ACLU of Maryland Lawsuit Uncovers Maryland State Police Spying Against Peace and Anti-Death Penalty Groups
Some excerpts from this site:
"In our America, you should be able to attend a meeting about an issue you care about without having to worry that government spies are entering your name into a database used to track alleged terrorists and drug traffickers," said David Rocah, Staff Attorney for the ACLU of Maryland. "Americans have the right to peaceably assemble with others of a like mind and speak out about what they believe in. For undercover police officers to spend hundreds of hours entering information about lawful political protest activities into a criminal database is an unconscionable waste of taxpayer dollars and does nothing to make us safer from actual terrorists or drug dealers."
The documents obtained in the MPIA lawsuit reveal that for 14 months, MSP's Homeland Security and Intelligence Division sent covert agents to infiltrate the Baltimore Pledge of Resistance, a peace group, the Coalition to End the Death Penalty (CEDP), and the Committee to Save Vernon Evans. The agents collectively spent at least 288 hours on their surveillance over the 14-month period. An agent also joined the electronic listserv of the CEDP under an alias using a spoof email address. Agents from the Division monitored private organizing meetings, public forums and events held in several churches, as well as anti-death penalty rallies outside the state's SuperMax facility in Baltimore and in Lawyer's Mall in Annapolis.
Despite the fact that reports from these events consistently said that activists acted lawfully at all times, the agents continued to recommend that the spying continue. Reports of this surveillance were sent to at least seven federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the National Security Agency, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Anne Arundel County police departments, and the state General Services police. Logs of the surveillance do not contain any reports of illegal activity, but rather consist entirely of reports on the groups' and individuals' lawful political activities.
Sorry to burst your bubble PM. But alot of things are going on you may not be aware of or in denial of.
I gave my opinion based on my experiences and what I have seen and heard, their is an office they will investigate and detain and jail you based on anonomous tips, I will try to find their site for you. Their was a social experiment on TV and although some 50/50 stood up for the women in the hijab many did not. But Muslims I know are afraid of speaking out in the manor of official lobbying. Many Arabs I know still believe their phones are being tapped and don't like to talk on the phone. Maybe the state I go to has more of these incidences than you but it does not make it an exaggeration. Because I don't wear a hijab maybe I can see from a perspective you don't. Even I have been fearful of having someone show up to ask me questions based on who I am married to. So my opinions are my experiences in the States not just made up. In fact during the 1st Gulf War my husband and myself went around talking about the MiddleEast trying to teach people more about the Arab world so they would get the correct viewpoint not what the media portrays, the stereotypes. So I also do something to help educate. We all have a different perspective based on where we live and how we dress. Its true some locations are more tolerant than others.
Brit. Export. We are not US partner for killing civilians for oil, your country and you is the partner. Now who will be a Bigger dog? and it don't mentioned America is the big dog , its Israel is Mad dog.
Never change US policy, US and Criminal Israel want to trouble all country to increase weapon sale. that's way US not stopping and supporting Mad dog Israel.
After 9-11 with cause Arab Americans are afraid to do anything in the public as they can face retribution. I know in one state they actually made a center where you could call anonmously and say you think so and so is a terrorist and that person could be taken in on such a call. So if anyone held a grudge against you, you could easily be detained and imprisoned. The climate in America is different after 9-11 Arab Americans are more afraid to speak out and get involved, they fear for their safety, freedom etc. A news channel even did a test to see if you mistreated a women wearing a head cover would people react or be sympthetic, well some did and some didn't, it was very telling. Its not so easy now!
America looks at its long term interests. It helps Israel because it can use Israel as a proxy whenever it needss to in the Middle East. Israel in return gets protection.
Lastly, I am sorry, but I can't believe that an Israeli leader actually made that statement.. Please send me the source..
I think the fact that Israel were going to attack Gaza, in a plan going back way before 'anyone' allegedly broke the ceasefire (about six-months back), clearly illustrates it was on the agenda a while ago.
Interesting also to note nobody highlighting the fact that Israel were the aggressor here in that they broke the ceasefire on 4th November, killing six Palestinians, Hamas and the Palestinians did not react, and when they did, in legitimate self-defence - suddenly the IDF begin a full scale war.
