Breaking: Dems seek to pull “John Doe” provision Updates: Dems kill John Doe provision Update: Details from the WashTimes Update: Senate Dems kill John Doe amendment
posted at 9:45 am on July 19, 2007 by Bryan
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Whose water are the Democrats carrying on this? It seems to come down to two suspects — trial lawyers or the mau mauers at CAIR. Or both.
Democrats are trying to pull a provision from a homeland security bill that will protect the public from being sued for reporting suspicious behavior that may lead to a terrorist attack, according to House Republican leadership aides.
The legislation, which moves to a House and Senate conference committee this afternoon, will implement final recommendations from the 911 Commission.
Rep. Pete King, New York Republican and ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee, and Rep. Steve Pearce, New Mexico Republican, sponsored the bill after a group of Muslim imams filed a lawsuit against U.S. Airways and unknown or “John Doe” passengers after they were removed for suspicious behavior aboard Flight 300 from Minneapolis to Phoenix on Nov. 20 before their removal.
“Democrats are trying to find any technical excuse to keep immunity out of the language of the bill to protect citizens, who in good faith, report suspicious activity to police or law enforcement,” Mr. King said in an interview last night.
“This is a slap in the face of good citizens who do their patriotic duty and come forward, and it caves in to radical Islamists,” Mr. King said.
“I don’t see how you can have a homeland security bill without protecting people who come forward to report suspicious activity,” Mr. King said.
Republicans aides say they will put up a fight with Democrats when the conference committee begins at 1 p.m., to reinsert the language, but that public pressure is also needed.
The story notes that Democrats like Homeland Security Chairman Rep. Bennie Thompson opposed the “John Doe” protection out of fears it would lead to racial profiling. Because, of course, racial profiling is so much worse than losing a city full of innocent people.
Update: Michelle has more, including a couple of useful phone numbers. Make yourselves heard.
Congress switchboard: 202-224-3121
Nancy Pelosi’s office: 202-225-4965
Update: Different yet similar tactics against anti-terror efforts in Indonesia.
JAKARTA (Reuters) - Controversial Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Bashir launched a court case on Thursday demanding Indonesia’s anti-terrorism police unit be disbanded because it harmed Islam.
Update: It’s just breaking that the Democrats actually spiked the John Doe proposal in committee. They have exposed to Americans to more terrorism and the threat of lawsuit at the same time. They really ought to reap the whirlwind for this.
If the Democrats get their way, ordinary Americans like Brian Morganstern will have to weigh the threat of lawsuit when they decide whether to trust their gut when they see or hear something suspicious. Some will choose to avoid the lawsuit, and Americans will die.
As for me, I am John Doe.
Update: Audrey Hudson reports:
Congressional Democrats today failed to include a provision in homeland security legislation that would protect the public from being sued for reporting suspicious behavior that may lead to a terrorist attack, according to House Republican leaders.
“This is a slap in the face of good citizens who do their patriotic duty and come forward, and it caves in to radical Islamists,” said Rep. Peter T. King, New York Republican and ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee.
Read the whole thing to get a taste of the Democrat’s brazen arrogance on this, and to see that some Republicans aren’t giving up the fight yet.
While the conference is not likely to meet again, Mr. King noted the conference report has not been written and says he will continue discussions with Sen. Joe Lieberman, Connecticut independent and chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, to insert the “John Doe” language.
Sen. Susan Collins, Maine Republican and ranking member of the committee, announced afterward she will attempt to attach a similar bill to an education measure currently under debate on the Senate floor.
To the commentor who wanted the names of the Democrats who were responsible for this act, they scuttled this amendment in committee in a way that makes them difficult to track down individually. That’s sneaky but it’s how Washington often works. Rep. Bennie Thompson is the most likely culprit, but it’s unlikely that he’s flying solo here.
Update (MM): Damn them.
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PC is going to get us all killed.
elBarto on July 19, 2007 at 9:50 AM
Like the electronics store employee who was worried about being a “racist” when deciding whether or not to report the “Fort Dix” probable attackers…simply because the suspects were Muslim.
Eh, we don’t call ‘em “dhimicrats” for nothing…
JetBoy on July 19, 2007 at 9:53 AM
I’m raising my children to be politically incorrect, which is hard to do as they are in school now, but the parental influence is still strong.
Pulchritudinous Patriot on July 19, 2007 at 9:56 AM
the cancer with-in.
