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Surveillance Costs: The NSA’s Impact on The Economy, Information Security, and Internet Freedom – Video

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Surveillance Costs: The NSA #39;s Impact on The Economy, Information Security, and Internet Freedom
Surveillance Costs: The NSA #39;s Impact on The Economy, Information Security, and Internet Freedom There #39;s a debate raging in DC and around the world about the ...

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Surveillance Costs: The NSA's Impact on The Economy, Information Security, and Internet Freedom - Video

Religious-Freedom Bills Proliferate in Statehouses

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Arizona has become amajor flashpointin the national debate over the boundaries between religious freedom and discrimination, as legislators there push to enact a new law that would allow business owners to deny service to customers for religious reasons.

But the state is hardly alone in mulling more explicit protections for religious business owners and individuals, whose objections to same-sex marriage have come into increasing conflict with newer lawsexpandingthe rights of gays andlesbians.

Heres a roundup of various religious-liberty measures circulating in other statehouses. Most have yet to pass a single chamber and a number have been tabled. Some deal specifically with the rights of businesses or students, while others are more broadly worded. In at least two states, the issue may go before voters as a ballot initiative.

* Proposed legislation:

Alabama:Abill introduced in the state Housewould create the Alabama Student Religious Liberties Act, which would prohibit school districts from discriminating against a student or parent on the basis of a religious viewpoint or religious expression in public schools and require school districts to allow religious expression in class assignments, coursework, and artwork.

Georgia:Lawmakers have introduced thePreservation of Religious Freedom Actmodeled after a two-decade-old federal law that sets a high legal bar for when the government may substantially burden an individuals exercise of religion.

Legislators in the lower house have also proposed a Georgia Student Religious Liberties Act that would prohibit teachers from penalizing students for expressing religious beliefs in assignments or homeworkand would also require schools to create forums for students to express their faith at school events.

Idaho:House lawmakers areconsidering a measurethat would prohibit the government from denying, revoking or suspending any professional or occupational license or registration based upon actions involving the exercise or expression of sincerely held religious beliefs. Another measure would expand the states existing Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

Kansas:Kansas lawmakersintroduced a measurethat would prohibit religious individuals or businesses from being required to serve customers or hire people if doing so would be contrary to the sincerely held religious beliefs about sex or gender. The states attorney general said if enacted, the measure would likely be challenged in court. It passed the House on Feb. 12 and was referred to the Senates judiciary committee.

Currently, Senate leadership has no intention of working or voting on the bill, said Senate majority leader Terry Bruce, who thought the measure was too ambiguously worded. He said the chamber is going back and reviewing religious-protection statutes already on the books.

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Religious-Freedom Bills Proliferate in Statehouses

Arizona's 'religious freedom' bill. How much would it cost the state? (+video)

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Business leaders fear the 'religious freedom' bill allowing firms to refuse to serve gay customers could have serious consequences for Arizona. Topping their concerns: the fate of the Super Bowl.

As Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer (R) weighs whether or not to sign a bill allowing private business owners to refuse to serve gay and lesbian customers in the name of "religious freedom," opponents of the measure are urging the governor to think hard about the economic consequences to the state if it becomes law.

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Arizonas US Senators, John McCain and Jeff Flake, have both said they hope that Governor Brewer does not sign, and Apple Inc., which has announced plans to build a manufacturing plant in Mesa, Ariz., reportedly has urged the same.

Doug Parker, CEO of the new American Airlines Group, sent the governor a letter in which he discusses the states economic comeback and says, There is genuine concern throughout the business community that this bill, if signed into law, would jeopardize all that has been accomplished so far.

But the highest potential stakes involve the Super Bowl, which is scheduled to be played in Arizona in 2015. On Monday, the state Super Bowl Committee added its name to a letter urging the governor to veto the bill.

The big question is will the NFL take away the Super Bowl next year?, says Matthew Hale, a political scientist at Seton Hall University in South Orange Village, N.J. The NFL has a history of homophobia and bullying, and the first openly gay player is coming in the next draft. As a result, the pressure on the NFL to take away the big game" if the bill becomes law "will be tremendous.

If Arizona loses the Super Bowl because of antigay legislation, it would be "a true watershed moment in the fight for LBGT equality," he adds.

In urging a veto, many critics of the bill cite the negative economic fallout from SB 1070, the controversial immigration law that Arizona passed in 2010 authorizing police to stop people they felt looked like illegal immigrants. The so-called "show me your papers" law, much of which was struck down eventually by the US Supreme Court, generated headlines worldwide portraying the state as intolerant. Tourism income faltered, conventions were cancelled, and Arizona became the butt of late-night comics.

