On September 11, 2001 thousands of lives were lost as a result of the terrorist acts, yet millions were distressed by the infamous event. Americans experienced unfamiliar emotions, such as insecurity and fear. The Bush Administration exploited these intense emotions with the creation of the USA Patriot Act. The Patriot Act is a controversial law that expands the powers of government agencies and destroys our precious civil liberties. The Patriot Act was passed forty-five days after September 11, when there was immense fear of following terrorist attacks (ACLU). Many congressmen were worried that they would be blamed for future attacks, so they "push[ed] aside fears that the bill . would trample civil liberties" (Dlouhy). The fear of terrorist attacks has lessened, yet individuals continue to sacrifice their natural rights. The Patriot Act is unconstitutional, because it violates the Bill of Rights, as well as current legislation, and must be removed.
Primarily, the Patriot Act is a violation of the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of speech, press, religion and peaceful assembly (US Constitution). However, the Patriot Act does not encourage people to speak, practice certain religions or participate in certain activities liberally. The Act expands the surveillance powers of government agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and allows the FBI to monitor phone calls, electronic mail, websites and online purchases (ACLU). As a result, people may feel less free to speak their mind or participate in activities of which the government may not approve. According to the American Civil Liberties Union's former president, Norman Dorsen, "The Patriot Act provides the government with the authority to prosecute individuals especially those who sympathize with 'terrorist' groups" (Masci). In addition, expanded government surveillance allows the FBI to demand information from third parties.
Again, thanks to the PATRIOT Act, the men were arrested and convicted. ... The PATRIOT Act is responsible for saving thousands of lives here in the U.S. ... These are just a few examples of the PATRIOT Act's success. ... Unfortunately, the PATRIOT Act does go against the constitution in various ways. ... Powers such as these were granted by the PATRIOT Act. ...
The Patriot Act Policy Problem The 2001 Patriot Act granted the federal government with the power to investigate or in prison anyone suspected of terrorism without due process. ... But not every American citizen agrees with the policies of the Patriot Act. ... Benefits The Patriot Act benefits every American citizen. ... Evidence The 2001 Patriot Act does not allow people incarcerated because of the Patriot Act to seek council. ... Recommendation Without a doubt the Patriot Act powers can be abused. ...
The Patriot Act was formed "To deter and punish terrorist acts in the United States and around the world." ... Congress may have made the same mistake as FDR by passing the Patriot Act so hastily. ... In case you haven't noticed, these examples have many similarities to the Patriot Act. ... These comparisons may not per sway those out there in support of the Patriot Act. ... The Patriot Act will have repercussions far worse than those of the Japanese camps or McCarthyism. ...
USA Patriot is an acronym for "Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism"--an elaborate acronym for a lengthy document (the Patriot Act is nearly 350+ pages long). ... Therefore, the Patriot Act threatens the basic liberties and freedoms of millions of Americans, and the courts can do little in helping them to keep them. ... Title II of the Patriot Act outlines this in it's policy on enhanced surveillance procedures. ... The 4th Amendment defends an individual's rights to privacy against unlawful tactics such as t...
In response, our government came up with the Patriot Act. ... The Patriot Act allows the United States to deter terrorist activities and is a justified means to the dangerous world we live in. ... Everything has its pros and cons and this also goes for The Patriot Act. ... Many of the tools that are being used under The Patriot Act have been used for years. ... One of the controversial parts of The Patriot Act is the fact that the FBI has the authority to monitor the habits of American reading from library records. ...
The content of the Patriot Act and its legislative changes may be just another step in ensuring the safety of the American people. ... If this is true, then the Patriot Act is doing the job that it was put into law to do. ... Instead they were charged under the USA Patriot Act of felonies carrying multi-year prison terms on conviction. ... Under the Patriot Act these actions are completely legal. ... Another aspect of the Patriot Act that has no apparent connection to the preventing of terrorism is surveillance. ...
Patrick Henry The American Revolution not only gave rise to exemplary patriots, but it also gave rise to great soapbox orators. ... Such orations led to political unrest, often times inciting fellow patriots to seek war. ... Yet, if one could epitomize what a true patriot is, it is hands down General, and later President, George Washington. ... On the contrary, one such "patriot-, as A.J. ... The troops fired in retaliation, slaughtering five "patriots."" ...
The USA Patriot Act was hastily passed in the wake of the horrific attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. ... The Patriot Act undertakes an endeavor that does not undermine the basic freedoms of Americans, but protects a country of citizens that have willingly invested their freedoms in the government for protection. The USA Patriot Act gives the government the right to monitor the research habits of suspected terrorists in an effort to stop terrorism. ... Thus, the USA Patriot Act is a preventative act that is precise in those who it targets. ... The USA Patriot Act demonstrates it intends to uphold ...
This law is called the USA Patriot Act, and it must be repealed. By examining precisely certain provisions of the USA Patriot Act, it will be revealed how this Act alone intrusively stomps on our natural rights, how it specifically stomps on Amendments in the Bill of Rights, all in the name of possible potential security. First, the 1st Amendment of the Bill of Rights states: "Congress shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise thereof the freedom of speech or the right of the people peaceably to assemble- However, under Section 802 of the Patriot Act, the federal crime of "domestic t...
