Thread: What is the Patriot Act and why do I care?

I think it is that thing that allows your government to invade your privacy.

if I'm not mistaken it only applies (or is being applied) to people communicating to and from Iraq. Previously it only applied to people communicating from Iraq. But why would I care? I'm not calling anyone in Iraq. And if I am I'm probably up to something. And they can't moniter everyone, so I would assume they only moniter calls if there's a reason

furthermore, it can be applied within the country but they're not going to do it unless there's reason for suspicion. Then again, having evidense hasn't needed to be a precursor for action before

The patriot act gives Dale the freedom to jerk it to you while you shower.

Originally Posted by gococksDJS

The patriot act gives Dale the freedom to jerk it to you while you shower.

and what law do you rely on?

Originally Posted by Crono1000

I've been seeing it come up in the news lately. What exactly is it and why do I care if it is or isn't being renewed?

I hope it is scoped way, way down, or cancelled.

The writing is very, very, broad and gives the government authority to use it in many different domestic areas.

Why was the bill called the "Patriot Act?"

To intimidate Congressman from voting against it.

Can you imagine a more silly name for a Congressional Bill?

Most Congressman didn't read it, and have admitted so.

The act was written and passed very quickly.

Once the government and/or bureaucracy and law enforcement agencies get more power from the individual, they never give it back. Even when administrations (Presidents) and Congress changes.

i wrote a term paper on it wanna see it?

Originally Posted by Crono1000

if I'm not mistaken it only applies (or is being applied) to people communicating to and from Iraq. Previously it only applied to people communicating from Iraq. But why would I care? I'm not calling anyone in Iraq. And if I am I'm probably up to something. And they can't moniter everyone, so I would assume they only moniter calls if there's a reason

furthermore, it can be applied within the country but they're not going to do it unless there's reason for suspicion. Then again, having evidense hasn't needed to be a precursor for action before

Not exactly. It's a bill that was introduced after 9/11 giving government the authority to wiretap and monitor American Citizens and the right to invade and search homes without the use of warrants.

I think it's really a ploy to take more of our rights away each year because the gov knows it's losing control of the whole thing and needs a grasp to scare us.

Originally Posted by Crono1000

I've been seeing it come up in the news lately. What exactly is it and why do I care if it is or isn't being renewed?

http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/12/22/patriot.act/