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Arizona's 'religious freedom' bill. How much would it cost the state? (+video)

Freedom Industries CEO speaks out about the chemical leak

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CHARLESTON, WV -

The man caught at the center of the water crisis made a confession Tuesday.

"Of course we feel bad," said Gary Southern, the CEO of Freedom Industries.

Company executives testified in federal bankruptcy court Tuesday morning. Southern and Chief Financial Officer Terry Cline also answered questions about Freedom's assets and liabilities.

The company became infamous almost instantly Jan. 9, when first responders discovered the chemical crude MCHM had escaped from a storage tank last month, tainting the drinking water of nearly 300,000 West Virginians.

"This has been an extremely traumatic event for everybody to deal with, particularly our employees," said Southern, addressing the media outside the courthouse.

The executives testified that operations were "winding down" as they continue to liquidate their inventory.

"I"ve pretty much lived at Freedom Industries," Southern said, claiming he oversaw clean-up efforts every day.

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection ordered the company to start tearing down the Etowah River Terminal by March 15. One day after the spill, environmental regulators ordered Freedom Industries to remove all materials from the leak site. Southern said Freedom is "in compliance with the de-commission of the Etowah Terminal."

Cline and Southern said Tuesday most materials had been relocated, but some chemicals may still remain in the tanks. He previously estimated clean-up costs at $800,000 in the first week after the spill.

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Freedom Industries CEO speaks out about the chemical leak

Arizona's 'religious freedom' bill. How much would it cost the state?

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Business leaders fear the 'religious freedom' bill allowing firms to refuse to serve gay customers could have serious consequences for Arizona. Topping their concerns: the fate of the Super Bowl.

As Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer (R) weighs whether or not to sign a bill allowing private business owners to refuse to serve gay and lesbian customers in the name of "religious freedom," opponents of the measure are urging the governor to think hard about the economic consequences to the state if it becomes law.

Subscribe Today to the Monitor

Click Here for your FREE 30 DAYS of The Christian Science Monitor Weekly Digital Edition

Arizonas US Senators, John McCain and Jeff Flake, have both said they hope that Governor Brewer does not sign, and Apple Inc., which has announced plans to build a manufacturing plant in Mesa, Ariz., reportedly has urged the same.

Doug Parker, CEO of the new American Airlines Group, sent the governor a letter in which he discusses the states economic comeback and says, There is genuine concern throughout the business community that this bill, if signed into law, would jeopardize all that has been accomplished so far.

But the highest potential stakes involve the Super Bowl, which is scheduled to be played in Arizona in 2015. On Monday, the state Super Bowl Committee added its name to a letter urging the governor to veto the bill.

The big question is will the NFL take away the Super Bowl next year?, says Matthew Hale, a political scientist at Seton Hall University in South Orange Village, N.J. The NFL has a history of homophobia and bullying, and the first openly gay player is coming in the next draft. As a result, the pressure on the NFL to take away the big game" if the bill becomes law "will be tremendous.

If Arizona loses the Super Bowl because of antigay legislation, it would be "a true watershed moment in the fight for LBGT equality," he adds.

In urging a veto, many critics of the bill cite the negative economic fallout from SB 1070, the controversial immigration law that Arizona passed in 2010 authorizing police to stop people they felt looked like illegal immigrants. The so-called "show me your papers" law, much of which was struck down eventually by the US Supreme Court, generated headlines worldwide portraying the state as intolerant. Tourism income faltered, conventions were cancelled, and Arizona became the butt of late-night comics.

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Arizona's 'religious freedom' bill. How much would it cost the state?

Freedom officers, creditors meet in bankruptcy court

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Officials with Freedom Industries met with the company's creditors in federal bankruptcy court on Tuesday and answered questions about the company's insurance coverage and assets and liabilities.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Officials with Freedom Industries met with the company's creditors in federal bankruptcy court on Tuesday and answered questions about the company's insurance coverage and assets and liabilities.

Freedom Industries, which contaminated the water of thousands of West Virginians with a chemical leak into the Elk River on Jan. 9, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Jan. 17. Chapter 11 allows a company to reorganize and continue operating, but during a hearing last week, Freedom's attorney said the company would soon shut down.

After the meeting with creditors, Freedom President Gary Southern said company officials were dedicated to cleaning up from the leak and trying to find other jobs for its employees.

"This has been an extremely traumatic event for everybody to deal with, particularly our employees," Southern said outside the Robert C. Byrd U.S. Courthouse in Charleston.

"We're absolutely committed to the people of the state of West Virginia in terms of our remediation of the facility and our employees, with whom we're working extremely hard to find them new positions for those that will be displaced as a result of the bankruptcy," Southern said. "That is the forefront of our focus and will continue to be so until we meet all of our obligations."

