Transpartisan network to co-host program on NSA surveillance

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 11, 2006

CONTACT: Jesse R. Benton 202-246-6363 (mobile)

Transpartisan network to co-host program on NSA surveillance

Former Vice President Al Gore to address controversial wire tap program

When: Monday, January 16 at 12 p.m. (doors will open at 10:30 a.m.)
Where: DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D Street, NW

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Liberty Coalition, a transpartisan network dedicated to protecting civil liberties and human rights, will co-host a symposium headlined by former Vice President Al Gore addressing recent revelations that the White House authorized the National Security Agency (NSA) to eavesdrop on international phone calls made by citizens with alleged ties to terrorism. The program will focus on constitutionality of the NSA program and its implications for civil liberties and executive power. Mr. Gore will be introduced by conservative activist and former U.S. Representative Bob Barr (R-Ga.), highlighting the transpartisan nature of the event.

“NSA domestic surveillance is an extremely important and sensitive topic,” said Liberty Coalition National Director Michael Ostrolenk. “It is crucial that citizens and leaders interested in real solutions and answers lay partisan politics aside and open an honest, principled dialogue on the issue. Liberty Coalition thinks this program on Monday will be a great first step.”

The Liberty Coalition is a unique transpartisan network that brings its members together across ideological lines to address issues of personal freedom and civil liberties. The event is also sponsored by The American Constitution Society for Law and Policy (ACS). ACS is one of the nation's leading progressive legal organizations. Founded in 2001, ACS is comprised of law students, lawyers, scholars, judges, policymakers, activists and other concerned individuals who are working to ensure that the fundamental principles of human dignity, individual rights and liberties, genuine equality, and access to justice are in their rightful, central place in American law.

Members of the media interested in attending this event should contact Jesse Benton at 202-246-636. For more information on the Liberty Coalition, visit www.libertycoalition.net