2008 Woodie Awards
A Critical Analysis of the USA Patriot Act
William Doe
Issue date: 3/31/08 Section: Features
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These are aspects that often come to mind when one thinks of the rights he or she has as an American. Do these rights actually exist? Thomas Jefferson obviously believed that these rights were basic to all individuals regardless of their social and economic status. Therefore it is a solemn duty to bring to light something that most Americans are unaware of. A mere 45 days after the horrific attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, Americans lost these "inalienable" rights with the nearly unopposed passing of the Patriot Act. Sure, there were a few faint voices of discontent with the provisions, but nothing along the lines of the indignation each and every citizen should have felt.
For the first time in American history, the government has the right to read personal mail. Not only that, but as of the enactment of the Patriot Act, any citizen can be detained indefinitely without the right to due process and homes can be searched without its residents being aware of the search. Not outraged yet? Then consider also one of the provisions of the lesser known "Military Commissions Act of 2006." The US president is given permission to declare martial law and command the National Guard without the consent of the state's governor. Why is that so outlandish? It violates the highest form of our law - a seemingly forgotten document in this day and age - the American constitution. The constitution clearly states that only in times of "rebellion" or "invasion" can such measures be enacted. Considering the fact that rebellion has not occurred and the last time an invasion occurred was centuries ago, it is easy to see there is something wrong with this picture. Some really can not imagine America being invaded by a foreign army anytime soon; thus, the only other reason for this particular provision would be to maintain "order" that already exists and hinder us from demanding our freedom back. Is that it? Privacy, freedom, or an adherence to the American constitution is fading away. In other words, "inalienable" rights are now only meaningless lines of ink on paper. If ignorance is bliss, take misery any day. Americans must show concern! I'm sure Thomas Jefferson would agree.
For the first time in American history, the government has the right to read personal mail. Not only that, but as of the enactment of the Patriot Act, any citizen can be detained indefinitely without the right to due process and homes can be searched without its residents being aware of the search. Not outraged yet? Then consider also one of the provisions of the lesser known "Military Commissions Act of 2006." The US president is given permission to declare martial law and command the National Guard without the consent of the state's governor. Why is that so outlandish? It violates the highest form of our law - a seemingly forgotten document in this day and age - the American constitution. The constitution clearly states that only in times of "rebellion" or "invasion" can such measures be enacted. Considering the fact that rebellion has not occurred and the last time an invasion occurred was centuries ago, it is easy to see there is something wrong with this picture. Some really can not imagine America being invaded by a foreign army anytime soon; thus, the only other reason for this particular provision would be to maintain "order" that already exists and hinder us from demanding our freedom back. Is that it? Privacy, freedom, or an adherence to the American constitution is fading away. In other words, "inalienable" rights are now only meaningless lines of ink on paper. If ignorance is bliss, take misery any day. Americans must show concern! I'm sure Thomas Jefferson would agree.
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