Letter - Protecting Privacy Rights

July 12, 2004
Dear Friend,

Last week, I voted for an important proposal that would protect your privacy by establishing strict limits on the ability of the federal government to get access to the reading records of library or bookstore patrons.

This plan would have struck a critical balance between gathering intelligence information and protecting our basic Constitutional rights. Americans of every political ideology have made it overwhelmingly clear that they do not want the government to monitor what they read at the library or what books or magazines they purchase. Over 300 municipalities, as well as 4 states and dozens of library, publishing, civil liberty and privacy rights organizations oppose sections of the USA Patriot Act that unnecessarily infringe on fundamental American civil liberties. Many members of these organizations are concerned that Americans will choose to censor their book purchasing and borrowing practices rather than having the government pry into their reading habits without their knowledge or justification.

At the same time, this proposal would have preserved the ability of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to gather important information in their fight on terrorism by allowing them to seek subpoenas from federal courts. That is why a bipartisan majority of Democrats and Republicans voted to support revising this part of the USA Patriot Act. Unfortunately, the Republican leadership refused to abide by the fair outcome of the democratic process. Instead, they twisted arms and bullied their colleagues until enough votes were changed to defeat this measure by one vote.

This was a sad day for protection of our Constitutional rights and for democratic fair play. I will, however, continue to fight every day to protect your civil liberties and make sure that we remain the beacon of freedom we must in order to win the war on terrorism.

Warmest Regards,

Diana