The Patriot Act and Outsourcing - Essay Example

First, the U.S. Patriot Act is unconstitutional because it intrudes upon the privacy of American citizens by violating their First and Fourth Amendment rights. Here the author makes it clear that the nature of the U.S. Patriot Act is an issue that still remains a mystery as Congress quickly passed the bill without much debate. The author insists that citizens are guaranteed their First Amendment’s guarantee of rights of freedom of speech along with freedom to assemble are rights that most Americans hold dear, but now actions such as civil disobedience, and protests, are being defined as “domestic terrorism” under this legislation.

The author engages the reader about a specific clause known as Section 215 under this legislation terrorizes Americans because it breaks the 4th and 5th Amendment, which ensures the privacy of individuals. Moreover, law officials are permitted to seek the browsing history of Internet users from e-mail services. In addition, the government can conduct “sneak-and-peek” searches, and the “victim” would have no clue his house is getting searched. Moreover, law officials are permitted to seek the browsing history of Internet users from e-mail services .

Furthermore, any evidence that is obtained illegally can be used in the court. Groups such as National Reform Association, and NACOC were furious at the government who could use wiretaps for forty-eight hours without obtaining a search warrant. Peter Swire, a professor at Ohio University, reports that FBI officials have been putting pressure on telecommunication companies to turn over calling records of citizens (Chang 49). Already concerns have been raised by the public whether sharing the information with federal agencies and local police is legal.

The author clearly is insisting on the fact that the Patriot Act is already having a chilling effect, even in the areas where it does not apply” What was a law