Why The Patriot Act Damages Everyone’s American Civil Liberties
A few groups of opponents have staged battle against the extension of the PATRIOT Act. The voting would be the deciding factor whether the bill would continue to stay alive. Two-thirds of the House members ought to vote YES so that H.R. 514 could run for an additional period. This move is seen as fast tracking the process in order to achieve positive results. The voting is scheduled this February.
Contentions had been aired questioning the manner the bill would be extended. One point that was raised was that there were no important reforms to the previous law that would merit its extension. According to critics, there is no provision for supervision and accountability. If ever, it is very weak and would not hold water.
Debates were completed and proposals were presented last year. Among the areas that had been debated on were on checks and balances. It is said that the latest proposed version is complete of these provisions. Though, the debates went on for so long that it did not meet the deadline. The primary extension was approved in February last year. There is another proposal to continue it until February of this year. There was a promise to resolve the issues before granting an additional extension.
Another renewal is about to be proposed as February 2011 starts. This means that there would be no PATRIOT reforms that would transpire. The proposal is to extend the bill’s life until December 8, 2011. However, as what previously happened, there would nevertheless be no debate. As projected, no one could have the chance to propose amendments to improve the bill.
It can be supposed that there is something regarding the bill that raised such a intense response. For one, the law allows the government to place any person under close watch. Secret court orders can be specified under Section 215. With this, access to private information possibly will be approved. Among others, internet, phone and business records can be accessed.
Under this law, foreign intelligence wiretaps possibly will be permitted. Any person, even those without connection to any foreign power or terrorist group, could be tapped. Whenever government “feels” there is a need to do so, any telephone number, email account or other communications facility can be accessed.
The foregoing are provisions of PATRIOT “that should not be renewed”. Critics declare that there ought to be significant reforms before finally deciding for extension. For one, there should be a discussion so that further checks and balances might be incorporated. This will put a stop to abuse and accordingly defend civil liberties.
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