Because the Patriot Act is such a long and complicated piece of legislation with such a potentially broad influence there are hundreds of arguments employed by both 'sides' dealing with the Act's necessity.
~~Those opposing the Patriot Act believe, primarily, that the act grants the government, specifically the executive branch and law enforcement agencies, new and unnecessary powers. They believe that these powers are part of an effort to tip the scale of checks-and-balances to the side of the executive branch and to diminish the power of the judicial system. The second main argument against the Patriot Act is that the wording of 'domestic terrorism' used throughout the act is too general, and can therefore be too widely interpreted. They believe that this term could be used to include any type of speaking out against the government and could be abused to silence people's first amendment rights.
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In support of the Patriot Act I found an even greater array of arguments. Many proponents of the act believe that the information sharing provisions of the Act are necessary for efficient information flow, and that this information flow will lead to more success in inter-department communications. The second argument in favor of the Patriot Act is that it strengthens penalties for crimes of terror, and defines terrorism that has previously been undefined. The third primary argument is that the act removes burdensome restrictions on the ability to gather intelligence pertaining to past or planned terrorist activity, through features such as roving wire taps and nationwide search warrants. Similarly, many proponents of the Patriot Act believe that the Act will modernize the fight on terror and allow law enforcement officials to more appropriately counter terrorism with techniques and technology used by terrorists.
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For my research paper I will be discussing the "pro" side of the Patriot Act argument. I will be arguing this side because not only does it fit in more accurately with my personal beliefs but because I was able to find more quantified information of benefits of the Patriot Act then detriments of it.
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In support of the Patriot Act I found an even greater array of arguments. Many proponents of the act believe that the information sharing provisions of the Act are necessary for efficient information flow, and that this information flow will lead to more success in inter-department communications. The second argument in favor of the Patriot Act is that it strengthens penalties for crimes of terror, and defines terrorism that has previously been undefined. The third primary argument is that the act removes burdensome restrictions on the ability to gather intelligence pertaining to past or planned terrorist activity, through features such as roving wire taps and nationwide search warrants. Similarly, many proponents of the Patriot Act believe that the Act will modernize the fight on terror and allow law enforcement officials to more appropriately counter terrorism with techniques and technology used by terrorists.
~~
For my research paper I will be discussing the "pro" side of the Patriot Act argument. I will be arguing this side because not only does it fit in more accurately with my personal beliefs but because I was able to find more quantified information of benefits of the Patriot Act then detriments of it.
1 comment:
Hey Jenn!
Your topic is so interesting, partly because, in my opinion, it is so difficult to pick a side on the issue. Where should the government draw the line in regards to national security while not invading people's rights? Personally, I agree with your support of the Patriot Act, we all just have to trust in the government to not over step certain boundaries. I feel national security is such a huge issue especially for our time, that drastic measures need to be taken to insure everyone's safety. While I do not know too much about this ActI hope your paper will help me become better informed.
P.S. I have seen Sicko and while it had its share of propaganda it succeeded in addressing the problems with America's health care and why a reform is so desperatley needed.
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