I can understand that the government wants to keep the U.S safe from terrorist attacks. With advances in technology today it seems that its becoming harder and harder to keep the country safe as well as keep the meaning of 'privacy' the same in the fourth amendment. We already know that the constitution was made to suit the people of that time period, so as times changed and society grew, we added amendments. Now it seems that with technology the fourth amendment is becoming obsolete. It also means that we are at more of a risk to threats. Again, I can see that in some cases this is a serious problem and it is a good and reasonable precaution to take, but privacy is something that belongs to a person and is their's alone. It's unsettling to think that this is now at risk of being violated. There is definitely some major conflict here. RMG789
Great points raised. I agree with you that this is a major conflict here. This is a problem that is occurring right before us and yet the FBI continues to go without procedure and look through emails even though they still would be able to if they got a warrant it would just take longer and that is there problem. which i can see because if it is urgent some things will not always be there so in some extreme cases i can see them taking away and going without procedure but i think there needs to be limitations set. Ramadan789
I agree completely, they don't have the right to go through are messages for the sake of are privacy. its just making it a bigger problem, when the real problem is about terrorist not the us citizens and what they do with there free time or who they talk to. KYLE789
I agree that we each need our own privacy, but at the same time what if we missed something critical and ended up letting another attack happen? It is hard to know that we are constantly being listened to and watched, but if it's for the better than so be it. We live in a world where terrorism is popular and to keep it from happening if wire tapping will help decrease attacks then I think that it should be done for our own safety. - MH789
Completely agree. It's for the safety and greater good for the government to be able to access this privacy. I think its an important topic to discuss but at the same time if they are really concerned with a certain person, with or without a warrant, they will be able to access the privacy of that certain possible threat, and I think they should be able to no matter what. If it means we lose a little bit of privacy, to keep dangerous threats away from our country then wire tapping and/or anything else should easily be accessible for the government. LF789
I agree. I think if people truly want to keep their privacy they should fight for it like they would fight for anything else. The government should focus of the clear terrorists instead of spying on everyone instead. Not to mention giving people their space really is just common decency. KAM789
I believe the 4th amendment is just as important today as it was when it was written. Yes we do have advancements in technology, yet this does not stop us from freely exercising our first amendment rights on this blog to discuss matters such as this. The Fourth amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, and many people have been very unreasonably searched and seized, being helped along by the Patriot Act. -EAB789
I agree with RMG789, because the fourth amendment has just been basically thrown away with the Patriot Act, even though at the same time it helps prevent the United States from having terrorist attacks. The only think I think that should be changed is the way that the stop and frisks are approached, I mean there should be a different way that the police officer should pick people. -AEK789
The implementation of the Patriot Act I think benefitted us more than hurt the citizens of the United States. Since it came into effect its main goals are to prevent terrorist attacks and protect the citizens of the United States. It has helped since coming into effect. However, with everything positive there always comes negatives. The positives are it has kept the United States safe and protected along with the citizens. The negatives are the infringement of privacy and the fourth amendment. Many people argue that the FBI and other agencies have been going against the fourth amendment and invading their privacy. In fact in class we discussed how the FBI (I think may have been another agency) were looking at emails of possible terrorists and instead of going through the correct procedures to get a warrant and look at the emails they skipped it and went straight to the emails. I think the Patriot Act has benefited us more than harmed us but agencies doing activities like this should have some punishment. However, I think if it’s to protect the citizens and it has the best intent then it is alright but there should be limitations on it. In a philosophy class I remember discussing utilitarianism which the most basic concept is to do right for the common good of society or also more known as the greater good for the good of society. I think if they have this intent in mind they should be able to rapidly speed up or bypass some procedures that may infringe on someone’s privacy. Ramadan789
I agree that this is a major conflict here. This is a problem that is occurring right before us and yet the FBI continues to go without procedure and look through emails, which normally requires a warrant, but they do not acquire one. I believe there needs to be limitations. Jon789
Definitely agree their main point is not to invade us, but to protect us. Just like in every law negatives are attached to it. It is better to be in a safe county in my opinion. It does get somewhat uncomfortable knowing our are practically being over watched. I mean by watching this video, I'm going to be thinking a lot on my next phone call, but as long as we are safe it is fine. NR789
