, and that criticizing his record was undue, seeing as he has good reasons for both his record and his extracongressional views.

When you undertake the task of speaking for a large body of people, I would sincerely hope that you think before acting. Because you can't always take those actions back. Kerry has a 'leap before you look' attitude, and then backtracks through his missteps. Sometimes that can lead to a larger quagmire in four years than the hardline, 'I made a decision, I'm sticking with it' attitude.

At any rate, in this administrative sesion, it is too early to tell WTF is happening. Everybody is stepping down, and the table is changing. The global game of chess is changing players.