I get to be as self-indulgent as I want without wasting anyone's time. Guilt-free solipsism -- excellent!

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Well, I mentioned earlier that I would probably have some reservations about the anti-terrorism act, and Wired's Declan McCullagh has validated my fears. These powers -- none of which are subject to sunset provisions -- look very dangerous to me --

effective suspension of habeas corpus for suspected terrorists (like the perfectly innocent doctor from San Antonio whose three-week detention was the subject of a piece in last week's NYTimes Magazine)

computer hacking that causes more than $5000 in damage being defined as terrorism

giving the FBI carte blanche to monitor private citizens' Internet activity without even requiring them to go to a judge for a warrant first

sharing confidential grand jury testimony with the CIA

Clearly some action was warranted. But these provisions go way too far, removing crucial checks and balances on law enforcement powers. Can we be both safe and free? I think we can.

| posted by Alex at 4:04 PM