OT: US civil liberties under attack again!

[PvK]

Subject: Urgent Action Alert: Guard Civil Liberties in 9/11
Legislation
From: League of Women Voters of the United States
Fri, 1 Oct 2004 15:41:05 -0400 (EDT)

URGE CONGRESS TO GUARD CIVIL LIBERTIES IN 9/11 LEGISLATION!


Both houses of Congress are currently considering legislation to
overhaul the organization of U.S. intelligence operations based upon
the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. The Version of this
legislation introduced in the House as H.R. 10 raises serious concerns
about civil liberties. It is vitally important to maintain the checks
and balances of government.

H.R. 10 greatly expands the reach of law enforcement, going beyond the
recommendations of the 9/11 Commission and threatening civil
liberties.
It is essential that we protect basic civil liberties as the nation
seeks to guard against terrorism and other threats to national
security. H.R. 10 in its present form fails to do so.

Instead the legislation includes law enforcement powers not called for
by the Commission but included in "Patriot Act 2" and other
similar proposals. One provision of the legislation would eliminate
basic judicial review over unfair, arbitrary deportations of
immigrants. Another would broaden the definition of “material
support” so that an individual who associates with a suspected
terrorist group would be subject to indictment, even if that
individual did not engage in any terrorist activities or provide funds
for terrorist acts. Finally, H.R. 10 as currently drafted, would
indirectly create a national identification card. It is critical that
provisions such as these be debated openly, not rushed through at the
end of the congressional session.

The Collins-Lieberman bill, S. 2845, the National Intelligence Reform
Act of 2004, currently being debated on the floor of the Senate, has
the support of many members of the 9/11 Commission. However, the
House Version does not share that support because of the additional
measures included in the bill that were not based upon the
Commission’s recommendations, but that would instead expand the
government’s investigative and prosecutorial powers. At this time,
five committees in the House are reviewing H.R. 10, so now is the time
to ask your Representatives to keep civil liberties in mind!

Take action today to protect our civil liberties! To send your
message to Congress now, go to:
http://capwiz.com/lwv/utr/1/IWBSDWKQES/DNRLDWKQMD/

ACTION NEEDED

1. Contact Congress by phone and by e-mail, and urge your
representative to protect civil liberties and oppose H.R. 10. Phone
calls can be made through the Capitol Hill switchboard at
202-224-3121.
To send an instant message to your representative now, go to
http://capwiz.com/lwv/utr/1/IWBSDWKQES/GKDGDWKQMF/ or
www.interaction.lwv.org.

2. Forward this e-mail alert to other concerned citizens—your
grassroots network, your friends and co-workers. Ask them to take
action today to oppose this legislation that threatens civil
liberties.

BACKGROUND

To read H.R. 10 click here:
http://capwiz.com/lwv/utr/1/IWBSDWKQES/NOFJDWKQMG/