Too often we rush to criticize our government, be it local, state or federal. Well, here's an "Atta Boy" and "A Job Well Done" from my grandson and me to the city of Saratoga, and especially to Morgan Kessler, assistant city engineer and John Cherbone, city maintenance director.

Back in October, I nearly tripped on a path leading into Marshall Lane School on Marilyn Drive. I pick up my grandson from school and this path was terribly eroded. On my way home, my grandson and I stopped by the city of Saratoga offices to inquire about hoping to have it repaired in the near future. I was skeptical, given the fact of budget cuts, etc.

I was directed to Morgan Kessler. He was most gracious and told me he would have an answer for me in a few days. And he kept his promise! He has been emailing regularly to keep me up to date on its progress to be repaved. I was also reassured by John Cherbone that it would be paved "in the next few weeks by a private contractor."

As soon as winter vacation began for the school, forms were prepared for paving. Only weather delayed the paving until Jan. 8. Morgan had emailed me that, with weather permitting, the paving would be done on Thursday. And, hooray, the work was completed as promised.

When we moved here in 1971, my sister had remarked that we were lucky because the city of Saratoga listens to its citizens, not just to big developers like other cities. And boy, was she right!

Thank you, Morgan and John and Saratoga, for having people who care about us, the citizens. The year has started with a big bang, and I'm sure that the kidlets of Marshall Lane School love their new path to the school.

Marcia Citta

Saratoga

Coyotes are not a
threat to children

I read your misinformed article (Coyotes prowl, Jan. 21) and was amazed at how people don't even attempt to understand that we humans are the invaders and we need to learn to live with the coyotes.

How about a pack of pit bulls versus coyotes? I know which I would choose. Our so-called domesticated animals are more dangerous.

Coyotes eat children? What next? They have been shot, poisoned, trapped and killed, and we cannot even read or become informed about this animal.

They are scavengers, eat berries and, of course, they are predators of rabbits and deer. Children is a massive stretch of the imagination.

They are free to roam my land in the Saratoga hills and, if I'm lucky, they will come on Sunday and lay in the open area in front of my house. I feel honored in their presence.

Paul Tamplin

Heather Heights

Library issue at center
of Patriot Act reaction

Robin Oliver's letter, "Citizens should judge for themselves" on Jan. 7, makes a number of thought-provoking points in critiquing previously published letters addressing the Patriot Act. Public discourse on subjects as important as national security, privacy and the Bill of Rights is imperative. To that end, I would like to expand on some of the issues mentioned in that letter.

The impetus for the Patriot Act evolved from terrorist bombings of overseas U.S. embassy's, the USS Cole and the first attack on the World Trade Center, all events preceding 9-11. Such events should certainly cause our government to put into motion efforts to respond with improved security. After all, the Constitution clearly states that security of our country and its citizens is the primary function of government. The Founding Fathers certainly had no disagreement on that issue.

In Oliver's assertion that my statement, indicating the Act is narrowly aimed toward terrorism, the letter states "there is no such statement" in the Act itself. A quick perusal of the 56,800-word, 140-page Act reveals the document description: "To deter and punish terrorist acts in the United States and around the world, to enhance law enforcement investigatory tools, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled ... " And the words terrorist and terrorism are mentioned more than 100 times—that obviously indicates the core intent of the Act.

It seems many debates about the Act invariably come around to the library issue (which allows investigators to view library records). Considering the fact that virtually all library information and research is now available online, it's hard to understand what the brouhaha is all about. If one is so concerned about absolute privacy in such matters, simply don't use government facilities (libraries) and just go to a bookstore and pay cash.
All taxpayer supported services come with some form of loss of privacy, including the local library, which keeps detailed information of all customers who use the facility.

It is certainly accurate to state the Act is vague. Written by politicians and lawyers, it is truly confusing, convoluted and nearly impossible to understand. Are there provisions that may very well be ruled unconstitutional? No doubt. Is it overreach of government. Yes. Should it be analyzed and criticized? Certainly. Considering we are at war, am I glad our government may be overreaching instead of underreaching? Absolutely, positively.

Whether or not the Patriot Act has made us safer or not remains to be seen. All that we know for certain is our country has not been attacked since 9-11. As to the concerns about violations of the Bill of Rights, some comfort can be found in the fact that the Patriot Act contains a sunset clause of December 2005, which requires the Act to be amended, extended or "cease to have effect."

Although Benjamin Franklin said, "Those that trade freedom for safety get neither," one could speculate he would probably also agree that the Bill of Rights is not a suicide pact.

Considering that each and every year federal and state governments pass literally thousands upon thousands of new laws, many of which diminish our most basic liberties, it's hard to get excited about whether or not some fed is looking at my library records.

Martin Kavanagh

Sarahills Drive