Room for Debate

The U.S.A. P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Act is a rather large update to America's Government on the investigation and capture of terrorists. It is mean to secure America from dangers lurking in our midst, not thousands of miles away. Through roving wire taps, bank records and much more. It meant to protect the whole of the public while finding the dangers. The most important part of this bill arguably is the title that lets different agencies share information with each other. Allowing for more support and different takes on issues.

Now to the matter of privacy. The Government now has access to roving wire tapes, which they can follow a person if they switch companies. Before they would have to get another warrant, for the different company. To the average american it means nothing to you because you first must be behaving suspiciously. Not too much to worry about. The Government now has access to library records. This, I feel, is does not help the government at all and so vague. Just because someone reads a book about Osama Bin Ladin does not make them a terrorist, or researching explosives because you have an interest in become a bomb technician. It is highly speculative and doesn't, to me, provide any real benefit. Plus, if there is freedom of the press, what's the point if what you read can mark you on there list. Some where on that law says an officer can seize any "tangible" thing that can be used, without a warrant. This is too much power, an invasion of privacy and a perfect setup opportunity. 

Finally, the NSL's (Nation Security Letters: a demand for information, not needing a judge) gives the government too much power. There is no checks and balances here, which makes it a bit of a wild card. Other than the things listed above it is a fitting update to America's security.