VOLUME No: 46 Issue No: 4

Washington, D.C. February 28, 2003

New Son of Patriot Act Gains Steam in Congress

The Department of Justice has been secretly drafting new legislation called the Domestic Security Enhancement Act of 2003. This new law adds and expands to the original USA Patriot Act of 2001. This new bill further limits the civil liberties of individuals in the name of increased safety of the homeland. Provisions in the bill would give the government the authority to retroactively revoke citizenship from Americans that provide support for groups labeled as “terrorist organizations”. This includes organizations classified as such after donations have been made. It also includes provisions for the wiretapping of Americans for 15 days without a court order. Information gained during that 15-day period could be kept even if a judge disallows the original wiretapping.

Man Found Guilty for driving Truck into Mosque

This week, Charles D. Franklin of Tallahassee Florida, was found guilty in a federal court for a felony violation of United States Code §247© for intentionally damaging the Islamic Center Mosque in Tallahassee on March 25, 2002. On that date Franklin drove his pickup truck into the entryway of the mosque and then abandoned it for a nearby tavern where he was arrested. While being arrested, Franklin shouted slurs against Muslims and the Islamic religion. The statute Franklin was convicted under makes it a federal crime to damage religious property because of the ethnicity of the individuals associated with it. The maximum penalty for this crime is 20 years in a federal prison

Support for Estrada vote gaining ground

Yesterday Bill Nelson, Democratic Senator from Florida, announced his support for the nomination of Miguel Estrada to circuit courts. Sen. Nelson broke rank based on his conversations with Miguel Estrada, and those who know him. Sen. Nelson said that he believes Estrada will judge impartially. Senator Blanche L. Lincoln, Arkansas Democrat has said she would need more information on Estrada to make a decision on whether or not to vote with Republicans. The Washington Times reported that some Democratic aides have stated that Sen. Lincoln would most likely vote with Republicans. This makes the number of votes in support of Estrada 56, four less than the 60 votes need to call for a cloture vote and an end to debate on the subject.

Zogby Poll reports that John Kerry leads the Democratic Candidates

A poll by Zogby International reported that John Kerry is ahead in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination in New Hampshire. He has a significant lead over the other competitors. This poll involved 600 likely new voters. President Bush’s approval rating has also slipped to 57%, (according to 962 likely voters of all parties) but regardless the Zogby poll stated that 63% percent of Democrats and Independents say President Bush is likely to be reelected in 2004.