Wednesday, April 23, 2008

• Clinton's Tough Stance on Iran
• National Security Letters Under Scrutiny
• Ecuador's New Mining Decree Keeps Industry and Activists Weighing In
• FBI's Mueller Questioned at House Judiciary Committee
• Ward Connerly's Colorado Anti-Affirmative Action Initiative Called Dubious

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Clinton's Tough Stance on Iran

The Democratic presidential primary continues: with another win for Hillary Clinton in Pennsylvania, the contest has now moved on to Indiana and North Carolina, while more pressure is being piled on the super delegates to choose their candidate. Meanwhile, Clinton has shifted her stance on Iran, taking a much more aggressive approach. FSRN's Leigh Ann Caldwell reports from the campaign trail.

National Security Letters Under Scrutiny

The government keeps coming up with new ways to get the information it wants – even about US citizens, even about people who haven't necessarily done anything wrong. A Senate committee discussed a recent report about abuse of National Security Letters, one way the FBI collects information without any court approval. FSRN's Tanya Snyder has the story.

Ecuador's New Mining Decree Keeps Industry and Activists Weighing In

Ecuador's National Constituent Assembly approved a new mining decree last week, which purports to suspend all large scale mining exploration until the executive government rewrites the country's mining law. It's been estimated that the decision could result in the cancellation of up to 80% of existing mineral concessions without compensation. In response, the executive government of President Rafael Correa is both trying to comfort companies with a pro-mining stance, while assuring the Ecuadorian public with promises of greater state participation – but the industry and activists are on their toes. The mining industry promises to launch a new campaign for responsible mining, while anti-mining activists are keeping the pressure on to implement the decree and lobby to have Ecuador declared free of large scale mining. FSRN's Jen Moore has more from Cuenca.

FBI's Mueller Questioned at House Judiciary Committee

FBI Director Robert Mueller sat before the House Judiciary Committee today, where he touted a plan to demand internet service providers keep user's records for two years, to be available for review at a later time by law enforcement. As FSRN's Naji Mujahid reports from the Capitol, Mueller also responded to various inquiries from more than two dozen Representatives.

Ward Connerly's Colorado Anti-Affirmative Action Initiative Called Dubious

Strong animosity is brewing over upcoming November elections in Colorado, because of a controversial anti-affirmative action initiative making its way on to the ballot. If adopted, the amendment would end all affirmative action programs, including equal opportunity measures in higher education and public employment. Similar anti-affirmative action initiatives have also been introduced in Nebraska, Missouri, Arizona, and Oklahoma. Founder of the American Civil Rights Coalition, Ward Connerly, is spearheading this national effort to end affirmative action. The California millionaire has had success in the past with similar measures in California, Washington, and Michigan. However, Connerly has come under sharp criticism by voters and pro-affirmative action groups who question the ethical nature behind the petition process. Dozens of Colorado voters who signed a petition supporting the Colorado Civil Rights Initiative, also known as Amendment 46, claim petitioners lied to them in order to convince them to support the measure. Blake Wesley is in Denver and files this report.