Did You Guys Catch This ??? --- 'A repressive embarrassment'

[WillyT]

A repressive embarrassment

<snip>

Anyone who thinks the administration and its law enforcement chief, Attorney General John Ashcroft, aren’t out to impede a free press need only hear how the federal government is treating foreign journalists coming to this country on assignment.

Without notification to foreign media outlets, the immigration and customs people are arresting, detaining, and deporting journalists arriving here without special visas. This is so even when they come from nations whose citizens can stay for up to 90 days without a visa if they are arriving as tourists or on business.

If that threatening form of registration is not enough, members of the press arriving without the visas, which no one told them they needed, are treated like criminals, handcuffed as they’re marched through airports, photographed, fingerprinted, and their DNA taken.

<snip>

Link: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20031213/OPINION02/112130159

I remember hearing about the foreign journalists detained at LAX a while back, but apparently it's still going on. I hope Ashcroft and his ilk vanish in a puff of smoke next year!

And they want to make us even safer??? (Patriot II)

:grr::nuke::mad:

[althecat]

1. Wow...

So what are the requirements for these special visas. Being on assignment to the states? Or just being a member of the media? I have visited the US twice the last few years and am a member of the media I had no idea there was an issue.

[nosmokes]

2. more of the same

almost nothing bushco does anymore surprises me. what i do find incredible is their arrogance and righteousness when they pull crap like this.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

3. Thanks Willy!

Another item to add to the long list...

www.doyouknow.org

He's making my job too easy!

[WillyT]

4. Hey Hell, How Is Ya ???

:hi:

Yeah, my 74 year old mom found this and made me read it. Glad she did. She's been firing off her angry e-mails, and baking X-Mas Cookies, LOL!!!

:bounce:

[LTR]

6. WOW! Great site!

I just bookmarked it. Great research.

Is this your site?

[rapier]

5. notes

The story about the detained Aussie gal here to interview Oliva Newton John was sad but funny. Then again, Newton John has been rumored to be a bit gay and is an animal lover and probably tree hugger.

The enemy within is vast. We cannot be too careful.