Saturday, February 08, 2003

Slashdot | Your Rights Online - PATRIOT II Legislation Leaked. Buck Mulligan writes "The Center for Public Integrity reports that it has obtained a copy of PATRIOT II -- a huge law enforcement power grab that is intended to build on the USA Patriot Act. It's called the 'Domestic Security Enhancement Act.' CPI says it would increase domestic intelligence gathering and surveillance while reducing judicial review and public access to information. For more on the first PATRIOT Act, see the EPIC page." [Privacy Digest] Since the last major terrorist attack gave the government an excuse to adopt Clinton's anti-freedom wish list, it stands to reason that they would come up with a fresh wish list. I've no doubt that all of this will make it into law sometime within the next ten years. Even if Bush can't get some terrorists to give him an excuse, the next President can always bury it in some 1500 page pork barrel bill after most people have forgotten about it. comment () trackback ()  11:56:31 PM     AZ: Committee clears bills to ease gun restrictions. Arizonans would pay a stiffer fine for speeding than for illegally carrying a concealed weapon under the terms of legislation approved Thursday by a House panel. Members of the House Judiciary Committee voted 6-5 to make the crime a petty offense punishable by no more than a $50 fine. Now those who do not have a permit can face up to six months in jail and a $1,200 fine. [FirearmNews.com] I hope it passes. Even the improved law would still be unconstitutional, but it would be nice if laws got better for a change instead of worse. comment () trackback ()  11:40:24 PM     Is Venezuelan becoming Cuba?. Late last night, Movimiento al Socialismo Deputy Carlos Tablante, speaking against a bill that would control content in media asked rethorically: "You talk about Cuba and China, countries with a single leader, a single party, a single ideology, a single newspaper, a single TV station, a single radio station...is that what you want here?". Remarkably the Chavista Deputies, who are a majority, answered in unison: "Yesssssss" Do I need to say anything  else? [Miguel Octavio: Venezuela] Kind of surprising that they would answer that question honestly. Chavez and his supporters seem to be pretty good at damaging their own cause with the things they say. comment () trackback ()  3:14:15 PM

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