I can understand that the government wanting to keep America safe from terrorist attacks. The advancing technology indicates that it's becoming harder and harder to keep the country safe as well as keep the meaning of 'privacy' the same in the fourth amendment. The constitution was made to suit the people of that era, but as times changed, many amendments have been added. Because of the technology today, the fourth amendment is becoming obsolete, and the US is at greater risk to threats. This is a good and reasonable precaution to take, but privacy is something that belongs to a person and is theirs alone. This is now at risk of being violated so there is some major conflict between the two. A balance needs to be reached between these two important areas, to avoid problems on each end of the spectrum, which will be problematic at best, impossible at worst. Jon789
In my opinion I like the patriotic act, for the reasons that it does help and protect us from terrorist acts. It does no wrong in this country, but are privacy is the only thing I do not agree on. I don't like how they can see what we post are texts are messages all of that. It is really not there right to know what we do in are free time or who we message. I can see that the government is doing it for there and are safety but I don't really like how they can see what we are doing with are life. To sum it up and my thoughts on the patriot act I can see where it can be beneficial for us but in other ways I can see where it has its down falls, like the privacy of are messages, but I do like how they just want to protect us from terrorist, makes me feel little bit safer living in this country. KYLE789
I definitely think that it is wrong to wire tap conversations, but at the same time I also believe that it is essential. What if we missed something really important and ended up being attacked? I know privacy is something we tend to value, but it is not as if the government is sharing all of our information with everyone. This will be a problem we will more than likely always face and there will always be people who think their privacy is more important and others who think their safety is more important. It is unfortunate that it has come to this, but we have gone through 9/11 and other attacks already so I understand that wire tapping is just to help keep our country safe. -MH789
I agree with MH789 on the aspect that wiretapping conversations is wrong but that it is essential. Privacy is one of the biggest rights that many people want to keep conserved in our country and I’m sure that many individuals would agree. But wiretapping helps us prevent terrorism in our country and especially in our generation where technology is becoming a major source of communication. -CEM789
I feel that the FBI wiretapping citizens houses and even businesses isn’t very idealistic. I feel that any individual’s privacy rights shouldn’t be violated just because the government thinks that that person is connected to some kind of terrorism. But then again, there are a lot of situations that could be prevented by spying on certain people. Wiretapping is such a delicate topic to discuss just because of the various outcomes it can have to our society. By this I mean that the FBI can actually spy on innocent people and listen to everything that goes on in their personal life and say it was all because of national security measures. To me it feels like the government has too much power granted to them in such scenarios just because of how high the threat of terrorism is that just by them saying “it’s because of national security” the government allows it. -CEM789
I fell the FBI over steps there bounds here in the US. its not right to have wire taps just to have wire taps. not every one want to blow the world up. Heck most people just want to work and sleep. I feel that we need the FBI to be as strong as they are now. just not over using their power here on us soil. it not fair not American. I feel the patriot act help and hinders us. i mean it lets us have freedom so we think. but then secretly they are watching every move we make. its unamerican
I will say that I agree with ramadan789 it did benefit us but showed a different way in life. Also with the government wanting to protect us why didn't you do this years ago with terrorist attacking us instead of now. But I feel like the government and everyone else has way to much power to even control and they shouldn't have that much in my eyes. Them wanting to protect us though does make me feel safer and okay but at the end of the day I shouldn't have to worry about things like they did they job well. Gabe789
The government is a little harsh with the amount of security they use and the lack of privacy we really have but I think it's worth losing a little privacy to keep any terrorists acts from occurring. If your not doing anything wrong and just living your life then I don't see what the big issue is. The government is just trying to keep us safe. They will target the suspicious people and everyone will be able to go on with their life. If they must wire tap then have at it, if they have to check e-mails for suspicious behavior go for it, and/or if they need to use a little bit of racial profiling in certain dangerous scenarios then I think they should be able to because everyone wants to live a happy, healthy life and if an event like 9/11 occurs or the Boston bombing and you have a family member or friend killed or seriously injured then your going to think differently. If this topic was never brought up and nobody knew that the government can listen to your phone calls then nobody would of ever knew and they would have just went on with their life. LF789
Two additional points...as citizen's, we can only hope and trust that our government has the right people and strong policies in place for situations where these violations of privacy may be needed for the safety of others so that this type of power and knowledge isn't used inappropriately or abused. LF789
