U.S.A. Patriot Act

The U.S.A. Patriot Act

Freedom is the basis of the American government. Our country was born because of men and women who fought the tyranny and oppression of the British government. Now it seems we have once again come into an age where individual freedoms are being restricted and tyranny seems likely. I speak of the U.S.A. Patriot act. This one act threatens not only the American ideal, but democracy as a whole. While many believe these measures necessary to protect the American people, many also believe the act to be extreme and unnecessary, violating our bill of rights and basic freedoms.

First, the U.S.A. Patriot Act gives the government the power to hold suspected terrorists indefinently, without trial. Needless to say, this clearly violates the right to a fair and speedy trial. The act applies to anyone, whether they are a U.S. citizen or not. While many do not see a problem with holding a non-citizen suspected of terrorism, it violates the very fabric of our country.

Works Cited

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Gerdes, Louise. "U.S. Cities Oppose Sections of the Patriot Act." Nation League of Cities.

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Lichtblau, Eric. "Nation At War: Liberty and Security; Republicans Want Terrorism Law

Made Permanent." New York Times 9 Apr. 2003, Late ed., sec. B: 1. ProQuest. ICC Electronic

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