The Patriot Act vs Civil Liberties

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Recommended: National security and individual privacy tension

Is the patriot act necessary if it protects but threatens our civil liberates? The patriot act threatens civil liberates. The U.S. is spying without the people’s consent. The patriot act will prevent terrorist attacks on the United States. The patriot act can be used to catch wanted criminals. The patriot act protects the people from danger but jeopardizes their civil rights. “We have to make a balance between security and civil liberties.”(Sensenbrenner 2). The patriot act was passed with very little congressional debate. The public was unaware of its passing. Our security is over protective because rights are being broken. Our rights should matter more to the government because the security is overprotective. Is the patriot act too harsh and invading our privacy? “Many opponents have come to see the patriot act as a violation of the fourth amendment to the U. S constitution.” (Belanger, Newton 2). The side effect of the patriot act is that it weakens many rights. This act weakens the fourth amendment which is our privacy protection. The fourth amendment allows citizens to be protected from unreasonable searches without a warrant. The police search suspects mainly because of their race or ethnic group. “Many people who were detained on suspicion of their connection to al Qaeda or other anti-American terrorists groups were innocent.” (Belanger, Newton 2). The patriot act weakens the right from protection of unreasonable searches the searches may be racist based on the person’s image. The people who were suspects of terrorism were accused of wrong doing. They had their civil rights taken away and they turned out to be innocent. It is not fair for people getting accused because they look a certain way.... ... middle of paper ... ...vil rights and losing protection. Protection is more important but unnecessary spying should not be tolerated. “The sad truth is that most Americans have already lost the battle when it comes to keeping personal information absolutely private.”( Lee, M.Dilascio, Tracey M.4). Work Cited Lee, M.DiLascio, Tracey M. "Counterpoint: The Patriot Act Is Necessary For National Security." Points Of View: Homeland Security & Civil Liberties (2013): 3. Points of View Reference Center. Web. 9 Feb. 2014. Belanger, CraigNewton, Heather. "Point: The Patriot Act Threatens Liberty." Points Of View: Homeland Security & Civil Liberties (2013): 2. Points of View Reference Center. Web. 9 Feb. 2014. "US Spying Prompts Reversal By Architect Of USA Patriot Act, Republican Rep. Sensenbrenner." Canadian Press, The (n.d.): Points of View Reference Center. Web. 9 Feb. 2014.

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