I can understand the need for the government to watch the people but there is a point where it goes too far. For instance if someone is getting on a plane or something I think it makes sense to the baggage to be checked for dangerous objects or illegal items. Although on the other hand I think the government should be watching certain people to help prevent future terrorism but I don’t think searching though peoples email just because it can be justified under the patriot act. There does come a point where the rights of American citizens are being violated at the same time I think that it is partially the American peoples fault. For instance when the second amendment started to get talked about everyone was prepared to defend it and since then it still a heated topic but I think the people are going to get their way over the government. So I think that if people really wanted to keep their privacy they would defend the fourth amendment with the same ferocity. KAM789
I believe the PATRIOT Act trades too much freedom for too little security, although I don't believe we should ever allow our rights to be traded for security. The continued degradation of our 4th amendment rights has done nothing to slow the rate of terrorist attacks in the United States. Since 9/11/2001 there have been 23 other terrorists although they are obviously not as well known. This whole fiasco started with President Bush signing the Patriot Act in 2001. It has since been expanded upon by Barack Obama along with similar items such as the NDAA 2012 which allows of the indefinite detention of those suspected of terrorism. You'd think that all you'd have to do to avoid this is just not make any bomb threats right? Wrong. In addition to the DHS recently purchasing millions worth of armored vehicles and weapons to be used domestically (the DHS has no authority outside of the US) they have also broadened the definition of terrorism so vastly that many more people can be qualified as terrorists and thus be vilified by the nation. One of their new booklets goes as far as to suggest you are considered a radical/extremist if you talk of individual liberties, states’ rights, and how to make the world a better place. Now that people have been put into such fear of terrorism it has put such incredibly abuse-able provisions in place just waiting to be taken advantage of. Yes it's good to have defense against the atrocious terrorist attacks on our country, but not at the expense of our rights. -EAB789
I agree with EAB789 because I think that we do lose a lot of our freedom or privacy to the Patriot Act. I also agree with him because we should not have to let or freedom get traded in and let our sense of security and privacy be just taken away, even though the government may be catching or preventing terrorist attacks. So I would say that in the end I would let the government do what is best to prevent terrorism. -AEK789
Just as in police brutality the Patriot act and Wire taping can cross the line. In other words the actions can go over the line and invade the citizens privacy. Yes the sometime our 4th amendment is violated and causes injustice to the citizens. Reading our emails hearing our phone calls causes disturbance to some citizens. In my opinion I do not really care if they are applying this action to me. I know I am not guilty of any terrorist attack, so why get upset? If they cross the line it is to our benefit. WHo would want another 911 attack? Don't get me wrong and believe I am only taking one side, I also do believe people need privacy. Especially for wire taping and photo/video exchange. It all is up to what kind of person you are and how open you are. The best idea needing to get a court warrant to continue with the investigating. NR789
I would say that I would have to agree with the Patriot Act, because I think that it helps us more than it hurts us. I would have to say it helps us more because, is a couple of inappropriate messages getting read going to hurt you more than a terrorist getting caught before he detonated a bomb in the ground floor of the building that you work in. I mean, I don’t really care if the FBI or the government is reading any of my messages because if you were trying to keep a conversation secret over something that needs to be kept secret, why do you not just have the conversation in person in the middle of nowhere or at your own home. I also think that it does somewhat invade your sense of privacy and that it kind of counters the fourth amendment, but consider that Patriot Act as a sense or something like car insurance. I mean there are things that need to be given up for example money for car insurance, but your sense of privacy for the Patriot Act, but in the end when something bad happens to the car the insurance company pays for it, but having the Patriot Act in effect it would prevent something bad from happening. So in the end I would have to be in favor of the Patriot Act. –AEK789
I can understand that the government wants to keep the U.S safe from terrorist attacks. With advances in technology today it seems that its becoming harder and harder to keep the country safe as well as keep the meaning of 'privacy' the same in the fourth amendment. We already know that the constitution was made to suit the people of that time period, so as times changed and society grew, we added amendments. Now it seems that with technology the fourth amendment is becoming obsolete. It also means that we are at more of a risk to threats. Again, I can see that in some cases this is a serious problem and it is a good and reasonable precaution to take, but privacy is something that belongs to a person and is their's alone. It's unsettling to think that this is now at risk of being violated. There is definitely some major conflict here. RMG789
ReplyDeleteGreat points raised. I agree with you that this is a major conflict here. This is a problem that is occurring right before us and yet the FBI continues to go without procedure and look through emails even though they still would be able to if they got a warrant it would just take longer and that is there problem. which i can see because if it is urgent some things will not always be there so in some extreme cases i can see them taking away and going without procedure but i think there needs to be limitations set.
