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Because Freedom Can't Protect Itself.

Dear friends,

Today we got some GREAT news- a federal court struck down the amended Patriot Act's National Security Letter (NSL) provision. The law has permitted the FBI to issue NSLs demanding private information about people within the United States without court approval, and to gag those who receive NSLs from discussing them.

The court found that the gag power was unconstitutional and that because the statute prevented courts from engaging in meaningful judicial review of gags, it violated the First Amendment and the principle of separation of powers. You can read more about the case here: http://www.aclu.org/safefree/nationalsecurityletters/31580prs20070906.html

This is a huge win for freedom of speech and the principle of checks and balances, and it gives us hope that our nation is taking steps to correct the total abuse of power by the executive branch.

While the courts are reinstating checks on the executive branch, Congress seems to be doing the opposite. Last month, Congress hastily passed the so-called Protect America Act to expand the president's warrantless surveillance program. Not only does this legislation not INSIST on oversight of the program, but it removes oversight that was already in place.

The Protect America Act feels like Patriot Act deja vu. Our Senators acted in fear when they voted for this legislation without considering it's impact on our civil liberties, and they can't afford to make the same mistake twice when the bill comes up for renewal in February. Join us in telling Senators Snowe and Collins to oppose renewal of the Protect America Act.

Senator Snowe: (800) 432-1599

Senator Collins: (202) 224-2523

Today's Patriot Act decision makes it clear that when Congress passes hasty legislation it can cause a serious Constitutional crisis. Our representatives in Washington can't afford to wait for the courts to turn over another bad law- they should stop the so-called Protect America Act themselves.

Please call today!

Senator Snowe: (800) 432-1599

Senator Collins: (202) 224-2523

Today's decision struck a blow to a horrible provision of the Patriot Act. With your help, we know this will be one of many wins for civil liberties.

Thanks for all you do,
Rachel

Rachel L. Myers
Field Organizer
Maine Civil Liberties Union
www.mclu.org

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