Since the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, Attorney General John Ashcroft and Resident-Select George W. Bush have relentlessly pursued a long-time conservative dream - the roll back and outright repeal of civil liberties.  Under the guise of "national security" and "unity" they have succeeded in cowering Congress into permitting the stampede of all Americans' rights and freedoms.  Opposition and dissent have been stifled by claims that opponents are "siding with terrorists" or are "unpatriotic."

These restrictions and tactics may seem reasonable to some people "in this time of national emergency."  The problem, however, is that the majority of new police powers are permanent and will remain in effect long after the "war on terrorism" is over.  You may still be tempted to accept these intrusions on civil liberties because "I won't be affected" or "This is just aimed at terrorists."  The language is written so broadly that almost anybody who wants to "change government policy" could be labeled a terrorist.

If such "blind faith" in the policies of these men worries you, then you should learn as much as you can about the issues. Afterwards, educate other people about what you've learned and by all means, let your members of Congress know how you feel.

Check out the following sources of Online Activism.  In many cases, you can send a FREE Online Fax to your Members of Congress about pending legislation.

 

ACLU Action Items PFAW Action Center FAIR Activism Sierra Club Actions Common Cause - Take Action Working Assets Activism       CALL OR EMAIL YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS Call the Capitol Switchboard in Tallahassee at 850-488-1234 and ask for your representatives. If you don't know who your Representative and Senator are, visit: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Legislators/ SENATOR MEL MARTINEZ: Website, E-mail Washington Office: 317 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510-0903 Phone: (202) 224-3041 Fax: (202) 228-5171 Main District Office: 315 East Robinson St., Landmark Ctr. 1, Ste. 475 Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: (407) 254-2573 SENATOR BILL NELSON: Website, E-mail Washington Office: 716 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510-0905 Phone: (202) 224-5274 Fax: (202) 228-2183 Main District Office: 225 East Robinson St., Ste. 410 Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: (407) 872-7161 Fax: (407) 872-7165 REPRESENTATIVE CORRINE BROWN (3rd Dist): Website, E-mail Capitol Hill: 202-225-0123 District Offices: Jacksonville 904-354-1652 Orlando 407-872-0656 REPRESENTATIVE CLIFF STEARNS (6th Dist): Website, E-mail Capitol Hill: 1-800-833-4352 District Offices: Orange Park 904-269-3203 Ocala 352-351-8777 Gainesville 352-337-0003