Arrests only dent 2004's NYC total Sep 5, 2008
Catherine Crump, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union, said those numbers show that police have simply been rounding people up many of them who had done nothing wrong to get them off the streets quickly. Jess Sundin, who helped organize several marches this week, said the "excessive" police presence did not completely mute their variety of messages, including calling for an end to the war in Iraq. (USA Today)
Officials: Pentagon Probed Finances Sep 5, 2008
Under then-Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, the Pentagon expanded its collection of intelligence within the borders of the United States -- a development that stirred concern among members of Congress and prompted stern criticism and lawsuits from civil liberties advocates. These efforts are overseen by the Pentagon's Counterintelligence Field Activity agency, or CIFA, which was established in September 2002 by then-Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul D. Wolfowitz. (Yahoo News -- Privacy Issues)
New twist on government control of data: use of subpoenas Sep 5, 2008
And so Mr. Romero, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union, decided to fight ... This struggle between the needs to protect national security and civil liberties goes back to the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798, which were passed to silence critics of the war with France. (Yahoo News -- Privacy Issues)
Swaziland's 40th Anniversary Bash Hits Sour Note Sep 5, 2008
A new constitution took effect in 2006 which enshrined more civil liberties like freedom of assembly but still maintained the ban on political opposition parties. The king appoints the prime minister and the cabinet. (CBS News -- World)
Extraordinary rendition, extraordinary error Sep 4, 2008
"They are rendered in a manner to specifically deprive them of due process and civil liberties protections.". In contrast to extradition, the suspect does not go through the legal system of the country where he is arrested. (Asia Times Online)
Pole dancing teacher claims constitutional protection Sep 4, 2008
It is safe to say that last week was the first time the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania had ever filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of a pole dancing instructor. But Witold J. Walczak, the organization s legal director, said the issues involved were common to many of its cases. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
NH death penalty opponents still fighting Sep 4, 2008
Barbara Keshen of the New Hampshire Civil Liberties Union says the New Hampshire Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty is pushing for the study commission in 2009. She said a commission would be important because no one has analyzed the emotional toll on victims, families and lawyers involved in death penalty cases, not to mention the time spent by courts. (Concord Monitor)
Council approves day-time curfew for minors Sep 4, 2008
Public opposition to the ordinance was high last night, with a representative of the Wyoming chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union weighing in with her opinion. Linda Burt, a Cheyenne-based lawyer representing the ACLU, said such ordinances were unconstitutional for a variety of reasons, and cases regarding such curfews have been found to be unconstitutional in all but two judicial circuits. (Green River Star, WY -- Local)
Letter: The choice is clear for the upcoming election Sep 4, 2008
The conservatives promise freedom for everyone but they attack civil liberties and take away your freedoms. The conservatives in power just want freedom for themselves but want to control everyone else. (Montana Standard, MT)
Voucher, tax swap off Nov. ballot Sep 4, 2008
Howard Simon, state director of the American Civil Liberties Union, predicted that voucher proponents will push for another amendment in the 2009 legislative session. Under a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in a Cleveland case, he said, the concept of using public money for parochial education has been upheld -- so only the Florida Supreme Court stood in the way. (Florida Today)
Fla. court lifts voucher, tax measures from ballot Sep 4, 2008
The voucher amendment opponents included Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the American Civil Liberties Union. "It's naive to think this is the end of the battle," said ACLU of Florida executive director Howard Simon. (Florida Today)
LEHANE: 'Mystic River' author takes a detour with 'Given Day' Sep 4, 2008
" It's a novel with strong political undercurrents about the balance between security and civil liberties. In 2003, Lehane organized a letter from writers to President Bush, opposing the invasion of Iraq. He says the politics in The Given Day "began to bubble up so much so, I had to take my foot off the pedal. I told myself, 'Don't press it. (USA Today -- Life)
LETTERS: NCT, Sept. 3, 2008 Sep 4, 2008
"I ask, how a can you NOT take him seriously?First of all, I agree with your point on his statement about Abraham Lincoln starting the Civil War, but I think you take his comment out of context.Ron Paul's statement had to do with the fact that he believes there were other, more peaceful solutions to abolishing slavery, than a Civil War that claimed over 600,000 American lives and maimed and dismembered many more, and had brothers fighting brothers, and cousins fighting cousins.The Southern... (North County Times)
