America's Concerns
Oregon - life imprisonment for protesting
From Tom Atlee: http://www.co-intelligence.org/tomatleebio.html
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.
Editor's note: They're all disruptive because the FBI infiltrates them making them unruly by agent provocateurs. This makes it look bad for the innocent protestors.
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 March 24, 2003 in Salem, Oregon (specifics below).
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
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, released to post-prison supervision, released on work release, or any form of temporary leave or employment at a forest or work camp....
===============
An opportunity to make your opinions known:
< http://www.aclu-or.org/issues/terrorism/SB742.htm>
Senate Bill 742
SB 742, introduced by Senator John Minnis (R-Gresham) met for a hearing before Senate Judiciary (the committee Senator Minnis chairs) on Monday, March 24 at 8:00 AM Room 343.
The bill creates the crime of "terrorism" and defines it so broadly that individuals would be subject to life in prison if any other participant in the same group intended to disrupt commerce, transportation, educational, or governmental institutions (such as, strikes, protests, student food fights).
More importantly, under section 2 it would also allow state and local law enforcement to ignore both ORS 181.575 and ORS 181.850 if they are investigating "terrorism."
ORS 181.575 prohibits law enforcement agencies from collecting or maintaining information about the political, religious, social views, associations or activities of any person or group unless that information directly relates to a criminal investigation.
ORS181.850 prohibits local law enforcement from using resources to apprehend people whose only offense is a federal immigration violation. The law allows state and local law enforcement to contact the INS after they have arrested someone. The law also permits state and local police to request information from the INS that may help solve a criminal case. To allow an exception to ORS 181.575 & ORS181.850 unravels the protections these laws provide!
For more background on these "181" laws that need protection, please read the "181 Campaign Talking Points."
http://www.aclu-or.org/issues/terrorism/181/181challenges.html>
To see all the groups supporting protecting the 181 laws, take a look at the 181 Campaign Coalition.
http://www.aclu-or.org/issues/terrorism/181/181coalition.htm>
TAKE ACTION NOW!
CALL OR WRITE MEMBERS OF THE SENATE JUDICIARY and let them know you OPPOSE SB 742. We've also included the Senate Democratic leadership so you can share your position with them. Here's the contact information:
Senator John Minnis, Chair (R)
District: 25
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1725
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE S-311, Salem OR 97301
Email Address: sen.johnminnis@state.or.us
Web page Address: http://www.leg.state.or.us/minnisj/Senator
Senator Ted Ferrioli (R)
District: 30
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1730
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE S-217, Salem OR 97301
Email Address: sen.tedferrioli@state.or.us
Web page Address: http://www.leg.state.or.us/ferrioli/Senator
Senator Charles Starr (R)
District: 13
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1713
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE S-312, Salem OR 97301
Email Address: sen.charlesstarr@state.or.us
Web page Address: http://www.leg.state.or.us/starrc/
Senator Ginny Burdick, Vice-Chair (D)
District: 18
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1718
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE S-317, Salem OR 97301
Email Address: sen.ginnyburdick@state.or.us
Web page Address: http://www.leg.state.or.us/burdick/
Senator Charlie Ringo (D)
District: 17
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1717
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE S-314 Salem, OR 97301
Email Address: sen.charlieringo@state.or.us
Web page Address: http://www.leg.state.or.us/ringo/
Senator Vicki Walker (D)
District: 7
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1707
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE S-210, Salem OR 97301
Email Address: sen.vickiwalker@state.or.us
Web page Address: http://www.leg.state.or.us/walker/
Senate Leadership:
Senate President Peter Courtney (D)
District: 11
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1600
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE S-203, Salem OR 97301
Email Address: sen.petercourtney@state.or.us
Web page Address: http://www.leg.state.or.us/senate/senpres
Senator Kate Brown, Democrat Leader
District: 21 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1700
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE S-323, Salem OR 97301
Capitol Fax:503-986-1080
Email Address: sen.katebrown@state.or.us
Web page Address: http://www.leg.state.or.us/brown/