Rich Galen

About the author: Rich Galen, former press secretary to Representatives Dan Quayle and Newt Gingrich, has had articles published in most major newspapers and has been a frequent guest on television news shows.

Expanding the CIA's powers to fight terrorism by passing the USAPATRIOT Act does not constitute an intolerable suspension of personal liberties. On the contrary, in times of national emergency, certain civil liberties must be sacrificed to ensure the common good. Most Americans agree that the CIA should be given the information-sharing capabilities it needs to fight terrorism. In the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on America, Americans have accepted the need to sacrifice some personal liberties in exchange for greater security.

Editor's note: The USA-PATRIOT Act was passed into law in October...