USA PATRIOT ACT Antonio Lopez Senior Seminar pictures-8477-pictures.htm

History of the USA Patriot Act  Signed into law on October 26,  Passed in response to 9/11 terrorist attacks.  Uniting (and) Strengthening America (by) Providing Appropriate Tools Required (to) Intercept (and) Obstruct Terrorism Act of act-and-acts-of-patriotism

Current State of USA Patriot Act  Extension was passed in May.  Controversy continues.  Polls taken on Feb. 26, 2010 partisan split.  56% think it’s affecting their liberties.

Opposing View Points  Already helped prevent attacks.  Drug smuggling & racketeering reduced.  No overt abuse yet, and checks and balances keep us safe.  Violation of Constitutional rights.  Potential for abuse.  Targeting moderate Muslims. For USA Patriot ActAgainst USA Patriot Act

Clear Partisan Lines…  Majority of GOP members say yes.  Recent drops in GOP support.  Majority of Democrats say no.  Many democrats voted against the extension. /02/22/democrats-republicans-change-their- views-on-patriot-act

Obama’s View * In 2006 he argued that the act had good intentions but needed revisions.  He hasn’t made many statements on the issue however he is in favor of the act.  But you already knew that, because he signed it into law on May 26,

On The Issue : Ron Paul  Against the extension.  Dislikes the power given to the government.  Thinks the act is futile.

On The Issue: Michele Bachmann  Bachmann voted for the reauthorization of the Patriot Act.  Bachmann supporters pushed for a rejection.  Stated that it was an appropriate measure to secure information. gspot.com/

On The Issue : Rick Santorum  Voted for the extension of Patriot Act.  Did this despite his followers dislike of the violation of basic liberties. 6/rick-santorums-troubling-views-on-science/