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Michael D Ostrolenk — Thu, 01 May 2008 15:33:19 -0400

WI FI Privacy Problems

Michael D Ostrolenk — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 12:22:04 -0400

If you've ever visited a Dentist, Tax Professional, Lawyer, Chiropractor, or Mortgage Broker, your personal information may be at risk.

Who Cares About Your DNA? by Tricia Shore

Michael D Ostrolenk — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 07:01:08 -0400

"A Critical Analysis of the Implications for Genetic Privacy and Consent Rights in Congress’ Proposed ‘Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2007’" states how the government plans to treat the DNA of every newborn, even those whose parents are completely aligned with the mainstream:

April 20th, 2008 News from The Liberty Coalition

Michael D Ostrolenk — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 08:55:12 -0400

Dear Friends of Liberty,

The battle for our liberties continues but this time we have some good news. Although REAL ID is now law, there are many states who are refusing to comply with it. 7 States have opted out of REAL ID with dozens more working on passing legislation to do the same. For more info- REAL Nightmare

Information Fusion Centers and Privacy (from EPIC)

Michael D Ostrolenk — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 07:35:38 -0400

''Fusion centers'' are a means of bringing together information from distributed sources for the purpose of collection, retention, analysis, and dissemination. The term "fusion center," seems to have originated from the Department of Defense (DOD,) and refers to the fusing of information for analysis purposes. On November 9, 2002, the

EFF Report: FBI Slowed Terror Investigation with Improper NSL Request

Michael D Ostrolenk — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 07:30:51 -0400

"This report raises important questions about the FBI's use of these very powerful investigative tools," said EFF Senior Staff Attorney Kurt Opsahl. "Congress should determine why FBI headquarters insisted on an improper NSL instead of using the appropriate tools, and why the FBI failed to report the misuse for almost two years.

SCHOOLS PREPARE PUPILS TO ACCEPT A POLICE STATE

Michael D Ostrolenk — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 08:11:17 -0400

decided that the degrading search did not violate the girl’s Fourth Amendment rights — even though Savana’s mother was not alerted,

UCLA, the NIH, and Perlegen: Wired for Data Theft

Michael D Ostrolenk — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 08:08:47 -0400

When will the healthcare industry and researchers get serious about protecting Americans' personal health data from hacking, theft, and sale?

Montana Governor: DHS 'Blinks' on Real ID

Michael D Ostrolenk — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 20:03:29 -0400

Montana governor Brian Schweitzer declared victory Friday after the Department of Homeland Security sent his state an extension to the Real ID act, despite his insistence Montana will never comply with a mandate he describes as a "boondoggle."

Government Reply Brief Filed with Supreme Court in Murphy v. IRS

Michael D Ostrolenk — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:30:57 -0400

The principal issue is whether the IRS can tax as “income” plaintiffs' court awards for non-physical compensatory damages, such as “make whole” awards for emotional distress and loss of reputation.

Schneider Patients Claim Gov't Harassment

Michael D Ostrolenk — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 17:37:22 -0400

"They grabbed the door and jerked it open," says one patient who spoke to KAKE News on a condition of anonymity. "And then they grabbed my left arm and pulled it up behind me. They said we can do this the easy way or the hard way."

Feds target Pain Relief Network president

Michael D Ostrolenk — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 17:32:43 -0400

“There is nothing wrong, unethical, illegal, immoral about any of this. … This is an attack on my fundamental liberty to do our work,” Reynolds told The Associated Press.

NSA's Domestic Spying Grows By SIOBHAN GORMAN

Michael D Ostrolenk — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 11:03:29 -0400

According to current and former intelligence officials, the spy agency now monitors huge volumes of records of domestic emails and Internet searches as well as bank transfers, credit-card transactions, travel and telephone records. The NSA receives this so-called "transactional" data from other agencies or private companies, and its sophisticated

Rep. Rohrabacher (R-CA) Floor Speech: "ADMINISTRATION NOT COOPERATING WITH CONGRESS "

Michael D Ostrolenk — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 08:04:31 -0400

The disdain and uncooperative nature that this administration has shown toward Congress, including Republican Members, is so egregious that I can no longer assume that it is simply bureaucratic incompetence or isolated mistakes. Rather, I have come to the sad conclusion that this administration has intentionally

Whistleblower: Cellular carrier giving FBI unfettered access By Ryan Paul

Michael D Ostrolenk — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 07:49:50 -0500

Computer security analyst Babak Pasdar says that a major mobile telecommunications carrier has a built-in backdoor that provides an undisclosed third-party with unfettered access to its internal technical infrastructure, including the ability to eavesdrop on all calls through its network.