I just hope every other country eventually locates their moral-compass and follows the actions of Venezuela and Bolivia concerning breaking diplomatic ties with this bully Israel.
Even in a coma it seems Sharon is controlling America, maybe its because America is in a Coma! MONEY controls and since America is broke their contributions to the state of Israel should cease. But as always the US will send even if it means Americans go hungry, politics is dirty for a reason. I wonder if Biden knew this was coming remember him stating that Obama would have a huge problem to deal with as soon as he took office. Its not so far fetched to think this had been Israels plan for a long while.
Britexpat - erm... I think you might find that the USA does what it thinks is best for Israel. NOT its 'own people' actually...
And as for America and 'why should it help others'.. you're spot on - going on this line of thinking, they should cut their aid to Israel and stop this massacre immediately. Why help Israel? Oh sorry.. forgot they have to help them cos (and i quote Ariel Sharon here) :
"Every time we do something you tell me America will do this and will do that . . . I want to tell you something very clear: Don't worry about American pressure on Israel. We, the Jewish people, control America, and the Americans know it."
- Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, October 3, 2001.
I wonder why people are co naive. Why should America help others or why should theer be a special relationship ?
As I keep saying, each country's leadership does what it thinks best for its peoples. At the time, B-Liar decided that it was in Britain's interests to align himself with Dubya and his war on terror.
Now things are different and alliances will change. Life goes on. Such is politics.
Looks like the love relationship between Uk and USA is at all time low according to the Gulf Times today. ofcourse the UK's initiative to push for a resolution to end the hostilities in Gaza against the will of USa lawmakers did not go down well.
So looks like Brown and Black (Obama) may be on Collision course as was the French President when he decided to go against the USA in Iraq.
Kee32, I think we have similar thoughts on this issue and I cannot disagree what you say. So in my opinion there would be no change in Foriegn policy and my fear is as Obama is very inexperience with foreign policies will initailly make a number of blunders before he gets it right. OK five days to go..lets see what he can and cannot do.. I surely do not have hope of Change..
Your right Kee Obama was totally silent about the killing of innocent women and children yet spoke up on other issues. Its another Shabra and Chatilla and he kept his mouth shut, shame on him. I already wrote him a letter to SPEAK UP. The Jews told us not to be silent in the face of a HOLOCAUST, so he should speak up, just wait a week or two so the full force of the Israeli military can do their thing. Annie Lenox at a rally in London said the same thing WE WILL NOT BE SILENT. So its pretty obvious now who Obamas alliances are. I was really hoping he would make a POSITIVE CHANGE. With the economic downturn maybe that will help Israel become weaker.
UkEngQatar, I find it interesting that Obama has said 'there is only one president at a time' when asked about the conflict in Gaza, but somehow can wax lyrical on the US economy, the state of affairs between Pakistan and India and yet, on something which is causing the death of so many innocent women and children, where hospitals and schools are clearly a target of the military and where white phosphorus/chemical warfare is being used on a day to day basis on civilians, he remains silent.
I think we all really know he's just another 'yes man'.
I have to disagree with you somewhat. Yes, neocons have been influential for the last 8 years, but because of their actions , many have now turned against them.
This is not to say that they will go away, but I believe that Obama will try and chart a new course. In my opinion , change will come..
The problem is that as always everyone expects drastic change. this cannopt happen. The simple fact of the matter is that America is Israel's protector and that will be so for the near future. However, America's attitude towards palestinian issue may change, thus bringing hope of a resolution.
Changing of Foreign Policy indeed there'll be but as mentioned earlier not overnight. This will have to come to effect without doubt as the Chinese and Russians are clearly making their presence felt.
Economically, China is now the world's 3rd biggest. Russia is ensuring that they are in control of the gas supply to Europe.
The world can expect that Obama will in another approach adopt the policies of Bush when it comes to China and Russia.
