There Are Valid Reasons to Keep the Patriot Act

“Safer Option for Civil Rights” (editorial, Feb. 2) stated that “spontaneous applause greeted President Bush’s State of the Union mention that ‘key provisions of the Patriot Act are set to expire next year.’ ” In your strong opposition to the extension of the Patriot Act you selectively quoted additional statements by the president. What you failed to do is quote the most powerful statement he made in support of its extension, namely that although key portions of the Patriot Act are set to expire next year, terrorists’ plans are on no such schedule. That statement received a resounding, sustained ovation from the Congress.

Your deletion of the president’s loudest applause line in order to further your views cheapens your argument.

Jerry Freedman

Los Angeles