SAY SOMETHING so we can SAY SOMETHING with impunity.
shooter on July 19, 2007 at 9:59 AM
I love this excuse. This dink would rather they stopped and questioned little old ladies just to be fair than concentrate on people with Arabic characteristics who might actually be terrorists. There is for the most part a specific group responsible for terrorist attacks. Going after them first only makes sense.
But I’ve seen these PC nuts go too far before. There are actually municipalities that forbid their police departments to publish the race of a suspect. Really helps narrow it down for anyone who might want to help.
Kowboy on July 19, 2007 at 9:59 AM
With all the problems Homeland has, you’d think that Rep. Thompson could make better use of his time. Where do we find these people? Is there some kind of agency that supplies them or something? “Nitwits Are Us” perhaps?
jeanie on July 19, 2007 at 10:02 AM
AHHhhh… What is KEITH ELLISON’S number?
seejanemom on July 19, 2007 at 10:02 AM
There, now it’s fixed.
fogw on July 19, 2007 at 10:04 AM
GOOD ON YOU!
A good Bible based Christian school (not an Evangelical lovefest, mind you)or a good Hebrew School (not of the Reform variety)might cure that PC disease.
It gets easier and easier to write that tuition check, I tell you what.
seejanemom on July 19, 2007 at 10:05 AM
Democrats being on the Homeland Security Committee is a bit of an oxymoron.
wryteacher on July 19, 2007 at 10:07 AM
The First Amendment and public policy protect complaints to law enforcement. Congress should codify it.
Blake on July 19, 2007 at 10:07 AM
So the CHAIRMAN hasn’t figured out that we’re being attacked by Muslims. (Hudson: That’s it man, game over man, game over, man! Game over!)
Mojave Mark on July 19, 2007 at 10:17 AM
The Democrats are really shooting themselves in the foot (again) with this one.
forest on July 19, 2007 at 10:18 AM
More and more I see the insidious hand of the lawyers lobby in all of this crap.
Look at most of the problems we are having, and somewhere near the bottom, lawyers are making money off it.
Hmmm… just how many people in Congress have law degrees?
Romeo13 on July 19, 2007 at 10:25 AM
I commented on Allah’s recent post about deporting illegal who commit crimes that this is (in Allah’s words IIRC) the “barest minimum of minimums” in terms of tort reform. As to both issues, the fact that there is even a debate is depressing in its own right. But it’s comforting (?) to know that no matter how stupid Republicans are, Democrats are stupider.
BillLalor on July 19, 2007 at 10:29 AM
This is one reason why I am pulling my kids out of school and homeschooling them this year.
StephC on July 19, 2007 at 10:34 AM
Too bad this story won’t make it past the Blogosphere, we need all voters to see it, but the Enemedia won’t let it go anywhere.
Between the media brainwashing us, Hollywood distracting us and the NEA dumbing us down, is it any wonder half the country has their head up their ass? Thank God the OTHER half is still awake and aware.
Tony737 on July 19, 2007 at 10:34 AM
Yeah, but that Mac guy comes across as such a slacker… I don’t know if I’d trust him either.
nosliwelyk on July 19, 2007 at 10:36 AM
Wow! The Dhimmis just keep outdoing themselves, just incredible. As for the people who might be “targeted” by racial profiling… too damn bad! If you want to get pissed at someone, get pissed at the terrorist muslims who spoiled it for everyone! I don’t like to fly anymore and haven’t done so for almost 4 years much to my husbands dismay, but I just don’t feel safe anymore. Everyone bitches about all the security junk they have to go through to get on a plane… I don’t think it’s enough! For the Dhims to try to do this… it’s beyond explanation. Why not get rid of the good samaritan act too while they’re busy laying their heads on the block!!!!!
4shoes on July 19, 2007 at 10:51 AM
Every once in awhile I get so sick of the Repubs…and then something like this happens, and I realize I have no choice.
WisCon on July 19, 2007 at 10:52 AM
forest on July 19, 2007 at 10:18 AM
One could only wish they were shooting themselves in the foot, unfortunately they are attempting to shoot the entire country in the head.
doriangrey on July 19, 2007 at 10:54 AM
This really should be no surprise. The convergence of the goals of radical Islam and those of the political left is becoming more and more obvious.
infidel4life on July 19, 2007 at 11:10 AM
We need a lot more Republicans like Peter King in both the House and especially the Senate.
Always Right on July 19, 2007 at 11:15 AM
CAIR, all two dozen of them?
right2bright on July 19, 2007 at 11:23 AM
Racial profiling?
