Reading Reflection #6
Melissa Elizalde
Section A01
May 4th, 2014
A Response to "The USA PATRIOT Act: A Sketch"
by: Charles Doyle
On October 26th 2001, President George W. Bush signed the USA PATRIOT Act into law. This act set out provisions through which the federal government would ensure that acts of terrorism against this nation would never again take place. Though at the time thought of as absolutely necessary and warranted, upon later observation, this act has been seen as simply another way in which many citizens' civil liberties have been violated. Personally I completely agree with the above statement and wish that I would have been better informed of the passing of this legislation! Though I am knowledgeable of the oversight that the government takes in ensuring our national security, I was not informed that the government, especially after the passing of this act, has so much access to content that I and many others believe is private. The degree to which they have access to private information can be seen in the provisions of this act that allow for heightened surveillance and tracking of any and all information deemed necessary for terrorism enforcement. Though I agree with the need for more oversight as far as money laundering is concerned, I don't agree with the increased tracking and electronic surveillance that is acceptable under this act. I believe that shortly following the acts of September 11th this act would have seemed reasonable but in present day times this act is simply a legal way for the government to keep track of all citizens regardless of terrorist involvement. Overall I am glad that I was able to learn more about this act and am looking forward to continued conversation on this topic.
Question 1: What is your opinion on the Patriot Act? Were you knowledgeable of its passing?
Question 2: Do you think the Patriot Act and the provisions it entails are significant ways in which we can approach counter-terrorism efforts in this country?
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