Completely agree with UkEngQatar, (and please relate this solely back to the original question posed of 'will Obama change US foreign policy - can we hope that the US drop its policies of wars and boycott and would adopt diplomacy and dialogue ?'), take the case of the last UN and British drafted resolution. Washington reneged on a pledge to back a this largely British-drafted UN resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. The White House over-ruled US diplomats after a demand from the Israeli prime minister, Ehud Olmert. So I guess, to answer the question - in my humble opinion, Obama won't make a difference sadly - he's merely another puppet. And one who will do the zionist lobby's work for them happily.
NeoCon of America are the one who controlling American Policies, this group is strong supporter of Israel, so NO change is expected from Obama. The President might be Black now but the House is still White (refering to the White House).
So NeoCon's of America are no better the AlQaeda. Both have interest in destabilising the world.
In this instance I actually meant Israel.. However, one must learn from whomever one percieves as the enemy..
Kee32 has touched on what i said, but i beleive her argument is flawed.
Yes AIPAC has power. However, this power has been cultivated over many years and hard work. No-one is just going to allow you to just walk in and "demand" things. You have to nurture the relationships and learn to work from within.
I suppose the best example of this currently is India. Perhaps , rather than learning from Israel, the Arabs can learn from India.
India has quietly nurtured the relationship, built lobby groups and Indians have participated in the governmental processes. Now slowly, they are coming into senior / powerful positions and having an affect on how India is percieved and accomodated by the USA..
PM I think that its a bit naive to say 'the american lobbying system allows anyone to participate'. Check the AIPAC site on the internet, and you'll see there is really only one group who is directing policy in the USA for the sole benefit of its own people. How are muslims/arabs going to intercept something so entrenched into the political system in the States, when they are possibly the most hated/feared group of people who the West largly believe are 'uncivilized and violent'? Lets just be realistic.
Its not whining if its the truth, its merely highlighting facts.
Rahm Emanual who is now Obamas right hand he is the son of a terrorist so I doubt things will change much. You can learn more at these sites. Scary stuff, especially about Adam Ereli as he used to be here in QATAR! Lovely never know who we are associating with here. We all believed Obama had integrity but maybe he sold his soul to the devil I guess only time will tell.
This is where the Arabs are lacking. They need to invest time and money into participating in and influencing the political system. Yes 9/11 was a step back, but they shouldn't be discouraged...
I keep saying again and again.. Don't whine, but learn from your enemy..
The US will change its policy when they are no longer ruled by AIPAC - the lobby which basically control every decision they make, and often only in the interests of zionists and even to the detriment of the US.
Obama brings with him a great sense of hope - but I fear nothing will change, simply because he isn't the ultimate decision maker and will do as he is told...
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hope for the better, expect for the worse...
if he do not comply with the agenda of the Secret Society, he might end up like JFK...
How Can anyone expect Obama to change anything when he has appointed a Zionist as his Chief Of Staff
(Rahm Israel Emanuel)
http://www.aclu.org/police/spying/36025prs20080717.html
ACLU of Maryland Lawsuit Uncovers Maryland State Police Spying Against Peace and Anti-Death Penalty Groups
Some excerpts from this site:
"In our America, you should be able to attend a meeting about an issue you care about without having to worry that government spies are entering your name into a database used to track alleged terrorists and drug traffickers," said David Rocah, Staff Attorney for the ACLU of Maryland. "Americans have the right to peaceably assemble with others of a like mind and speak out about what they believe in. For undercover police officers to spend hundreds of hours entering information about lawful political protest activities into a criminal database is an unconscionable waste of taxpayer dollars and does nothing to make us safer from actual terrorists or drug dealers."
The documents obtained in the MPIA lawsuit reveal that for 14 months, MSP's Homeland Security and Intelligence Division sent covert agents to infiltrate the Baltimore Pledge of Resistance, a peace group, the Coalition to End the Death Penalty (CEDP), and the Committee to Save Vernon Evans. The agents collectively spent at least 288 hours on their surveillance over the 14-month period. An agent also joined the electronic listserv of the CEDP under an alias using a spoof email address. Agents from the Division monitored private organizing meetings, public forums and events held in several churches, as well as anti-death penalty rallies outside the state's SuperMax facility in Baltimore and in Lawyer's Mall in Annapolis.
