The United States is a country that is more than three hundred years old. Throughout its history, the country has faced many obstacles and fought many wars, to protect the foundations of democracy and the American population. Americans have waged wars for independence, to abolish slavery, defeat Naziism and communism, and recently to defeat terrorism. During the first years of this new century, the American nation suffered a major terrorist attack. Consequently, the U.S. is at war with terrorist nations, among them Afghanistan and Iraq. These recent events have affected our society, the greatest change has taken the shape of new laws and severe restrictions that limit the freedoms and liberties of American citizens. These changes have affected our economy and lifestyle. They intend to protect Americans and democracy. However, their function courter attacks our liberties. It is vital that the American government protects the nation, but they should always keep in mind that liberties and freedoms are America’s most valued treasure. Among the newly enacted restricting laws to protect the homeland security of the nation, is the Patriot Act and the Department of Homeland Security. Both pieces of legislation were created in response to the terrorist attacks.
On September 11, 2001, our nation faced the most devastating attack on American soil, since Pearl Harbor. On this day two hijacked airplanes were driven into the Twin Towers in New York City. Similarly, on the same day another hijacked airplane was also crashed into the Pentagon. The attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon killed nearly 3,000 American civilians. September 11, 2001, marked a new age in American politics, both abroad and domestic. The recoils of these attacks led to an American invasion in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the creation of international coalitions to fight terrorism. The American government has organized and led most of these measures. Although, the government is leading political and military actions abroad to protect the homeland of the nation, many actions have also taken place in the country after 9/11. Soon after the terrorist attacks, danger alerts were established throughout the country, in New York City and other major cities like Los Angeles and Atlanta danger alerts have different colors, being red the highest level of danger. Life for Americans has taken a different hue, it has become part of a daily routine to read the news papers and learn that the country is under severe terrorist warnings. On the other hand the attacks on September 11, 2001 brought together many Americans, after the attacks many American flags were waved by foreigners along with Americans. Similarly, in New York City a new sense of unity has risen, where people have learned that united they stand stronger. This last change can be attributed to the governments request that people help them stop terrorists by alerting local authorities of suspicious items and individuals.
In the fiscal scale consumers grabbed hold of their pockets fearing that another attack would worsen the economy. After the attacks the first wave of the recoil was felt in the economy of the country. Airplane fares decreased as fear of travelers increased. Another change took place in immigration restrictions, as these reached their highest peak. After the attacks on September 11, 2001 the government has implemented new restrictions for immigrants. This has changed the life of millions of illegal residents that live and work in the country. Visas and working permits are no longer given so easily, in fact most of the people who apply for any of these are usually denied. These are only some mere glimpses of the changes that took place, in a more drastic scale, new laws were enacted to prevent future terrorists from entering the country and plotting another devastating attack. New laws that infringe upon the liberties and freedoms of every American.
Recently, the government has taken a new posture toward homeland security, which focuses on the prevention of a terrorist, and counter terrorist attack on American soil. Many debates have emerged. Opponents of the new homeland security policy argue that the government’s homeland security policy violates our civil liberties which include the right to a trail, privacy, freedom of speech, freedom of expression and the rest of the rights stated in the Bill of Rights. However, it is important to emphasize that the governments job of protecting the nation has increased. Everything in this world after September 11, 2001 has taken a different color. The government’s policy for homeland security has undergone two major changes. The first is to focus not only on catching and punishing terrorists after an attack is perpetrated, which is the usual goal of law enforcers. Instead, law enforcers must work harder to prevent one from happening. The second is that law enforcer’s no longer consider terrorism primarily as a threat form abroad. Intelligence agencies say that there exists a possibility of terrorists networks in the United States. The country is big, but the government id strong.
As result of the 2001 terror attacks and the recent threats that terrorists present to our Nation, President Bush and the government turned to drastic legislative measures such as the creation of The Homeland Security Act, Patriot Act and the Department of Homeland Security. These new laws serve one and only one purpose, that is to safe guard the nation. However, they have many flaws, these laws expand the power of the federal government. They allow the government to regulate and control the life of every citizen. These new laws clearly defeat the purpose of the United States Constitution and American values, which aim to limit the power of the government over the American population.
On October 26, 2001, the government enacted the USA Patriot Act, pushed through congress by John Ashcroft. The Patriot Act provides federal agencies and state officials with the total power to increase surveillance and investigative powers. It also allows for easier acquisition of warrants for wiretaps and domestic searches without the consent of the owner. Therefore, the Patriot Act directly violates the fourth Amendment of the individual. A simple notice to the owner before the search would assert the individual with his or her fourth Amendment.
Similarly, on November 25, 2002, the Department of Homeland Security was established. The DHS emerged with the creation of 22 agencies and more than 180,000 employees and extends its magnitude into foreign countries. The department has increased the powers of the federal government dramatically, this agency has control over every police district in the country and access to every piece of information from every American. Allowing them to arrest and seize assets from any individual who fits the description of a terrorist. In the new Homeland Security act, a specific clause defines the term terrorist, and this can be anyone that seems to present a danger to the country, although the definition is very broad, its primary targets are people that look middle easterners. The Department of Homeland Security also controls airports, borders, ports and transportation. This agency regulates the influx of people that go in and out of the airports. Recently, new top notch examining devices are being tested and ready to install, however, the government seems to be a little reluctant to approve them. These scanning machines can see through clothes. See through cloth machines is only the begging of the end of American liberties.
