-Caveat Lector- http://www.registerguard.com/news/19990721/1c.cr.martiallaw.0721.html Rest of article. Dosen't look much different from martial law does it? Nicky Official clarifies intent, powers of disaster law By SCOTT MABEN The Register-Guard As San Francisco burned in the aftermath of the devastating 1906 earthquake, Mayor E.E. Schmitz cracked down on lawlessness by authorizing federal troops and police to shoot and kill looters. Far less drastic means of keeping order - traffic and crowd control, curfews, food and fuel rationing - would be at the disposal of Eugene's city manager under a proposed ordinance on declaring a state of emergency. City officials consider the amendment to the city code a necessary tool for protecting lives and property after a major disaster. But they're hearing from some residents who are dubious of the intent. In the past week, the city has received about 10 calls from people who say they're concerned about the powers granted the city manager under the ordinance, which is the subject of a public hearing Monday night. Some criticize it as a path to martial law and an assault on civil liberties. Others wonder if it's designed to quell unruly protests. Still others have dubbed the proposal "the Eugene Y2K home invasion act," characterizing it as the city's planned response to the Year 2000 millennium bug. None of the above, said City Manager Jim Johnson. "The intent is to grant me powers to maintain order in the community in an instance of a major disaster, where communication may be difficult and where action may need to be taken immediately," Johnson said. He insists he would not have the authority to decree a police state to silence political dissidence or randomly raid private homes and businesses, as some critics have suggested. Rumors about the ordinance began to fly via e-mail and on a Web site devoted to Y2K discussions last week, and two residents complained about the proposed rules at a recent City Council meeting. PROPOSED EMERGENCY POWERS FOR EUGENE CITY MANAGER Streets: Barricade streets and prohibit or regulate traffic on any public street leading to the designated emergency area. Public gatherings: Prohibit or limit the number of people who may gather on any public street, public place or any outdoor place within the designated emergency area. Curfew: Establish a curfew for when people must vacate public streets and public places. Evacuations: Order the evacuation of people as necessary. Weapons: Prohibit the sale, carrying or possession of any weapons or explosives on public streets and in public places. Debris removal: Order removal of debris and wreckage that may threaten public health or safety on public or private property. Confiscating property: Appropriate or confiscate merchandise, equipment, vehicles or property needed to alleviate the emergency. The city must reimburse owners within 60 days. Price control: Regulate the use, sale or distribution of food, feed, fuel, clothing and other commodities, materials, goods and services by rationing, freezing, use of quotas, prohibitions on shipments, price fixing, allocation or other means. Rent control: Establish rent controls and provide temporary or permanent housing. - City of Eugene DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance�not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
