Supporting the US Patriot Act Essay -- Privacy

The US Patriot Act should stay in effect indefinitely because it helps to remove barriers to investigate terrorism, it strengthens the criminal laws against terrorism, and it gives the government the authority to intercept wire, oral and electronic communications relating to terrorism. "Originally passed after the September 11, 2001 attacks, the Patriot Act was formed in response to the terrorist attacks against the United States. This law dramatically expanded the authority of American law enforcement for the stated purpose of fighting terrorism in the United States. It is used to enhance domestic security against terrorism, and enhance surveillance procedures. It gives the government the authority to intercept wire, oral, and electronic communications relating to terrorism. It has also been used to detect and prosecute other alleged potential crimes, such as providing false information on terrorism. It was renewed on March 2, 2006 with a vote of 89 to 11 in the Senate and on M arch 7 280 to 138 in the House. The renewal was signed into law by President Bush on March 9, 2006."1 (USA Patriot Act" www.wikipedia.org on 02/08/2007). The Patriot Act has been very important to winning the War on Terror and protecting the American people. The signed legislation allows intelligence and law enforcement officials to continue sharing information and using the same tools against terrorists already employed against drug dealers and other criminals. This legislation helps to strengthen the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) so that it can better identify and interrupt terrorist threats. It also provides law enforcement officials new tools to combat threats, while safeguarding Americans' civil liberties. America still faces dangerous en... ... remember about government powers is not to necessarily only worry about what they do but what they allow the government to do (because eventually they likely will). These provisions in and of themselves are not a ridiculous assault on liberty but they do increase powers and reduce rights incrementally. And it is likely that any overall reduction of rights will be incremental and always driven by government 'necessity' to protect or provide. The Patriot Act is one of these measures that will allow each American life, liberty, and the pursuit happiness. Although, some laws might seem intrusive in nature; that intrusiveness provides Americans with a feeling of safety. Sources: 1. "USA Patriot Act" www.wikipedia.org. accessed on 02/08/2007 2. "USA Patriot Act" www.whitehouse.gov accessed on 02/07/2007