Born out of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Patriot Act has been the bane of freedom lovers in this country for the last four years. Now, with just weeks before the act expires, Congress wants to pass a new version next week.

But instead of cramming a bad law through both houses, it would be wiser to slow down and see if a better version — with more safeguards to freedom — is possible.

The trouble with the new version being considered is that it's hardly "new and improved." It has many of the unnecessary compromises of our liberty we've come to associate with the Patriot Act.

For example, nothing has been done to limit FBI authority to search your personal records at libraries, bookstores and doctors' offices.

Another provision gives the government broad powers, allowing for searches without a warrant and the wiretapping of individuals suspected of being "lone wolf" terrorists. These are powers that could easily lead to abuse.

The American Civil Liberties Union has called the new version a "sham compromise" that will impact the lives of innocent Americans.

Sen. Russell Feingold, D-Wis., has already called for a delaying filibuster to stop the act from reaching a final vote.

Let's hope our two senators from Hawai'i join Feingold.

If a filibuster (or even the thought of one) succeeds this week in improving the Patriot Act, you can dub those who participated the real patriots and freedom fighters in Congress.