Despite the fact that reports from these events consistently said that activists acted lawfully at all times, the agents continued to recommend that the spying continue. Reports of this surveillance were sent to at least seven federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the National Security Agency, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Anne Arundel County police departments, and the state General Services police. Logs of the surveillance do not contain any reports of illegal activity, but rather consist entirely of reports on the groups' and individuals' lawful political activities.
Sorry to burst your bubble PM. But alot of things are going on you may not be aware of or in denial of.
I gave my opinion based on my experiences and what I have seen and heard, their is an office they will investigate and detain and jail you based on anonomous tips, I will try to find their site for you. Their was a social experiment on TV and although some 50/50 stood up for the women in the hijab many did not. But Muslims I know are afraid of speaking out in the manor of official lobbying. Many Arabs I know still believe their phones are being tapped and don't like to talk on the phone. Maybe the state I go to has more of these incidences than you but it does not make it an exaggeration. Because I don't wear a hijab maybe I can see from a perspective you don't. Even I have been fearful of having someone show up to ask me questions based on who I am married to. So my opinions are my experiences in the States not just made up. In fact during the 1st Gulf War my husband and myself went around talking about the MiddleEast trying to teach people more about the Arab world so they would get the correct viewpoint not what the media portrays, the stereotypes. So I also do something to help educate. We all have a different perspective based on where we live and how we dress. Its true some locations are more tolerant than others.
Again , you are right..
However, if the Muslims come together na dthe palestinians stop their infighting , then you can take steps to educate, feed, house the people.
Not today, not tomorrow, but very soon, those people will be strong ebnough to take on the mad dog..
Won't they ?
Yes, we need THE PEACE and Harmony on our Planet.
Criminal Israel - well said! Bravo!!
PM - If I'm 'wrong' according to you - you must be the wisest, most knowledgeable person on QL. I guess everyone is wrong except you.
What a joy it must be to live in your world...
That is the main problem, there is no one to controll Israel.
OK.. How do you face up to a Mad Dog ??
Sticks and stones don't help. You need a big gun.. Why not go off and get a big gun..
Brit. Export. We are not US partner for killing civilians for oil, your country and you is the partner. Now who will be a Bigger dog? and it don't mentioned America is the big dog , its Israel is Mad dog.
You are ofcourse correct. So, how does one address this, remembering that America is the Big Dog.
To mess with the Big Dog, you have to become a Bigger Dog..
So, rather than complaining, why not go off and become the Bigger Dog..
Never change US policy, US and Criminal Israel want to trouble all country to increase weapon sale. that's way US not stopping and supporting Mad dog Israel.
America having one policy killing innocent civilians for oil, and supporting the bl_dy Israel.
After 9-11 with cause Arab Americans are afraid to do anything in the public as they can face retribution. I know in one state they actually made a center where you could call anonmously and say you think so and so is a terrorist and that person could be taken in on such a call. So if anyone held a grudge against you, you could easily be detained and imprisoned. The climate in America is different after 9-11 Arab Americans are more afraid to speak out and get involved, they fear for their safety, freedom etc. A news channel even did a test to see if you mistreated a women wearing a head cover would people react or be sympthetic, well some did and some didn't, it was very telling. Its not so easy now!
Lets wait and watch as promised by Obama that ME crisis is his first priority....
What we all need is THE PEACE and Harmony on our Planet!
and debated and shared. As far as Bolivia and Venezuela, I say, "Adios, muchachos."
There are a couple things that are certain: Whatever Obama does will never satisfy everyone.
The other certainty is that whatever decisions made by the USA will take time. PATIENCE is in order. Again, things will not change overnight.
Let's agree to disagree..
America looks at its long term interests. It helps Israel because it can use Israel as a proxy whenever it needss to in the Middle East. Israel in return gets protection.
Lastly, I am sorry, but I can't believe that an Israeli leader actually made that statement.. Please send me the source..
Brit - I've no desire to argue, just having a meaningful debate/sharing of views.
