Too often federal officials have interpreted the Constitution according to their own personal ideologies. When it comes to the Constitution, I try to be a strict constructionist and believe that the Founding Fathers intended our leaders to adhere to the letter of the law, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable.

Many measures are being proposed in the wake of the recent attacks on our country to prevent future attacks. I carefully scrutinize any bill that might threaten our Constitutional rights. I was originally very reluctant to support the PATRIOT Act because of fears that the bill could violate Constitutional rights. Congressman Bob Barr has long been a champion for protecting our civil liberties and he pushed for several changes to the bill that included safeguards to protect the rights of Americans. Those changes include:

• A provision that these special law enforcement powers would end on December 31, 2003.
• A rule that prohibits the use of evidence of electronic communication if it was obtained unlawfully. This rule is far stricter than what is prohibited by the Fourth amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches.
• Enhances penalties from at least $1000 to at least $10,000 civil damages available for violating civil liberties.
• Creates a new Deputy Inspector General for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This position will be required to review all information alleging abuses of civil rights, civil liberties, and racial and ethnic profiling by employees of the Department of Justice.

I agree with Ronald Reagan that "government that is big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you've got." I will continue to fight for your civil rights and will keep working to contain the abuses of big government. While law enforcement needs all of the tools available to enforce the criminal code, the government should not infringe on our civil liberties.