DeleteRamadan789
I agree completely, they don't have the right to go through are messages for the sake of are privacy. its just making it a bigger problem, when the real problem is about terrorist not the us citizens and what they do with there free time or who they talk to. KYLE789
DeleteI agree that we each need our own privacy, but at the same time what if we missed something critical and ended up letting another attack happen? It is hard to know that we are constantly being listened to and watched, but if it's for the better than so be it. We live in a world where terrorism is popular and to keep it from happening if wire tapping will help decrease attacks then I think that it should be done for our own safety. - MH789
DeleteCompletely agree. It's for the safety and greater good for the government to be able to access this privacy. I think its an important topic to discuss but at the same time if they are really concerned with a certain person, with or without a warrant, they will be able to access the privacy of that certain possible threat, and I think they should be able to no matter what. If it means we lose a little bit of privacy, to keep dangerous threats away from our country then wire tapping and/or anything else should easily be accessible for the government. LF789
DeleteI agree. I think if people truly want to keep their privacy they should fight for it like they would fight for anything else. The government should focus of the clear terrorists instead of spying on everyone instead. Not to mention giving people their space really is just common decency. KAM789
DeleteI believe the 4th amendment is just as important today as it was when it was written. Yes we do have advancements in technology, yet this does not stop us from freely exercising our first amendment rights on this blog to discuss matters such as this. The Fourth amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, and many people have been very unreasonably searched and seized, being helped along by the Patriot Act.
Delete-EAB789
I agree with RMG789, because the fourth amendment has just been basically thrown away with the Patriot Act, even though at the same time it helps prevent the United States from having terrorist attacks. The only think I think that should be changed is the
Deleteway that the stop and frisks are approached, I mean there should be a different way that the police officer should pick people. -AEK789
The implementation of the Patriot Act I think benefitted us more than hurt the citizens of the United States. Since it came into effect its main goals are to prevent terrorist attacks and protect the citizens of the United States. It has helped since coming into effect. However, with everything positive there always comes negatives. The positives are it has kept the United States safe and protected along with the citizens. The negatives are the infringement of privacy and the fourth amendment. Many people argue that the FBI and other agencies have been going against the fourth amendment and invading their privacy. In fact in class we discussed how the FBI (I think may have been another agency) were looking at emails of possible terrorists and instead of going through the correct procedures to get a warrant and look at the emails they skipped it and went straight to the emails. I think the Patriot Act has benefited us more than harmed us but agencies doing activities like this should have some punishment. However, I think if it’s to protect the citizens and it has the best intent then it is alright but there should be limitations on it. In a philosophy class I remember discussing utilitarianism which the most basic concept is to do right for the common good of society or also more known as the greater good for the good of society. I think if they have this intent in mind they should be able to rapidly speed up or bypass some procedures that may infringe on someone’s privacy.
ReplyDeleteRamadan789
I agree that this is a major conflict here. This is a problem that is occurring right before us and yet the FBI continues to go without procedure and look through emails, which normally requires a warrant, but they do not acquire one. I believe there needs to be limitations.
