Tuesday, July 30th – Wine, Cheese & Politics with Colonel Mike Pheneger – “Surveillance, Privacy & Civil Liberties”

In 1984, George Orwell depicted a totalitarian surveillance state. In 1948, the technology he portrayed was fiction. However, in response to the threat of terrorism, the US government is practicing surveillance on a scale almost unimaginable 15 years ago. What is the government doing? How? Are the programs necessary? Could they be managed in ways to protect our privacy? Join us as we hear from retired US Army Colonel and Florida ACLU President, Mike Pheneger on this hot topic. His military background and his work with the ACLU since 1995, give him unique insight into these topics.

Because the # of attendees has been limited to 50, reservations are required and no shows will be billed. Reservations deadline is Sunday evening, July 28th. Cost is $20 per person and can be paid at the door by check, cash, or Mastercard or Visa. E-mail your reservation to rsvp@sarasotadems.com or leave a message at 404-4678. Cancellations can be made the same way.

Wine, beer, soft beverages, and light bites and sweets will be provided.  Doors open at 6 p.m. Program begins at 6:30 at 1350 Main Street, 6th Floor. Parking is available on the street and in the Palm Avenue garage.