Obama extends three main proponents of Patriot Act, mainstream media stays quiet Mar 4, 2010
During the Bush years, Democrats loved to hammer away on the Patriot Act because it supposedly infringed on American civil liberties. They claimed that the Bush administration was making an unconstitutional power grab, an unprecedented abuse of executive power. (Daily Orange, NY)
West County schools face budget and social challenges Part 2 (1) Mar 4, 2010
The old policy doesn t reflect the real world we live in, said Alicia Walters, senior organizer at American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California. The ACLU is an organization that works on a number of civil rights and civil liberties issues, including ensuring that young people receive a quality public education ... Nonetheless, the position taken by the California Department of Education, and the American Civil Liberties Union, is that state law requires scientific-based pregnancy... (Sebastopol Sonoma West Publishing, CA)
Police partner with license plate readers Mar 4, 2010
The American Civil Liberties Union also is concerned about the systems being used to compile vehicle movement records, legislative counsel Christopher Calabrese said. Hughes reports for the Fort Collins (Colo. (Florida Today)
Kabul bans live coverage of Taliban attacks Mar 3, 2010
Ajmal Samadi, a spokesman for Afghanistan Rights Monitor, a civil liberties group, said restricting freedom of expression is unsavory and contradicts international human rights laws and Afghanistan's constitution. "Unfortunately the international community has been silently watching the Karzai regime's undemocratic moves, which are not limited to the state control on media," Samadi said. (MSNBC -- International)
The Once and Future Jerry Brown Mar 3, 2010
The new liberals were more skeptical of the national-security state, more supportive of civil liberties, and more critical of corporate power ... In an early debate, when moderator Cokie Roberts asked the candidates if they would have paroled an ex-con who had recently raped a child, Brown declared the query manipulative and delivered an extemporaneous speech about the ways fear of crime feeds a loss of civil liberties. (The American Conservative)
Culture Clash Mar 3, 2010
Even respondents in the UK, with its long tradition of civil liberties, support such a ban. Only a third of Americans do, but we are not used to seeing women walking the streets with just their eyes visible. (The American Conservative)
ACLU, Dickinson Township at odds Mar 3, 2010
A letter from the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania to Dickinson Township officials both praises and issues cautions on the townships public comment policy. In the letter, ACLU staff attorney Valerie Burch applauds the policy, which was adopted by supervisors during the Jan. 4 meeting, but also raises issues that she says could hinder the publics right to address elected officials. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
ACLU chapter returns Mar 3, 2010
The Penn State chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union is back, and members said they're on the lookout for civil rights injustices at any level. The newly formed chapter, which has about 20 members, is hoping to educate and inform the student body about the civil liberties guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. (Daily Collegian, PA)
The Record: Europe on the row over the economic crisis. Mar 2, 2010
What does the European Parliament's rejection of the SWIFT agreement with the USA mean for civil liberties and counter-terrorism measures ... MEPs in civil liberties row ... The Parliament used its new powers under the Lisbon Treaty to stop the US accessing information about international money transfers - but was this a genuine stand for civil liberties or a power wrangle with EU governments. (BBC News -- Europe)
1st female Air Force general dies at age 88 Mar 1, 2010
In the early 1970s, Holm also worked closely with future U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, then a lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union, on a landmark legal case. The resulting U.S. Supreme Court ruling forced the military to give women the same benefits it gave men. (AZCentral -- News)
Rumblings on the Malay ground Feb 28, 2010
He uses phrases like people power, civil liberties, social justice, the oppressed terms the DAP was fond of using during its opposition years. He speaks good English and the books on his table include a well-thumbed volume written by the late socialist academic Rustam A. Sani. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
* Genetic property rights on trial Feb 28, 2010
The case, American Civil Liberties Union v. Myriad Genetics, may have a tremendous impact on medicine and science ... In order to gain legal standing to sue Myriad Genetics, critics of genetic patents X including the American Medical Association, the American Society of Human Genetics and the American Civil Liberties Union X had to find an issue that could be adjudicated on a constitutional basis. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Bill to ban women selling eggs passes state House Feb 28, 2010
Tamya Cox, legislative counsel for the Oklahoma chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, said the group opposes the measure. The woman owns her eggs, not the state government. (Alva Review Courier, OK)
Universal May Have to Pay the Piper Over Takedown of Dancing Baby Feb 27, 2010