Bankrupt lenders throwing away your privacy By Alex Johnson

Michael D Ostrolenk — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 07:38:12 -0500

Some mortgage companies tossing customers’ personal data in the trash

More FBI Privacy Violations Confirmed

Michael D Ostrolenk — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 08:19:43 -0500

The FBI acknowledged Wednesday it improperly accessed Americans' telephone records, credit reports and Internet traffic in 2006, the fourth straight year of privacy abuses resulting from investigations

Pursuing a Cause with Passion- ( Bad Faith Peer Review )

Michael D Ostrolenk — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 20:28:30 -0500

Los Angeles County Medical Association Member Gil Mileikowsky, MD strives to save patients lives and physicians careers.

States Force Showdown with DHS over REAL ID

Michael D Ostrolenk — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 17:47:09 -0500

At least two of the states have dug in their heels, determined not to comply. Democratic Govs. Brian Schweitzer of Montana and John Baldacci of Maine have vowed to resist implementation of REAL ID, which they argue violates the privacy rights of US citizens by enabling federal monitoring of ID use through the uniform security standards required by the act.

Dear Congress on FISA reform

Michael D Ostrolenk — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 17:39:49 -0500

Liberty

Michael D Ostrolenk — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 17:33:10 -0500

End the Inflation Tax

Michael D Ostrolenk — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 17:28:38 -0500

Every paper dollar you own carries the words "Federal Reserve Note" (FRN). This means they were issued by the Federal Reserve System (Fed), a

Contact Us

Michael D Ostrolenk — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 22:39:24 -0500

By Email:

Money, Banking and the Federal Reserve

Michael D Ostrolenk — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 22:08:42 -0500

Personal Health Records: Why Many PHRs Threaten Privacy

Michael D Ostrolenk — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 08:18:03 -0500

The World Privacy Forum has published a new legal and policy analysis examining Personal Health Records -- or PHRs -- and the privacy issues associated with them. This analysis, Personal Health Records: Why Many PHRs Threaten Privacy, was prepared

New Survey of Privacy Laws Published

Michael D Ostrolenk — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 06:28:39 -0500

A total of 35 states have passed laws requiring notifications to persons affected by security breaches in databases held by businesses or government agencies, according to Privacy Journal. The federal government has not yet passed such protections.

"Wireless Security Risks - Steve Levine"

Michael D Ostrolenk — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:50:43 -0500

Follow Link for video from Fox 45

Hundreds of ECU Students' Information Exposed

Michael D Ostrolenk — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 09:15:08 -0500

Titus, who is Information Privacy Director at Liberty Coalition, says he found the data through google. He says after he verified the students' information he contacted ECU.

Support the Abolition of the Federal Reserve System!

Michael D Ostrolenk — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 14:46:28 -0500

In fact, it is the inflationary policies of the federal government and the central bank (the Fed) that have brought us to the brink of a recession in the first place, if we are not already in one. The present problem revolves around the fact that creating money out of nothing distorts price signals in the economy,

GATA begins campaign to wrest documents from Fed, Treasury

Michael D Ostrolenk — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 17:08:53 -0500

GATA today began a campaign to use the federal Freedom of Information Act to reveal the disposition of United States gold reserves.

Treason at the State Department: A Whistleblower's Story

Michael D Ostrolenk — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 10:57:12 -0500

“Reporters are terrified of the State Secrets Privilege and being subpoenaed to testify before a federal grand jury. No one wants to wind up like Judy Miller — in jail.”

Patient Privacy Toolkit

Michael D Ostrolenk — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 15:15:24 -0500

“We’ve put together a number of ways you can both control your private health records from the ground up and fight for the privacy of your health records from the top down,” said Patient Privacy Rights’ Executive Director, Ashley Katz. “And we’re just getting started.” The toolkit will be updated every few months as needed.

