Reply #5: They apply The Patriot Act to citizens [View All]

[madmusic]

Artist falls afoul of Patriot Act
Artist's use of 'harmless' bacteria spurs investigation
by Tom Regan | csmonitor.com

In a highly unusual use of the USA Patriot Act, which its creators say was designed to prevent terrorist attacks in the United States, The New York Times reports that three artists have been served subpoenas to appear before a federal grand jury June 15. The grand jury is considering whether or not to charge Stephen Kurtz, an art professor at the University of Buffalo whose art involves the use of biology equipment, with "possession of biological agents."

Mr. Kurtz's problems with the Patriot Act began in May when he dialed 911 to report his wife of 20 years was unresponsive. When paramedics came to his house, one of them noticed that Kurtz had laboratory equipment, which he used in his art exhibits. The paramedics reported this to police and the FBI sealed off his house.

Authorities later said that Kurtz's wife had died of "heart failure," but he wasn't allowed to return to his home for two days while the FBI confiscated his equipment, and biological samples. They also carted off his books, personal papers and computer. Eventually his home was declared "not a danger to public health," but the FBI did not return his equipment.

http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/0607/dailyUpdate.html

And part of this new bill can, and since it can, it will, apply to U.S. citizens.