Rep. Christopher Shays, R-CT will come to Fairfield University this Saturday to participate in an open forum about the so-called “Patriot Act.”
After the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Congress passed sweeping legislation dubbed the Patriot Act.
The bill gave law enforcement new surveillance and detention powers, and was passed by Congress with overwhelming support.
The bill expires in 2005, and despite the Bush administration pressure to renew it, more and more scrutiny has been given to the bill’s powers and apparent abuses.
Shays hopes to listen to concerns at this Saturday’s forum, which takes place at the Dolan School of Business dining room from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
“While I voted in support of the Patriot Act, many people I respect have concerns about the bill and I have not ruled out the possibility of voting to amend it, should I be persuaded by their remarks,” Shays said.
“Saturday’s forum will allow me to hear constituents’ questions and to engage in dialogue to further understand their concerns.”
Still, Shays defended his initial vote in support of the bill.
“Terrorists will strike again,” he said. “It is not a question of if, but of when, where and what magnitude. The Patriot Act empowers our intelligence and law enforcement communities to play vital roles in helping the United States win this race.”
Dr. Don Greenberg, a professor of politics and an expert on free speech issues, said Shays should oppose the bill.
“Chris Shays should work to repeal the Patriot Act,” Greenberg said. “Most of the provisions of the Patriot Act are gross violations of our civil liberties which have very little real intelligence value.”
Dr. John Orman, another politics professor, concurred.
“Students should plan to attend the open forum to hear a discussion of the new Patriot Act because if the new version of this bill passes, it might be the last time people will be allowed to congregate at all!” Orman said.
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