Death of a Physician's Private Practice

Michael D Ostrolenk — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 10:17:20 -0500

Testimony Before the US Small Business Administration Regulatory Fairness Forum for Small Business, Glendale, CA,

260 Social Security numbers released online by Emily Wuchner

Michael D Ostrolenk — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 10:39:11 -0500

Aaron Titus, privacy director for Liberty Coalition, said the report was found by using the advanced search feature on major search engines, such as Google or MSN. If individuals think their identity has been stolen, Titus recommends going to the Liberty Coalition Web site at ssnbreach.org and searching for their name.

260 Social Security numbers released online by Emily Wuchner

Michael D Ostrolenk — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 10:37:45 -0500

Are You a Homegrown Terrorist? by John Whitehead

Michael D Ostrolenk — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 03:34:37 -0500

he danger is the legislation's vague definitions of violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism and the commission's power to label individuals and groups as possible terrorists. Violent radicalization, for example, is defined as "the process of adopting or promoting an extremist belief system for the purpose of facilitating

The great ID card rebellion

Michael D Ostrolenk — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 03:21:23 -0500

it is a "UK-wide, non-partisan campaign opposing the government's planned ID card and national identity register". It works with MPs and peers from all the mainstream parties, and is currently encouraging members of the public to put their names to a pledge, whereby they promise that they will not register for an ID card, supply their

Found in Translation: FBI whistleblower Sibel Edmonds spills her secrets.

Michael D Ostrolenk — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 17:13:11 -0500

The former FBI translator turned whistleblower tells a chilling story of corruption at Washington’s highest levels—sale of nuclear secrets, shielding of terrorist suspects, illegal arms transfers, narcotics trafficking, money laundering, espionage.

Real ID game of chicken by Bob Barr

Michael D Ostrolenk — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 10:30:40 -0500

Time and again since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, our political leaders in Washington have promised us that in fighting against our enemies, we must not allow our own cherished freedoms and liberty to be compromised.

FBI denies file exposing nuclear secrets theft

Michael D Ostrolenk — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 20:07:36 -0500

The FBI has been accused of covering up a file detailing government dealings with a network stealing nuclear secrets

ACLU Real ID Scorecard : DHS gets an 'F'

Michael D Ostrolenk — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 10:57:44 -0500

A systematic analysis of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) final regulations for the Real ID Act reveals that the regulations still address only 11 percent of the problems with the act that have been identified, the American Civil Liberties Union said today.

Chairman of The Harbour League calls on Maryland Government to be more Transpartent

Michael D Ostrolenk — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 09:03:00 -0500

Eli Gold challenges the Maryland legislature to pass transparency legilation to reduce possible corruption and empower citizens.

Use of biometrics in schools concerns parents

Michael D Ostrolenk — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:51:11 -0500

“I certainly wouldn’t want my children to be fingerprinted or have an iris scan or anything like that,” said Sen. Karen Johnson, R-Mesa, “We’ve lived many years without doing this. Now this seems to be the thing everyone is doing, thinking they’re making themselves safe or for efficiency, and, by golly, it’s not right. And it’s a huge moneymaker

January 7th 2008 News from the Liberty Coalition

Michael D Ostrolenk — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:25:46 -0500

Dear Friends of Liberty,

We hope you find this newsletter informative and useful in your efforts to protect our Constitutional Rights.

In Liberty,

Michael D. Ostrolenk

National Director, Liberty Coalition

Liberty Legislator of the Month:

What will be the hottest privacy issues/battles in 2008? By Dr. Peel

Michael D Ostrolenk — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 14:52:54 -0500

Liberty Coalition would like to thank Dr. Peel for being our first guest blogger in 2008.

Voter ID Laws Are a Menace to Freedom by John Whitehead

Michael D Ostrolenk — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 12:41:10 -0500

Voter ID laws also take us one step closer to a “show your papers” society. In this regard, they are part of a far-reaching agenda to ensure the adoption of a de facto national identification card, which has repeatedly met with opposition—and for good reasons.

Pain group rallies to doctor's defense

Michael D Ostrolenk — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 11:22:19 -0500

The New Mexico-based Pain Relief Network says it plans to file a civil lawsuit in Wichita federal court alleging the Controlled Substances Act as applied to doctors and patients is unconstitutional.

