ACLU calls for changes in the terrorist watch list

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) held a press conference today for the terrorist watch list hitting one million names. The list ACLU is calling for Congress to take action on this list but adding due process, a right to access and challenge data upon which listing is based, tight criteria for adding names to the lists, and rigorous procedures for updating and cleansing names from the list.

“America’s new million record watch list is a perfect symbol for what’s wrong with this administration’s approach to security: it’s unfair, out-of-control, a waste of resources, treats the rights of the innocent as an afterthought, and is a very real impediment in the lives of million of travelers in this country,” said Barry Steinhardt, director of the ACLU Technology and Liberty Program.

The Inspector General of the Justice Department reported in Sept. 2007 that the Terrorist Screening Center had over 700,000 names as of April and said that the list was growing by an average of 20,000 names per month. Working off that average the ACLU has predicted that today the list would reach one million names.

The watch list has become long and “bloated” naming several individuals who are probably not terrorists, Steinhardt said. Nelson Mandela, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize was on the watch list and only recently removed after and act by Congress, and Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) was also on the list causing him trouble and delays when flying, he said.

The ACLU is also calling for the Bush Administration or the next one to issue and executive order requiring the lists to be reviewed and limited to only those for whom there is credible evidence of terrorist ties or activities.

Petraeus: It would be an honor to serve

In his speech addressing Congress before the full committee hearing on his nomination to be reappointed to grade of general and to be commander of the United States Central Command, General David Petraeus said there are four concerns. The first is violent extremism, including but not limited to al Qaida. Second, weapons of mass destruction and lack of transparency by countries such as Iran, which he said is a major cause of concern. Third, lack of sustainable economic development in the Middle East, which is a serious security concern, as poor communities can cause hotbeds of extremism. Fourth, narcotics and arms smuggling which can threaten legitimate operations and can help out terrorists. While this is not an exhaustive list, he said, this is a basic list.

A purely military solution is not the solution, he said, and the approach should be to first seek to strengthen our international partnerships with which to pursue our mutual interests. If he is confirmed, he said, he will search for comprehensive results, by looking for the underlying reasons for issues. I will work tirelessly as a combatant commander and Congress to work that those serving have best equipment, and care for those that have been wounded, Petraeus said. This is a sacred obligation that I take very seriously, he said, and it will mean carrying the heaviest rucksack I’ve ever shouldered, just as our soldiers are carrying heavy rucksacks now. There can be no alternative but to soldier on with them, to help us carry out our assigned mission. It would be an honor, he said, to serve.

Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno, appearing before the committee to be considered for appointment to the grade of general and to be commander of the Multi-National Force-Iraq, said that as he reflects on his nomination, he’s humbled and honored. He understands the great cost our nation has endured in Iraq, and the responsibility that comes with his position. Integrity, commitment and drive that such a position demands, is something that he hopes to bring with him should he be confirmed to his position.

During the initial speech of Petraeus, Code Pink caused a major disruption by shouting, screaming, and demonstrating their anti-war cause while wearing outfits that were depicting “bloody clothes” and “death.” While the Capitol Police removed them and Senator Carl Levin (D- Mich), Chairman, asked them to be quiet and refrain from demonstrating vocally. The remaining Code Pink members sat silently, holding signs that said “Stop the Killing” and “Endless War,” but not creating further disruptions.