Discussions about civil rights and civil liberties facing a compromise due to the effects of the Patriot Act remains a critical issue in society. Following the 9/11 attacks, the U.S. government implemented measures and shifted the emphasis from interrogating detained suspects of terrorism, to utilizing the needed and applicable force to detain persons suspected of terrorism. The Patriot Act extends towards committing Federalism to safeguarding lives and property in the event of a life-threatening disaster. In turn, this act allows for easier surveillance by permitting organizations to possess capabilities for investigating terrorism-related activities. Through allowing government surveillance to extend beyond all manner of barriers and privacy, it expedites the investigation process. Faster investigations on all suspicious activities institute safety measures while allowing for faster arrests and terrorism prevention. By increasing the range of security measures, it becomes possible to limit communication among terrorists thus enhancing the overall national security.
However, despite the gains against terror activities, the Patriot Act allows the government certain powers that infringe on privacy. The need to do all it takes to safeguard the nation frequently results to some undesirable outcomes referred to as necessary evils. As the government endeavors to eliminate terror threats, it dawns on Americans that necessary sacrifices have to be made towards keeping the US safe. The Patriot Act permitted the enactment of legislation towards creating a safer America, targeted to swiftly tackle external and internal threats. Although some assert that the Patriot Act needlessly infringes on the liberties that Americans enjoy, others insist that the act is indispensable in the endeavor to preclude and protect the US from threats of terror. With reference to the right to privacy as enshrined in the constitution, the US citizens have the freedom to make various important decisions concerning their security and welfare without interference, compulsion, or coercion from the government. All the same, the sacrifices on privacy allows the government to provide the much needed security against terrorism that threatens the citizens’ welfare.
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References
Davis, D. W. & Silver, B. D. (2004). Civil liberties vs. security: Public opinion in the context of the terrorist attacks on America. American Journal of Political Science, 48 (1). Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/20072905
Hardin, R. (2004). Civil liberties in the era of mass terrorism. The Journal of Ethics, 8 (1). Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/25115782
McAdams, A. J. (2005). Review: Internet surveillance after September 11: Is the United States becoming Great Britain? Comparative Politics, 37 (4). Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/20072905
U.S. Department of Justice. (2001). The USA patriot act: Preserving life and liberty (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. . Retrieved from http://www.justice.gov/archive/ll/highlights.htm
