New Page 1

During the next several months, our elected representatives in the U.S. will be deciding where to go with the so-called Patriot Act. This legislation was passed in the heated atmosphere that surrounded the attacks on this nation carried out on September 11. Our representatives will be deciding whether to continue this "act" and if so in what form. They need to hear from the citizens of this nation how we feel about this legislation and what our desires are about it or any similar legislation.

The original legislation was legislation provoked and prompted by fear. So it allows the government of the U.S. secretly to obtain the records of any person from any business, regardless of their intended wrongdoing. It also authorizes so-called "sneak and peak" searches of homes without informing the homeowner. Other sections authorize the government to deny entry to this country to foreigners because of speech rather than actions, to deport even permanent residents who innocently supported disfavored political groups and to lock up foreign nationals without formal charges. Another section of the Patriot Act makes it illegal to provide "expert advice" to designated "terrorist organizations". It is no defense that one's advice had no connection to terrorism, or even that one's advice was intended to discourage violence. The Patriot Act in Mr. Cole's words, "punishes speech, authorizes the use of secret evidence and allows detention without charges."

This summary of the Patriot Act is enough to demonstrate that it deserves any action by a member of IPCNSR to resist and prevent its passage. The Patriot Act is legislation based on fear, and fear generally and ultimately creates and promotes violence. IPCNSR has clearly and definitively spoken out against violence and we have said that we favorf non-violence wherever and whenever dispute occurs between persons or groups of persons. Our affiliates are persons who have chosen non-violence as the proper response to conflict. Fear does not have to lead to violence. Fear can also lead to negotiation and trust. The Patriot Act does not support or lead to communication or conversation. This legislation frustrates and impedes conversation. Charges against persons with whom I may disagree can be filed secretly, leading to punishment for ideas and beliefs. Law enforcement agencies are authorized to investigate persons secretly and then to file charges against persons not for actions taken but for beliefs held. I can be investigated for helpiing, as I did, a young man file for conscientious objection status. IPCNSR can be investigated for stating our non-violent purpose.