Palin casts herself as political outsider, revs up GOP in speech Sep 4, 2008
Emily wrote on Sep 4, 2008 12:01 AM:" Dear Follow the Constitution,The Republicans poop on the constitution when they take away our civil liberties. I am not not afraid, though, because you live in Illinois and are probably too busy believe that dinosaurs aren't real and Bush is the best thing since Regan to work the swing states. See you in January crying in your diluted shoes. ". Bitter Academic wrote on Sep 4, 2008 12:00 AM:" So, this woman's qualifications include the ability to read a... (The Pantagraph newspaper)
More of this story Sep 4, 2008
The American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas later filed a lawsuit on behalf of three of the students. Last year, Holmes ruled the disciplinary action violated students free speech by punishing them for wearing the armbands. (Pine Bluff Commercial, AR)
State argues for its right to use Limbaugh records Sep 4, 2008
Joining Limbaugh, 53, in his opposition to allowing the records to be used are the American Civil Liberties Union and a national group of physicians. They argue that the privacy rights of all Floridians are under attack. (Yahoo News -- Rush Limbaugh)
New worm poses DoS attack threat Sep 4, 2008
As the Republican convention took place just miles away, a crowd rallied for the former presidential candidate and his message of limited government, ensured civil liberties, lower taxes, and peace. Crave. (Yahoo News -- Computer Viruses & Worms)
A silver lining for Guantanamo detainees Sep 4, 2008
I spent much of my time at Guantanamo discussing the case with four exceptionally bright lawyers from Amnesty International, the American Civil Liberties Union, Human Rights First and Human Rights Watch, highly committed to uncovering problems with the military tribunals. Their criticisms and concerns were never directed at the defence teams. (Globe and Mail)
Nevada court hears complaints about Vegas judge Sep 4, 2008
But the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada has raised concerns about whether Glass sacrifices constitutional rights of defendants for court efficiency. (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. (KRNV.com, NV)
To rock or not to rock Sep 4, 2008
Although "Hamlet 2" was marketed as a controversial movie mocking Jesus, Bush and the American Civil Liberties Union, at its heart the film is about forgiveness and the struggle to accomplish something great. Of course farcical comedy, crude sexual remarks and humor through humiliation weren't off limits. (Daily Orange, NY)
Thai FM hands in resignation as protesters refuse to budge Sep 4, 2008
Thursday, September 04, 2008. " onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. (Channelnewsasia.com)
State of emergency flouted in Thailand Sep 3, 2008
His decree gives the military the right to restore order, allows authorities to suspend civil liberties, bans public gatherings of more than five people and bars the media from reporting news that "causes panic.". Samak and the army chief, General Anupong Paochinda, both said authorities viewed emergency rule as a last resort and stressed they wanted to avoid violence. (Boston Globe)
PUTIN TOPS VANITY FAIR NEW ESTABLISHMENT LIST; MURDOCH NO. 2... Sep 3, 2008
All of which has made it easier for him to get away with his antipathy for free speech and other civil liberties. He controls the media and imprisons or exiles his enemies, and has all but installed his longtime protg and former campaign manager, Dmitri Medvedev, as Russias new president through a reportedly rigged March election. (The Drudge Report)
Thai unions plan widespread strikes Sep 3, 2008
Emergency rule gives the military the right to restore order, allows authorities to suspend civil liberties, bans public gatherings of more than five people and bars the media from reporting news that "causes panic.'' Despite the decree, thousands of protesters remained camped on the streets in front of the prime minister's office, known as the Government House. On a makeshift stage, speakers took turns to denounce Samak. "The state of emergency has ended up drawing a bigger crowd rather than... (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Thai protesters reject talks as strike fails to bite Sep 3, 2008
Political gatherings are banned and the army is empowered to suspend civil liberties. But while the protesters have defied the ban on assembling, the army chief General Anupong Paojinda, said he would use talks rather than violence to end the siege. (Yahoo News -- Top Stories)
Millard South Suspends Another Student For T-Shirt Tribute Sep 3, 2008
The Nebraska chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union got involved on the students' behalf Friday and demanded that the suspensions be dismissed. The ACLU said the shirts are not disruptive to learning and are a way for students to express grief. (7 KETV Omaha)
Ron Paul draws 10,000 fans to convention of his own Sep 3, 2008