DeleteJon789
Definitely agree their main point is not to invade us, but to protect us. Just like in every law negatives are attached to it. It is better to be in a safe county in my opinion. It does get somewhat uncomfortable knowing our are practically being over watched. I mean by watching this video, I'm going to be thinking a lot on my next phone call, but as long as we are safe it is fine. NR789
DeleteI can understand that the government wanting to keep America safe from terrorist attacks. The advancing technology indicates that it's becoming harder and harder to keep the country safe as well as keep the meaning of 'privacy' the same in the fourth amendment. The constitution was made to suit the people of that era, but as times changed, many amendments have been added. Because of the technology today, the fourth amendment is becoming obsolete, and the US is at greater risk to threats. This is a good and reasonable precaution to take, but privacy is something that belongs to a person and is theirs alone. This is now at risk of being violated so there is some major conflict between the two. A balance needs to be reached between these two important areas, to avoid problems on each end of the spectrum, which will be problematic at best, impossible at worst.
ReplyDeleteJon789
In my opinion I like the patriotic act, for the reasons that it does help and protect us from terrorist acts. It does no wrong in this country, but are privacy is the only thing I do not agree on. I don't like how they can see what we post are texts are messages all of that. It is really not there right to know what we do in are free time or who we message. I can see that the government is doing it for there and are safety but I don't really like how they can see what we are doing with are life. To sum it up and my thoughts on the patriot act I can see where it can be beneficial for us but in other ways I can see where it has its down falls, like the privacy of are messages, but I do like how they just want to protect us from terrorist, makes me feel little bit safer living in this country. KYLE789
ReplyDeleteI definitely think that it is wrong to wire tap conversations, but at the same time I also believe that it is essential. What if we missed something really important and ended up being attacked? I know privacy is something we tend to value, but it is not as if the government is sharing all of our information with everyone. This will be a problem we will more than likely always face and there will always be people who think their privacy is more important and others who think their safety is more important. It is unfortunate that it has come to this, but we have gone through 9/11 and other attacks already so I understand that wire tapping is just to help keep our country safe. -MH789
ReplyDeleteI agree with MH789 on the aspect that wiretapping conversations is wrong but that it is essential. Privacy is one of the biggest rights that many people want to keep conserved in our country and I’m sure that many individuals would agree. But wiretapping helps us prevent terrorism in our country and especially in our generation where technology is becoming a major source of communication.
Delete-CEM789
I feel that the FBI wiretapping citizens houses and even businesses isn’t very idealistic. I feel that any individual’s privacy rights shouldn’t be violated just because the government thinks that that person is connected to some kind of terrorism. But then again, there are a lot of situations that could be prevented by spying on certain people. Wiretapping is such a delicate topic to discuss just because of the various outcomes it can have to our society. By this I mean that the FBI can actually spy on innocent people and listen to everything that goes on in their personal life and say it was all because of national security measures. To me it feels like the government has too much power granted to them in such scenarios just because of how high the threat of terrorism is that just by them saying “it’s because of national security” the government allows it.
ReplyDelete-CEM789
I fell the FBI over steps there bounds here in the US. its not right to have wire taps just to have wire taps. not every one want to blow the world up. Heck most people just want to work and sleep. I feel that we need the FBI to be as strong as they are now. just not over using their power here on us soil. it not fair not American. I feel the patriot act help and hinders us. i mean it lets us have freedom so we think. but then secretly they are watching every move we make. its unamerican
ReplyDeleteI will say that I agree with ramadan789 it did benefit us but showed a different way in life. Also with the government wanting to protect us why didn't you do this years ago with terrorist attacking us instead of now. But I feel like the government and everyone else has way to much power to even control and they shouldn't have that much in my eyes. Them wanting to protect us though does make me feel safer and okay but at the end of the day I shouldn't have to worry about things like they did they job well.
