Do Note the implications of the Gag Order, GM

Urgent Action Needed: Speak Out for Those Silenced by the Patriot Act

I need your urgent help right now.

ACLU is representing a member of the American Library Association in a challenge to the constitutionality of "national security letter" authority, which was expanded by the Patriot Act. Their client, a Connecticut institution which maintains records about books borrowed by library patrons and about their Internet usage, was ordered to produce records without any judicial review.

If you agree that secret searches and the powers of the Patriot Act go too far, take action today! Urge your elected officials to protect the gains made in the Senate version of legislation to renew the Patriot Act. The Senate version, though not perfect, puts some sensible judicial oversight on law enforcement's record searches. Take action now at: https://secure.aclu.org/site/Advocacy? pagename=homepage&id=272&page=UserAction

Their lawsuit also seeks an emergency court order to lift the gag so that their client can participate in the public debate about the Patriot Act as Congress prepares to reauthorize or amend it in September.

If their client could speak, he could explain why Congress needs to reform the Patriot Act to protect our privacy and civil liberties. They've gone to Court to get the gag lifted before Congress votes. Right now they need you to tell Congress what their client can't tell these Congressional members.

The Senate is moving in the right direction with legislation--agreed to unanimously--that would add some needed reforms. Though not perfect, the gains made in the Senate bill are an improvement over the measure passed by the House of Representatives. Click here to urge your elected officials to protect the gains made in the Senate version of legislation to renew the Patriot Act: https://secure.aclu.org/site/Advocacy? pagename=homepage&id=272&page=UserAction

You can also click here to read more about the issue: http://www.aclu.org/nsl/