July 22, 2003
Government
My letter to Jane Harman.
After my nasty little shock at the end of my last entry, I wrote a letter to my Representative, Jane Harman. I have reproduced it below for your perusal.
When I examined today's vote regarding the Otter of Idaho Amendment to H.R. 2799, which de-funded Section 213 of the so-called "USA PATRIOT" Act, I was shocked, surprised and chagrined to find that you voted against the Amendment! I strongly believe that Section 213 in particular is a particularly dangerous part of a very dangerous Act, the danger being to the civil rights of the citizens of the United States. Section 213 seriously undermines the rights granted us by the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution.
I will always enthusiastically support legislation which dismantles or rolls back any part of the so-called "USA PATRIOT" Act. Section 213 is a particularly nasty bit of that Act and so is a very good target for the action taken today by the House. I was very happy to see both Republicans and Democrats working together to protect the civil rights of their constituents. This is why I cannot understand why you voted as you did.
Please explain, Ms. Harman. I voted for you when you stood for reelection, but without some explanation of your vote, I'm afraid I will be unable in good conscience to do so again.
Thank you for your attention to this very important matter.
It's not a long letter, but I hope that it will get some attention, anyway.