[dirtboy]

Pena knows that TIPS was killed.

He could have mentioned it here - but I guess good news isn't titilating enough.

Does it really matter if he borrowed from Safire?

No, what matters is that he borrowed from Safire without verifying Safire's claims.

Would you care to comment on the centralized database?

As the media has covered it, it's a bad idea on many levels. As the guys as DARPA are talking about it, not so bad but still needs a ton of scrutiny. However, I do agree with the premise that the feds need better data analysis tools.

Also, what is your take on section 802 of the Patriot Act, the section which expands the definition of domestic terrorism?

I am not familiar with that provision of the Patriot Act.

[Reagan Man]

Here's Section 802, of the US Patriot Act. I see nothing wrong with the implications of the wording.

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SEC. 802. DEFINITION OF DOMESTIC TERRORISM.

(a) DOMESTIC TERRORISM DEFINED- Section 2331 of title 18, United States Code, is amended--

(1) in paragraph (1)(B)(iii), by striking `by assassination or kidnapping' and inserting `by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping';

(2) in paragraph (3), by striking `and';

(3) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting `; and'; and

(4) by adding at the end the following:

`(5) the term `domestic terrorism' means activities that--

`(A) involve acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State;

`(B) appear to be intended--

`(i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population;

`(ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or

`(iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping; and

`(C) occur primarily within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States.'.

(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT- Section 3077(1) of title 18, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

`(1) `act of terrorism' means an act of domestic or international terrorism as defined in section 2331;'.

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According to the watch group, Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF):

New definitions of terrorism expand scope of surveillance. One new definition of terrorism and three expansions of previous terms also expand the scope of surveillance. They are 1) § 802 definition of "domestic terrorism" (amending 18 USC §2331), which raises concerns about legitimate protest activity resulting in conviction on terrorism charges, especially if violence erupts; adds to 3 existing definition of terrorism (int'l terrorism per 18 USC §2331, terrorism transcending national borders per 18 USC §2332b, and federal terrorism per amended 18 USC §2332b(g)(5)(B)). These new definitions also expose more people to surveillance (and potential "harboring" and "material support" liability, §§ 803, 805).