Freedom Lawyers of America

Bush extends illegal search policy to mail
Seattle Times

"President Bush quietly has claimed sweeping new powers to open Americans' mail without a judge's warrant. Bush asserted the new authority Dec. 20 after signing legislation that overhauls some postal regulations. He then issued a 'signing statement' that declared his right to open mail under emergency conditions, contrary to existing law and contradicting the bill he had just signed, according to experts who have reviewed it. A White House spokeswoman disputed claims that the move gives Bush any new powers, saying the Constitution allows such searches." (01/04/07) http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003508676_mail04.html

FBI: Rehnquist used powerful sleep aid for a decadeUSA Today"A physician at the U.S. Capitol prescribed a powerful sleep aid for William Rehnquist for nearly a decade while he was an associate justice of the Supreme Court, according to newly released FBI records. The records present a picture of a justice with chronic back pain who for many months took three times the recommended dosage of the drug Placidyl and then went into withdrawal in 1981 when he abruptly stopped taking it. Rehnquist checked himself into George Washington University Hospital, where he tried to escape in his pajamas and imagined that the CIA was plotting against him, the records indicate." (01/04/07) http://tinyurl.com/y37y44

UK: Cab driver's 420mph CavalierThe Sun [UK]"Cabbie Tom Matthews reckons cops are pulling a fast one -- after they accused him of speeding at 420MPH. Tom was in his 12-year-old Vauxhall Cavalier when he was snapped by a speed camera. But when notice of a £60 fine and three penalty points arrived, the recorded speed was 420mph -- in a 30mph zone.Tom, 34, said: 'I drive an old Cavalier -- not a jumbo jet. According to this, I've broken the land speed record.'" (01/04/07)http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2007000423,00.html

IL: Police seize roadblock protestor's carThe Newspaper"Elgin, Illinois police confiscated the car belonging to a sober man who protested on Thursday against officers for wasting his time at a holiday drunk driving roadblock. Innocent motorists on that day and throughout the weekend were pulled over and subjected to search and interrogations at the Pace bus station on Highland Avenue. Police issued expensive tickets to anyone whose papers were not in order. One motorist became so angry at being detained because he chose not to wear a seatbelt that he honked his horn and blasted his stereo in protest. For that, police confiscated his car, issued a $250 ticket and forced the motorist to walk home." (01/01/07) http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/15/1526.asp

MO: Police harassment caught on tapeThe Newspaper"A teenager harassed by police in St. Louis, Missouri caught the incident on tape. Brett Darrow, 19, had his video camera rolling last month as he drove his 1997 Maxima, minding his own business. He approached a drunk driving roadblock where he was stopped, detained and threatened with arrest when he declined to enter a conversation with a police officer about his personal travel habits. Now Darrow is considering filing suit against St. Louis County Police. ... On that late November night, videotape confirms that Darrow had been ordered out of his vehicle after telling a policeman, 'I don't wish to discuss my personal life with you, officer.' Another officer attempted to move Darrow's car until he realized, 'I can't drive stick!' The officer took the opportunity to undertake a thorough search of the interior without probable cause. He found nothing. When Darrow asked why he was being detained, an officer explained, 'If you don't stop running your mouth, we're going to find a reason to lock you up tonight.' The threats ended when Darrow informed officers that they were being recorded. After speaking to a supervisor Darrow was finally released." (12/30/06) http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/15/1522.asp

Sheldon (Shelly) Waxman, J.D. http://www.thelawyer.infoIC Specialist http://www.independentcontractor.info NewPulp Literary Productions-- http://www.newpulp.net