Patriot Act

The Patriot Act has been one of the most hotly debated topics since it was enacted in 2001. The biggest reason for the controversy over the act, is whether or not it invades some of our personal freedoms. I, however, believe that the Patriot Act is something very necessary in today's world.

The Patriot Act was designed to protect the United States from further terrorist attacks by allowing more information to be recorded for investigation. This is needed because in order to arrest someone, they need to commit a crime first. What the Patriot Act is allowing, is the ability to watch possible terrorist before they commit a terrorist attack such as 9/11. If we can only arrest them after they have committed the crime, at which point, the damage has already been done.

The government is monitoring this through surveillance of oral and electronic communications, bank records, library records, and other such records. They also have the power to search and seizure someone without or with a delayed warrant. Many people believe that it is taking away from the right stated in the fourth amendment, which is the freedom of unreasonable searches and seizures. They also believe that the act is depriving them of the rights provided by the first amendment and the right of due process. I do not believe that these rights are being invaded, but for those that believe they are, it is for the greater good of trying to keep our country safe.

The Patriot Act does give the government the power to surveillance personal records of the American people. Unless you have something to hide, you have nothing worry about. I believe that the Patriot Act is important and should be renewed at the end of the year for our safety.