In going after damages, EFF, which aims to protect civil liberties on the Web, wants to make real a deterrent for copyright holders who abuse the takedown process under 512(f) of the DMCA.. Universal, which is represented by Los Angeles' Munger, Tolles & Olson, argued that Lenz couldn't have suffered any legitimate damages as a result of her video being pulled off of YouTube. (Law.com)
US extends terrorism laws Feb 27, 2010
While court approval is required for the wiretaps and the seizures, Democrats and civil liberties groups had hoped to beef up privacy and oversight safeguards, but lacked the votes to overcome Republican opposition. The vote came after Obama's handling of the so-called Christmas Day bomb plotter drew fire from Republicans who insisted he should have been turned in to military custody instead of civilian law-enforcement officials. (iAfrica.com)
A One-Party System Feb 27, 2010
The party pointed out the the civil liberties problems the act had when it was first passed by the Republicans in 2001, but they have no issue with extending it now that they're in power. A Republican said one reason the Democrats might have reauthorized it is that they didn't have time to debate the bill given "Majority Leader Harry Reid s tight Senate schedule." Busy people don't have time to worry about such things as rights, it seems. (The American Conservative)
Ghana In Search Of A Development Paradigm? Feb 26, 2010
Critics, however, argue that while political stability violated individual and civil liberties, the liberalisation policies failed to tackle the countrys structural development challenges. On the economic front, critics contend that the 1966 policies, for instance, failed to address the structural challenges that resulted in the balance of payments difficulties, which the policies aimed to resolve. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Chandler scraps old immigration policy over ACLU objections Feb 26, 2010
The Chandler City Council revoked its 1999 immigration policy over objections from the American Civil Liberties Union and several residents. The unanimous vote Thursday night came after Allesandra Soler Meetze, executive director of the Arizona ACLU, urged members to keep the old policy because a proposed new one is more likely to result in racial profiling. (AZCentral)
Council approves $8,000 for Washington rail trip Feb 26, 2010
Opponents, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii, argued the bills target homeless and that the Council should spend more time examining solutions to homelessness ... Opponents, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii, argued the bills target homeless and that the Council should spend more time examining solutions to homelessness. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Wis. Assembly cracks down on Indian logos Feb 26, 2010
The American Civil Liberties Union, the Forest County Potawatomi, the Lac Du Flambeau, the Menominee and St. Croix tribes all have registered in support of the bill, according to state ethics records. No groups have registered against it. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
House Sends Patriot Act Extension To Obama Feb 26, 2010
The outcome was a major disappointment for Democrats and their liberal allies, including the American Civil Liberties Union. Critics believe the Patriot Act fails to protect privacy and gives the government too much authority to spy on Americans and seize their property. (KWTX.com, TX)
Campbell, Romney and Hagel Feb 25, 2010
Non-interventionists and civil libertarians will find it quite discouraging, especially when he pivots from his past opposition to the use of secret evidence on civil liberties grounds and then argues that this is why Guantanamo must remain open for indefinite detention of suspected terrorists. There is nothing in this interview that I or any other non-interventionist would find encouraging. (The American Conservative)
FASHION FIGHT: Islamic group fights A&F over hijab ban... Feb 25, 2010
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding. (The Drudge Report)
Customer Dubbed Poor Tipper Refused Service Feb 25, 2010
Winston-Salem attorney Carl Parrish said North Carolina law allows businesses to dictate payment terms upfront and to refuse to serve customers who don't agree to the terms, as long as civil liberties aren't in violation. But Covington insists the business is discriminating against her. (KFOXTV.com, TX)
Students, Schools Clash in Cyberspace Feb 25, 2010
The American Civil Liberties Union represented the students and their families in the Florida and Pennsylvania cases. The decision was based in part on the fact that the MySpace page was not created on school grounds and was not shown to create a "substantial disruption" to school operations. (Newsmax)
Higher fine weighed for seat belt violations Feb 25, 2010
overqualified wrote on Feb 19, 2010 3:19 PM:" Wow, look at all the Civil Liberties being trodden upon in an election year! Isn't it funny that in non-election years the legislators don't give a rat's patoot about us, but all of a sudden they want to protect us from K2, sexy businesses AND not wearing seat belts? I always wear a seat belt, but if you're too stupid to that's none of my beeswax. ". da'lake wrote on Feb 19, 2010 2:45 PM:" mcnabb - Are you serious?Do you also want everyone that eats... (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Teacher To Apologize for Conduct During Pledge of Allegiance Feb 25, 2010
