John Hope Bryant: “I have over the years, though, become convinced that some adjustments are needed to our criminal law. Given the…”

“I have over the years, though, become convinced that some adjustments are needed to our criminal law. Given the significantly greater ability of the criminal, particularly the terrorists, to freely operate worldwide, and given the advancing technology of communications, simply put, the laws that we have are no longer adequate for the good guys to keep up with the bad guys. At this time I think it is very appropriate that the good guys get the edge once again. This PATRIOT bill, H.R. 2975, I believe is a balanced approach to our fight against terrorism. I believe it is an appropriate response to a very real problem. Neither our constitutional rights nor our fundamental rights of privacy are dismissed. Please keep in mind we are not waiving in any way or voiding the Constitution today. The provisions of this PATRIOT bill will undoubtedly be tested and must withstand challenge in a court of law. I believe they will meet the constitutional test. But for now, the ability of our law enforcement to uncover and ferret out, particularly acts of terrorism, these abilities are enhanced with this bill.”