marichiko

The government has not revealed the total number of people detained by the Department of Justice since the terrorist attacks on 9/11, but immigration advocates believe that it is between three and five thousand. It is known, however, that this group is almost entirely Arab, South Asian, or Muslim and most have been deported or allowed to leave the country. None of the detainees has been charged with any terrorism-related crime. These secret detentions exemplify the dramatic erosion of constitutional rights under the Bush administration.

No, 3,000 or so arrests in comparison to all those drugs arrests ain't much, but the arrests of 3,000 who were NEVER charged with a crime is NOT "Nothing."

Let's summarize a few of the fun things the government can now do:

Conduct “sneak and peek” searches, which allow law enforcement to enter people’s homes and search their belongings without informing them until long after;

Direct a library, bookstore or newspaper to produce “tangible things,” e.g, the titles of books an individual has purchased or borrowed or the identity of individuals who have purchased or borrowed certain books;

Authorize the use of devices to trace the telephone calls or e-mails of people who are not suspected of any crime;

Investigate American citizens and permanent legal residents and seek information on the basis of activities protected by the First Amendment (e.g., writing a letter to the editor or attending a rally).

The government’s investigative powers extend to people not suspected of any terrorist activities and those ordered to provide information are barred from mentioning the investigation to anyone.

But, gee, the government would NEVER mis-use these powers, now would it? This is the US of A, after all and every single civil servent, elected official, FBI agent, cop, CIA operative, etc. is a pure, shining angel from heaven.

Oh, ye of little faith!

Its inspiring to read your posts sometimes, UT. Your child-like innocence is so - refreshing.