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[IP] Patriot Debates website





Begin forwarded message:

From: "sbaker@xxxxxxxxxxx" <sbaker@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: May 11, 2005 8:57:36 AM EDT
To: dave@xxxxxxxxxx
Cc: "Albertazzie, Sally" <SAlbertazzie@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Patriot Debates website


Dave,

Your readers might find useful information about the USA PATRIOT debate at a website I've edited on the topic in my capacity as Chair of the ABA's Standing Committee on Law and National Security. It features some of the best advocates on both sides -- and a Creative Commons license!

http://www.patriotdebates.com/

Stewart Baker

Here are a couple of reviews from people unconnected to the site:


"This collection of mini-debates among an ideologically diverse group of 17 experts is about the best imaginable introduction to the Patriot Act and the controversy that it has provoked. The book explains the more important and contentious provisions and juxtaposes the best arguments for and against them, presented by opposing experts in a readable and civil fashion. This format penetrates directly to which aspects of the law most concern serious civil libertarians; allows them to explain their specific concerns in detail; and proceeds to point-by-point responses from serious supporters of the Patriot Act and brief closing remarks by each side. In the process, Patriot Debates cuts through both the ignorant (not to say demagogic) alarmism of many critics and the complacency of some of the law’s defenders and gets to the heart of the surprisingly small number of major disagreements among opposing experts. It focuses attention on the sometimes difficult tradeoffs between liberty and security that Congress should weigh in the balance as it considers possible amendments and whether to reenact the 16 provisions that are due to expire on December 31."

Stuart Taylor, Jr., Senior Writer and Columnist, National Journal


"The USA PATRIOT Act has helped modernize legal authorities to deal with the terrorist threat. But it also contains some provisions that potentially erode our cherished civil liberties. As Congress scrutinizes the Act and debates its reauthorization, this thoughtful compendium by the ABA Standing Committee on Law and National Security is an invaluable resource for policymakers."

Rep. Jane Harman (D-Calif.), Ranking Democrat House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence





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