SIBEL EDMONDS SPEAKS TO UK SUNDAY TIMES: SAYS U.S. OFFICIALS INVOLVED IN RELEASE OF NUKE SECRETS TO TURKEY, PAKISTAN, IRAN, OTHE

Michael D Ostrolenk — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 09:40:12 -0500

Former 'Gagged' FBI Whistleblower Alleges Pentagon, State Department Officials Overheard Receiving Payoffs in Exchange for Classified Info; Crimes Covered Up at Highest Levels of Government

EFF Protects Free Speech Rights for New Jersey Blogger

Michael D Ostrolenk — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:53:07 -0500

Manalapan, NJ - A Superior Court judge in New Jersey quashed a bogus subpoena for the identity of an anonymous blogger Friday, protecting the free speech rights of a critic writing about a local government controversy.

SSNBreach.org

Michael D Ostrolenk — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 15:32:40 -0500

We all hear daily reports of thousands of identities being compromised on a daily basis. The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse estimates that since January, 2005 there have been more than 217 million instances of "Data Breach," or individuals whose sensitive personal information has been compromised, exposed, or stolen. I

FBI Prepares Vast Database Of Biometrics

Michael D Ostrolenk — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 16:34:55 -0500

Digital images of faces, fingerprints and palm patterns are already flowing into FBI systems in a climate-controlled, secure basement here. Next month, the FBI intends to award a 10-year contract that would significantly expand the amount and kinds of biometric information it receives. And in the coming years, law enforcement authorities around

No proof airport security makes flying safer-study

Michael D Ostrolenk — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 16:30:09 -0500

Airport security lines can annoy passengers, but there is no evidence that they make flying any safer, U.S. researchers reported on Thursday.

Rep. Ron Paul's Statement Introducing the Free Competition in Currency Act

Michael D Ostrolenk — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 07:05:50 -0500

As a proponent of competition in currencies, I believe that the American people should be free to choose the type of currency they prefer to use. The ability of consumers to adopt alternative currencies can help to keep the government and the Federal Reserve honest, as the threat that further

RSC to Call For Investigation Into Use of Taxpayer Funded Earmarks For Political Benefit

Michael D Ostrolenk — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 08:24:53 -0500

Congressman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), Chairman of the Republican Study Committee, announced plans to call for an immediate suspension of the earmarking process after learning that a prominent House Democrat suggested to Speaker Nancy

Arizona State Senator Karen Johnson R-AZ: Statements on enhanced driver’s license

Michael D Ostrolenk — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 09:31:32 -0500

Arizona State Senate

Threats to Liberty, To Many To Count

Michael D Ostrolenk — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 08:42:19 -0500

Our friends at BORDC have put together a great list of legistation to watch. So, instead of recreating the wheel, with their permission, the list is below.....

Legislation Addressing National Security Letters

lao tsu #2

Michael D Ostrolenk — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 09:27:05 -0500

Lao Tsu

Michael D Ostrolenk — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 09:25:05 -0500

How to Protect Physician Whistleblower-Patient Advocates - From Retaliation to Benefit Patients

Michael D Ostrolenk — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 08:15:49 -0500

Physicians who try to diminish patient risk and improve patient care and safety are often targeted for retaliation. The integrity of the House of Medicine is thus at risk, as is health care itself.

Firefighters as spies truly over the top by Bob Barr

Michael D Ostrolenk — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 07:31:22 -0500

special to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Wednesday, December 12, 2007 at 9:00 AM

GATA begins campaign to wrest documents from Fed, Treasury

Michael D Ostrolenk — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 16:43:33 -0500

GATA delivered to the Federal Reserve Board and the Treasury Department formal requests for access to all documents in their possession that have been generated since 1990 and mention swaps of gold involving the U.S. government. Such swaps of gold are commonly used by governments to intervene surreptitiously in the gold and currency markets, and in May

Arizona to create high-tech driver licenses

Michael D Ostrolenk — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 09:07:12 -0500

State Sen. Karen Johnson, R-Mesa, said she is “livid’’ that Napolitano promised to have Arizona comply with the Real ID Act and promised to fight the plan despite its voluntary nature.

