Don't scrap Patriot Act; fix the flaws

To the editor:

In response to recent letters on the Patriot Act, I have a question: If you did not like an article in the Constitution, would you throw out the entire Constitution? Of course not. Let's be reasonable. This has nothing to do with a political party, so let's keep that out. This has everything to do with our freedom and security.

Until someone comes up with a better plan to fight terrorism, we need every tool we can get.

I feel many people are unaware of the magnitude of what we are trying to avoid. With North Korea and maybe Iran having nuclear weapons, it is not a matter of if an American city (most likely New York) will be wiped out. It is a matter of when.

The terrorists have made threats very clear to the effect that the next attack would make 9-11 look like a picnic.

This is the reason for the Patriot Act. If we do not like parts of it, then let's get rid of those parts.

I have no problem giving up my privacy if it would help to save millions of lives.

GERARD MACKE, Leopold, Mo.