Daniel writes “President Bush Discusses Homeland Security at the FBI Academy.
“Almost two years ago, I signed the USA Patriot Act. That essential law, supported by a large bipartisan majority in the Congress, tore down the walls that blocked America’s intelligence and law enforcement officials from sharing intelligence….
More below, and A Fun Catoon spotted by Rockin’ Robin.
Daniel writes “President Bush Discusses Homeland Security at the FBI Academy.
“Almost two years ago, I signed the USA Patriot Act. That essential law, supported by a large bipartisan majority in the Congress, tore down the walls that blocked America’s intelligence and law enforcement officials from sharing intelligence….
More below, and A Fun Catoon spotted by Rockin’ Robin. It enabled our team to talk to each other, to better prepare against an enemy which hates us because of what we love — freedom.
The Patriot Act imposed tough new penalties on terrorists and those who support them. But as the fight against terrorists progressed, we have found areas where more help is required. Under current federal law, there are unreasonable obstacles to investigating and prosecuting terrorism, obstacles that don’t exist when law enforcement officials are going after embezzlers or drug traffickers. For the sake of the American people, Congress should change the law, and give law enforcement officials the same tools they have to fight terror that they have to fight other crime. (Applause.)
Here’s some examples. Administrative subpoenas, which enable law enforcement officials to obtain certain records quickly, are critical to many investigations. They’re used in a wide range of criminal and civil matters, including health care fraud and child abuse cases. Yet, incredibly enough, in terrorism cases, where speed is often of the essence, officials lack the authority to use administrative subpoenas. If we can use these subpoenas to catch crooked doctors, the Congress should allow law enforcement officials to use them in catching terrorists. (Applause.)
Today, people charged with certain crimes, including some drug offenses, are not eligible for bail. But terrorist-related crimes are not on that list. Suspected terrorists could be released, free to leave the country, or worse, before the trial. This disparity in the law makes no sense. If dangerous drug dealers can be held without bail in this way, Congress should allow for the same treatment for accused terrorists. (Applause.)
Let me give you another example. Under existing law, the death penalty applies to many serious crimes that result in death, including sexual abuse and certain drug-related offenses. Some terrorist crimes that result in death do not qualify for capital punishment. Sabotaging a defense installation or a nuclear facility in a way that takes innocent life does not carry the federal death penalty. This kind of technicality should never protect terrorists from the ultimate justice.
These and other measures have long been on the books for other crimes. They have been tested by time, affirmed by the court, and what we are proposing, they are fully consistent with the United States Constitution. (Applause.)
Members of the Congress agree that we need to close the loopholes — not every member, but a lot of them agree with that. People in law enforcement are counting on Congress to follow through. We’re asking a lot of these folks out here. You need to have every tool at your disposal to be able to do your job on behalf of the American people. The House and the Senate have a responsibility to act quickly on these matters; untie the hands of our law enforcement officials so they can fight and win the war against terror. (Applause.)”
No extra commentary needed. Sigh. – Daniel”
More here8 27-2003Sep10.html
There is an excellent article at the Washington Post this morning on his statements, as well. They make certain to point out that this goes against what many republican lawmakers support. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A57
Your president’s a moron, eh?
I would point out that the “War on Terror” is a war on a sociological phenomenon and likely to be just as productive as the “War on Poverty” and the “War on Drugs”, but let’s face it, elected parasites don’t want to hear that sort of thing. At something like a 15 billion dollar a year price tag, the anti-drug movement is something like ten percent effective. Not a very big bang to look forward to for an 87 billion dollar investment.
Re:Your president’s a moron, eh?
While I agree that Bush is a moron, I disagree with your portrayal of the “War on Terror.”(WoT) From the actions of the current administration it appears to be a very successful attempt at social engineering. These guys, Republicans, sceech about big gummint and runaway spending, then start building the largest organizations and spending huge amounts on wars with tenuous(sp?) links to terrorism. The game is control by fear. If they can make sure everyone is afraid, they can do anything they want to anyone they want. In my opinion the biggest threat to the American way of life is the Wot. It makes it alright to let a police state form.
Linking it to the War on drugs just sounds like your upset about hiding our stash.
President? What president?
Remember we didn’t elect the Shrub.
It does have ties to WoD, since that evil thing allowed the WoT to form. We’ve had huge invasions of privacy, of rights, of due process, and the like under the several decades of WoD. Without that softening up, WoT would never have been able to pass, or be sustained.
— Ender, Duke_of_URL