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Senate Hearing To Probe State Adding Marcellus Shale Drilling Protesters To Terrorist List
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On September 27 the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee will hold a public hearing to dig more deeply into the controversial no-bid contract state government had with The Institute of Terrorism Research and Response. Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), Majority Chair, says that as more information comes to light, state actions become more concerning.
"People were targeted for no reason other than they were exercising their fundamental rights of free speech and assembly. Beyond that, there seems no justification for sharing this kind of information with the private businesses who received it," Sen. Baker stated.
"News reports are indicating that key administration officials had the chance to change this or put a stop to it months ago. But the program would still be running if someone had not blown the whistle. Citizens want to know why this was allowed to continue, and they deserve answers. This is too serious a matter to trust to an in-house inquiry alone," she pointed out.
"I have had people contacting me to express concern about how this might affect them. They and others are very angry about what appears to be a serious abuse of government power," Sen. Baker concluded.
In a September 16 letter to Gov. Rendell, Sen. Baker wrote--
"As everyone holding public office understands, public confidence in government is already exceedingly low. The appalling revelation of a terrorism advisory list targeting gas drilling opponents and others makes the situation in Pennsylvania all the worse.
"This will have a chilling effect on public activism at a time when it is critical for diverse views to be part of the debate. Understandably, critics of state government see this as an effort to intimidate them.
"Concerned citizens and community activists have underscored the need for sufficient environmental and community protections. This sort of involvement should be commended, not retaliated against.
"In your recent news conference, you anticipated some ofthe unhappy consequences ofthis unfortunate decision. While your apology was well made, it does not cover the concerns of those wondering if they are on a list, and if so, whether that might cause complications in any number of circumstances.
"A woman emailed me to ask what might happen when she tries to board a flight in a few weeks. She has no way of knowing if her name may have been circulated, and what difficulties that may pose.
"In fairness, any individual or group appearing on a list should receive a letter ofapolory that contains an assurance that state government will take follow-up measures to ensure the removal of information improperly disseminated."
The public hearing is scheduled for September 27th, in Hearing Room #1 in the North Office Building, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Letters requesting state officials to testify were sent Friday.
Marcellus Protesters Put On List Of Terror Threats
Rendell Ends Tracking Of Opponents Of Natural Gas Drilling Appalled Governor Shuts Down Reports On Marcellus Opponents Anti-Terrorism Contract Helped Gas Drillers
Rendell's Top Staffers Knew Of Protester Tracking In July Ex-Rendell Aide Questions Terror List Contract State Tracking Outrages Foes Of Gas Drilling As Creepy
Documents Show PA Homeland Security Tracks Anti-Drill Group Editorial: Speaking Your Mind In PA Is Not A Threat
Editorial: Paranoia As Public Policy Editorial: Rendell Quick To Respond To Homeland Security's Absurdity Related Story
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9/20/2010 |
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