<http://www.aclu-or.org>http://www.aclu-or.org
>
> Dear friends: If this bill, which is so dangerous to our basic
> freedoms, can pass in Oregon, it can also happen in California, New
> York, and the entire country. Wherever you live, I urge you to voice
> your opposition NOW to the Oregon senators listed later in this
> notice, and to forward this information to your network I have
> included my own letter of protest to the Oregon senators at the
> bottom. Feel free to use or adapt it as you like. --- Karil
>
> ===============
> From Tom Atlee:
>
> Dear friends,
>
> This is serious and urgent. There is a clear and present danger to
> democracy in Oregon which could spread to other states.
>
> Senate Bill 742 proposed by Oregon State Senator Minnis (R-Dist. 25 /
> Fairview)(Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee) creates the crime
> of "terrorism" -- punishable by life imprisonment. Senator Minnis
> defines "terrorism" so broadly that even being present at a
> demonstration that is in any way "disruptive" could result in life
> imprisonment.
>
> I have given the relevant sections of the bill below, as well as the
> link to the whole bill. I have also provided information from the
> American Civil Liberties Union regarding this, including contact
> information for the relevant Oregon State Senators.
>
> Ever since laws began to be passed criminalizing "terrorism," I have
> been concerned that its definition would be expanded to include
> anything that authorities wished to suppress which could then be
> subject to extreme punishment, laying the groundwork for serious
> suppression. It seems that is now happening. It must be
> energetically nipped in the bud if we are to prevent its spread.
>
> If this law passes in Oregon, it is highly likely that other states
> will pass similar laws, especially in the current political climate.
>
> I trust you will act if you feel so moved. Whether you are an Oregon
> resident or not, you can express your dismay to the Oregon State
> Senators listed below. If you are an Oregon resident you can, in
> addition, attend a hearing Monday morning Mar 24 in Salem, OR
> (specifics below).
>
> Coheartedly,
> Tom
>
>
> PS: The law also sets aside (in terrorism cases) two other Oregon
> laws which prevent police from (a) spying on innocent people and
> organizations and (b) apprehending people solely for immigration
> violations.
> _ _ _ _
>
> Excerpts from the proposed law:
>
>
><http://pub.das.state.or.us/LEG_BILLS/PDFs/SB742.pdf>http://pub.das.state.or.us/LEG_BILLS/PDFs/SB742.pdf
> 72nd OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY--2003 Regular Session
> Senate Bill 742
> Sponsored by Senator MINNIS
>
> SUMMARY: Creates crime of terrorism. Punishes by life imprisonment.
>
> SECTION 1.
>
> (1) A person commits the crime of terrorism if the person knowingly
> plans, participates in or carries out any act that is intended, by at
> least one of its participants, to disrupt:
> (a) The free and orderly assembly of the inhabitants of the State of Oregon;
> (b) Commerce or the transportation systems of the State of Oregon; or
> (c) The educational or governmental institutions of the State of
> Oregon or its inhabitants.
>
> (2) A person commits the crime of terrorism if the person conspires
> to do any of the activities described in subsection (1) of this
> section.
> ....
> (4)
> (a) A person convicted of terrorism shall be punished by imprisonment for
> life.
> (b) When a person is convicted of terrorism under this section, the
> court shall order that the person be confined for a minimum of 25
> years without possibility of parole, release to post-prison
> supervision, release on work release or any form of temporary leave
> or employment at a forest or work camp....
>
> _ _ _ _ _
>
> An opportunity to make your opinions known:
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