re: "State Department refuses to release documents about jihadist on CIA's kill or capture list, citing his right to privacy"

Robert at Jihad Watch ("dedicated to bringing public attention to the role that jihad theology and ideology plays in the modern world, and to correcting popular misconceptions about the role of jihad and religion in modern-day conflicts") asked a decent-enough question:

"Why is the Obama State Department worried about the privacy rights of this Islamic jihadist who has repeatedly inspired and masterminded plots to kill large numbers of Americans?"

And even posts the answer, in an excerpted passage:

"The Department of State, Passport Services has reviewed your request
and has given full consideration to the reasons provided. However, we have determined that your request must be denied. This denial is pursuant to subsection (b)(6) of the Freedom of Information Act. The release of this information to you would be an invasion of personal privacy of another person, without written authorization from that person."

Triple-A is now, thankfully, deceased, so the Privacy Act exclusion would no longer apply. Prior to his demise, however, even the fellow citizens we don't like are still entitled to their privacy rights.

This doesn't mean that law enforcement and other government agencies couldn't access that information for lawful purposes; that's part of the Privacy Act as well.

8/27

WLKM - Update – U.S. Passports

From my archive of press clippings:

WLKM


Update – U.S. Passports


February 24, 2010 by WLKM


St. Joseph County Clerk Pattie Bender reports that passport fees are expected to increase.
In a new release on the subject, Bender said, “We were notified on February 22, 2010 by the U.S. Passport Office that fees will be increasing. There is no firm date set yet as they have to have a 30 day comment period first. That time period began on February 9, 2010.”

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"(A) “Cost of Service” study was conducted in June of 2009 and the results indicated that the fees should increase. The last fee increase was four years ago."

&

"According to Bender, the notice also indicated that passport fees are used not only to cover the costs of producing a passport book or card, but they are used to cover the costs of providing emergency services for American citizens overseas in crisis situations; along with helping Americans who have been the victims of crime while traveling or living abroad; and providing support to the families of American citizens who have died overseas."

_____
If you have any questions, call the County Clerk’s office weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at (269) 467-5603.

WGRZ - Buffalo to Get U.S. Passport Office

From my archive of press clippings:

WGRZ.Com

Buffalo to Get U.S. Passport Office

Matt Pitts

The process of getting a passport will become a whole lot easier in Western New York.

Read the whole article here.