Since when is ‘Islam’ a race?
The Dhimmicrats are carrying water for their allies — the terrorists who want to kill us!
CrazyFool on July 19, 2007 at 11:26 AM
Ok, I just called Sen. Warners office and actually got someone on the phone, who didn’t know what I was talking about, ‘enact the King Amendment’, ‘John Doe’ amendment, meant nothing to her, she asked me if I knew the number… I did not. I’m going to call Pelosi’s office too, just wondering why Warner’s office hadn’t heard of this.
4shoes on July 19, 2007 at 11:29 AM
CrazyFool on July 19, 2007 at 11:26 AM
And have been for the last 4 years, the real question now should be, when do we start charging them with treason???
doriangrey on July 19, 2007 at 11:32 AM
Does this mean I get to sue federal, state and local gov’ts who encourage me to notify them of suspicious activity via their “Tips lines”?
Just curious.
Veeshir on July 19, 2007 at 11:40 AM
security profiling is not racial profiling! Looks like the Dempcraps are a example of what’s happened to America over the last 40 yrs…America has been woosiefed, pussiefied and oraphied. Dems in congress with the rino’s doing their share.
oldernslower on July 19, 2007 at 11:43 AM
but but but….. this is all BusHitler’s fault! Don’t you all know it was BusHitler that planned 9/11! These freedom fighters didn’t even exist until then! I mean if he had not stolen the election and not invaded Afghanistan or the peace loving sovereign nation of Iraq and removed that wonderful, caring, law abiding leader Saddam Hussein none of this would even be needed! We all know we are just a bunch of racist, discriminating Americans who just want oil and to rule the world. Why should we be alert anyway? Global Warming is the true killer! Damn BusHitler! BusHitler! BusHitler! Bushitler!
FireFly on July 19, 2007 at 11:57 AM
I called Sens Klobochar and Coleman from MN Klobochump’s office wasn’t aware of it she’s Democrat BTW but if they say they are not aware of it…. don’t believe them, they know of the King Amendment very well. Coleman’s office knew of it and it’s been the talk in the halls of the Senate yesterday and today
MNDavenotPC on July 19, 2007 at 12:02 PM
What’s most nauseating is that we know that the “Flying Imams” were purposely mimicing the 9/11 hijacker’s in-flight seating arrangements, etc. That was an effort to shame Americans who “see something” and want to say something into shutting up instead. This would be the next step.
BillLalor on July 19, 2007 at 12:03 PM
So, let me understand this:
Reporting crime, bad.
Committing crime, good.
Wow! Think of all of the money we as a nation will save since this concept, in theory, will lead to the disbanding of law enforcement. After all, they arrest bad people, and sometimes people call the cops on bad people. But according to the Dumbs, calling in crime is a bad thing.
madmonkphotog on July 19, 2007 at 12:08 PM
They sue me, I sue Pelosi for not protecting me.
SouthernGent on July 19, 2007 at 12:39 PM
I have my doubts about those stories, but even if true, if those two dozen provide lots of well-funded lawyers to the “Flying Imams” and others, what do the membership numbers matter? And I don’t think it’s too much tin-foil thinking to suggest that routing funds from “various” sources to Islamist activities - including lawsuits - is more important to CAIR than the membership numbers.
eeyore on July 19, 2007 at 12:46 PM
Term limits get them on your state ballot lets get rid of all of them.
mr.ede on July 19, 2007 at 12:46 PM
The Democrats seem determined to force Americans to cower in the presence of Muslims and relish the prospect of another air disaster, because it will be Bush’s fault, of course.
pat on July 19, 2007 at 12:59 PM
This looks like political suicide for the Dems who are trying to squash King’s amendment.
awake on July 19, 2007 at 1:00 PM
The hole in the toe of the sock…..
One issue, the war in Iraq, became the hole for the Dems to use as their mandate to dismember traditional Americana.
Many of us have the problem of having the rest of our collective foot continue to penetrate that sock. Rather than making an effort to mend the problem, we find it easier to throw away the sock. Lawyers dont want to fix anything, they just want to sell more socks….or create more lawSUITs. PC is just so much smoke and mirrors for the real goal of continually lining pockets of those who cannot and do not contribute to the welfare of a productive and growing economy.
The sad fact is that we conservatives by our pragmatism often wait too long and have to prove through our hindsight that we were right albeit too late to react.
Schmo on July 19, 2007 at 1:56 PM
I thought they were trying to get us to believe islam had nothing to do with terror…
You mean they are intertwined? Connected? One leads to the other? Tied together by the koran or something? One and the same?
