Issues

Body scanners replace metal detectors in tryout at Tulsa airport

WASHINGTON — For the first time, some airline passengers will skip metal detectors and instead be screened by body scanning machines that look through clothing for hidden weapons, the Transportation Security Administration said Tuesday.

Homeland Security spy cameras in your child's school

From our friends at DownsizeDC:

On September 17, the House passed the "School Safety Enhancements Act of 2008."
My first thought was, "The DC Upsizers are at it again!"

My second thought was that the Constitution gives Congress no authority over public safety, except on federal property. This power is left to the states.

CNSS Senate testimony on new FBI guidelines

Statement by Kate Martin, Director

Center for National Security Studies

Before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence

Revisions to the Attorney General Guidelines for FBI Investigations

October 3, 2008

Chertoff waives liability for "emergency" anthrax shots

This was published in the Federal register on Monday. If you find yourself being forcibly injected with somehting during a "public health emergency," and it hurts you, Homeland Security says that's just tough luck. You won't be able to sue because the Homeland Secretary Chertoff has unilaterally declared these companies won't be liable.

[Federal Register: October 6, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 194)]
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Tell Congress to protect Whistleblowers!

The House and the Senate passed bills to protect federal employees who blow the whistle on waste, fraud and abuse by veto proof margins last year (H.R. 985, S. 274), but have yet to agree on a final bill. Now is the time to tell negotiators, leadership, and other interested Members of Congress that passing a strong bill -- especially one that extends protection to whistleblowers in the FBI and intelligence agencies -- before Congress goes on recess is a priority!