Soon-to-be-President Kerry on the unPatriot Act.

[Delano]

To those who think for some reason that Kerry is philosophically married to the Partiot Act...

Iowans who use the public library are used to signs being posted on the wall.  They might point to the reference desk or remind people to be quiet while inside the building.  But, recently, residents of Iowa City who have visited the public library have been greeted with a new sign.  It is a sign that tells us that some of what is fundamental to this country – and that we are right to hold dear – is in danger of being taken from us.


The sign reads: “Attention: Under Section 215 of the USA Patriot Act…records of all books and materials you borrow from this library, and of Internet sites you visit on library computers, may be obtained by federal agents.  This law prohibits librarians from informing you if federal agents have obtained records.” 

...


In my first hundred days, I will restore our commitment to civil rights and individual rights.  And that will begin with the appointment of an Attorney General whose commitment to and understanding of the Constitution is as great as that of all Americans.  An Attorney General who knows we can fight the war on terrorism without attacking America’s freedoms.  An Attorney General whose name is not John Ashcroft.  If I am President, this government will protect individual rights not roll them back.  We will protect equal rights, privacy rights, and a woman’s right to choose.  And we will restore the constitutional foundation of this nation. 

...

I voted for the Patriot Act right after September 11th – convinced that – with a sunset clause – it was the right decision to make.  It clearly wasn’t a perfect bill – and it had a number of flaws – but this wasn’t the time to haggle.  It was the time to act.


But George Bush and John Ashcroft abused the spirit of national action after the terrorist attacks.  They have used the Patriot Act in ways that were never intended and for reasons that have nothing to do with terrorism.  That’s why, as President, I will propose new anti-terrorism laws that advance the War on Terror while ending the assault on our basic rights.

http://www.johnkerry.com/pressroom/speeches/spc_2003_1201.html

[NMDemDist2]

1. hehehe I just Love that guy

Go Kerry!!

[TreasonousBastard]

2. My favorite sign...

from a libraian's listserve I'm on:

We are not allowed to tell you when the FBI is here investigating our patrons.

The FBI is not here now.

Watch for the removal of this sign.

[GreenPartyVoter]

3. Wouldn't happen to be FictionL, would it? :^)

[TreasonousBastard]

4. Nope, Stumpers...

tough questions for reference librarians.

And I've noticed those librarians are a feisty bunch.

No politics allowed on the list, but they do get their points across.