Patriot Act impacts library users

Patriotism, to me, is about protecting our freedoms and making this country we love a better place. Unfortunately, the so-called Patriot Act does neither.

Last month, I introduced a "Resolution on the USA Patriot Act" to my fellow trustees of the Emmett Public Library. I appreciate this opportunity to explain why this resolution is good for our library, our freedoms and our country.

The 342-page Patriot Act breaks with a two-century-plus tradition of checks and balances. It grants broad powers to law enforcement, shifts powers from independent courts to the executive branch and includes numerous secrecy provisions, which prevent the public from knowing how the act affects us.

Section 215 of the act allows the FBI to request any kind of records or documents. Even though the act does not specifically mention libraries, there is no question that library records are covered by its scope. Such requests are approved by a secret court in DC, which is unable to effectively review the merits of the request. Records about a person can be requested without any allegation that the person is involved in criminal activity. Since these requests are secret, none of us will ever know what kind of records the FBI requests. The mere potential for abuse of this provision threatens the spirit, if not the letter, of the Bill of Rights.

Successful law enforcement requires cooperation by the public. The FBI can only be effective if we, the citizens, trust our government. As the Patriot Act erodes this trust, it reduces the effectiveness of law enforcement, and thereby achieves exactly the opposite of what it claims to do.

The resolution, drafted by the Idaho Green Party, calls upon Congress to amend the provisions of the Patriot Act that infringe on our constitutional liberties; directs library staff to post informational signs; and encourages the Idaho Congressional delegation to continue its support for legislation exempting libraries from the broad reach of the FBI's new powers.

A majority of Idahoans opposes the Patriot Act. The Sandpoint library, Idaho County and Boise City have already joined over 220 communities passing resolutions critical of the Act. This grassroots movement is fueled by patriots across the political spectrum, progressives and conservatives alike. Even those who have absolute confidence in our current administration are concerned about what the next administration might do with this unprecedented level of government power.

I was very impressed with the dedication and open-mindedness shown by my fellow library trustees. After a very positive discussion, the issue was tentatively scheduled for a vote at the next board meeting on Dec. 16.

I invite everyone to learn more about the resolution and the Act by visiting .

This resolution is a bold step towards protecting the privacy of library patrons and makes an important contribution to protecting all our constitutional freedoms. I believe that my fellow library trustees, and you, the reader, will agree.