During the meeting Tuesday, Southern and the company's chief financial officer, Terry Cline, testified that chemicals had been removed from the property. In an agreement with the state Department of Environmental Protection, Freedom has agreed to dismantle its site on Barlow Drive on or before March 15.

There are about 240 unsecured creditors to whom Freedom owes money. Many of the unsecured creditors are those who filed lawsuits against the company before its bankruptcy filing. There are at least 30 lawsuits against Freedom.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Ronald G. Pearson said in a hearing last week "there's a serious limit on funding available."

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Officials with Freedom Industries met with the company's creditors in federal bankruptcy court on Tuesday and answered questions about the company's insurance coverage and assets and liabilities.

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Freedom officers, creditors meet in bankruptcy court

Freedom or oppression? The question for SB1062

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PHOENIX - Arizona's SB1062 has pulled off a sort of political magic trick, in that warring sides can read the bill's text and have not only different reactions, but completely opposite ones.

While proponents of gay rights dub the bill oppressive, those in favor of the bill becoming law say it represents freedom.

Freedom vs. oppression: That's the polar contrast Gov. Jan Brewer must consider as she sits down to "listen to both sides" this week ahead of her decision whether to sign or veto the bill that has divided her state and drawn national and commercial interests into the fray.

Brewer has until Friday to make her call, and her fellow Republicans in the state Legislature have suggested that a veto is likely.

In short, SB1062 would amend the existing Religious Freedom Restoration Act, allowing business owners to deny service to gay and lesbian customers so long as proprietors were acting solely on their religious beliefs.

The bill's advocates insist that those claiming SB1062 amounts to bigotry and discrimination have hijacked and misrepresented its aims.

"The attacks on SB1062 show politics at its absolute worse. They represent precisely why so many people are sick of the modern political debate. Instead of having an honest discussion about the true meaning of religious liberty, opponents of the bill have hijacked this discussion through lies, personal attacks, and irresponsible reporting," said Cathi Herrod, president of the Center for Arizona Policy, which lent a hand in scribing the bill.

Kellie Fiedorek, an attorney for the Alliance Defending Freedom, which also helped craft the bill, called SB1062 a "balancing test" that would protect all religions and sexual orientations while prohibiting Arizonans from "coercing someone to violate their sincerely held beliefs."

"This bill has nothing to do with discrimination. It's protecting basic freedoms that belong to everyone," she said, explaining that it would protect a gay photographer's decision not to work for Westboro Baptist Church, or Muslims who don't want to sell "pork sandwiches on a Saturday."

Brewer has a history

Excerpt from:

Freedom or oppression? The question for SB1062

Freedom or oppression? That's the question for Arizona's SB1062

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STORY HIGHLIGHTS

(CNN) -- Arizona's SB1062 has pulled off a sort of political magic trick, in that warring sides can read the bill's text and have not only different reactions, but completely opposite ones.

While proponents of gay rights dub the bill oppressive, those in favor of the bill becoming law say it represents freedom.

Freedom vs. oppression: That's the polar contrast Gov. Jan Brewer must consider as she sits down to "listen to both sides" this week ahead of her decision whether to sign or veto the bill that has divided her state and drawn national and commercial interests into the fray.

Brewer has until Saturday to make her call, and her fellow Republicans in the state Legislature have suggested that a veto is likely.

In short, SB1062 would amend the existing Religious Freedom Restoration Act, allowing business owners to deny service to gay and lesbian customers so long as proprietors were acting solely on their religious beliefs.

The bill's advocates insist that those claiming SB1062 amounts to bigotry and discrimination have hijacked and misrepresented its aims.

What's your take on the issue?

"The attacks on SB1062 show politics at its absolute worse. They represent precisely why so many people are sick of the modern political debate. Instead of having an honest discussion about the true meaning of religious liberty, opponents of the bill have hijacked this discussion through lies, personal attacks, and irresponsible reporting," said Cathi Herrod, president of the Center for Arizona Policy, which lent a hand in scribing the bill.

Kellie Fiedorek, an attorney for the Alliance Defending Freedom, which also helped craft the bill, called SB1062 a "balancing test" that would protect all religions and sexual orientations while prohibiting Arizonans from "coercing someone to violate their sincerely held beliefs."

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Freedom or oppression? That's the question for Arizona's SB1062

Freedom officials, creditors meet in bankruptcy court

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Officials with Freedom Industries met with the company's creditors in federal bankruptcy court on Tuesday and answered questions about the company's insurance coverage and assets and liabilities.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Officials with Freedom Industries met with the company's creditors in federal bankruptcy court on Tuesday and answered questions about the company's insurance coverage and assets and liabilities.