I think the fact that Israel were going to attack Gaza, in a plan going back way before 'anyone' allegedly broke the ceasefire (about six-months back), clearly illustrates it was on the agenda a while ago.
Interesting also to note nobody highlighting the fact that Israel were the aggressor here in that they broke the ceasefire on 4th November, killing six Palestinians, Hamas and the Palestinians did not react, and when they did, in legitimate self-defence - suddenly the IDF begin a full scale war.
I just hope every other country eventually locates their moral-compass and follows the actions of Venezuela and Bolivia concerning breaking diplomatic ties with this bully Israel.
Even in a coma it seems Sharon is controlling America, maybe its because America is in a Coma! MONEY controls and since America is broke their contributions to the state of Israel should cease. But as always the US will send even if it means Americans go hungry, politics is dirty for a reason. I wonder if Biden knew this was coming remember him stating that Obama would have a huge problem to deal with as soon as he took office. Its not so far fetched to think this had been Israels plan for a long while.
Britexpat - erm... I think you might find that the USA does what it thinks is best for Israel. NOT its 'own people' actually...
And as for America and 'why should it help others'.. you're spot on - going on this line of thinking, they should cut their aid to Israel and stop this massacre immediately. Why help Israel? Oh sorry.. forgot they have to help them cos (and i quote Ariel Sharon here) :
"Every time we do something you tell me America will do this and will do that . . . I want to tell you something very clear: Don't worry about American pressure on Israel. We, the Jewish people, control America, and the Americans know it."
- Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, October 3, 2001.
I wonder why people are co naive. Why should America help others or why should theer be a special relationship ?
As I keep saying, each country's leadership does what it thinks best for its peoples. At the time, B-Liar decided that it was in Britain's interests to align himself with Dubya and his war on terror.
Now things are different and alliances will change. Life goes on. Such is politics.
Kee32 & Eve & Brit.
Looks like the love relationship between Uk and USA is at all time low according to the Gulf Times today. ofcourse the UK's initiative to push for a resolution to end the hostilities in Gaza against the will of USa lawmakers did not go down well.
So looks like Brown and Black (Obama) may be on Collision course as was the French President when he decided to go against the USA in Iraq.
-----------------
HE WHO DARES WINS
Kee32, I think we have similar thoughts on this issue and I cannot disagree what you say. So in my opinion there would be no change in Foriegn policy and my fear is as Obama is very inexperience with foreign policies will initailly make a number of blunders before he gets it right. OK five days to go..lets see what he can and cannot do.. I surely do not have hope of Change..
----------------
HE WHO DARES WINS
Your right Kee Obama was totally silent about the killing of innocent women and children yet spoke up on other issues. Its another Shabra and Chatilla and he kept his mouth shut, shame on him. I already wrote him a letter to SPEAK UP. The Jews told us not to be silent in the face of a HOLOCAUST, so he should speak up, just wait a week or two so the full force of the Israeli military can do their thing. Annie Lenox at a rally in London said the same thing WE WILL NOT BE SILENT. So its pretty obvious now who Obamas alliances are. I was really hoping he would make a POSITIVE CHANGE. With the economic downturn maybe that will help Israel become weaker.
UkEngQatar, I find it interesting that Obama has said 'there is only one president at a time' when asked about the conflict in Gaza, but somehow can wax lyrical on the US economy, the state of affairs between Pakistan and India and yet, on something which is causing the death of so many innocent women and children, where hospitals and schools are clearly a target of the military and where white phosphorus/chemical warfare is being used on a day to day basis on civilians, he remains silent.
I think we all really know he's just another 'yes man'.
I have to disagree with you somewhat. Yes, neocons have been influential for the last 8 years, but because of their actions , many have now turned against them.
This is not to say that they will go away, but I believe that Obama will try and chart a new course. In my opinion , change will come..
The problem is that as always everyone expects drastic change. this cannopt happen. The simple fact of the matter is that America is Israel's protector and that will be so for the near future. However, America's attitude towards palestinian issue may change, thus bringing hope of a resolution.
