Just a passing thought

So there's been the technically-highly-improbable JFK attack and the pizza-delivery attack on Fort Dix to be added to the list of let's call them questionable plots to carry out acts of terrorism.

There has been a fair amount of discussion about how in neither of these new cases was anyone in danger, how the "plots" were "in the talking stage" and lacked both materials and money and, often, training.

All true. But here's what I was thinking: Suppose all of these supposed plots, both serious and farcical, were real in the sense that the conspirators were really committed to carrying out their plans and weren't just spinning fantasies. They all presented a real even if not immediate danger.

So far as I'm aware, in none of these cases have law enforcement agencies or prosecutors claimed that the arrests were the result of expanded powers given to them by the TRAITOR - excuse me, "PATRIOT" - Act. The arrests all resulted from old-fashioned police work.

The record to date, despite all the hyped cases, does not support the "need" for the TRAITOR Act, it undermines it. Which brings us back to where we started: That act is not about securing anything but increased power for the already powerful.

Of course, you already knew that. But it's always interesting when the prosecution's own case supports the defense.