Push for security tramples our liberty.

Byline: Guest Viewpoint by Janet Calvert and Sig Dickman For The Register-Guard

The League of Women Voters believes that civil liberties must be preserved and protected even as our nation confronts terrorism and other threats to national security. We are alarmed about the impact of the USA Patriot Act passed by Congress in October of 2001, the possible extension of the sunset provisions of that act, and administration proposals for a new Domestic Security Enhancement Act, also known as Patriot Act II.

The Patriot Act made sweeping changes to laws on surveillance and gave new intelligence powers to the FBI and other agencies. This complex legislation received little examination or debate by Congress.

League members are steadfast in their conviction that protecting America against security threats must be balanced with the preservation of the very liberties that are the foundation of this nation. The principles guarding our liberty - from independent judicial review of law enforcement actions to prohibitions of indiscriminate searches - must be preserved.

The League of Women Voters has long held these beliefs. In 1942, during World War II, the League worked "to preserve the greatest degree of civil liberty consistent with national safety." During the "witch hunt" period of the early 1950s, the League conducted a nationwide community education program (the "Freedom Agenda" ) that gave Americans a chance to discuss and learn about their freedoms under the Bill of Rights. This was followed by a League study on the federal loyalty/security programs, culminating in a policy position emphasizing protection of individual liberties against threats to constitutional rights.

Today, Americans and their elected representatives must protect against encroachments on our civil liberties. The additional powers given to the government under the proposed DSEA would endanger many key individual rights. It is our understanding that the proposed DSEA would incorporate and expand on some of the Patriot Act's most controversial and threatening aspects by:

Including an overly broad definition of terrorism so that government action could be directed against people and groups that disagree with the policies of the leadership of the United States.

Authorizing government officials to obtain personal data, such as financial or library records, without a warrant.

Providing for indefinite detention of U.S. citizens without disclosure of names or filing of charges.

Ending existing court-imposed limits on surveillance of political and religious organizations.

Further, the League is concerned about the impact of the USA Patriot Act on the free and open exchange of knowledge. We support S. 1158, the Library and Bookseller Protection Act, which would shield libraries and bookstores from searches without warrants.

When Congress approved the Patriot Act, it included sunset provisions that cause parts of the act to expire after five years. We are concerned about congressional efforts to make permanent many of the law enforcement provisions. We urge citizens to contact Sens. Gordon Smith and Ron Wyden and Rep. Peter DeFazio, asking them to preserve the sunset provisions.

The League is also concerned about the effect that the Patriot Act and the proposed DSEA could have on the checks and balances of government. Accountability and responsibility to the people require that unwarranted secrecy between the president and Congress cease. It is critical that Congress know of the actions of the executive and judicial branches and that the courts have the opportunity to review law enforcement actions.

Twenty years ago, the Oregon Legislature had the foresight to prohibit any law enforcement agency from collecting or maintaining information about the political, religious or social views, associations or activities of any person or group unless such information directly relates to a criminal investigation. Oregon law also protects immigrants from undue scrutiny by prohibiting Oregon law enforcement from detecting or apprehending persons whose only violation may be of federal immigration laws.

Senate Joint Memorial 7, before the current session of the Oregon Legislature, urges members of Congress to pass S. 1552, cosponsored by Wyden, which addresses many Oregonians' concerns about the USA Patriot Act.

The League understands that it is important for local and state governments to work with the federal government in the critical balancing of security concerns and individual liberties. We recognize that there are real and serious terrorist threats. But, like the League members of the 1940s, we ask Americans to demand that our elected representatives preserve our civil liberties.

Janet Calvert and Sig Dickman are co-presidents of the League of Women Voters of Lane County.