“The federal government’s going to get all this information,’’ Johnson said.

Cops Become Drugstore Cowboys in Vermont; 4th Amendment Officially Dead

Michael D Ostrolenk — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 10:24:50 -0500

But when state police start entering pharmacies to get full prescribing records of anyone taking a Schedule II controlled substance like Oxycontin-- as the Green Mountain Daily blog [hat tip to Daily Kos]

Remarks on Violent Radicalization & Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act, HR 1955 by Ron Paul

Michael D Ostrolenk — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 08:13:48 -0500

There are many causes for concern in HR 1955. The legislation specifically singles out the Internet for "facilitating violent radicalization, ideologically based violence, and the homegrown terrorism process" in the United States. Such language may well be the first step toward US government regulation of what we are allowed to access on the Internet.

Domestic Spying, Inc.

Michael D Ostrolenk — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 16:23:41 -0500

The intelligence-sharing system to be managed by the NAO will rely heavily on private contractors including Boeing, BAE Systems, L-3 Communications and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). These companies already provide technology and personnel to U.S. agencies involved in foreign intelligence, and the NAO greatly

TSA plan to gather more data protested By Thomas Frank, USA TODAY

Michael D Ostrolenk — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 15:52:21 -0500

A government proposal to start collecting birth dates and genders of people reserving airline flights is drawing protests from major airlines and travel agencies that say it would be invasive, confusing and "useless."

The Use of EMS Personnel as Intelligence Sensors: Critical Issues and Recommended Practices

Michael D Ostrolenk — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 09:57:20 -0500

The use of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel

November 27th, 2007 News from the Liberty Coalition

Michael D Ostrolenk — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 11:15:40 -0500

Dear Friends of Liberty

Social Security numbers of former UF students leaked on Web site By DEVIN CULCLASURE,

Michael D Ostrolenk — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 09:40:00 -0500

A news release from the Liberty Coalition, a group that works to preserve the privacy of individuals, said 14 files on the Web site contained "sensitive information" of 534 former UF students, including 415 Social Security numbers.

The Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act by Philip Giraldi

Michael D Ostrolenk — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 09:36:36 -0500

There has been a long tradition of fear-mongering legislation in the United States directed against groups and individuals believed to threaten the established order.

Cellphone Tracking Powers on Request:Secret Warrants Granted Without Probable Cause By Ellen Nakashima

Michael D Ostrolenk — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 09:04:26 -0500

"Most people don't realize it, but they're carrying a tracking device

Legal Tender and Illegal Toughness by Fred E. Foldvary

Michael D Ostrolenk — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 15:47:37 -0500

On November 14, 2007, the agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Secret Service raided the premises of Liberty Dollar office in Evansville, Indiana. Liberty Dollar stated that the agents confiscated the gold, silver, and platinum that was stored in the premises, and two tons of Ron Paul Dollars that had just been delivered.. "They also took

Statement Introducing the American Freedom Agenda Act of 2007 by Ron Paul

Michael D Ostrolenk — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 15:32:38 -0500

I invite my colleagues to join my efforts to restore the US Constitution by enacting the American Freedom Agenda Act of 2007.

Fixing the surveillance law

Michael D Ostrolenk — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 10:08:30 -0500

Before leaving town for the August recess, Congress bowed to pressure from the administration and significantly expanded the government's ability to eavesdrop without a court-approved warrant. The situation was eerily similar to enactment of the Patriot Act in 2001, when Congress rushed through a bill that gave the executive branch overly intrusive powers.

Dear Senator Reid: President Records Act

Michael D Ostrolenk — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 09:48:15 -0500

EXCLUSIVE: Daniel Ellsberg Says Sibel Edmonds Case 'Far More Explosive Than Pentagon Papers'

Michael D Ostrolenk — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 20:04:03 -0500

"From what I understand, from what she has to tell, it has a major difference from the Pentagon Papers in that it deals directly with criminal activity and may involve impeachable offenses," Ellsberg explained. "And I don't necessarily mean the President or the Vice-President, though I wouldn't be surprised if the information

Sibel Edmonds Case: New (and old) revelations of spying at the FBI

Michael D Ostrolenk — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 09:03:08 -0500

Despite fraudulently acquiring her citizenship and having close familial ties to Hezbollah, Prouty was able to pass background checks for both the CIA and the FBI.

