The Failed Pacifist

Monitoring Peace Activists' Emails

The ACLU has released more information about the U.S. government's monitoring of peace activists, including reading emails. While the Department of Homeland Security says the monitoring is "only to alert commanders and staff to potential terrorist activity", it seems that expressions of dissent are being characterized as "subversive propaganda" and a threat to national security. Once collected, the information is shared, not only with Federal agencies, but also with state and local law enforcement.

Among the groups being monitored are the Quakers.

The planned activity of the Quakers that so concerned the Pentagon, Homeland Security, and the Joint Terrorism Task Force was this: "On 19 Mar 05, there will be a 'Stop the War NOW!' rally in commemoration of the second anniversary of the U.S. Invasion/Occupation of Iraq. The Akron rally will have a march and reading of names of war dead. ... The Akron march begins at noon and goes past a local military recruiting station and the FBI office. The march will end at the Federal Building in Akron, for a rally, followed by reading of names of U.S. and Iraqi war dead."

posted by Doran @ 8:19 AM