The Usa Patriot Act

September 11th, 2001, began as a normal day for most Americans.   They arose and began their daily routines, not yet realizing that horrific events would their world forever.   For on this day, America suffered brutal terrorist attacks that included the destruction of both towers of the World Trade Center, a renowned landmark in New York City.   The outrages did not end there.   The Pentagon was also targeted, resulting in much damage and loss of lives.   The suicide terrorists used fuel laden commercial aircraft as missiles, which they flew into buildings, with devastating results.   An additional attack was planned, but the passengers on the aircraft fought the terrorist for control of the plane.   The result was that the aircraft crashed in a field in Pennsylvania, killing everybody on board.   The true target of that plane remains unknown.   Theories include CIA headquarters, the White House, or the House of Representatives.   One thing is certain, had the plane reached its intended target, there would have been even more destruction and loss of life.  

Following the attacks, the nation was united in a defiant determination to combat this new kind of threat to its security and well-being.   A similar kind of reaction occurred in 1941 when Japan launched a sneak attack on Pearl Harbor.   Then, too, the nation and its elected officials put aside politics and rallied to the defense of the country by declaring war on Japan.  

After the events of 9/11, America did not declare war on a specific country but did declare war against terrorism.   Just forty-five days after the attacks, the USA PATRIOT Act was passed.   USA PATRIOT is an acronym for Uniting and Strengthening America [by] Providing Appropriate Tools for Intercepting and Obstructing Terrorism.   The Act became law when President Bush officially signed the document on October 26th, 2001.   The Patriot Act is a very lengthy and complex piece of legislation.   Within the framework of the Bill are ten separate...