FBI defends Web site monitoring

[sabra]

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http://www.sciencedaily.com/upi/?feed=TopNews&article=UPI-1-20050718-10295600-bc-us-civilrights.xml

FBI defends Web site monitoring

WASHINGTON, July 18 (UPI) -- The FBI is denying allegations it encroached on civil rights by monitoring Web sites that called for civil disobedience in 2004's U.S. political conventions.

Documents released under the Freedom of Information Act show agents monitored a site belonging to a group calling itself RNC Not Welcome that urged visitors to "disrupt" the 2004 Republican National Convention in New York.

Another document described posted threats to disrupt the Democratic National Convention in Boston, The Washington Post reported Monday.

"It's increasingly clear that the government is involved in political surveillance of organizations that are involved in nothing more than lawful First Amendment activities," said Anthony Romero, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union.

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[lvx35]

1. There's a difference between lawful and civil disobediance

Civil disobediance is illegal, and its expected, though not cool, that the FBI would monitor it...But the surveilliance of lawful institutes and lawful protests like the ACLU is stupid.

[OKthatsIT]

2. With Bush and Gonzales around, what do you expect?

BUSH respect the LAW? What a JOKE!

It doesnt really matter in a strategic sense, though. 1st Amendment Rights are OURS...

The ACLU is a good Org to fund.

[Just Me]

3. Proof of oppression of political opposition and dissent.

Shameful!!! There is no defense against this kind of activity: NONE!

[Whoa_Nelly]

4. But did they monitor freerepublic?

Right before the elections and into election night, I lurked over there. There were quite a few posts about putting various "plans" into action, and to PM the admin of that site to "coordinate".

Wait a sec...of course the FBI didn't monitor those freeps. They were part of the plan... :sarcasm:

[Rich Hunt]

5. of course

Mark it.

:sarcasm:

[Norquist Nemesis]

6. Sure they do!

That's how they track down dirty rotten DemocRAT Liberal Traitor scum! :sarcasm: