THE AMERICAN Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts appreciates former US senator John E. Sununu’s criticism of the Patriot Act (“Sacrificing freedom for security,’’ Op-ed, May 2). Sununu’s criticism of the ACLU, however, surprised us.
Contrary to his assertion that “the idea of debating fundamental precepts of civil liberties seemed to fall out of favor’’ in the 1980s and ’90s, and that the ACLU seemed preoccupied with other issues, the ACLU worked vigilantly to protect free expression, freedom of religion and belief, racial justice, gender equality, the rights of the lesbian, bisexual, gay, and transgender community, and reproductive freedom. Fundamental rights and liberties are always the driving force behind our numerous lawsuits and our robust efforts in the legislative and public advocacy arenas.
The ACLU renewed its efforts to defend the rule of law after 9/11, including our work against the overreaching Patriot Act. Working with the Bill of Rights Defense Committee, the ACLU helped more than 400 communities nationwide pass anti-Patriot Act resolutions, including 53 in Massachusetts. For 91 years, no matter what the challenge, the ACLU has endeavored to make sure that the dream of our nation’s founders, of a people endowed with certain inalienable rights, is protected and allowed to flourish.
Kim V. Marrkand
President
Board of Directors ACLU of Massachusetts
Boston 
