Opinion - Letters to the Editor

POSTED: Tuesday, Nov. 03, 2009

Wants Congress to change Patriot Act

With three provisions of the Patriot Act set to expire at the end of 2009, now is an opportune time for Congress to examine the changes the act has made to our surveillance laws in the last eight years.

The Patriot Act's passage, just days after 9/11, opened the door to sweeping changes in America's surveillance law that I believe have continued to erode the Fourth Amendment rights of all Americans, and made us less safe. But the damage does not have to be permanent. Congress has a chance to restore the rule of law, and the integrity of their oath of office, by taking measures to protect and defend the Constitution.

Members of the House have introduced the USA Patriot Amendments Act, reforming the Patriot Act. Unlike the Senate bill, the House bill will institute much needed privacy and civil liberties protections into the Patriot Act. We can't simply continue to kick Patriot Act reform down the road any longer.

To better protect our freedoms and liberties and to preserve those ideals that define America, now is the time to pass the USA Patriot Amendments Act and reform the Patriot Act.

Daniel Larner

Bellingham