ALA President Carol Brey-Casiano met with the new US Attorney General today to talk about — what else? — the USA PATRIOT Act.
The American Library Association believes that government powers should be focused and subject to clear standards and judicial review and oversight. Brey-Casiano said, “portions of the USA PATRIOT Act abridge people’s First Amendment right to read and think freely. In this country, we are entitled to read and research a topic or opinion without the fear that the government is looking over our shoulder.â€
A little over a month ago, the Montana State Legislature passed a bill with strong bipartisan support critical of the USA PATRIOT Act and encouraging Congress to let parts of it sunset,
That the 59th Montana Legislature supports the government of the United States in its campaign against terrorism and affirms the commitment of the United States that the campaign not be waged at the expense of essential civil rights and liberties of citizens of this country that are protected in the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that it is the policy of the citizens of Montana to oppose any portion of the USA PATRIOT Act that violates the rights and liberties guaranteed under the Montana Constitution or the United States Constitution, including the Bill of Rights.