Congress Wants Rights Board

[Rose Siding]

A recommendation to establish a federal civil liberties commission -- which would oversee all antiterrorism information-sharing among government agencies -- is gaining support and could be implemented relatively soon, government officials and outside observers say.

But it remains to be seen just how much power the commission would have, and whether it would be accountable to the president or Congress.

The idea comes from the 9/11 commission's report (PDF), which said "at this time of increased and consolidated government authority, there should be a board within the executive branch to oversee adherence to the guidelines we recommend and the commitment the government makes to defend our civil liberties."
...
Questions facing Sens. Joe Lieberman (D-Connecticut), John McCain (R-Arizona), Evan Bayh (D-Indiana) and Arlen Specter (R-Pennsylvania) -- who are all working on turning the recommendations directly into legislation -- include whether the board would work like an independent commission, or reside in the White House or Justice Department. They also have to decide who appoints members.

http://www.wired.com/news/politics/0,1283,64660,00.html?tw=rss.POL

[unblock]

1. this is a BAD idea

it's a single point of failure and corruption.

staff it with anti-civil liberties types and game over.

[InkAddict]

2. This is a reprehensible idea

So long US Constitution. Geesh, overriding Federal Judges decisions, why bother them at all. Monkey courts for all offenders, and criminal campouts. Another F....King bureau to twist the truth of corruption. WHAT IS THEIR PROBLEM! They hate us for our freedoms!!!!

[Trillo]

3. Our leaders are supposed to be accountable to "the people."

This is just another way for our leaders to pretend they're not responsible, and to keep important "officials" out of the election process.