Lawyers say the girl's mother contacted the American Civil Liberties Union after the girl was sent to her counselors' office and she refused to say the pledge again the next day. The ACLU says the teacher not only called a school resource officer to escort her out of class but lawyers claim the teacher called her names. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Cal Thomas: Obamas envoy to Muslim group has radical jihadist ties Feb 24, 2010
As expected, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, described as Americas largest Muslim civil liberties organization, is thrilled with Hussains appointment. In a statement, CAIR said Hussain will be in a position to strengthen positive outreach to the Islamic world and will be able to provide the president with direct access to the views and concerns of Muslims worldwide. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
ACLU Speaks Out For Girl Who Sat for Pledge Feb 24, 2010
"Other students seeing that he was calling her names, calling her stupid and things like that began to jump in," stated Ajmel Quereshi with the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland. When the teen did not stand that morning, the teacher threatened to give her detention and ordered her to wait in the hall. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Newsflash: Jews and Catholics Fear Full Body Scans, Too Feb 24, 2010
There are two things I am taking away from this issue: one, the full body scans are creepy and intrusive and violate basic civil liberties of all individuals on a global scale. Secondly, the sneering tenor of Robert Spencer about Muslim women and their modesty cannot hide the fact that the three major religions of the world Christianity, Judaism and Islam all regard modesty a prevailing virtue and, especially in the conservative observances of all three, it cannot be compromised by either the... (The American Conservative)
Facebook gripes: free speech? Feb 24, 2010
Matthew Bavaro, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union who is representing Evans, was pleased with the ruling. "The First Amendment provides protection for free speech regardless of the forum, being the Internet, the living room or a restaurant," he told CNN.. (CNN -- Tech)
Government executive reflects on seizing a rare opportunity Feb 24, 2010
There, he guided executives, managers and union officials on the federal EEO complaint process, external civil liberties and civil rights, alternative dispute resolution and claims filed in federal court. He also worked as an administrative judge, EEO investigator, and state and local coordinator at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission after having served in the U.S. Air Force. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
ACLU Defends Student Who Refused Pledge Feb 24, 2010
The American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland is protesting the treatment of a middle-school student who refused to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. The ACLU says that on Jan. 27 the 13-year-old girl refused to stand during the pledge at Roberto Clemente Middle School in Germantown. (Fox News)
Pa. school district asked not to wipe laptops Feb 23, 2010
The American Civil Liberties Union filed a brief in support of the student Monday, arguing that the photo amounts to an illegal search. "That school officials' warrantless, non-consensual use of a camera, embedded in students' laptops, inside the home is a search cannot be doubted," the ACLU wrote in a brief filed Monday morning. (MSNBC -- Terrorism)
EU Data Protection Chief Slams Secret ACTA Talks Feb 23, 2010
" The lack of transparency surrounding the talks has sparked an outcry from civil liberties groups and academics, who argue that a trade agreement that will impact on Internet users around the world should be negotiated in public. Some are calling into question the legality of the secret ACTA talks, particularly in Europe, where members of the European Parliament should be allowed to see such negotiating documents. The Commission has regularly sent memos to the Parliament informing MEPs about... (BusinessWeek)
Fear and Loathing at CPAC Feb 23, 2010
Yet while the Cheney crowd was only interested in getting Ann Coulter to sign a book, or finding the next free buffet, these youth were moving about the crowds handing out literature about the illegality of the wars, the governments clampdown on civil liberties, and other issues dear to libertarians. The Ladies of Liberty Alliance provided perhaps the most shocking clash, at least in fashion, with your typical CPACers. (The American Conservative)
Pope laments intrusion by airport body scanners Feb 23, 2010
Benedict's words will delight civil liberties campaigners opposed to a device that strips passengers virtually naked. But those involved in airport security will no doubt point out that, when the Pope travels - on Alitalia - he and his entourage are simply waved through security controls. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
SU repeals distribution ban Feb 22, 2010
"As a school of communications, we understand it to be one of the most important civil liberties.". rastrum@syr. (Daily Orange, NY)
Readers Write 2/22 Feb 22, 2010
Was it not November 2006 when the Republicans were swept from power due to fiscal recklessness, a war based on fraud, and abuse of civil liberties. What have they done since to redeem themselves. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Oral arguments in school board case set for March (1) Feb 22, 2010
