What's going on in Iowa?

It may be too early to know all the details yet, but this situation sounds like just what civil libertarians have been anticipating from the Bush/Ashcroft junta. More here, and here, and here, and (surprisingly enough...) here.

For those who lack a historical perspective on such matters, note that demanding membership rosters and information about leaders of activist organizations was a common intimidation tactic during the Civil Rights Movement and other times of tension between citizen activists and the government. Sometimes it became more than mere intimidation, as those on the membership lists could be targeted for investigation or harassment. Or worse.