ReplyDeleteGabe789
The government is a little harsh with the amount of security they use and the lack of privacy we really have but I think it's worth losing a little privacy to keep any terrorists acts from occurring. If your not doing anything wrong and just living your life then I don't see what the big issue is. The government is just trying to keep us safe. They will target the suspicious people and everyone will be able to go on with their life. If they must wire tap then have at it, if they have to check e-mails for suspicious behavior go for it, and/or if they need to use a little bit of racial profiling in certain dangerous scenarios then I think they should be able to because everyone wants to live a happy, healthy life and if an event like 9/11 occurs or the Boston bombing and you have a family member or friend killed or seriously injured then your going to think differently. If this topic was never brought up and nobody knew that the government can listen to your phone calls then nobody would of ever knew and they would have just went on with their life. LF789
ReplyDeleteTwo additional points...as citizen's, we can only hope and trust that our government has the right people and strong policies in place for situations where these violations of privacy may be needed for the safety of others so that this type of power and knowledge isn't used inappropriately or abused. LF789
DeleteTokyle_messenger@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI can understand the need for the government to watch the people but there is a point where it goes too far. For instance if someone is getting on a plane or something I think it makes sense to the baggage to be checked for dangerous objects or illegal items. Although on the other hand I think the government should be watching certain people to help prevent future terrorism but I don’t think searching though peoples email just because it can be justified under the patriot act. There does come a point where the rights of American citizens are being violated at the same time I think that it is partially the American peoples fault. For instance when the second amendment started to get talked about everyone was prepared to defend it and since then it still a heated topic but I think the people are going to get their way over the government. So I think that if people really wanted to keep their privacy they would defend the fourth amendment with the same ferocity. KAM789
I believe the PATRIOT Act trades too much freedom for too little security, although I don't believe we should ever allow our rights to be traded for security. The continued degradation of our 4th amendment rights has done nothing to slow the rate of terrorist attacks in the United States. Since 9/11/2001 there have been 23 other terrorists although they are obviously not as well known. This whole fiasco started with President Bush signing the Patriot Act in 2001. It has since been expanded upon by Barack Obama along with similar items such as the NDAA 2012 which allows of the indefinite detention of those suspected of terrorism. You'd think that all you'd have to do to avoid this is just not make any bomb threats right? Wrong. In addition to the DHS recently purchasing millions worth of armored vehicles and weapons to be used domestically (the DHS has no authority outside of the US) they have also broadened the definition of terrorism so vastly that many more people can be qualified as terrorists and thus be vilified by the nation. One of their new booklets goes as far as to suggest you are considered a radical/extremist if you talk of individual liberties, states’ rights, and how to make the world a better place. Now that people have been put into such fear of terrorism it has put such incredibly abuse-able provisions in place just waiting to be taken advantage of. Yes it's good to have defense against the atrocious terrorist attacks on our country, but not at the expense of our rights.
ReplyDelete-EAB789
I agree with EAB789 because I think that we do lose a lot of our freedom or privacy to the Patriot Act. I also agree with him because we should not have to let or freedom get traded in and let our sense of security and privacy be just taken away, even though the government may be catching or preventing terrorist attacks. So I would say that in the end I would let the government do what is best to prevent terrorism. -AEK789
DeleteJust as in police brutality the Patriot act and Wire taping can cross the line. In other words the actions can go over the line and invade the citizens privacy. Yes the sometime our 4th amendment is violated and causes injustice to the citizens. Reading our emails hearing our phone calls causes disturbance to some citizens. In my opinion I do not really care if they are applying this action to me. I know I am not guilty of any terrorist attack, so why get upset? If they cross the line it is to our benefit. WHo would want another 911 attack? Don't get me wrong and believe I am only taking one side, I also do believe people need privacy. Especially for wire taping and photo/video exchange. It all is up to what kind of person you are and how open you are. The best idea needing to get a court warrant to continue with the investigating. NR789
ReplyDeleteI would say that I would have to agree with the Patriot Act, because I think that it helps us more than it hurts us. I would have to say it helps us more because, is a couple of inappropriate messages getting read going to hurt you more than a terrorist getting caught before he detonated a bomb in the ground floor of the building that you work in. I mean, I don’t really care if the FBI or the government is reading any of my messages because if you were trying to keep a conversation secret over something that needs to be kept secret, why do you not just have the conversation in person in the middle of nowhere or at your own home. I also think that it does somewhat invade your sense of privacy and that it kind of counters the fourth amendment, but consider that Patriot Act as a sense or something like car insurance. I mean there are things that need to be given up for example money for car insurance, but your sense of privacy for the Patriot Act, but in the end when something bad happens to the car the insurance company pays for it, but having the Patriot Act in effect it would prevent something bad from happening. So in the end I would have to be in favor of the Patriot Act. –AEK789
ReplyDelete