Freedom, which contaminated thousands of West Virginians' water with a chemical leak into the Elk River on Jan. 9, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Jan. 17. Chapter 11 allows a company to reorganize and continue operating, but during a hearing last week, Freedom's attorney said the company would soon shut down.

After the hearing, Freedom President Gary Southern said company officials were dedicated to cleaning up from the leak and trying to find its employees other jobs.

"This has been an extremely traumatic event for everybody to deal with, particularly our employees," Southern said outside the Robert C. Byrd U.S. District Courthouse in Charleston.

"We're absolutely committed to the people of the state of West Virginia in terms of our remediation of the facility and our employees, with whom we're working extremely hard to find them new positions for those that will be displaced as a result of the bankruptcy," Southern said. "That is the forefront of our focus and will continue to be so until we meet all of our obligations."

During the meeting Tuesday, Southern and the company's chief financial officer, Terry Cline, testified that chemicals had been removed from the property. In an agreement with the state Department of Environmental Protection, Freedom has agreed to dismantle its site on Barlow Drive on or before March 15.

There are about 240 unsecured creditors to which Freedom owes money. Many of the unsecured creditors are those who filed lawsuits against the company before its bankruptcy filing. There are at least 30 lawsuits against Freedom.

Attorneys representing creditors wanted more information about the company's insurance coverage at Tuesday's hearing. Also, a bankruptcy trustee questioned financial documents the company produced last week.

Reach Kate White at kate.wh...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-1723.

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Freedom officials, creditors meet in bankruptcy court

Freedom vs. oppression: Arizona's SB1062 question

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(CNN) -

Arizona's SB1062 has pulled off a sort of political magic trick, in that warring sides can read the bill's text and have not only different reactions, but completely opposite ones.

While proponents of gay rights dub the bill oppressive, those in favor of the bill becoming law say it represents freedom.

Freedom vs. oppression: That's the polar contrast Gov. Jan Brewer must consider as she sits down to "listen to both sides" this week ahead of her decision whether to sign or veto the bill that has divided her state and drawn national and commercial interests into the fray.

Brewer has until Saturday to make her call, and her fellow Republicans in the state Legislature have suggested that a veto is likely.

In short, SB1062 would amend the existing Religious Freedom Restoration Act, allowing business owners to deny service to gay and lesbian customers so long as proprietors were acting solely on their religious beliefs.

The bill's advocates insist that those claiming SB1062 amounts to bigotry and discrimination have hijacked and misrepresented its aims.

"The attacks on SB1062 show politics at its absolute worse. They represent precisely why so many people are sick of the modern political debate. Instead of having an honest discussion about the true meaning of religious liberty, opponents of the bill have hijacked this discussion through lies, personal attacks, and irresponsible reporting," said Cathi Herrod, president of the Center for Arizona Policy, which lent a hand in scribing the bill.

Kellie Fiedorek, an attorney for the Alliance Defending Freedom, which also helped craft the bill, called SB1062 a "balancing test" that would protect all religions and sexual orientations while prohibiting Arizonans from "coercing someone to violate their sincerely held beliefs."

"This bill has nothing to do with discrimination. It's protecting basic freedoms that belong to everyone," she said, explaining that it would protect a gay photographer's decision not to work for Westboro Baptist Church, or Muslims who don't want to sell "pork sandwiches on a Saturday."

Read this article:

Freedom vs. oppression: Arizona's SB1062 question

Freedom executives due in court Tuesday for creditors meeting

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Even though the business is winding down, it will remain under Chapter 11 proceedings

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A few days after a bankruptcy hearing where Freedom Industries announced the company is winding down its business, the company is due back in court for a creditors' meeting.

This meeting, which is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, is the next step in Freedom Industries' bankruptcy proceedings.

Attorneys said company president Gary Southern and chief financial officer Terry Cline will testify in this hearing since they testified at the hearing on first-day motions.

Freedom Industries filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Jan. 17, following the Jan. 9 discovery of crude MCHM leaking into the Elk River.

Lawsuits against the company are still on hold, but attorney Anthony Majestro said discussions about lifting the stay are ongoing.

"I think everyone recognizes that the course Freedom is on was inevitable following the Jan. 9 spill," he said following Friday's hearing. "The parties and the bankruptcy court are doing their best to balance competing interests in Freedom's resources."

In Friday's hearing, Freedom Industries' attorneys announced the company would scale back its business and may cease to exist at some point in the future.

Freedom's attorney Mark Freedlander said the company is culling its inventory, transitioning its customers to competitors and trying to transition employees to existing vendors or competitors.

Although the business is winding down, attorneys said the case is not converting to Chapter 7 bankruptcy, or straight liquidation, and will remain under Chapter 11 proceedings.

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Freedom executives due in court Tuesday for creditors meeting


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