Steve writes:

Q: Are such "deadman" data bases systems unlawful? Can LE force the library to provide false information to a patron?

The question is whether a jury of properly trained Sheeple would convict when the librarian was dragged into court, and accused of illegally leaking information about an ongoing criminal investigation, putting agents lives at risk, obstructing justice, having the same agenda as the terrorists, etc. The answer to this question is almost certainly "Yes," particularly in the new nastier post-9/11 legal climate. I certainly wouldn't want to be anywhere near the librarian who volunteers to be the test case here. A well-known Seattle Activist, the webmaster of www.stopamerica.org, was recently indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of having "discussions" in 1998 related to the possible setting up of a training camp in Oregon. It is not alleged that he did anything, merely that he "discussed," whatever that means, and several years before anyone flattened any New York skyscrapers. One can now get arrested and charged with a laundry list of "terrorist" crimes for... Having the same training as the terrorists Having the same radio as the terrorists Having links to terrorists Having discussions years ago about things that are now considered linked to terrorists Soon to come, I expect... Reading the same books as the terrorists Being pissed at the same governments as the terrorists Supporting the same social issues as the terrorists -- Eric Michael Cordian 0+ O:.T:.O:. Mathematical Munitions Division "Do What Thou Wilt Shall Be The Whole Of The Law"