An unreasonable act

Robert K. Slaven Jr. offers in his commentary, “A calmer review of [the] Patriot Act” (BDN, March 29)?

Let me see if I’ve got it. The Patriot Act operates without the Fourth Amendment right to probable cause, and an “especially constituted federal court” gets to issue the order for obtaining library, bookstore, medical or other records. Slaven said we shouldn’t find this unreasonable, because after all, we need to be alert and gather information on terrorist groups.

As a member in good standing of one group the White House considers a “terrorist organization,” the National Education Association, I find the Patriot Act unreasonable. No matter how well intentioned it was the Patriot Act has negated for all of citizens the American concept of innocent until proven guilty.

Demonizing as “terrorists” those who hold views contrary to those of the present administration has already begun.

Catherine J.S. Lee

Eastport