I was first hired by the ACLU to work on Patriot Act reforms back in 2003. The energy behind reform (or repeal) was amazing. Conservatives and liberals, gun owners and librarians, faith groups and civil rights leaders all came together to call on Congress to fix the Patriot Act. A grassroots resolution movement across the country resulted in over 400 cities, towns and even states passing resolutions in opposition to the Patriot Act. Here in Maine, Bangor, Orono, Mount Vernon, Waterville, and Portland all passed resolutions calling for Patriot Act reform. So did the Maine state legislature. That's why it was frustrating to see Congress reauthorize the Patriot Act without any meaningful reforms in 2005.
I'm feeling frustrated again. Eight years have passed since the initial, rushed passage of the Patriot Act. In that time, the Justice Department's Inspector General has issued reports highlighting Patriot Act abuses. Several lower courts have ruled elements of the Patriot Act unconstitutional. But those court cases have never reached Supreme Court level, and the FBI continues to enforce gag orders against ACLU clients who are prohibited from talking to even Members of Congress about Patriot Act abuses.
Yesterday, the Senate Judiciary Committee began mark up on a bill to reform the Patriot Act, but there was a last minute substitution of a bill that contains, once again, very few positive changes. Unless there is a change in attitude next week, it is likely that we will continue to be stuck with:
- Unfettered sneak and peek searches that allow the government to enter your home and not tell you
- An overbroad Section 215 that allows the government to get "any tangible thing"
- National Security Letters that allow the government to get business records without a court order
- A definition of material support for terrorism that sweeps up individuals and charities who contribute to work in areas of international conflict.
We do have the power to make a difference. While Senators did not do much yesterday to advance meaningful reform, their rhetoric certainly indicated an acknowledgment of the need for reform. Let's hold them to their word.
Check out :
http://www.reformthepatriotact.org
Then, take the time to communicate with our Senators or write a letter to the local newspaper.
