A new Gallup Poll shows that 64% of Americans believe the Patriot Act is either "about right" or "does not go far enough in restricting people's civil liberties in order to fight terrorism." Only 26% said they think the law goes "too far."
The same poll pitted the judgment of Atty. Gen. John Ashcroft against the judgment of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) when it comes to properly balancing the need to protect Americans from terrorist attacks with the need to protect basic civil liberties. Fifty-seven per cent said they have a "great deal" or "moderate amount" of confidence in John Ashcroft. Only 43% could say the same thing about the ACLU. A majority, 53%, said they trusted the ACLU "not much" or "not at all."
