In the two and a half years since the September 11, 2001, the threat of terrorism has been in the foreground of the national consciousness. During this time concern for security has been a major focus, and, although justified, has inspired equally disturbing attacks on basic freedoms. The greatest example of this is the USA PATRIOT Act.

While well-intentioned, the Patriot Act carries with it a number of grave concerns. The first is the lack of restraint put on the powers of the government. In a six-month period from late 2002 to mid-2003, the Justice Department received 34 credible complaints of civil liberties abuses under the new law, some of which involved physical abuse of Arabs who were detained. Last year the FBI used the provisions of the Patriot Act to arrest a strip-club owner for bribery, a crime that has nothing to do with terrorism. If we are going to trust our government with such extraordinary powers as those granted under this Act, shouldn't they be using them for their intended purpose? While they use such provisions to chase after corrupt businessmen, how many real terror suspects are going undetected?

Second, there is a clear lack of concern for the rights of non-citizens. They can now be detained without a trial and without having committed a crime. Does America no longer go by the idea of "innocent until proven guilty?" If we, as a nation, wish to be a role model for other countries, then we are currently setting a poor example.

Fortunately, the Patriot Act is up for renewal next year. If Congress acts prudently, they will vote against it and it will fade into history alongside McCarthyism and Japanese internment camps. The terror that inspired the Patriot Act does not have to stand; let us be brave and stand up like true patriots and renounce this fear-based legislation.

Sincerely,
Cary Bedinghaus
Matt Kemp
Amanda Kass