Do you agree with the Democrats that its is ok to sue a person for reporting something suspicious?

Question

AKA: the John Doe Provision.

"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.

On March 27, the House approved the "John Doe" amendment on a 304-121 vote

http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070719/NATION/70719001/1001

Answer 1

No it's not OK, it's absurd.


Edit: There's a big difference between making claims about a neighbors talking trash can and a suspicious looking package in a public park. Don't you think? Law enforcement is capable of telling the difference. Sue the harassing neighbors, sure, but suing someone for having a legitimate concern- that's beyond belief.

Answer 2

I don't believe it's okay to sue a person for reporting something suspicious, but that particular provision is repetitive and unnecessary. Strong laws already exist to protect people who report suspicious activity, not the least of which is the First Amendment, as well as SLAPP (strategic lawsuit against public participation) laws.

Answer 3

Laws of this nature have been used/tried before and sadly the police report that MANY of the "reports if suspicious behaviors" ended up being nothing else then somebody using the law to "get back" at another person .

I would agree with this law IF a person was caught using/qabusing the law in a personal vendetta that person would be charged with contempt of court or obstruction of justice and served time.

Answer 4

Why don't you people READ the text of the legislation before making such comments. It's highly unnecessary and overly broad.

If this law had passed, a neighbor who didn't like you could basically maliciously lie to the police and say that you committed some suspicious behavior and you would have no recourse against that neighbor.

Answer 5

Letting the loonies and the goonies lose without recourse to the courts is a very bad idea. If anybody with a gripe against their neighbor can report him as a terror est without being accountable for his actions we are imitating the non accountability of the administration and the royal attitude of above the law Chaney at the community level.
Your question is just plain idiotic and reflects a total lack of understanding of what this country is all about. You are the terrorists best friend cause if we listen to you and your moron buddies, they have won.

Answer 6

Oh yeah, I forgot about the flying imams who were obviously trying to bait their fellow passengers into reporting them and got what they wanted. Even though it backfired on them they can't get their feeble, conniving minds to let it go.

Answer 7

Well then, I guess it's better to just take them out rather than turn them in. You get more satisfaction that way anyway, I think.

Answer 8

No, I don't agree with the liberals on this. It goes to show whos side these Democrats are really on.

Answer 9

It is a slap in the face to good citizens. Everyone remember who is responsible at election time.

Answer 10

just follow the money..I am sure the ACLU helped dictate
the legislation