Attorney General John Ashcroft takes his travelling road show to Boise Monday. Protests are expected. Idaho is not a Patriot Act-frendly state:

A group called the Boise Patriots is gathering at BSU's library tomorrow at noon to begin their protest. Members are also holding a press conference in front of Boise City Hall at 11:30am. The Boise Patriots had a booth at the Western Idaho Fair to gather petition signatures opposing the act.

The ACLU also opposes the Patriot Act saying it undermines our constitutional rights. Idaho Congressman Butch Otter agrees. He was the only member of Idaho's congressional delegation to vote against it. None of the state's four congressional members plan on attending the event, citing prior commitments.

Boise is also one of about 140 communities against the act. The Boise city council is considering a resolution opposing it.

Protests are also scheduled for Salt Lake City Monday:

Protests begin at the Little America Hotel, 555 S. Main St. in SLC on Monday August 25th at 9:30 am. Bring friends and bring signs. More signs.

For some good commentary on Ashcroft's road trip, check out Elaine Cassel's Brother John's Traveling Patriot Salvation Show, which begins:

In an unprecedented, desperate, and politically motivated move, Brother John Ashcroft has taken to the road. Setting up his tent in strategic cities to bring his Traveling Patriot Salvation Show to lost Americans. With apologies to Neil Diamond, "pack up the babies and grab the old ladies." But take 'em someplace safe, like an old-time religion tent revival, not Brother John's catechism on the USA Patriot Act.

Also check out Monday's New York Times editiorial, An Unpatriotic Act:

Attorney General John Ashcroft has embarked on a charm offensive on behalf of the USA Patriot Act. He is traveling the country to rally support for the law, which many people, both liberals and conservatives, consider a dangerous assault on civil liberties. Mr. Ashcroft's efforts to promote the law are misguided. He should abandon the roadshow and spend more time in Washington working with those who want to reform the law.