Raw, but c*nsored blabbing and blogging of a young journalista
and local news producer in Southern New England.
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Wednesday, September 28, 2005

PATRIOT Act

Unfortunately we missed something on the air the other night, not even carrying it as a 20-second VO. On Monday, September 26th, 2005, at Roger Williams University, there was a forum on the USA PATRIOT Act, organized by the Rhode Island League of Women Voters.

Decent stuff to bring up. Sorry I missed it. But the article in the Bristol Phoenix has some great discussion of its own on the PATRIOT Act. The following is ripped off from last Thursday's article by Denise Kinney:

What is the Patriot Act?

In response to the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001, the 107th Congress passed Patriot Act (HR 3162 RDS) six weeks later on Oct. 24 to "enhance domestic security." In short, the sweeping legislation expands the powers of law enforcement nationwide.

Enacted "To deter and punish terrorist acts in the United States and around the world, to enhance law enforcement investigatory tools, and for other purposes," the Patriot Act has been applauded by supporters as a protector of the welfare of the nation and blasted by critics for excessive government interference.

Besides presenting their views in turn, the three panelists [scheduled to appear at the forum] -- U.S. Attorney Robert Corrente, Steven Brown, executive director of the Rhode Island Affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union, and Peter Margulies, professor of law at Roger Williams University, will comment on several sections in particular.

They are:

* Section 213: Which authorizes "sneak and peek" search warrants

* Section 215: Which authorizes the FBI to compel judges to issue warrants to seize library, medical, and business records without notifying the person involved

* Section: 505: Which authorizes the Justice Department to seize secretly and without judicial approval business and financial records and membership lists of organizations that use the Internet

* Section 802: Which defines "domestic terrorism" to include any act that is "dangerous to human life," and is intended to influence governmental policy. Protesters could be targeted under this section.

The League of Women Voters, at a glance

* A non-partisan organization founded in 1920 as an outgrowth of the Women's Suffragette movement.

* Purpose is to promote informed and active participation of citizens in government

* Organized on three levels, national, state and local

* Studies government issues and develops consensus at League meetings; testifies and lobbies to promote consensus positions.

* Sponsors candidate debates, informational meetings and forums

* Has taken the position that basic civil liberties must be preserved and protected, and is fighting against unnecessary infringements on the basic rights that uphold the democratic system of government.

This leads to this little Flash movie, which I wish I could record and transcribe because it would be great (re-)reading in addition to the viewing.

I didn't (haven't YET) fill out the form associated with the movie, even though I was creeped out.

Labels: Originally published

... Scribbled by Bill T ... 9/28/2005 01:16:00 AM ... Email this entry ...
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