Friday 10 June 2005

Bush Lobbies For Patriot Act

RSVP's To Terrorists Not In; May Move Sunset Provisions To Clear Skies Act

Speaking at the Ohio State Patrol Academy in Columbus yesterday, President Bush lobbied for the Congress to renew the Patriot Act, as is, saying it has been an effective tool for law enforcement to fight terrorism and ignoring critics of the bill who say the act
Inhibits and tramples on rights granted in the Constitution.

Bush cited specifically 16 provisions of the Patriot Act that are due to expire at the end of this year.

"We've put out a questionnaire to the terrorist community, to gauge what we'll need", said the President. "We've given them the opportunity to participate … To be part of the process … To build, as opposed to obstruct but we've had very few returned".

As to the 16 critical provisions, often referred to as the "sunset provisions", Bush indicated he may move them over to the administrations 'Clear Skies Act' as means to preserve them.

"That should be pretty easy to do", offered Bush. "I mean, the sun is in the sky, I think we can all agree on that".

One element of the Patriots Act that has drawn fire is the authorization of 'roving wiretaps' and electronic surveillance. Before the Patriot Act, law enforcement needed to get a judge's permission to monitor each phone number targeted. Bush cited that this put "our national security at stake" with a wall between fighting terrorism and intelligence gathering.

"Tear down that wall" said Bush, lobbying to keep the provision.

Bush acknowledged that the disappointing results of the questionnaire sent to terrorist may be a result of poor mail service in areas of conflict and, the desire of the terrorists not to want to give up their locations.

"We've now posted this on one of our websites, so they can download it or fill it out on-line", offered the President

Bush promised the audience of law enforcement that he will monitor and pursue vigorously the passing and renewal of the Patriot Act.

"I plan on cutting down my bicycle riding so I can stay on top of this"



Aruba Struggles With Investigation But Plans For Future

Talks Started With CBS; Planning CSI Theme Park To Bolster Tourism

As Aruban law enforcement, with the assistance of the F.B.I, continue the search for missing Alabama teen Natalee Holloway, government and tourism officials nervously await the outcome. With three more arrests in the case yesterday, and now into its 12th day, the case has brought international attention to the tiny island, better known for its warm weather and beaches.

"This is going to be a problem" offered one tourism executive, "no matter what the outcome is"

Aruban officials did confirm that they have begun talks with CBS to build a CSI theme park on the island, to, in part, capitalize on their current situation, and make plans to maintain their robust level of tourism.

Tourism in Aruba account for over 35% of the nation's economy. Of all the tourist that visit the island, over 60% of them are from the United States. Up to now, Aruba as enjoyed the reputation of being a "very safe" island but officials concede that may change.

The CSI Theme Park will highlight the popular CBS program and include visits and appearances from the stars of the program. It could also include filming some of the shows episodes on Aruba.
Visitors to the CSI Theme Park will have two options; a standard interactive tour or, they can create a customized case to work through.

If approved, the park will be built and open by the Summer of 2006.

There are unconfirmed reports that NBC has been talking with Aruba officials about a similar, 'Law and Order' theme park.