Hmmmmm. silly me.
shooter on July 19, 2007 at 2:12 PM
The Democratic congressman from my district is sane enough to vote have voted with King on this issue. I called up his office and demanded that he speak to the leadership, since the Republicans will use this to win votes in 2008. I didn’t even bother with any details about the law itself. The intern said he would immediately bring it to the congressman’s attention.
I suppose if the European leftist are PC to the point of cultural suicide, the Demorats are PC enough to walk off this cliff and lose an election that they stand a good chance to win.
thuja on July 19, 2007 at 2:34 PM
If it is a whistle blower on the Bush Admin then the left is for it, but if you see something suspicious and report it, you are evil.
WoosterOh on July 19, 2007 at 3:03 PM
Racial profiling, my eye. Muslims are not a race. They’re a religious ideal.
Who was it who made the statement, “Not all Muslims are Jihadists, but without exception, all Jihadists are Muslim”?
Americans must be protected from this idiotic stance. Law enforcement relies on John Doe input to help find criminals and enforce the law. If we make it only legal to see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil, we’ll all be blind, deaf and dumb victims.
Tennman on July 19, 2007 at 3:08 PM
Democrats are muslims? Ellison?
Kini on July 19, 2007 at 3:24 PM
Can i now call the dems traitors ????
Mojack420 on July 19, 2007 at 3:32 PM
I agree that the security measures at the airport are still not enough. Of course, it’s annoying to wait in line for two hours before getting through the gates, but guess what I think is more annoying?? Death for me, my family or my fellow Americans just b/c some pervert thinks that will get him into the pants of 72 virgins.
My liberal friends in law school never understood why I didn’t get outraged when the issue of “racial profiling” in airports came up and I always wondered how ignoring the fact that the majority of terrorists right now are of the Muslim faith makes it not so. If all the terrorists were blond-haired, blue-eyed white girls, by all means, search me every time if that’s going to ultimately save people’s lives. I’m sure it is frustrating for the innocent but I would like to think my frustration comes second to our country’s safety.
hollygolightly on July 19, 2007 at 3:39 PM
Terorists have rigths, illegal aliens have rights. The only people without any rights are we, the people. What dimwits !
SIJ6141 on July 19, 2007 at 3:40 PM
I can see why Congress has a 14% approval rating.
SoulGlo on July 19, 2007 at 3:42 PM
As regards terrorism, I think we ought to profile on the basis of religion, not race. Muslims of any racial group/ethnicity ought to be more carefully screened. In other respects, racial profiling would undoubtedly be helpful.
JiangxiDad on July 19, 2007 at 3:52 PM
Agreed. That’s why I used quotes around racial profiling as I agree it’s more based on religion as well.
hollygolightly on July 19, 2007 at 3:54 PM
Dems to the public: Stop Snitching!
Zaire67 on July 19, 2007 at 4:03 PM
Well, they do have that large 14% cusion of support to lean on…
sabbott on July 19, 2007 at 4:28 PM
Okay Kids, report anything suspicious because we are in a GWOT but thanks to the Democrat Party you are liable to be sued if CAIR gets upset?
This provision is no different than the Good Samaritan law and it just shows the depths of denial about the real situation that lurks in the moonbat belfry.
highhopes on July 19, 2007 at 4:29 PM
That approval rating will be down to zero soon enough.
j0 on July 19, 2007 at 4:44 PM
AZ_Mike on July 19, 2007 at 5:02 PM
What it says:
What it should say:
Guardian on July 19, 2007 at 5:14 PM
Liberals = the enemy within.
We keep electing these numbskulls to office, so one could say we are getting what we deserve.
jdawg on July 19, 2007 at 5:34 PM
Where are the freaking Republicans blasting this in interviews and in the media? Where is the outrage? It should not be just a few Republicans fighting the Dems on this.
katieanne on July 19, 2007 at 5:39 PM
Islam, the Religion of Piece(s)!
TruthToBeTold on July 19, 2007 at 5:41 PM
Yes, the truth will set you free! The raw truth is that some (alot) of elected democraps lust for power so intensely that committing treason is a small price to pay to gain “the” power…
Zorro on July 19, 2007 at 5:58 PM
Well, that decides that, I cancel all travel plans, keep to my self and keep Ol Betsy locked and loaded.
drriclaw on July 19, 2007 at 6:15 PM
“Democrats”: All right, thanks. “Conference committee”: Okay, that’s nice to know, too. But do these people have names? Shining the spotlight may be more effective if people know where to, you know, point it.
