I received this thoughtful note from Senator Collins today and want to share
it with the library community.  (If I hear from any other member of our
Congressional delegation, I'll share those messages also.)  I also have
received a call from the Maine Attorney General's office saying that one of
the assistance A.G.'s is working on the Patriot Act-related questions
originally raised by Nancy Crowell.  Progress with patience. :-)  Linda

Linda H. Lord
Director of Library Development
Maine State Library
64 State House Station
Augusta, ME
04333
Telephone 207-287-5620
FAX  207-287-5624
e-mail  [log in to unmask]
www.state.me.us/msl/



-----Original Message-----
From: (Senator) [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, December 04, 2001 1:25 PM
To: Lord, Linda
Subject: Anti-terrorism law



Linda,

I know the Maine library community has concerns about the new anti-terrorism
law, fearing it will jeopardize the privacy of library patrons.  I wanted to
assure you that I am very sensitive to these concerns and, indeed, I was one
 of
twelve Senators who supported Senator Feingold's "computer trespassing" or
hacking amendment.  As you may know, this was one of the amendments
supported
 by
the ALA, AALL and ARL.   In my view,  the amendment was a reasonable
approach
 to
more clearly define "computer trespasser" and, thereby, exclude innocent
users
from being subjected to government surveillance without judicial review.
Unfortunately, this amendment was tabled or rejected by the full Senate.

As you know, I supported final passage of the anti-terrorism legislation.  I
 did
so because of the pressing need to enhance the ability of federal law
enforcement officials to combat threats of domestic terrorism.  At the same
time, I believe we must not abandon our legal freedoms and constitutional
principles as we pursue the war against terrorism.   As the Senate continues
 to
debate these issues, I would welcome your input and the views of others in
the
Maine library community.  I will certainly continue to seek the appropriate
balance that will enable us to defeat terrorism, while preserving
 constitutional
rights and freedoms.

As always, please don't hesitate to let me know if I can be of service in
any
way.

Susan