The standard method is by drawing a distinction with regards to the degree of the restrictions. In other words, the argument is that the extra powers granted by

The standard method is by drawing a distinction with regards to the degree of the restrictions. In other words, the argument is that the extra powers granted by the Patriot Act are far less severe in their reach, and far more restricted in their actual use than the powers wielded by the other regimes in question. The extent of emergency powers, in law and in actual practice, vary wildly. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_of_emergency http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_of_emergency provides an overview. And, 14 years is by no means a record; Israel has been in a State of Emergency since 1948, Syria from 1963 until last month, Egypt since 1967, etc.