Gonzales: "We cannot allow libraries to become safe haven for terrorists" [View All]

One of the Patriot Act's most debated elements, known as the "library provision," permits secret warrants for "books, records, papers, documents and other items" from businesses, hospitals and other organizations. While it does not specifically mention bookstores or libraries, critics -- both conservative and liberal -- say the government could use the provision to subpoena library and bookstore records and peek at the reading habits of innocent people.

Gonzales said he was as concerned about privacy rights as anyone but, he told CNN, "we cannot allow libraries and computers at libraries (to) become safe haven for terrorists."

Gonzales cited an example of terrorists who used library computers, believing them to be protected from government searches. He reiterated that he would consider certain, clarifying amendments to the provision, but he argued against its outright removal.

"To take it away as a tool from the law enforcement community I think would be counterproductive and would make America less safe," he said.

http://www.salon.com/wire/ap/archive.html?wire=D8BHT06G0.html