Daniel writes that CNET’s
article is a “pretty good summary of new info DOJ has released on
controversial provisions.”
Supporters of the Patriot Act have complained that critics of the legislation
can’t point to any abuses of the Act. Declan McCullagh at CNET quotes Senator
Leahy as pointing out that:
“”We have heard over and over again that there have been
no abuses as a result of the Patriot Act,” Sen. Patrick Leahy, a Democrat
from Vermont, said during a hearing Tuesday. “But it is difficult, if not
impossible, to verify that claim when some of the most controversial surveillance
powers in the Patriot Act operate under a cloak of secrecy.””
…
“Sec. 215: secret
court orders can be used to obtain records or “tangible items” from
any person or organization if the FBI claims a link to terrorism. The unlucky
recipient of the secret order is gagged; disclosing its existence is punished
by a prison term. Librarians are especially concerned. “
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