Leaving aside for a moment the Orwellian aspects of calling a civil-liberties hostile bill “PATRIOT” in the first place (it’s enough to make me want some Victory Gin), consider the larger context of secrecy promulgated by this administration, and the ongoing loss of real oversight of the Executive since January, 2001 — even before 9/11. Salon covers this in detail, including Evil Bastard Orrin Hatch’s efforts to remove PATRIOT’s sunset provisions. Yes, it’s gonna piss you off. But if you aren’t already, you should be.