Posted on 07/22/2003 6:58:01 AM PDT by chance33_98
PFAW: 'Freedom to Read' Amendment Will Protect Library and Bookstore Patrons; Experts Available for Comment
7/22/03 9:39:00 AM
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To: National and Assignment Desks, Daybook Editor
Contact: Tarek Rizk or Nathan Richter, 202-467-4999, both of People For the American Way; Web site: http://www.pfaw.org
News Advisory:
-- PFAW: 'Freedom to Read' Amendment Will Protect Library and Bookstore Patrons
-- Floor Action Expected This Week on Sanders-Otter-Conyers Legislation to Rein in One Aspect of USA Patriot Act
The House of Representatives is expected to consider an important amendment shielding library and bookstore patrons from one invasive part of the USA Patriot Act. Section 215 of that law permits the FBI - without public scrutiny, search warrants, or even "probable cause" - to secretly acquire almost anything about an individual's visit to a library or bookstore, including research requests, sales records, circulation records, internet use logs and even computer hard drives. Section 215 includes a gag order on librarians and booksellers, prohibiting them from informing patrons that they are under investigation. The Sanders-Otter-Conyers Amendment - known as the "Freedom to Read" amendment - would shield library and bookstore patrons from this part of the USA Patriot Act.
"The USA Patriot Act poses a grave threat to the privacy and freedom of all Americans and creates a culture of fear among innocent people. The 'Freedom to Read' amendment is an important first step in protecting privacy rights under fire since the passage of the act," said People For the American Way President Ralph G. Neas. "The very real need to protect Americans' safety and security does not require sacrificing our liberty by giving government agents unlimited power to pry into our private lives and reading habits."
PFAW will continue to monitor this and other legislative efforts to restore freedoms under siege since the passage of the USA Patriot Act. We have spokespeople available to comment on the "Freedom to Read" amendment and other efforts to protect the rights of Americans. Rep. Bernie Sanders will hold a press conference to discuss the legislation today, Tuesday, July 22 at noon in room HC-9 of the U.S. Capitol.
OK.
"b) Each application under this section-- `(1) shall be made to--
`(A) a judge of the court established by section 103(a); or
`(B) a United States Magistrate Judge under chapter 43 of title 28, United States Code..."
...After convincing a judge that there is probable cause to believe that you are an agent of a foreign power engaged in terrorism or spying.
That's what the Patriot Act requires.
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