James Taylor - Gerrards Cross, Bucks, UK © stock.xchng

Did you know? The Patriot Act was passed only 45 days after the 9/11 attacks, with virtually no debate whatsoever.
Takeaways

While all Americans were horrified over the incidents on September 11, 2001 many debates have been sparked in regard to the Patriot Act and the infringement of civil liberties as a result. The United States have seen many disputes over civil liberties for more than two centuries, and many people believe the Patriot Act is an encroachment on the basic rights and freedoms promised to us since the founding of this country. Meanwhile, others feel that the Patriot Act is necessary in protecting the country against future acts of terrorism. Regardless of personal opinion, most people do agree that some civil liberties have been suspended or nullified. Therefore, the main debate revolves around this question: is the protection of our freedom or the protection of the country against terrorism the more important factor?

One of the main topics of dispute in the civil liberties versus the Patriot Act debate is individual privacy. Under the articles of the Patriot Act (which stands for: Uniting and Strengthening by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism) government investigators are able to freely gather personal and individual information when it is being collected for the purposes of a terrorist investigation. This not only concerns personal information of individual citizens but, for instance, in the case of investigating terrorism financing, can also be shifted to the business industry. While to some it may seem sensible to allow our government this right for the intentions of securing the nation, others feel that this is a direct infringement upon our civil liberties and that some corrupt government representative may exploit these new regulations in order to collect information for other excessive purposes.

Additionally, the Patriot Act provides much more flexibility for government investigators and officials for collecting information against suspected terrorists without their knowledge. Those who oppose the Patriot Act feels that this also encroaches on civil liberties, as it allows for searches without warrants and similar actions. Again, the fear is that dishonest workers and officers may use this power negligently, possibly severely infringing on the rights of perfectly innocent citizens. Most Citizens have heard stories of the detainees at Guantanamo Bay, being held without charge and being refused legal representation. To opponents of the Patriot Act this is illegal detention and makes a clear argument for them that enforces of the Act are not concerned with the rights and comforts of individuals.

Another provision of the Patriot Act makes it much less difficult to obtain information on individuals from third party entities. This means that government officials can access previously secure and protected information such as financial, medical, and purchase records. Civil liberties advocates claim that this kind of information gives the government too much power over the general public by allowing them to search private property and information with no system of review or control. Before the Patriot Act certain information was kept confidential and could not be accessed without a court order. Now it is possible for officials to claim a Patriot Act investigation and proceed without a great deal of question.

Many opponents of the Patriot Act simply feel that it is a compromise of the basic liberties afforded to every citizen under our Constitution. Civil liberties advocates are hoping to convince legislators and citizens to enforce the "sunset clause" which only allowed for enforcement under the Patriot Act until 2005. Presently, in February of 2006, legislators have provided for continuances of the Patriot Act until a final decision can be reached. Currently, the extension lasts until March of 2006 while legislators contest the validity and appropriateness of individual articles. While the United States is a democracy, and is supposed to be governed by the people, many opponents of the Patriot Act feel that the average citizen is not fully informed, or even misinformed, about the implications of this attack on their civil liberties. They feel that this misinformation has caused the country to become blind to the actual repercussions they might see if the Patriot Act is allowed to be reinforced.

Is the country safer with or without the Patriot Act? In consideration of civil liberties, are we more at risk by allowing our government to access our personal information and search our private properties without limitation? Giving up civil liberties and freedoms in the name of protection for our country is a fierce topic in current events. This very heated debate will, no doubt, continue for a very long time in keeping with the pattern of continual disputes over the infringement of personal rights. Aside from personal opinion, it is an important responsibility of all citizens to be fully informed and educate themselves on the topics at hand.