"Freedom brings people together. The Constitution actually allows us to associate with liberal and everybody else as long as they understand they can't impose their wills on us ... the war brings people together. Civil liberties bring people together.". What they won't do is bring them together to nominate Dr. Paul for president -- a job that he insists he doesn't want anymore. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Turkey's Detente With Kurds Wavers Sep 3, 2008
Erdogan now refuses to talk to politicians from legally recognized Kurdish parties, and his government plans to toughen a terrorism law in ways that some fear will impinge on civil liberties. In April, a veteran researcher for the New York-based Human Rights Watch, in southeast Turkey to investigate claims of police abuse against Kurds, was detained by police and deported. (Yahoo News -- Kurdish Issues)
Tape shows woman dying on waiting room floor Sep 3, 2008
NEW YORK (CNN) -- A 49-year-old woman collapsed and died on the floor of a waiting room at a Brooklyn psychiatric hospital and lay there for more than an hour as employees ignored her, according to the New York Civil Liberties Union, which on Tuesday released surveillance camera video of the incident ... Upon her admission, Green waited nearly 24 hours for treatment, said the civil liberties union, which was among the groups filing suit against the facility last year seeking improved conditions... (Yahoo News -- Health Care)
Reports of Squalid Conditions at New Orleans Prison Sep 3, 2008
Eric Balaban, a senior staff counsel with the National Prison Project of the American Civil Liberties Union, inherited the case in the late 1980s. His group is releasing a report Monday on the Orleans Parish Prison that documents many of the same problems uncovered by NPR's investigation and some that are even worse. (Yahoo News -- Prison Issues)
Opinion: A message of hope for SA Sep 3, 2008
Greater economic freedom provides not only higher economic growth rates but higher incomes for the poor; higher life expectancies; lower rates of infant mortality; improved water supplies; less corruption; a better environment; and greater civil liberties. The per capita incomes of the poorest 10 percent in the most economically free countries is more than 8 times greater at $7334 (R56800) than the per capita incomes at $905 (R7000) of the people in the least economically free countries. (iAfrica.com)
Bringing the Church to the Courtroom Sep 3, 2008
Considering itself the antithesis of the American Civil Liberties Union, the Scottsdale-based organization has used money and moxie to become the leading player in a movement to tug the nation to the right by challenging decades of legal precedent. By stepping into the nation's most impassioned debates about religion in the public sphere, the group aims to bring law and society into alignment with conservative Christianity. (Yahoo News -- Church-State Issues)
Teen with rainbow-colored hair faces 'punishment' Sep 3, 2008
The American Civil Liberties Union has maintained students have the right to color and style their hair any way they want. In December, a Rhode Island chapter of the group asked a school committee in Portsmouth to reverse an unwritten policy barring a high school senior from mentoring students because of her purple hair, according to statements from the American Civil Liberties Union. (KHOU.com, TX)
ACLU: Too many tickets for profanity in Pittsburgh Sep 3, 2008
After filing a Right to Know request, the American Civil Liberties Union found 188 such citations between March 1, 2005, and Oct. 31. "Nobody likes to get sworn at, but you can't make it a crime," said Witold Walczak, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Foundation of Pennsylvania. (AZCentral -- News)
Full Story » Sep 3, 2008
Wednesday, September 03, 2008. Thai protesters reject talks as strike fails to bite Posted: 03 September 2008 1316 hrs. (Channelnewsasia.com)
ACLU: 20% of NJ schools asking about immigration Sep 3, 2008
The ACLU says it violates state and federal law to ask. Compliance in the ACLU's survey this year was little better than two years ago, after which the state Department of Education warned districts not to ask about students' immigration status. (The Trentonian, NJ)
McCain losing time to push security credentials Sep 2, 2008
In praising Bush and Cheney, the Republicans hoped to paint Obama as dangerously naive: too eager to negotiate with hostile regimes, too willing to put excessive concerns about civil liberties ahead of tracking terrorists, and too quick to pull out of Iraq. The speeches by Bush and Cheney would certainly have rekindled memories of Sept. 11, 2001, and the fears of another attack by Islamic extremists. (Boston Globe)
Thai leader declares emergency after night of violence Sep 2, 2008
In Thailand, a state of emergency allows the use of military forces in policing activities, and suspends some civil liberties. A week of political tension exploded into violence early this morning between protesters seeking to topple Samak and mobs of his supporters. (Boston Globe)
Thai protesters target utilities, airline Sep 2, 2008
In Thailand, a state of emergency allows the use of military forces in policing activities, and suspends some civil liberties. Samak gave no timeframe for how long the emergency rule would last but said in a news conference it would be "moderately quick.". (MSNBC -- International)
