From the Office of the Mayor
City of Los Altos

Sent to:
Senator Dianne Feinstein,
Senator Barbara Boxer
Representative Anna Eshoo


March 2, 2004

Dear (Senator Feinstein):

The City Council of Los Altos, California, has
unanimously voted to convey to you our concerns that
the Patriot Act, P.L. 107-56, requires our City to
take actions that erode the constitutional rights of
the very people we are sworn to serve and protect.

We are troubled that the powers granted to law
enforcement authorities by the Patriot Act are too
broad, lack judicial oversight, and are thus subject
to misuse.  Of particular concern, Sections 215 and
219 require us to provide the federal government with
records without a warrant and to assist with secret
searches.

We are troubled that our citizens, as well as legal
residents and visitors, have lost some of the
protections of the fourth Amendment, and that First
Amendment rights are being inhibited by fear of being
incorrectly categorized as terrorist supporters.

None of us should lose sight of the fact that over the
past 228 years many true patriots have given their
lives to defend the protections afforded by the Bill
of Rights.  We should not give up these rights easily.

We ask that you work to correct the constitutional
encroachments in the Patriot Act as soon as possible.

Respectfully yours,

John Moss
Mayor