The Necessity of PATRIOT-ism
Thesis: While many in opposition to the Patriot Act are fueled by misconceived notions about what it entails, the surveillance provisions of the Patriot Act and the governmental bodies that employ them respect the Fourth and First Amendments, do not abuse their powers, regulate metadata collection, and are essential in maintaining national security.
I. Fourth Amendment
A. Uninformed searches
B. Delayed notification
C. Trustworthy judges
D. Specific searches
II. First Amendment
A. Silence not speech
B. Speculation not fact
III. Abuse Prevention
A. Public paranoia
B. Honest mistakes
C. Declassified files
IV. Metadata Collection
A. Overextended powers
B. Small team
C. Narrowed reforms
V. Counterterrorism Efforts
A. Burdening citizens
B. Stopping terrorists
I. Fourth Amendment
A. Uninformed searches
B. Delayed notification
C. Trustworthy judges
D. Specific searches
II. First Amendment
A. Silence not speech
B. Speculation not fact
III. Abuse Prevention
A. Public paranoia
B. Honest mistakes
C. Declassified files
IV. Metadata Collection
A. Overextended powers
B. Small team
C. Narrowed reforms
V. Counterterrorism Efforts
A. Burdening citizens
B. Stopping terrorists