Changing of Foreign Policy indeed there'll be but as mentioned earlier not overnight. This will have to come to effect without doubt as the Chinese and Russians are clearly making their presence felt.
Economically, China is now the world's 3rd biggest. Russia is ensuring that they are in control of the gas supply to Europe.
The world can expect that Obama will in another approach adopt the policies of Bush when it comes to China and Russia.
Completely agree with UkEngQatar, (and please relate this solely back to the original question posed of 'will Obama change US foreign policy - can we hope that the US drop its policies of wars and boycott and would adopt diplomacy and dialogue ?'), take the case of the last UN and British drafted resolution. Washington reneged on a pledge to back a this largely British-drafted UN resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. The White House over-ruled US diplomats after a demand from the Israeli prime minister, Ehud Olmert. So I guess, to answer the question - in my humble opinion, Obama won't make a difference sadly - he's merely another puppet. And one who will do the zionist lobby's work for them happily.
NeoCon of America are the one who controlling American Policies, this group is strong supporter of Israel, so NO change is expected from Obama. The President might be Black now but the House is still White (refering to the White House).
So NeoCon's of America are no better the AlQaeda. Both have interest in destabilising the world.
-----------------
HE WHO DARES WINS
In this instance I actually meant Israel.. However, one must learn from whomever one percieves as the enemy..
Kee32 has touched on what i said, but i beleive her argument is flawed.
Yes AIPAC has power. However, this power has been cultivated over many years and hard work. No-one is just going to allow you to just walk in and "demand" things. You have to nurture the relationships and learn to work from within.
I suppose the best example of this currently is India. Perhaps , rather than learning from Israel, the Arabs can learn from India.
India has quietly nurtured the relationship, built lobby groups and Indians have participated in the governmental processes. Now slowly, they are coming into senior / powerful positions and having an affect on how India is percieved and accomodated by the USA..
Would you agree ??
Eve - great post.
PM I think that its a bit naive to say 'the american lobbying system allows anyone to participate'. Check the AIPAC site on the internet, and you'll see there is really only one group who is directing policy in the USA for the sole benefit of its own people. How are muslims/arabs going to intercept something so entrenched into the political system in the States, when they are possibly the most hated/feared group of people who the West largly believe are 'uncivilized and violent'? Lets just be realistic.
Its not whining if its the truth, its merely highlighting facts.
Rahm Emanual who is now Obamas right hand he is the son of a terrorist so I doubt things will change much. You can learn more at these sites. Scary stuff, especially about Adam Ereli as he used to be here in QATAR! Lovely never know who we are associating with here. We all believed Obama had integrity but maybe he sold his soul to the devil I guess only time will tell.
http://www.bollyn.info/home/articles/middleeast/
http://www.bollyn.info/home/articles/middleeast/how-israeli-intelligence-controls-u.s.-foreign-policy
Thankyou Master Yoda!
I well remember your saying - "Lost a planet, Master Obi-wan-Bush has. How embarrassing... how embarrassing."
Now change will bring peace to the empire..
britexpat: strong the dark force is, but prevail the rebellion will
:)
This is where the Arabs are lacking. They need to invest time and money into participating in and influencing the political system. Yes 9/11 was a step back, but they shouldn't be discouraged...
I keep saying again and again.. Don't whine, but learn from your enemy..
The US will change its policy when they are no longer ruled by AIPAC - the lobby which basically control every decision they make, and often only in the interests of zionists and even to the detriment of the US.
Obama brings with him a great sense of hope - but I fear nothing will change, simply because he isn't the ultimate decision maker and will do as he is told...
Bring to the world change Obama will. Yes! The dark force will be strong, but the empire prevail will..
Well, Obama ran his whole campaign on "Change" and "Hope."
He would be smart to listen to what people are saying globally and try to work with them.
This would mean respecting others which would lead to respectful cooperation.
The USA needs the rest of the world and visa-versa. We are all interconnected.
Hopefully dialogues will open and that will lead to positive changes.
But Moosatm, if you, or anyone else for that matter, are looking for an immediate change, you will be sorely disappointed.
The US, along with everyone else on the planet, is going to have to be patient. It is not going to happen over night.