gestapo

This is some very troubling news coming from my own state of Ohio:

Bill Would Allow Arrests For No Reason
In Public Place Citizens Would Also Have To Show ID

CLEVELAND -- A bill on Gov. Bob Taft's desk right now is drawing a lot of
criticism, NewsChannel5 reported.

One state representative said it resembles Gestapo-style tactics of
government, and there could be changes coming on the streets of Ohio's small
towns and big cities.

The Ohio Patriot Act has made it to the Taft's desk, and with the stroke
of a pen, it would most likely become the toughest terrorism bill in the
country. The lengthy piece of legislation would let police arrest people in
public places who will not give their names, address and birth dates, even
if they are not doing anything wrong.

WEWS reported it would also pave the way for everyone entering critical
transportation sites such as, train stations, airports and bus stations to
show ID.

"It brings us frighteningly close to a show me your papers society," said
Carrie Davis of the ACLU, which opposes the Ohio Patriot Act.

There are many others who oppose the bill as well.

"The variety of people who opposed to this is not just a group of the
usual suspects. We have people far right to the left opposing the bill who
think it is a bad idea," said Al McGinty, NewsChannel5’s terrorism expert.

McGinty said he isn't sure the law would do what it's intended to do.

"I think anything we do to enhance security and give power to protect the
public to police officers is a good idea," he said. "It is a good law in the
wrong direction."

Gov. Bob Taft will make the ultimate decision on whether to sign the
bill.