Where Knowledge Rules

Politics, News & Issues:

US Law & Justice

Debate_icon Get a Widget for this title

Does the US Patriot Act undermine Americans' freedoms?

Results so far:

Yes
76% 283 votes Total: 371 votes
No
24% 88 votes

by NetJr

The hew and cry of those who believe the Patriot Act is an infringement on their freedoms have not read the legislation. In large part they oppose the Patriot Act because of political leanings and they use it as a buzz word to rally their political base. This new law has nearly zero impact on American Citizens.

Before the Patriot Act the Central Intelligence Agency was not allowed to gather data from US Citizens and the FBI only did so for domestic criminal cases. The regulations and laws governing these agencies left a whole wide open for al queda to exploit and they did. Now that the act has been passed and continued the CIA and FBI can gather the necessary data to monitor large fund transfers, foreign communications, and internal activity that might relate to terrorist activity.

A few of the most common criticisms of the Patriot Act are the requirement of libraries to give law enforcement agencies information on people who use their resources for questionable activities. Do those who need the blue prints of government facilities, energy plants, and transportation hubs really have a fair expectation of privacy? Another common criticism is the monitoring of money transfers in excess of $10,000. This would enable the government agencies to see if suspected organizations or outlets are funding individuals in our country. How does this impact you buying a car? It doesn't.

The fact of the matter is our country has been safe since that fateful September 11th. The Patriot Act has contributed to that safety, and most people can't even point to a freedom or privacy lost because of it.

Learn more about this author, NetJr.
Contact this writer Click here to send this author comments or questions.


Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

Does the US Patriot Act undermine Americans' freedoms?

No
  • 1 of 11

    by Lou Rountree

    Americans will have to stop swallowing the politically motivated idea that the Patriot Act is in place to undermine their

    read more

  • 2 of 11

    by David Furritus

    Here we go again.

    The conspiracy nuts are coming out of the woodwork to tell us how Big Brother is watching again. Beware:

    read more

Yes
  • 1 of 22

    by Alec Hemphill

    Patriotism and Freedom: One and the Same?

    What comes to mind when we think of patriotism? Is it military service? Unwavering

    read more

  • 2 of 22

    by Chris Folsum

    The title itself is a little deceiving. USA PATRIOT ACT is not United States of America Patriot Act.

    USA PATRIOT ACT is an

    read more

Add your voice

Know something about Does the US Patriot Act undermine Americans' freedoms??
We want to hear your view. Write_penWrite now!

101711

Featured Partner

The National Pollution Prevention Roundtable (NPPR)

The National Pollution Prevention Roundtable (NPPR) is a national forum that promotes the development, implementation...more

Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA