10/24/2005: "Changes Needed In Patriot Act"

Dear Editor

Four years ago, on October 26, 2001, President George W, Bush signed into law the USA Patriot Act. Specific sections of the USA Patriot Act have received severe criticism because they are held to violate the freedoms and civil liberties guaranteed by the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution of the State of Washington. To date, resolutions that condemn the specific sections of the USA Patriot Act that infringe upon traditional freedoms and civil liberties have been passed by seven state legislatures; Alaska, Colorado. Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Montana, and Vermont, and by 389 cities, towns, and counties, including San Juan County in 2003. Numerous individuals and organizations, both liberal and conservative, have voiced opposition to those aspects of the USA Patriot Act that violate guaranteed freedoms and civil liberties.

Congress currently is debating competing bills that make marginal improvements to the most egregious sections of the USA Patriot Act. We urge you to telephone Senators Cantwell (202-224-3441) and Murray (202-224-261), and Representative Larsen (202-225-2605), to ask them to support changes in the USA Patriot Act that restore our traditional freedoms and civil liberties.

San Juan Island Outreach Group
American Civil Liberties Union of Washington
Friday Harbor, Washington

Contact: Roger deRoos
378-6323