Librarians, ACLU Gagged

The problem with democracy is that people who believe in it ar so bothersome to their government.

Dear ACLU Action Network Subscriber,

Though we cannot say more because of an FBI gag order, the ACLU recently disclosed the existence of a sealed suit on behalf of a member of the American Library Association challenging the constitutionality of “national security letter” authority, which was expanded by the Patriot Act.

Our client, which maintains records about books borrowed by library patrons and about their Internet usage, was ordered to produce records without any judicial review.

If you think secret searches and the powers of the Patriot Act go too far, take action today! Send your representative a special message asking them to sign onto a "Dear Conferee" letter urging the lawmakers responsible for reconciling the competing bills to protect the gains made in the Senate legislation. The Senate version, though not perfect, puts some sensible judicial oversight on law enforcement’s record searches.

Our client wants to tell the American public about the dangers of allowing the FBI to demand library records without court approval. But the Patriot Act is gagging them from participating in the crucial public debate about the Patriot Act.

If our client could speak, he could explain why Congress needs to reform the Patriot Act to protect our privacy and civil liberties. We’ve gone to Court to get the gag lifted before Congress votes. Right now we need you to tell Congress what our client can’t tell them.

The Senate is moving in the right direction with legislation—agreed to unanimously—that would add some needed reforms. Though not perfect, the gains made in the Senate bill are an improvement over the measure passed by the House of Representatives.

Click here to urge your representative to sign onto a "Dear Conferee" letter urging the lawmakers responsible for reconciling the competing bills to protect the gains made in the Senate legislation. You can also click here to read more about the issue.

Sincerely,

Caroline Fredrickson
Director
ACLU Washington Legislative Office