The United States Constitution and the Declaration of Independence have long since been the documents that ensured that Americans would be able to live in a state of democracy, where above all else they would be able to pursue their right to life, liberty, and happiness. In order to ensure the balance of democracy between the American people and their government the Bill of Rights was drafted. These three documents ensure the system of checks and balances the founders of this nation intended the government of the country to uphold, a system of checks and balances that would keep a level playing field between the government and its constituents. Enter the United States Patriot Act.
The United States Patriot Act was enacted in a time of overall American turmoil. Even though terrorism had been mentioned or discussed previously in American history and even though we had been targeted on our own soil for terrorist attacks, the American sentiment was that we were untouchable. This administration was able to pass the United States Patriot Act through quicker than usual and quite possibly without going through the system of checks and balances that form the basis of democracy. However, Executive Privilege was used to make the United States Patriot Act pass. In my opinion, there were good intentions for the Patriot Act and maybe if it had gone through the normal system of checks and balances popular opinion would not feel it was being used as a coverall to take away the basic freedoms the Founding Father’s of this nation promised to them.
An example of the United States Patriot Act being used inappropriately was when the Federal Bureau of Investigations clearly violated the fourth amendment to the U.S. Constitution and were forcing phone companies and internet providers to turn over records without letting the American citizens know they were doing so. This has already been recognized by the judicial system and appropriate measures are being taken to correct this infringement on private citizens right to be protected against unreasonable search.
Furthermore, beyond violating one’s right to privacy by seizing these records without their knowledge, the act of the government seizing these files could land a person in an even larger dilemma. The entire world is currently having a problem with identity theft. Just because a person works for the F.B.I. or the C.I.A does not mean that they will always take the best care of this type of sensitive information. Just as they claim they are seizing these documents for National security, it seems to be they are forgetting about private security. Does it mean you are unpatriotic if you put your private security above National security? No it does not, it simply means you are exercising your right as an American citizen as promised to you in the fourth amendment to the United States Constitution.
When reading this article, I could not help but be reminded of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) which was enstated in 1996. Soon following, every credit card company, loan company, cell phone provider company was sending me statements in regards to my right to privacy. Listed in these rights to privacy were provisions maintaining that myself and my information would be secure with that company and that my information would not be breeched to third parties. It seems that in the wake of 9/11 this right to privacy was abandoned. Overall, it seems that the system of checks and balances was compromised.
In conclusion, the United States Patriot Act was meant to help fight terrorism and I truly believe it is being used effectively concerning that issue. It is when various branches of the government start using it as a loophole to further their current cause and violating our right to pursue life, liberty, and happiness that the American people to need enact their right to free speech and stand up for the foundation this country was built on.
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