US town sued after rejecting pole-dancing studio Sep 2, 2008
Adams Township officials violated Stephanie Babines' right to free expression by denying her an occupancy permit, the American Civil Liberties Union claims in a federal lawsuit filed Thursday in Pittsburgh. Although Babines' classes include pole-dancing, power lap dance, strip tease and "SeXXXercise," they are all taught and performed fully clothed, the lawsuit states. (Rensselaer Republican, IN)
GOP Protests Get Violent; Hundreds Arrested Sep 2, 2008
"We had probable cause. We had obtained information in advance that some of these groups, maybe 10 or 12 of them, were planning to cause disruption and destruction. For us not to act on that would have been irresponsible. "It made today less violent because of the action we took," Walsh said. Asked whether law enforcement used undercover infiltrators to obtain information on the suspected demonstrators, Walsh said "that's an irresponsible question" and declined to answer. "Certainly there were... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
Thousands defy smoking ban in mass protest Sep 2, 2008
the death of civil liberties. Thousands of smokers defied the introduction of the smoking ban across England yesterday by lighting up in pubs, claiming that the legislation was an infringement of civil liberties. (Yahoo News -- Smoking)
Illinois' genetic nondiscrimination law strengthened Sep 2, 2008
Illinois has had a genetic nondiscrimination law for about a decade, but updates to it signed this week by Gov. Rod Blagojevich help modernize it after President Bush signed the federal Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act this spring, said James Ferg-Cadima, legislative counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois. Dozens of other states have genetic discrimination laws. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Opponents wade back into battle to pull plug on surveillance cameras Sep 2, 2008
That includes the American Civil Liberties Union, Chinese for Affirmative Action and more than half a dozen other community groups that have packed city hearings over the past year to oppose the placement of cameras in public places with the intention of deterring crime and catching violent criminals. They smell blood on the issue with the news this week that San Francisco police and the Housing Authority rarely use the devices, and they say they have no intention of backing down. (Yahoo News -- Law Enforcement)
Spy chief's disclosures stun Congress Sep 2, 2008
His remarks also drew criticism from the American Civil Liberties Union, which has challenged the legality of the spying program and fought in court to compel the Bush administration to disclose more details about it. If this ostensibly sensitive information can be released now, why could it not be released two months ago, when the public and Congress desperately needed it. (Yahoo News -- Espionage & Intelligence)
The Terrorist Watch List, Jumbled in Translation Sep 2, 2008
says the American Civil Liberties Union ... The American Civil Liberties Union, after extrapolating, issued a report in July saying that the nation s terrorist watch list has hit one million names. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
City police challenged over citations Sep 2, 2008
That, said Witold Walczak, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Foundation of Pennsylvania, is 187 fewer than the city claimed, and is an unacceptable number that shows that the Pittsburgh Police Bureau continues to fail to adequately train its officers. Profanity directed at police officers, though it might be disrespectful and distasteful, is a protected form of speech under the First Amendment. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
News Stories Sep 2, 2008
Civil Liberties Full Coverage on Yahoo. News. (Yahoo News -- Civil Liberties)
Bring back the former John McCain Sep 2, 2008
One cannot envy McCain, burdened as he is with the toxic legacies of the Bush administration - including America's dismal reputation abroad, a grinding, unnecessary war that has exacted a huge toll in lives, civil liberties, a fragile economy, a battered middle class and an increasingly unequal society. McCain's task is to persuade the American people that electing him will not merely mean more of President Bush's ideology and incompetence. (International Herald Tribune -- Ed/Op)
Officials: Pentagon Probed Finances Sep 2, 2008
Under then-Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, the Pentagon expanded its collection of intelligence within the borders of the United States -- a development that stirred concern among members of Congress and prompted stern criticism and lawsuits from civil liberties advocates. These efforts are overseen by the Pentagon's Counterintelligence Field Activity agency, or CIFA, which was established in September 2002 by then-Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul D. Wolfowitz. (Yahoo News -- Privacy Issues)
New twist on government control of data: use of subpoenas Sep 2, 2008
