Minnesota is joining the national effort to make things tougher on terrorism as lawmakers move closer to approving the state’s own "anti-terrorism" legislation.

Friday, March 29, 2002

Minnesota is joining the national effort to make things tougher on terrorism as lawmakers move closer to approving the state’s own "anti-terrorism" legislation.

The House earlier this week passed a $22 million anti-terror package and while most of the debate has focused on its cost – the Senate wants to spend only $4 million – the real cause for alarm is in some of the bill’s less costly provisions. Among other things, the House wants the government to have greater authority to tap Minnesotans’ phones and read their private e-mail. It would require that non-citizens who drive carry a special, color-coded driver’s license – a provision that is particularly alarming in its reflection of Nazi Germany.

Some might think it is mere hysteria to liken good-hearted Minnesota anti-terrorism measures to a heinous police state. The simple reality, however, is that we can not predict today what ill uses some future leaders might make of such laws.

Funding for firefighting and police is a good idea. Intruding on our civil liberties is scarier ground, something the state Legislature should stay away from.