Originally published October 15 2005
Rhode Island league opens discussion on merits of the Patriot Act
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
A Baltimore chapter of the League of Woman Voters of Rhode Island intends to create of forum for discussion of the Patriot Act; acting before it is set to undergo revision in Congress.
When Joanne DeVoe moved to Warren from Baltimore five years ago, one of the first things she did was join the League of Woman Voters of Rhode Island.
DeVoe inquired about the organization in Rhode Island and was told that while there is a local chapter, there was more year-round activity at the state level.
DeVoe and fellow League members are hosting a forum next week dealing with the sweeping legislation that has been applauded by some and denounced by others.
Because the Patriot Act will soon undergo a revision, the League felt a need for a public, open discussion on its good points and on those that should be changed.
While it expands the powers of law enforcement agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation, some say the Act tramples the rights of individuals in the name of national security.
DeVoe sees a need for citizens everywhere to learn more about a legislation "that's hundreds and hundreds of pages," has direct bearing on everyone's' lives and is in keeping with the League of Women Voters' Mission.
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 --- 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.
* Section 802: Which defines "domestic terrorism to include any act that is "dangerous to human life," and is intended to influence governmental policy.
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