And so Mr. Romero, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union, decided to fight ... This struggle between the needs to protect national security and civil liberties goes back to the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798, which were passed to silence critics of the war with France. (Yahoo News -- Privacy Issues)
Thai Leader Declares State Of Emergency Sep 2, 2008
The emergency allows the use of military forces in policing activities, and suspends certain civil liberties. Security forces can block roads and deny citizens entry to public areas and detain people without charge for 30 days with court approval. (CBS News -- World)
ACLU challenging Flint police chief's gag rule from officers talking to media Sep 2, 2008
DETROIT -The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday on behalf of three Flint police officers challenging Acting Police Chief David Dick's new gag rule banning police officers from speaking to the media. The ACLU argues that the gag rule violates their First Amendment rights because it prevents officers from speaking out to the press about matters of public importance in their private capacity as citizens. (Dowagiac News, MI)
Michigan ACLU expanding with new home in Detroit Sep 2, 2008
DETROIT - During an open house celebration on Sept. 5 at 6 p.m., the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan will officially unveil its new 10,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility in Detroit's historic Brush Park District and will thank funders, supporters and community members for making its new Home of Justice a reality ... "With the outstanding generosity of the national ACLU and other supporters, we will continue the important work of partnering with local communities, building... (Dowagiac News, MI)
Rally focuses on Iran, saber-rattling Sep 1, 2008
"The biggest thing I miss about America are our civil liberties and the parts of our Constitution taken away by President Bush and Congress," she said. Photo Galleries. (Florida Today)
Thousands defy smoking ban in mass protest Sep 1, 2008
the death of civil liberties. Thousands of smokers defied the introduction of the smoking ban across England yesterday by lighting up in pubs, claiming that the legislation was an infringement of civil liberties. (Yahoo News -- Smoking)
Job-poor Phillips County wants to reverse course Sep 1, 2008
Also this summer, the American Civil Liberties Union in Arkansas threatened a lawsuit after the mayor and city council authorized 24-hour curfews, enforced by heavily armed police, in high-crime neighborhoods. The mayor said the emergency measure was necessary to protect lives, and dismissed the ACLU's concerns. (Pine Bluff Commercial, AR)
Movement to ban traffic enforcement cameras might come in wake of ruling Sep 1, 2008
Randall Wilson, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa, was disappointed with the court's ruling. "It's not really fair, and I think that all of us have a gut instinct about robotic justice," Wilson said. (Ames Daily Tribune, IA)
How to keep your data secure on your laptop when travelling Sep 1, 2008
Full body imaging technology has been in the works for at least five years, as the government grappled with issues of privacy and civil liberties, Hatfield said. "It is tantamount to, essentially an electronic strip search, and that is our concern," said Howard Simon, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida. (Inside Retailing)
Peace activist in N.C. fights for the right to counter recruiting Aug 31, 2008
The American Civil Liberties Union, calling it a First Amendment issue, has threatened to sue. "The students need to know there are alternatives to the military," said Ferrell, a Quaker. (Boston Globe)
Three years ago, the world was ready to mount a new attack on poverty Aug 31, 2008
The MCC, which received a new stream of aid money, used 16 indicators - on civil liberties, political rights, corruption, and other key factors - to determine whether nations were worthy of assistance. The World Bank and European nations also began to press, in cases, for reforms as a condition for aid money. (Boston Globe)
GOP convention by the numbers Aug 31, 2008
Arrests American Civil Liberties Union is predicting. 800. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
Grandma Got Run Over by the Olympics Aug 31, 2008
On the other hand Egon has taken a huge leap into irrationality in regards to the shift in our country towards socialism and the giant strides we are taking towards losing our civil liberties. Where as one might argue we need to leave the world alone, we cannot ignore the seismic shift in our own country towards loss of freedoms as so many embrace personal peace and affluence, at any cost. (Townhall.com)
ESCONDIDO: City, tow companies rake in millions from unlicensed drivers Aug 31, 2008
These checkpoints are taking away our civil liberties and making it easier for police to target and suspect without just cause. White Escondido Resident wrote on Aug 30, 2008 7:42 PM:This is really all about the very strict enforcement of the law. (North County Times)
LETTERS: NCT, Aug. 30, 2008 Aug 31, 2008
Just how far are you conservatives going to go in erasing civil liberties. Gotta Wonder wrote on Aug 30, 2008 9:58 AM:sdraoul[-] wrote on Aug 29, 2008 10:18 PM: I do know, Ace. (North County Times)