Among those groups are the American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of North Carolina Legal Foundation, Council for Childrens Rights, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc., North Carolina Conference of NAACP Branches, Southern Coalition for Social Justice, Southern Poverty Law Center and about two dozen other state and national groups. And in a rare move, retired state Appeals and Supreme Court Judge Robert F. Orr has entered the legal fray - writing a brief stating that the Appeals... (Washington Daily News, NC)
The GOP's "small government" tea party fraud Feb 22, 2010
Additionally, just as the Paul-faction of libertarians is in basic harmony with many progressives on issues of foreign policy and civil liberties, they do subscribe to the standard GOP rhetoric on domestic spending, social programs and the like. But that GOP limited government rhetoric is simply never matched by that Party's conduct, especially when they wield power. (Salon)
- From the Right: Who is Rashad Hussain? 0 Feb 21, 2010
As expected, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, described as America s largest Muslim civil liberties organization, is thrilled with Hussain s appointment. In a statement, CAIR said Hussain will be in a position to strengthen positive outreach to the Islamic world and will be able to provide the president with direct access to the views and concerns of Muslims worldwide. (El Centro Imperial Valley Press, CA)
Protecting Europe's Bank Data: U.S. Access Denied Feb 21, 2010
The vote has sparked the usual questions about whether there is a fundamental cultural divide between the U.S. and Europe over balancing security concerns with civil liberties ... When the arrangement came to light in 2006, it outraged civil liberties advocates and prompted the European Union to outline certain conditions under which the U.S. could access the information the precursor to the arrangement just struck down by the Parliament ... Legislators who voted against the pact, however, said... (Time.com)
Report clears Bush lawyers Feb 21, 2010
Issuance of the report was repeatedly postponed for more than a year, prompting lawmakers and civil liberties groups to press for publication of the investigation's findings. In November, Holder told Congress the report would be made public "by the end of the month.". (CNN)
Nick De Laat will challenge Rep. Wallis for House seat Feb 21, 2010
The key difference, he says, is he would be more aggressive in trying to reclaim civil liberties. One of his biggest concerns is government spending. (Gillette News-Record, WY)
RUBEN NAVARRETTE JR.: Fright night for liberal Democrats Feb 21, 2010
Chronicle, on the American Civil Liberties Union. Recent California newspaper editorials. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
US Justice Department clears torture memo authors Feb 20, 2010
Jameel Jaffer, who heads the National Security Project of the American Civil Liberties Union, called on the Justice Department to expand its investigation into the interrogation practices. 2010. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Owensville Officials to Consider Pseudoephedrine Law Feb 20, 2010
The Washington City Council passed the ordinance in July, however, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) threatened a lawsuit against the city if the ordinance is not repealed. Washington City Council members shot down an ordinance repealing the pseudoephedrine law. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
State grants Old Believer kids alternative test dates Feb 20, 2010
The Old Believers had threatened to boycott the April test -- potentially leaving some teens unable to graduate from high school on time -- and had asked the American Civil Liberties Union in Alaska to represent them in the issue. Story tools. (Anchorage Daily News)
Yup'ik elders win right to elections in own tongue Feb 20, 2010
The Native American Rights Fund and the American Civil Liberties Union filed the suit in 2007 against the state and the city of Bethel. Lawyers for the elders argued election officials were violating the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by failing to provide Yup'ik speaking voters with ballots and other paperwork they needed to understand what they were voting on. (Anchorage Daily News)
Online UpdateCantor rescinds banned distribution policyStudent publications now allowed to issue in dining hallsPosted: 2/18/2010, 10:07 PMChancellor Nancy Cantor rescinded a Food Services policy that banned the distribution of student publications in the dining halls Thursday morning. Cantor met with S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications Dean Lorraine Branham, who said the policy violated students' right to free speech. Feb 20, 2010
"As a school of communications we understand it to be one of the most important civil liberties," she said. rastrum@syr. (Daily Orange, NY)
TSA to swab hands for explosives Feb 20, 2010
The American Civil Liberties Union has "always supported explosive detection as a good form of security that doesn't really invade ," said Jay Stanley, an attorney and privacy expert with the organization. Stanley said the ACLU is chiefly concerned that the TSA does not discriminate when selecting people for enhanced screening -- something the agency said it does not do -- and that it treat people with dignity. (CNN -- Travel)
West County schools face budget and social challenges Part 2 Feb 19, 2010
