This date is a scar on the American calendars. The day that brought America to its knees. The day terrorism reached our shores. Thousands lost their lives while millions were left in awe as the shockwave rattled the world. Terrorism could no longer be ignored. .
But whos to say that this attack could not have been prevented? What could we have done? What type of intelligence would have to be acquired as a protective measure? The Government grasped this bull by the horns by instituting the Uniting and Securing America by Provide Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act, or USA PATRIOT Act. Though this bill shreds independence and privacy, it was passed by a huge margin. America had not seen the bill not to mention had time to review the 326-page document. Purposeful or not, has the government used the terrorist attacks of 9/11/01 to watch over the people of the United States? Has the PATRIOT Act given the federal government too much power? Is Americas privacy at stake?.
Terrorism is defined in the US by the Code of Federal Regulations as: .the unlawful use of force and violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives. (28 CFR Section 0.85) The FBI has since compiled two more definitions of terrorism, domestic and international, depending on their origin, base, and the objectives of the terrorist: .
Domestic terrorism is the threatened or unlawful use of force or violence by an individual or group based and operating entirely within the United States or one of its territories without foreign aid committed against persons or property to coerce a government, the civilian population in furtherance of political or social objectives.
International terrorism includes violent acts threatening human life that are in violation of criminal laws of the United States or any state, or that would be a crime if committed within the jurisdiction of the United States or any state.