Liberty Dollar office raided by FBI

Michael D Ostrolenk — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:16:44 -0500

For approximately six hours they took all the gold, all the silver, all the platinum and almost two tons of Ron Paul Dollars that where just delivered last Friday. They also took all the files, all the computers and froze our bank accounts.

No funding for implementation of the Real ID Act of 2005

Michael D Ostrolenk — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 09:24:54 -0500

Is the NSA spying on U.S. Internet traffic?

Michael D Ostrolenk — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 09:09:58 -0500

AT&T has maintained a secret, highly secured room since 2002 where government work is being conducted, according to two former AT&T workers once employed at the center.

FBI Tech - Govt/ Can Listen to Your Phone When it is Turned Off

Alex Rollin — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 13:28:56 -0400

D'Oh: House Panel Screw-Up Reveals Whistleblower Email Addresses

Michael D Ostrolenk — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 02:25:07 -0400

It's not immediately clear whether the mistake will lead to the exposure of those who had contacted the committee. There are more than 150 recipient addresses revealed in the email.

EXCLUSIVE: FBI Whistleblower Sibel Edmonds Will Now Tell All - and Face Charges if Necessary - to Any Major Television Network T

Michael D Ostrolenk — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 02:22:30 -0400

Everything she hasn't been allowed to tell since 2002, about the criminal penetration of the FBI where she worked, and at the

Bush's legal club: 'state secrets'

Michael D Ostrolenk — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 04:42:16 -0400

The present administration has closed our courtroom doors, in lower courts as well as the Supreme Court, 39 times since 2001 with the "state secrets" barrier more than double the average in the past 24 years.

47 State & National Organizations, Health IT Companies Join Forces to Demand Consumers Regain Control of their Personal Health R

Michael D Ostrolenk — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 07:09:17 -0400

Stop Congress from Making the Protect America Act Permanent

Michael D Ostrolenk — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 18:34:04 -0400

Stop Congress from Making the Protect America Act Permanent

This is a target:

Letter to DEA Administrator Tandy on ending monopoly on research

Michael D Ostrolenk — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 12:04:35 -0400

The REAL ID Act: An Update by Jim Harper

Michael D Ostrolenk — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 11:53:04 -0400

In fact, it's unlikely that a single state will comply with this national ID law — a whopping unfunded surveillance mandate passed hastily by Congress in May 2005. The Department of Homeland Security asked states to commit to REAL ID or ask for an extension by October 1st, so now is a good time to review where things are with REAL ID, and perhaps see where they're going.

Legislators Against Real ID

Michael D Ostrolenk — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 10:30:33 -0400

Legislators Against Real ID, L.A.R.I., is a coalition of states formed to put up a united front against the federal governments effort to impose a national identification program.

Federal Court Strikes Down Bush Executive Order on Presidential Records Court Finds Bush Order Impedes Access, Violates Presiden

Michael D Ostrolenk — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:25:52 -0400

A federal district court today struck down part of an executive order issued by President Bush in 2001 to limit public access to the records of past presidents.

October 1st 2007 News from the Liberty Coalition

Michael D Ostrolenk — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 13:23:45 -0400

Dear Friend of Liberty,

Thank you for your continued support of the Liberty Coalition and our efforts to protect and promote Constitutional Liberties. We hope you enjoy our newsletter.

In Liberty,

Michael D. Ostrolenk

National Director, Liberty Coalition

New Coalition Partners:

Barr Praises Federal Court Decision Voiding Patriot Act Provision

Michael D Ostrolenk — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 13:14:59 -0400

Atlanta, GA – Former U.S. Rep. Bob Barr issued a statement today praising yesterday's decision by U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aiken declaring that warrantless searches of private residences and offices under the USA PATRIOT Act are unconstitutional.

