Originally published November 23 2003
Screw Ashcroft! California tells law enforcement officials to avoid spying on citizens
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
In yet another reaction to the police state Patriot Act initiated by John Ashcroft, California has told its own police officials they cannot spy on citizens. Thank God California and other states recognize that personal privacy is still alive and well in the United States, regardless of what the Bush administration thinks.
California law enforcement officers should not spy on citizens
exercising their constitutional rights of speech, religion and
association unless they have reason to think a crime has been or will be
committed -- no matter what John Ashcroft says.
The Ashcroft rules cautioned that "no information obtained from such
visits shall be retained unless it relates to potential criminal or
terrorist activity," but that didn't deter criticism from civil
libertarians nationwide.
The group renewed its call after learning that the California Anti-
Terrorism Information Center, part of Lockyer's office, was publishing
bulletins about upcoming marches and rallies on the same bulletins it
used to warn about terrorist activities.
The issue of police surveillance has led to a number of controversies
in California.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml