To the editor:

Civil liberty groups across our country have realized their dreadful expectations have come to pass. Spy court is now in session. It is no secret that President George W. Bush enjoys working in secret. The government has been given more power over us after a three-judge panel removed remaining restrictions on information sharing (Nov. 12 J-W), leaving the Patriot Act open for more broad interpretations.

We woke up to a different world this morning. Our government has the power to breach one of our most sacred rights: privacy. Nothing we say or do should be considered strictly confidential. Information such as what books you check out or buy, what medical tests have been recommended for you, what prescription drugs you take, organizations you belong to, who you associate or do business with, are only the tip of the iceberg.

Even if the most questionable information picked up on you is that an old acquaintance has ever been investigated, you could become the target of an investigation yourself. Your first indication would be those guys at the door with guns and questions.

This new national order is brought to you by Geo. W. Bush and Associates.

So, as you go on about your daily lives today and every day until 2004, remember: Our children are about to go to a unilaterally sanctioned war, the economy is in the toilet, we have anxious terrorist cells waiting to attack us at home, there is a mad man promising us more misery, AND Big Brother is watching and listening.

Doris Stine,

Lawrence