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New Terrorism Law Threatens Dissent
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Progressive Portal
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Oct 14, 2001 11:15 PDT
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Nipping at the heels of the "PATRIOT Act" just passed by both houses of
Congress (and subject to negotiation about the substantial differences
between the two houses' versions), now comes the more-draconian "USA
Act." Its definition of "terrorism" could encompass civil disobedience,
if prosecutors attempt to make the case that a protest was "dangerous to
human life."
The article excerpted below may be read in full at:
http://www.greenpeaceusa.org/rants/
The associated Action Alert (write a letter) is at:
http://www.greenpeaceusa.org/bin/actionframe.pl?action_id=85
You can send a letter to nearly 500 U.S. news writers/editors at:
http://www.progressiveportal.org/letters/Tuesday911/
Rants From Greenpeace's Executive Director:
Your Rights or Your Safety, You Shouldn't Have to Choose
by John Passacantando
published 11 October 2001
[Excerpt]
As I write this, the U.S. Senate is preparing to vote on the "Uniting
and Strengthening America Act (USA)." As an attempt to enhance the
ability of law enforcement and government agencies to prevent terrorist
acts this legislation is being put forth with the best of intentions.
But no matter how good the intentions, the bill as actually written
contains a dangerous definition of terrorism that should concern every
American.
As defined by section 803 of this bill, an activity committed within the
U.S. would be considered a crime of domestic terrorism if it involves
acts dangerous to human life that violate the laws of the United States
or any State and appear to be intended to: (i) 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.
As written, this definition could lead to large-scale investigations of
American citizens for supporting and engaging in civil disobedience and
have the perverse effect of discouraging citizens from participating in
the very essence of our democracy -- the right to peacefully protest.
Take Action: Write a Letter
http://www.greenpeaceusa.org/bin/actionframe.pl?action_id=85
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