[Announce-DAN] 11-02-00 -- URGENT ACLU Action Update: What Is The Government Trying to Hide?

[buildingbridges@mindspring.com]

TO: ACLU Action Network
FR: Jared Feuer, Internet Organizer
DT: November 2, 2000

President Clinton has until Saturday, November 3, to decide whether to
sign or veto a measure that would make it extremely difficult for the
media to meet its obligation to inform the public of information vital to
national debates on serious issues.

In breaking major stories, most major newspapers run articles based in
part on classified information.  In recent months the media has, for
example, informed the public of an Iraqi missile program, China's likely
reaction to a U.S. missile program, and the sales by Russia of deadly
military technology to countries on the "terrorist" list.  Without this
free exchange of information and ideas, the freedom enshrined in the First
Amendment loses its meaning and power, threatening the very existence of
our democracy.

If President Clinton signs this law, every newspaper story that relies on
a leak of classified information to expose an abuse could be the basis of
a criminal prosecution of the source of the leak.  Exposing official
gaffes should not invite fines and imprisonment.  After all, what is the
government trying to hide?

Take Action!  You can learn more about the proposed measure and send a
FREE FAX to President Clinton from our action alert at:

http://www.aclu.org/action/classified106.html

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