I agree that this Patriot act is unconstitutional, and an invasion of personal rights and freedom. Forgive my political ignorance, but isn't this a direct result of the fear of terrorism that occurred after 9-11? It seems the government took advantage of the fear. I don't know why we don't learn from past mistakes. Every time we become overly afraid of a group of people, thousands of innocent people are abused by senseless laws and have their rights taken away.
International Level: Politics 101 / Political Participation: 7 0.7%
You are exactly right Valla! Fear is the weapon that is used to take liberty and freedom away because our fear short circuits our common sense that would never let the government violate our bill of rights. Its interesting that the government has gumption to stand there and tell us they are conducting warrantless searches but that its for our own good and few people challenge it because its to "prevent terrorism". Yet here is is, right in the fourth amendment preventing them from doing it. Its the idea of completely ignoring the constitution that is driving me batty!
The problem isn't just the government for passing the patriot act. It the fault of the people for allowing it. There isn't nearly the outcry you ought to expect. The government says, "It's okay, we're just after the terrorists. We're just after the bad people. If you're not a bad person, you don't have to worry. Only the terrorists should be worried." And, apparently, we listen. Apparently, the majority aren't nearly worried enough.
I particulary do not see a problem with it- I have nothing to hide thus I don't care if you listen to my phone calls and set up cameras in public places. People forget about 9/11 and fail to realize this is a small sacrifice. The real threat to homeland security is the lack of action to seal the borders.
Federal court: 4th Amendment standard does not always apply to mobile phone location data: :
4th Amendment standard does not always apply to mobile phone location dataLaw enforcement can still be required to obtain a search warrant for access to citizens' mobile phone location data, but police need not uphold the traditional Fourth Amendment standard of "probable cause" in the process of such an investigation, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday. Ref. Source 5