It would be interesting to know whether the four Lawrence city commissioners who voted to express their opposition to the U.S. Patriot Act believe the threat of terrorism is overblown. Even if they realize there is a threat, are they more concerned and interested in protecting civil rights and doing what they can to oppose the Bush agenda than in fighting terrorism?

What will it take to convince individuals such as Mayor Mike Rundle and Commissioners David Schauner, David Dunfield and Boog Highberger of the seriousness of terrorism? In the face of the 9-11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and subsequent actions around the world, is there any doubt in the mind of these commissioners that this country is engaged in a war with those committed to using terrorist tactics to kill and injure innocent civilians and to do anything they can to get Americans to question whether their government can protect them?

Sue Hack was the only commissioner to oppose the Patriot Act resolution.

Those supporting opposition to the Patriot Act are quick to say they do so to make sure constitutional and civil rights are not compromised. This is a quick, easy answer and encourages many to say “right on” as they continue to protest the act and encourage others to do the same.

Earlier this week, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., told a group of newspaper executives in Washington, D.C., there was no record of any wrongful acts or abuses as a result of the Patriot Act. They agreed that before many actions approved in the Patriot Act can be taken they must be approved in court.

They also said many of the acts approved in the law are the same law enforcement or intelligence-gathering techniques that have been used for years to fight mob crime or illegal drugs in the United States.

Is a high percentage of the opposition to the Patriot Act due to partisan politics and a dislike of President Bush, Atty. Gen. John Ashcroft or others?

Those opposing the Patriot Act are quick to say they support our troops now engaged in Iraq and Afghanistan. They say they, too, think the acts of terrorism are wrong and they don’t like the idea of being portrayed as unpatriotic. Still others who oppose the Patriot Act go so far as to suggest there are many legitimate reasons that those in other parts of the world hate the United States and its policies. They claim Uncle Sam’s actions are responsible for terrorist attacks.

Obviously there is a massive effort under way to try to get city governments to go on record opposing the Patriot Act. Some reports indicate government agencies in about 300 American cities have expressed their opposition to the act, some calling for local law enforcement bodies to refuse to cooperate with federal officials in carrying out various intelligence-gathering operations.

Lawrence is the first city in Kansas to take such action. Is this a badge of honor or an embarrassment?

Just as those opposing the act are quick to claim they support our troops and do not want to damage or weaken their position in Iraq or Afghanistan, those who favor the act point out they believe it is important to protect the constitutional and civil rights Americans enjoy.

Taking the question to the extreme, what is better, allowing terrorists to kill and sow fear in the United States, as well as in other countries, or to be so careful not to infringe on civil rights that terrorists are allowed to gain a stronger foothold in the United States and elsewhere?

The United States is the world’s most powerful nation and the most effective force to protect the freedom of people around the world. It is understandable that those opposed to the United States, those opposed to freedom and democracy, want to damage and weaken America and its influence around the world.

What better way for those opposed to the United States, those who engage in terrorism, to win their battles around the world than to discredit Uncle Sam and weaken this country and its resolve to fight for freedom here and abroad. Those plotting the actions and targets of terrorist cells must rejoice when they see the efforts to oppose the Patriot Act. If they can split the commitment of this country, elect men and women to Congress who waffle in their resolve to keep this country strong, and get people to believe it is more important to avoid military action than to stand up and fight, then this country and the rest of the world are in a terribly dangerous position. The terrorists and those who hate the Untied States will have won.

It is hoped current members of Congress, and those elected in November, will approve an extension of the Patriot Act. It is in the best interests of this country regardless of the sincere thinking and action of four Lawrence City Commission members.