PATRIOT Act II

According to an e-mail from Brock Meeks of MSNBC, forwarded via Declan McCullagh's Politechbot list, the following exchange occurred between Senator Russ Feingold and the asshole currently occupying the office of Attorney General:

Sen. Russ Feingold just a few minutes ago during a hearing this morning on Homeland Security asked Atty. Gen. Ashcroft why he hadn't come to Congress to discuss provision of the "Patriot Act II."

Ashcroft replied, categorically, that "there is no Patriot Act II. That said, it doesn't mean that we aren't constantly thinking and discussing how to make things better, safer," Ashcroft said. "So if there are some leaks… it's about what we've been thinking," Ashcroft said.

"There has been no bill decided on, no proposal decided on," Ashcroft said. "It would be the height of absurdity to have a bill I want to make law without informing Congress first."

Feingold wasn't buying what Ashcroft was saying. "Well, there is something out there," Feingold shot back, "and I'd appreciate you coming to Congress first."

Ashcroft finished off saying that "Until I think we have something appropriate" to discuss "I don't think we should engage in debate on something until it's appropriate."

The man just can't stop lying. Maybe it's genetic.