The part of the PATRIOT Act that has been used to legitimate the mass collection of all of our phone call information, and much else besides, is a wicked awful provision known as "Section 215." Section 215 allows the FBI - and, it appears, … [Read more...]
Who’s Best on Surveillance Issues Among The MA-5 Democratic Candidates? *UPDATED with new info from Spilka campaign!*
We know that the winner of October 15th's Democratic primary will reliably win the general and go to Congress. The seat was last open almost 40 years ago. Bearing that in mind, we at Digital Fourth thought it pretty important to assess the … [Read more...]
Are you a Mac or a Lynch? Take the Quiz (and Get Involved)!
There are a number of ways to get involved, both locally and from across the country, with some actions taking only a couple of minutes. As you saw from the quiz above, the differences between the incumbent and me are very clear. Make … [Read more...]
Rep. Tsongas endorses PATRIOT Act
Niki Tsongas failed to take a principled stand on the PATRIOT Act last week. This is exactly the kind of "compromise" that makes the Democratic Party look weak. Tsongas defended the vote as a stopgap measure until lawmakers on Capitol Hill … [Read more...]
Where Capuano & Coakley DO Contrast on the Issues.
Martha Coakley, as Attorney General, has presided over a criminal justice system that does a tremendous amount of collateral damage, and could use a lot of improvement. She's been in a position to do that, and at best, she's been a … [Read more...]
Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, post 9/11
It's September 11th - a day when journalists, public officials, military personnel and most citizens take the time to reflect on the tragedies that occurred eight years ago. President Obama released a statement marking the day "National Day … [Read more...]
Let’s say you’re labeled a terrorism suspect by mistake…
The good news, as the Globe reports today, is that this real-life fiasco has just resulted in two provisions of the Patriot Act being ruled unconstitutional. The essential problem is that the Patriot Act allows for surveillance and … [Read more...]
Bush cans 7th highly-qualified US attorney
The bill is intended to prevent political cronyism by by allowing the attorney general to appoint an interim U.S. attorney for 120 days. If after that time someone had not been nominated and confirmed by the Senate, authority to appoint an … [Read more...]
Murray ruled Patriot Act resolution out of order
Copyright 2003 Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Inc.Telegram & Gazette (Massachusetts)March 26, 2003 Wednesday, FINAL EDITIONSECTION: LOCAL NEWS; Pg. B1LENGTH: 705 wordsHEADLINE: Council drops antiwar resolution; Issue called … [Read more...]