"The Presidency, Privacy, and Domestic Surveillance." Book Event

Michael D Ostrolenk — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 12:57:57 -0400

Start: 2007-10-05 00:56

Timezone: Etc/GMT

BusBoys & Poets
2021 14 Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-387-7638 (restaurant)
http://www.busboysandpoets.com/
(RSVP to rsvp@epic.org or call 202-483-1140 x 111)

You are invited to an evening of discussions on the topic of
"The Presidency, Privacy, and Domestic Surveillance." The

TAKE ACTION: Stop the Spying

Michael D Ostrolenk — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 15:57:47 -0400

Americans fought a revolution in 1776 to end the government's blanket power to invade individuals' privacy. We must return to our roots and restore the Constitution immediately: No surveillance of Americans' communications without a warrant.

Judge Voids F.B.I. Tool Granted by Patriot Act

Michael D Ostrolenk — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 09:45:27 -0400

The law allowed the F.B.I. not only to force communications companies, including telephone and Internet providers, to turn over the records without court authorization, but also to forbid the companies to tell the customers or anyone else what they had done. Under the law, enacted last year, the ability of the courts to review challenges to the ban on disclosures was quite limited.

Constitution Project Urges Supreme Court to Reject State Secrets Claim in El-Masri Case

Michael D Ostrolenk — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 07:36:05 -0400

"The Justice Department's attempt to quash Mr. El-Masri's pursuit of justice discredits the Department's mission, to 'prosecute on behalf of justice,'" said Virginia Sloan, president of the Constitution Project. "Rather than stand accountable for its actions this administration has

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Terrorist plots are no more complex than international drug rings

Michael D Ostrolenk — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 07:32:55 -0400

Sir, Not a crumb of evidence substantiates Jack Goldsmith's encyclical that Islamist terrorists

are too terrifying for traditional criminal justice ("The global convergence on terror", August 1)

Paul Reveres or Benedict Arnolds: Whistleblowing in the Post-9/11 Age

Alex Rollin — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 19:49:03 -0400

Shift in Pentagon's security-privacy balance?

Michael D Ostrolenk — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 09:19:52 -0400

Most recently, the Pentagon announced last week that it is shutting down its TALON database, which held secret files on local antiwar activists.

Calling All Presidential Candidates: Who Will Stand Up and Be Transparent?

Michael D Ostrolenk — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 16:11:11 -0400

First, signatories agree to conduct "THE most transparent Administration in American history--a lofty, laudable, far-reaching goal. This oath signals that whether it's earmarks, directives, or ongoing management of taxpayer expenditures, the goal of transparency will be evident throughout all policy making aspects of your Administration."

GOVERNMENT REVEALS ITS OWN ABUSE OF STATE SECRETS PRIVILEGE

Michael D Ostrolenk — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 15:44:31 -0400

Congress trashes your privacy By Bob Barr

Michael D Ostrolenk — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 16:12:17 -0400

Thanks to the fact that a majority of members of Congress apparently cared more for starting their August recess on time than for protecting the Fourth Amendment-based privacy rights of the citizens they represent, this administration now is able to intercept any telephone or e-mail

DEA Should Stop Blocking Medical Marijuana Research

Michael D Ostrolenk — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 08:10:57 -0400

The DEA is blocking medical marijuana research -- while citing a lack of research to justify its continuing campaigns against medical marijuana users and state medical marijuana laws.

Painful drug war victory

Michael D Ostrolenk — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 08:08:43 -0400

Since 2000, the Drug Enforcement Administration has embarked on a muscular campaign against prescription painkiller abuse. It has utilized undercover investigations, SWAT raids, asset forfeiture, and high profile trials against "kingpin" doctors. These tactics should be familiar to anyone who has studied the drug war, but the results are a

In Search of John Doe No. 2: The Story the Feds Never Told About the Oklahoma City Bombing

Michael D Ostrolenk — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 08:07:19 -0400

Jesse Carl Trentadue is no liberal crusader, nor is he an antigovernment conspiracy theorist. He grew up poor in an Appalachian coal camp, called Number 7, halfway between Cucumber, West Virginia, and Horsepen, Virginia.

What's going on at Justice?

