Patriot Act, Part II: The Political Tug of War Intensifies ; Bush Calls for Strengthening the Antiterror Law, While Critics Worry about Greater Potential for Civil-Rights Abuses

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In seemingly short order, discussion around the Patriot Act has shifted from defense to offense.

Just two months ago, when Congress set out to consider renewal of the antiterrorism law, civil libertarians were hopeful they could rein in aspects that they felt went too far. Now, supporters of an enhanced Patriot Act appear to be making headway as they push to give the FBI new powers.

Thursday, President Bush weighed in on the side of a beefed-up Patriot Act, including making permanent the 16 provisions set to expire at the end of the year and giving FBI agents new powers. In a speech at the Ohio Patrol Training Academy in Columbus, he called on Congress to renew …