Portland debates withdrawal from FBI's terrorism task force

Concerns about FBI oversight, security clearances and federal funding have raised serious doubts among city leaders about whether to remain partnered with the FBI in a task force that investigates suspected terrorists. "This is an era that has been created by the Bush administration, and the era is one of fear," said city Commissioner Randy Leonard. "I just find that real repugnant." The FBI has drawn officers from police departments in 100 cities across the country to investigate potential terrorists and prevent possible attacks. The partnerships are called Joint Terrorism Task Forces.  The Portland City Council has questioned whether it should renew its role in the task force this year if the Bush administration refuses to grant top secret clearance to the mayor and police chief to expand oversight over any FBI anti-terror operations that include police officers. If Portland pulls out of the FBI task force, it would apparently be the first city in the nation to do so. [more]