Librarians! (I know you're out there). While reading this Washpost article, I came across the following quote: "The FBI documents based on surveillance of Ivins said he visited a public library in Frederick that evening, where he searched a Web site dedicated to the anthrax investigation and checked various e-mail accounts." How do they know that? [more inside]
posted by punkbitch on Aug 10, 2008 - 27 answers

I'm looking for a list of changes wrought on the Bill of Rights by the Patriot Act, amendment by amendment. [more inside]
posted by Max Power on Aug 19, 2007 - 8 answers

I was asked for identification today, to purchase a gallon of mineral spirits at WalMart. Does anyone know if this is due to new legislation, or is WM doing this on their own? The clerk told me I could expect to be ID'd for many other items in the future. I'm also curious if they think I'm making bombs or drugs.
posted by pekar wood on Mar 15, 2005 - 36 answers

Catch 22: I am applying to Social Security for disability. I need my birth certificate. To get my birth certificate from Pennsylvania, I need a valid government-issued ID bearing my current address (driver's license). To change my driver's license to my current address in South Carolina, I need my birth certificate (implemented 6/04 due to Patriot Act).

Has anyone run into this and figured out how to break the loop? I have already called Social Security, SC DMV and PA Vital Records AND talked to supervisors. Is my congressman next?
posted by mischief on Jul 14, 2004 - 14 answers