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Sanders Works to Repeal Provisions of Patriot Act by Patrick Armstrong - Published on Saturday, December 21, 2002 by the Brattleboro Reformer (Vermont)
BRATTLEBORO -- Congressman Bernard Sanders said Friday he will introduce legislation to exempt libraries and bookstores from parts of the sweeping USA Patriot Act. Sanders' announcement came as local activists prepared to launch an effort to raise awareness about the Patriot Act and other legislation, which they say threatens Americans' civil liberties. "The expansion of surveillance, monitoring and investigation into our libraries and book sellers is truly disturbing," Sanders said in a statement Friday released in conjunction with a Burlington press conference. "Libraries and bookstores have always been a source of learning, knowledge and information. The right to read without the fear of government surveillance is a cornerstone of our democracy. I will do everything in my power to ensure that Congress passes legislation that will protect Americans' constitutional rights to read books without fear that someone is violating their right to privacy." The Patriot Act grants law enforcement officials expanded power to access the records of bookstores and libraries when conducting investigations. It also prohibits bookstore owners and librarians from revealing that records have been released. In an interview Friday, Sanders, an independent, said when Congress reconvenes in January he will introduce a bill barring government surveillance of Americans' library borrowing and bookstore purchases.

posted by A Curmudgeon 2:30 PM