"Ask The White House," Patriot Act Edition: "How do I report a neighbor?"

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

http://www.whitehouse.gov/ask/20050610.html



Michael Battle:
Director of the Executive Office for United States Attorneys

Gregg, from Corona, CA writes:
To whom do I turn to report possiblesuspicious terrorist link in our neighborhood? Myself and other neighbors find a particular homeand its occupants very unusual? THANK YOU.

Michael Battle:
Hi, Gregg. Anyone who believes they have information regarding potential criminal or terrorist activity should report it to their local law enforcement officials or FBI office. Of course, a lot of us have had some pretty unusual neighbors, but that doesn’t mean that they are criminals!

Brandon, from Dallas TX writes:
Does the Patriot Act comprimise any civil liberties we currently hold dear in the United States? Please elaborate?

Michael Battle:
Hello, Brandon. In my life I’ve been privileged to serve on all sides of the criminal justice system. I’ve been a prosecutor, a public defender, and a judge. I’ve worked my whole life to defend the liberties and freedoms that we as Americans enjoy, and nothing is more important to our system of justice. Far from compromising our civil liberties, the PATRIOT Act expressly protects them. The law says that “Congress… declares that, in the quest to identify, locate, and bring to justice the perpetrators and sponsors of the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, the civil rights and civil liberties of all Americans . . .be protected….” You know, when Congress passed the bill, the fact that it protected civil liberties was vitally important to the members of the House and Senate, and was one of the reasons why it passed with such overwhelming support. That’s why Senator Schumer (D-NY) said if there was one word that underscored the bill it would be “balance.” I can assure you that the Justice Department is in the business of protecting civil liberties, and this law helps us do that – while we protect America from terror.

John, from Texas writes:
Can you predict approximately how long the Patriot Act will be needed?

Michael Battle
I wish I could say when the war on terror will end – but I can’t. However, the tools in the PATRIOT Act protect America from terror and violent crime, while also protecting our freedoms and liberties. We need it to keep us safe in the world we live in today.

[wtmusic]

1. Phew! and I thought our civil liberties were in danger

Now I'm scared shitless...thank you, Mr. Battle, for protecting us from the terrible terrorists plotting unspeakably terrible actions of terrible terror!

[Canuckistanian]

2. ..."that doesn’t mean that they are criminals!"

(Nudge, nudge, wink, wink)