Patriot Act works

Regarding the rather lengthy article on growing opposition to the U.S. Patriot Act, (BDN, March 13) I am amazed that a front-page article that took an additional age never really stated any facts other than to give the reader the impression that the Patriot Act is a terrible piece of legislation that erodes the civil liberties of citizens. No where in that lengthy article did the reporter take the time to educate the readers about the Patriot Act.

I read more than 50 paragraphs on organized “opposition” to the Act, but only a few short paragraphs pertaining to only one of the many provisions within the Act regarding federal investigators obtaining library records without judicial oversight.

One anti-Patriot Act supporter states he “suspects” abuses are happening in Maine. The article discusses an immigration raid in Portland, which was nothing more than an enforcement action against aliens living and working in the United States illegally. This had nothing to do with the Patriot Act.

The Act is not targeting specific ethnic groups living in the United States legally and driving them behind closed doors, as one person suggests.

Readers were not provided with information regarding the many other provisions in the Act that are good: allowing federal investigative and intelligence agencies to legally exchange information, forcing foreign banks operating in the United States to provide financial records related to illegal activities, necessary changes in electronic surveillance measures that still require judicial oversight.

The media should report unbiased facts that allow readers to reach a sound conclusion based on equal representation.

The Patriot Act, like any legislation, has what some people may consider to be excessive provisions. That is why the Act was written in a fashion to permit oversight, review and changes. Overall the Patriot Act is an excellent piece of legislation.

Leon Ives

Houlton