Some DoJ Stuff

Now, this is interesting. If you Google for "patriot act", just like that, the first two links you get take you here, to the full text of the act, and then to EPIC's (a privacy group) main Patriot Act website. The third link's title is "United States Department of Justice", which leads one to believe that it may be a link to the main DoJ page, which would make sense. The URL is www.lifeandliberty.gov, which...I can't even touch, because that's too easy. It took me a moment or two to figure out what it is, and slowly, as I clicked on the "Dispelling the myths" link, it dawned on me.

Propaganda. It's a .gov, yes, and it's pure, unadulterated propaganda. It's "yay-America, we're-right, don't-ask-any-questions-because-Big-Brother-is-watching" propaganda.

Without further ado, a few of my thoughts on their dispelling of myths.

Myth: The ACLU claims that the Patriot Act "expands terrorism laws to include 'domestic terrorism' which could subject political organizations to surveillance, wiretapping, harassment, and criminal action for political advocacy." They also claim that it includes a "provision that might allow the actions of peaceful groups that dissent from government policy, such as Greenpeace, to be treated as 'domestic terrorism.'" (ACLU, February 11, 2003; ACLU fundraising letter, cited by Stuart Taylor in "UnPATRIOTic," National Journal, August 4, 2003)

Reality: The Patriot Act limits domestic terrorism to conduct that breaks criminal laws, endangering human life. "Peaceful groups that dissent from government policy" without breaking laws cannot be targeted. Peaceful political discourse and dissent is one of America's most cherished freedoms, and is not subject to investigation as domestic terrorism. Under the Patriot Act, the definition of "domestic terrorism" is limited to conduct that (1) violates federal or state criminal law and (2) is dangerous to human life. Therefore, peaceful political organizations engaging in political advocacy will obviously not come under this definition. (Patriot Act, Section 802)

Er. Okay, so let's ignore the part where they freely admit that the Patriot Act gives feds the right to investigate state crimes. Let's just focus on the part where a large protest which strays outside the permited area (outside a "free speech" zone, perhaps) could be considered both illegal and hazardous to life. Let's also just focus on the part where, if I were to go speeding down I-95 (which would be considered in violation of state law and hazardous to life), I could be a terrorist. Oops.

Myth: The ACLU has claimed that "Many [people] are unaware that their library habits could become the target of government surveillance. In a free society, such monitoring is odious and unnecessary. . . The secrecy that surrounds section 215 leads us to a society where the 'thought police' can target us for what we choose to read or what Websites we visit." (ACLU, July 22, 2003)

Reality: The Patriot Act specifically protects Americans' First Amendment rights, and terrorism investigators have no interest in the library habits of ordinary Americans. Historically, terrorists and spies have used libraries to plan and carry out activities that threaten our national security. If terrorists or spies use libraries, we should not allow them to become safe havens for their terrorist or clandestine activities. The Patriot Act ensures that business records - whether from a library or any other business - can be obtained in national security investigations with the permission of a federal judge.

Yep. Terrorists do all their planning in libraries. Okay, fine, I'll buy it: maybe they do read up on explosives or piloting or whatever: fine. But read this sentence again: "If terrorists or spies use libraries, we should not allow them to become safe havens for their terrorist or clandestine activities." I'll ignore the awful writing with the gratuitious use of the word 'terrorist'. But is this not getting a bit close to: "Terrorists may use libraries, therefore, they can't be a safe haven for anyone."

On the next page, their "additional myths", which is much more comprehensive, there's this gem:

Fourth, we are dismantling the terrorist financial network. Already the United States Government has:

• Designated 40 terrorist organizations;

Yeah. Good job there with the designating, man. Whoo, designation!

I find it interesting, finally, the the cite for just about every "myth" is from either EPIC or the ACLU.