The Threat Of Terrorism The United States Constitution

Sometimes it is far easier to do what is best for oneself rather than what is best for the group. This decision is usually motivated by fear. Fear is generally a destructive force in society, allowing the strong to take advantage of the weak. The threat of terrorism creates a fear that allows government agencies to subvert the United States Constitution and common morals out of the threat that they will be unable to combat terrorism without performing these rights violations. After the attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C. on September 11th, 2001, the United States Congress passed the USA PATRIOT (Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism) Act (â€Å"NSA Surveillance Programs†). This act essentially gives a blank check of domestic and foreign rights violations to the federal government, specifically the National Security Agency, as long as the violation is done in the name of fighting terrorism. Reports came out numerous times over the next decade, specifically December 2005, May 2006, and March 2012, detailing how the National Security Agency was able to stretch its powers, even beyond this liberal and controversial bill, to surveil its citizens’ private phone conversations with neither warrants nor provable suspicion of a crime taking or about to take place (â€Å"NSA Surveillance Programs†). The former of these reports was by the New York Times, which had known for nearly a year about this program butShow MoreRelatedFreedom Isn t Free : Combating Terrorism1709 Words   |  7 PagesIsn’t Free: Combatting Terrorism Means Setting Aside Constitutional Liberties Derek Davis Liberty University CJUS 400 – B02 Johnny Sanders â€Æ' Freedom Isn’t Free: Combatting Terrorism Means Setting Aside Constitutional Liberties Throughout history, America has been confronted by opponents who wish to challenge its sovereignty. 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