Michigan Libraries FoIA'ed by conservative law firm

[stavka]

A law firm in Michigan, appears to be doing what the Attorney General is denying he will do on his own, Seeking Confidential Records from Public Libraries. Most Libraries were served yesterday and today.

It looks like they are FOIAing every public Library in the state (hundreds?) for user information like name, address, phone number etc.

by no shock, the law firm, Flory and Associates, is linked to ultra conservative causes- like The Young Republican National Federation.

- Needless to say the Libraries are denying the request across the board


Date: Thu, 24 Jun 2004 16:22:23 -0400
From: ***** ******* <val@*****library.org >
Subject: FOIA request

Well, I spoke with Caleb, the Law Clerk from Flory & Assoc.
Here is the recap of what he stated when I asked why he was requesting the FOIA information from so many libraries:

"It is related to work they are doing for an affiliate organization."

He stated this several times and would not disclose who the affiliate
organization was due to client confidentiality. He also stated that
institutions funded primarily with public tax dollars should be included in public records available through FOIA. He also stated there is the possibility to challenge the law in court and that he had six months after a denial to challenge.

[stavka]

1. ...a colleague sent

This story is in Detroit Newspapers and the Lansing State Journal at this point.

"Caleb Marker-

A graduate of Niles High School -- where he was president of his
Business Professionals of America chapter, he went on to Michigan State
(International Relations), a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon - Sigma Kappa
Chapter, MSU's ASMSU Web director -- later elected to ASMSU's internal
vice chairperson, and currently running for a Clinton County
Commissioner seat in district 6 (Aug. 3 Primary). Looks like he failed
in his bid last year for a seat on the East Lansing City Council."

Nice to shine a light on a nest of little fascistic idiots when you can.

[ok222]

2. I called the Firm

about it just waiting for a reply =)

[MichiganVote]

3. For what its worth

Vern Ehlers opposed the amendment Repub's wanted attached to the Patriot Act that would open up our private choices from libraries and book sellers. Seems his daughter is a librarian and all librarians oppose this measure. Vive la librarians!

[Ruby Romaine]

4. here's a link

http://www.lsj.com/news/local/040707_lawclerk_1b.html