Kralizec on July 19, 2007 at 6:18 PM
Well, I don’t think I can just ignore terroristic (or mere criminalistic) behavior. Don’t wanna get sued by some lowlife scumbag because I alerted the authorities.
So I reckon I’ll have to take matters into my own hands and eliminate the threat myself.
How do you like them apples you Dhimmi Dems.
LegendHasIt on July 19, 2007 at 6:24 PM
Ditto. If going to jail or getting sued is what must happen……. I’m going to continue to watch closely and report. I already live in a sanctuary city environment.
Hugh Hewitt was right…. Democrats CAN get you killed.
MNDavenotPC on July 19, 2007 at 6:38 PM
lol wut
jambus59 on July 19, 2007 at 6:56 PM
Hey Reuters. He’s not controversial. He’s a convicted terrorist. Assasination plots against Megawati. The Christmas church bombings. Bali. All that. It might have even been reported by Reuters, some of it.
Who the hell are these reporters anyway? This pisses me off.
Granted, he served like 2 minutes of actual jail time, because of the perverted Indonesian courts. But that they, unjust as they are, actually convicted him, says a ton.
TexasDan on July 19, 2007 at 7:01 PM
GREAT Video!
I AM JOHN DOE…AKA Spike
spike on July 19, 2007 at 7:07 PM
The Dhimmicrats just continue to top themselves in their quest to topple the strong America I grew up in.
What will it take for the people of this country to see that this depraved religion of intolerance is using our own laws against intolerance to whittle away at our way of life?! I don’t want to know the answer, but I fear we will find out soon enough.
Congratulations Dhimmicrats, on handing yet another victory to radical Islamics, the enemies of freedom and democracy.
I’m disgusted with the lot of them.
Im_no_dhimmi on July 19, 2007 at 7:08 PM
Wow, they killed it. Unbelievable. I was wrong, I guess sparing the frustration and hurt feelings of a few is more important than our overall safety. Unbelievable.
hollygolightly on July 19, 2007 at 7:09 PM
ps: I am John Doe.
Im_no_dhimmi on July 19, 2007 at 7:09 PM
Bryan, is there anyway to find out who was present at the time?
amerpundit on July 19, 2007 at 7:11 PM
When will Lieberman join the Republicans and save this country?
ctmom on July 19, 2007 at 7:16 PM
John Doe reporting for duty.
infidel4life on July 19, 2007 at 7:24 PM
Who is Kaiser Soze?
Who is John Galt?
I am Jane Doe.
hollygolightly on July 19, 2007 at 7:27 PM
Kaiser Soze was a mysterious character in a movie
John Galt was an idealistic architect in an Ayn Rand novel
and me? I’m ticked off
MNDavenotPC on July 19, 2007 at 7:36 PM
Dems=Traitors
No doubt about it.
Viper1 on July 19, 2007 at 7:38 PM
Pete King was on Mark Levin’s radio show and says we should keep the pressure on these three people:
Pelosi:
Office: 202-225-4965
Fax: 202-225-8259
Email:
Van Hollen:
Office: 202-225-5341
Fax: 202-225-0375
Email:
Reid:
Office: 202-224-3542
Fax: 202-224-7327
Email:
IrishEi on July 19, 2007 at 7:38 PM
I am John Doe
wecoyote6969 on July 19, 2007 at 7:40 PM
Well, I screwed that up royally. The phone numbers are good. Here are the email addresses:
Pelosi email
Van Hollen email
Reid email
IrishEi on July 19, 2007 at 7:43 PM
AAARRRRGGGGHHHHH. No more links. Here’s Pelosi’s email:
sf.nancy@mail.house.gov
I think I better go to bed.
IrishEi on July 19, 2007 at 7:46 PM
This John Doe will never submit!
KC-135A on July 19, 2007 at 7:46 PM
Can’t this be re-introduced?
CrimsonFisted on July 19, 2007 at 7:52 PM
Haha, I know, I just wanted something to say other than “I am Jane Doe.”
As for being ticked off, I am too, to say the very least.
hollygolightly on July 19, 2007 at 7:52 PM
Actually, I didn’t pay close enough attention to your comment the first time, sorry. Howard Roark was the idealistic architect in The Fountainhead, John Galt is the engineer from Atlas Shrugged. Not that it really matters, just sayin’…
hollygolightly on July 19, 2007 at 8:01 PM
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