GENERAL WESLEY CLARK'S STATEMENT ON THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF THE PATRIOT ACT
I BELIEVE IN A NEW AMERICAN PATRIOTISM

The Bill of Rights is one of the most precious gifts that we, as a nation, pass on to each new generation of Americans. Tomorrow is the second anniversary of the passage of the Patriot Act. To ensure that it doesn't diminish our children's legacy of inalienable rights, we need to review the Act and its enforcement.

We must give law enforcement every appropriate tool to fight terrorism, both at home and abroad. But the Patriot Act, which was designed and passed in haste, must be revised to better protect our civil liberties. I am outraged that John Ashcroft's Justice Department refuses to submit such a sensitive and important measure to legislative oversight.

I call on Congress to review the Patriot Act, to assess what works and what needs to be changed. We should immediately suspend the provisions that allow searches and seizure without subpoenas and warrants. Until we know more about any possible abuses of the Act, I would limit the Justice Department's use of its powers to the prevention and prosecution of terrorism.

I believe in a New American Patriotism -- one which recognizes that democracy demands discussion and dissent. There is nothing more American -- nothing more patriotic -- than speaking out, questioning authority, and holding your leaders accountable.

Concerned citizens throughout this country are raising their voices in protest against abuses of the Patriot Act. I applaud their efforts.