Ashcroft defends controversial Patriot Act

(19 Aug 2003)
1. US Legal professional Normal John Ashcroft strolling to podium
2. Reporters
3. SOUNDBITE: (English) John Ashcroft, US Legal professional Normal
“Virtually two years after 1000’s of Individuals and the residents of greater than 80 international locations died on the World Commerce Centre, we all know that prevention works. The Patriot Act offers us the technological instruments to anticipate, adapt and out suppose our terrorist enemy.”
4. Ashcroft at podium
5. SOUNDBITE: (English) John Ashcroft, US Legal professional Normal
“Now we have used these instruments to stop terrorists from unleashing extra demise and destruction on our soil. Now we have used these instruments to offer the safety that ensures liberty.”
6. Viewers listening
7. Vast of Ashcroft talking on video display
8. Laura Murphy, director of the American Civil Liberties Union Washington workplace, watching Ashcroft’s speech on tv in her workplace
9. Numerous of Murphy
10. SOUNDBITE: (English) Laura Murphy, American Civil Liberties Union
“I feel that the Legal professional Normal is engaged in a political marketing campaign to attempt to flip across the rising opposition to the Patriot Act.”
11. Ashcroft on tv
12. SOUNDBITE: (English) Laura Murphy, American Civil Liberties Union
“He is making an attempt to invoke names individuals are conversant in: Abraham Lincoln, occasions that individuals are conversant in: September eleventh, and lull them into a way that all the things he is doing is completely required to battle terrorism, once we know that the Patriot Act goes far past preventing terrorism and vastly expands the ability to research and look into the typical American citizen’s livelihood and life-style.”
13. Avenue scenes, folks strolling
14. SOUNDBITE: (English) Chip, Vox Pop
“These extraordinary instances name for extraordinary measures, due to this fact if that is what we have to do to safe our homeland, let’s do it.”
15. SOUNDBITE: (English) Maria, Vox Pop
“OK, the price of freedom is all the time a human life? I do not know.”
16. SOUNDBITE: (English) Vick, Vox Pop
“Completely, he is not convincing me. I feel being an American it is a disgrace that we now have to resort to those type of legal guidelines that invade our privateness and make us really feel like second class residents. It is mistaken.”
17. Individuals strolling on streets
STORYLINE:
US Legal professional Normal John Ashcroft defended the controversial Patriot Act on Tuesday, saying the anti-terrorism measure handed by Congress after the September 11 assaults has been key to the nation’s efforts to thwart assaults in opposition to Individuals.
In a speech to the conservative-leaning suppose tank, the American Enterprise Institute, Ashcroft sought to counter critics who say the act offers legislation enforcement pointless and overreaching powers that threaten the privateness and rights of harmless folks.
Ashcroft stated the legislation has given police and prosecutors the instruments wanted to thwart would-be terrorists throughout the parameters of the US Structure.
Ashcroft talked in regards to the methods by which the act permits legislation enforcement officers to deliver expenses in opposition to suspects considered plotting assaults or supporting terror teams.
Ashcroft’s speech marked the beginning of a campaign-style offensive geared toward countering criticism from main Democrats and civil liberties advocates in regards to the Patriot Act.
He plans a street journey on Wednesday and Thursday, and can tackle legislation enforcement audiences in Philadelphia, Cleveland, Detroit and Des Moines, Iowa.
The legislation has develop into a political punch bag for the Democratic presidential candidates and different prime occasion members.
The Republican-led Home additionally voted lately to limit so-called “sneak and peek” searches that enable for delayed notification of the goal.

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