The old policy doesn t reflect the real world we live in, said Alicia Walters, senior organizer at American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California. The ACLU is an organization that works on a number of civil rights and civil liberties issues, including ensuring that young people receive a quality public education ... Nonetheless, the position taken by the California Department of Education, and the American Civil Liberties Union, is that state law requires scientific-based pregnancy... (Sebastopol Sonoma West Publishing, CA)
Judge reserves decision on state Senate expulsion Feb 19, 2010
Backed by the New York Civil Liberties Union, Monserrate's attorneys argued that he was denied due process because the Senate has no concrete rules and standards for how to deal with bad behavior. They also said the expulsion denied his constituents their right to representation. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Suit: school used webcams to spy on students Feb 19, 2010
Lower Merion School District officials would not comment on the accusation, but angry students have already responded by putting tape on their laptop cameras and microphones (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Inherit the Wind Feb 19, 2010
The ambitious work is a strong reminder of how civil liberties are tested from time to time, and how we can never take our freedoms for granted, says a VPA press statement about the production. Although Inherit the Wind depicts fictional characters in a fictional town, it s storyline and message are stark reminders of our freedoms and one of the most famous trials in America s history, Forrester said. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
U.S. Prepares for Cyber Attack Feb 19, 2010
Civil liberties groups including the Electronic Frontier Foundation leapt on the issue, in a public relations fiasco that network operators would not likely be eager to repeat by undertaking a secret partnership with the government in the name of cybersecurity ... But in that speech, Obama vowed that the defense of security and economic vitality in the face of cyber threats would not come at the expense of individual privacy or civil liberties. (eSecurityPlanet)
Rethinking Political Virtue Feb 19, 2010
Writing in City Journal, Smith begins with the following question: Suppose in its waning days, the Bush administration had proposed Patriot Act II. "To prevent terrorists and foreign agents from influencing American governments and political parties, the act would require political campaigns and other groups to report the names, addresses, and employers of their supporters to the federal government, which would enter the information into a database. The act would also give businesses access to... (Townhall.com)
Bullying bills get hearing Feb 19, 2010
Alan Gilbert of the Vermont chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union cited several concerns, including the question of how far schools should be held responsible for students' behavior away from school. As well, he said, "I do worry that school administrators may intervene in some cases of out-of-school misconduct, but not in others, are courting liability and these would be very, very expensive and difficult to litigate.". (WCAX.com, VT)
Pa. suit says schools spied via laptops Feb 19, 2010
The accusations amount to potentially illegal electronic wiretapping, said Witold J. Walczak, American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania director. The school district could not confirm whether it has the ability to activate the webcams remotely, a spokesman said. (Boston Globe)
Pa. school OKs concealed weapons group Feb 18, 2010
Brashiers efforts have been backed by the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education and the American Civil Liberties Union. Your View - Comment on this Story. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Freedom of religion for all Feb 18, 2010
Today there are groups that think like Mr. Smith: the American Civil Liberties Union and activist judges who are purposely misinterpreting the Constitution in order to make the religion of atheism the state religion. They are trying to force the state and our public schools not to admit the existence of God. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Opinion: Obama can model Ike Feb 18, 2010
" has two choices about how to respond. The first is to strike back to prove that his critics are wrong. This is a strategy that President Lyndon Johnson used in 1964 and 1965 when he tried to insulate himself from Republican attacks by taking a firm stand in favor of military operations in Vietnam and resisting proposals to withdraw troops. More recently, the nation saw a cohort of Senate Democrats in 2003 voting in favor of authorizing the president's use of force in Iraq, partially based on... (CNN -- US)
Who is Rashad Hussain? Feb 18, 2010
As expected, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, described as America's largest Muslim civil liberties organization, is thrilled with Hussain's appointment. In a statement, CAIR said Hussain "will be in a position to strengthen positive outreach to the Islamic world and will be able to provide the president with direct access to the views and concerns of Muslims worldwide." Is there anyone in the dark about those "views and concerns". (Townhall.com)
Judge Rules Student's Facebook Rants About Teacher Are Protected Speech Feb 17, 2010
Matthew D. Bavaro, who filed the suit with the American Civil Liberties Union on Evans' behalf, said the case helps clarify when schools can punish students for speech that doesn't take place at school. "These days, things are done on the Internet. Socialization is done on the Internet," he said. (Law.com)