Michael D Ostrolenk — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:09:53 -0400

Unfortunately,( or not) I do not get to see all of the hearings in the House and Senate that I would like to be able to. Fortunately, for me, others do attend and are able to keep track of the substance of the various hearings. Two hearings, I would have like to have seen as reported in the August 27th issue of the American Conservative magazine

Re: Senate Leadership Needed to Pass Bipartisan Whistleblower Rights Legislation

Michael D Ostrolenk — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:07:13 -0400

Protect Health Freedom

Michael D Ostrolenk — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:02:48 -0400

Opposition to H.R. 2640

Michael D Ostrolenk — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:00:53 -0400

World Privacy Forum's Top Ten Opt Outs

Michael D Ostrolenk — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 13:58:48 -0400

1. National Do Not Call Registry

2. Prescreened offers of credit and insurance

3. DMA opt outs

4. Financial institution opt outs

5. CAN SPAM

6. Credit freeze

7. FERPA

8. Data broker opt outs

9. Internet portal opt outs

Freedom of Information Reform Bill Passes Senate

Michael D Ostrolenk — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 13:57:13 -0400

The United States Senate yesterday joined the House in passing bipartisan legislation that will fix several of the most glaring problems with the U.S. Freedom of Information Act that were identified in six government-wide

Mack Cosponsors Legislation to Create Checks and Balances on Government Use of National Security Letters

Michael D Ostrolenk — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 13:56:18 -0400

Congressman Connie Mack (FL-14) today became an original cosponsor of legislation that will provide crucial checks against the National Security Letter (NSL) authority expanded by the PATRIOT Act. The bipartisan National Security Letters Reform Act, sponsored by Rep. Jerry Nadler (NY-08) and cosponsored by Reps. Jeff Flake (AZ-06),

Barr Opposes New Surveillance Powers

Michael D Ostrolenk — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 13:53:48 -0400

Barr said the changes to FISA go far beyond what was even remotely necessary to listen in to and surveil those suspected of terrorist ties. The newly amended law now permits the Administration to listen in to virtually any international telephone call or internet communication anyone makes, including those as to which the government has no

Groups Urge Senate to Enact FOIA Reform on the Law’s 41st Birthday

Michael D Ostrolenk — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 07:42:51 -0400

John Whitehead with Bruce Fein on 'war on terror, war on civil liberties'

Alex Rollin — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 08:51:14 -0400

Make your voice heard! Let your Congressional Representative know what you think about medical marijuana research.

Michael D Ostrolenk — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 15:00:39 -0400

Right now is a unique window of opportunity to end the federal government's decades-long stranglehold on research into marijuana's potential as an FDA-approved prescription medicine. On May 15, 2007, DEA Law Judge Mary Ellen Bittner issued an Opinion and Recommended Ruling to DEA in favor of Prof. Craker's application to grow research-grade marijuana at the University of Massachusetts--Amherst. Prof. Craker's facility would end NIDA's decades-long monopoly on the supply of marijuana that can be used in FDA-approved research, and is the focal point of the struggle to bring medical marijuana before the FDA to evaluate whether it meets federal standards for safety and efficacy as a prescription medicine.

Impeach CheneyThe vice president has run utterly amok and must be stopped. By Bruce Fein

Michael D Ostrolenk — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 10:41:08 -0400

, and Mr. Cheney has made the most of it. Since 9/11, he has proclaimed that all checks and balances and individual liberties are subservient to the president's commander in chief powers in confronting international terrorism. Let's review the record of his abuses and excesses:

Senate takes step away from Real ID By Declan McCullagh

Michael D Ostrolenk — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 07:48:55 -0400

The anti-Real ID amendment is backed by two Montana Democrats, Max Baucus and Jon Tester, who say the digital ID cards represent an unreasonable government intrusion into Americans' private lives. In April, Montana became one of the states that has voted to reject Real ID.

"This was a real victory for Montana and the American people," Tester said, after the Senate vote to kill their amendment failed to muster a majority. The unsuccessful vote to table it was 45-52.

Cheney’s office, White House subpoenaed : Senate committee probing legality of Bush’s eavesdropping program

Michael D Ostrolenk — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:12:23 -0400

The Senate Judiciary Committee subpoenaed the White House and Vice President Dick Cheney's office Wednesday for documents relating to President Bush's warrantless eavesdropping program.

The CIA's Family Jewels: Agency Violated Charter for 25 Years, Wiretapped Journalists and Dissidents

Michael D Ostrolenk — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 16:01:26 -0400

CIA Announces Declassification of 1970s "Skeletons" File, Archive Posts Justice Department Summary from 1975, With White House Memcons on Damage Control