Congregation Albert Brotherhood - October 2004

Brotherhood News

USA PATRIOT ACT: Are We Safe?

Congress passed the controversial PATRIOT ACT six weeks after the September 11th attacks. Law enforcement powers were greatly expanded in an effort to deter and punish terrorists. Significantly, no new attacks on American soil have taken place since then. We have also seen numerous arrests of al-Qaida and Hamas terrorists both within our country and globally. However, some on the left and right believe that the PATRIOT ACT threatens civil rights and freedom at home. Numerous legal challenges have been made in an effort to rein in parts of the act. Regardless, the PATRIOT ACT is facing a sunset clause under which certain of its provisions will terminate at the end of next year. The current Bush administration has called for Congress to make these provisions permanent.

Our October 17th Brotherhood Program will present divergent perspectives on this provocative topic. Our speakers will be Peter Simonson, Executive Director, of the New Mexico American Civil Liberties Union; and Special Agent Stephen Marshall, Chief Division Counsel, of the Albuquerque FBI.

The program begins with brunch at 10:00 a.m. in the Social Hall of Congregation Albert (3800 Louisiana NE). The cost is $6 for Brotherhood members and $8 for all others. Seating for the brunch, which is open to the public, is limited. Reservations, therefore, should be made no later than October 14 by calling 883-1818, ext. 3203, and leaving your name, telephone number, and the number of people for whom reservations are being made.

We hope that you will join us for this informative program.

Allan Lerner and Rick Nathanson,
Brotherhood Programs Co-Chairs

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