Letter: Patriot Act helps keep nation safe

Monday, Jan. 9, 2006 | 7:47 a.m.

Just before Christmas, our own Sen. Harry Reid led the Democratic caucus in Washington in a rowdy cheer when he successfully engineered the filibuster of the Patriot Act.

For those who have read or even thought about it, Las Vegas is very high on the most likely targets by terrorists. Indeed, some of the 9/11 bunch came here to likely "have a good time" (or perhaps get motivated) before their devastating mission, so our reputation is well known to them. We have everything that our enemies say they despise -- (concentrated) wealth, extravagance, opulence, (a gathering of) thousands of friendly visitors from all over the world to tell the tale, power (the site of the first atomic bomb explosion), and, yes, debauchery.

To date, our president, military, law enforcement and intelligence personnel have kept the continental United States safe since we lost some 3,000 citizens and suffered billions (probably trillions including financial losses) in damage. All of these people have testified that the Patriot Act was/is a major tool in their success. Further, there has not been a single instance proven where a citizen's rights have been violated.

Granted, the Patriot Act has been extended to the first week in February, but I feel very strongly that Sen. Reid would like to see it modified, delayed or defeated -- again -- just to embarrass the president.

Jon Dale Hollabaugh

Las Vegas