EDITORIAL PATRIOT ACT REVISITED CONGRESS MUST WEIGH THE EVIDENCE.

NEARLY four years ago, Congress overwhelmingly approved the Patriot Act, just 45 days after 9-11. Given the rush and the uncharted legislative territory, it was only natural that the law would be less than perfect.

But legislators were prudent. They attached a four-year term to some of the act's provisions, ensuring that later - with more time and experience - Congress would be forced to reconsider the legislation.

And that time has come.

Congress is now considering the act's re-authorization, for which President George W. Bush is actively campaigning. Meanwhile, critics and some civil libertarians would like to see it gutted, if not dropped entirely.

A more practical alternative would be to judge the evidence.

How has the Patriot Act helped to prevent another terrorist attack on American soil? What role has it played in important law-enforcement efforts, such as the recent arraignment of alleged al-Qaida supporters in Lodi? What specific abuses of power has it created, and how can those be ameliorated?

This is an issue that must not become politicized. Four years ago, legislators put aside their partisan differences to pass the act in response to a grave national threat. That threat still remains, and Congress must act with no less of a sense of cooperation in re-examining the controversial law.