The measures mentioned in the Homeland Security Act and Patriot Act may ensure the safety of the Nation, but at the cost of civil rights and liberties. Civil liberties granted to all Americans by our forefathers, who founded this mighty nation and the mighty principals upon which democracy lies. Rights that the United States Constitution guarantees, they defend the privileges of Americans from federal and state abusive powers. These rights include Freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, freedom of expression, the right to a trial and so forth. Although, the government created these laws to prevent future terrorist attacks and safeguard the country, its actions are similar to those of totalitarian governments. The government is sacrificing civil rights and liberties under the name of homeland security. Our United States government calls them selves a democracy, but their actions display the contrary. Homeland security is one the government’s primary concerns, but they must keep in mind the protection of American liberties and freedoms while protecting the country. It is very concerning that measures like the Patriot Act and Department of Homeland Security go beyond their mission and infringe on the rights of law-abiding Americans.
It has been witnessed in the past that during war time that civil liberties always suffer severe damage. During the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln said, “The whole of the laws which I was sworn to [execute] were being resisted . . . in nearly one-third of the states. Must I have allowed them to finally fail of execution?... Are all the laws but one [the right to habeas corpus] to go unexecuted, and the government itself...go to pieces, lest that one be violated?” It is evident that President Lincoln believed that protecting the Nation at all cost was an alternative. During the war, President Lincoln Suspended the writ of habeas corpuses, this is a procedural method by which one who is imprisoned can be immediately released if his imprisonment if found not to conform to law. This action is seen by many contemporary historians and civil right activists as a direct violation of the constitution. During the Civil War men and women alike served in the army to protect the country’s freedom, clearly portraying the government’s interest in accomplishing victory more than protecting civil liberties.
Similarly, during the First World War many Japanese were imprisoned or sent to concentration camps. Yes, Americans were the first to use concentration camps, and Hitler improved it. In these concentration camps, thousands of Japanese were help for unconstitional periods of time. Most of the captives were Japanese Americans, however, they were imprisoned without the right to a trial. Their rights were completely violated. This action clearly supports the fact that the American government has always triumphed over civil liberties. Although, in the mid 1970's congress authorized a compensation to all the Japanese who were imprisoned, however, most were already dead.
President Lyndon B. Johnson once said, "We can never again stand aside, prideful in isolation. Terrific dangers and troubles that we once called `foreign' now constantly live among us.” Presidents Johnson statement supports the fact that the American government limits and restricts liberties and freedoms during war time. When President Johnson said this statement, the country was currently at the verge of a major war against The Soviet Union. The government during this period of time believed that communists had infiltrated the country and were plotting a major terror attack. This movement against communists became known as McCarthyism. The name derives from the senator McCarthy, who created a list with the name of more than six hundred communist that were inside the government .
However, a few years later, it was revealed that McCarthy’s list was not accurate, in fact it wasn’t real. Soon after his unlawful actions were discovered, he resigned. Throughout, the history of the nation the country and its residents have faced many rough times. However, these hard times have made the public aware of its needs and priorities. Today, just like yesterday many Americans are willing to protest against unlawful government actions. Americans praise their freedom and are determined to protect them.
The magnitude of the new laws has been felt at airports, federal buildings, amusement parks, large cities and in the borders of the country. It’s impossible to board an airplane without being searched from head to toe, from dermis to bone. Similarly, while entering public and federal buildings people are also submitted to a body search, were many security officers often touch people in undesired places. In large cities like New York, it has become normal to see FBI and National Guard officers carrying snipers and machine guns. It is very usual to read the newspaper and avoid reading an article that mentions a terrorist threat or something related. Living with fear of a terrorist attack became part of the American lifestyle, however, many Americans fear more the loss of their beloved freedoms.
The Department of Homeland Security has had a negative impact on immigrants, specially those that come from Mexico. Recently, American citizens have decided to “help” the government control the influx of immigrants into the country. These men carry weapons and a thirst for action. They spent most their day near borders. Their task is to scare immigrants away from the United Stated with the unrestricted use of force. The only line of defense immigrants posses, comes from a few Mexican legislatures that try to sanction these bounty hunters.
Safety is a primary focus of the government. However, civil liberties should not remain unattended, neither should they be risked. American borders have to be protected from illegal immigrants, but they should keep in mind the protection of the rights that these immigrants’ posses and are entitled to. Probably not as American citizens but definitely as humans. It isn’t necessary to oppose the Homeland Security Act, the Patriot Act and the DHS completely. In fact Americans should support them, however, they have to remain concerned that these laws go beyond their goal to protect the country.
Americans must achieve to place civil liberties and Homeland security at the same level. They should check and balance each other, both are equally important . If Americans change their way of life, and modify laws that restrict and limit our civil liberties under the name of Homeland Security, then the country will appear vulnerable to the enemy. Modifying America, proves the magnitude of fear and terror inflicted to the nation by the enemy. John Ashcroft said, “We are in war and we must have to do things differently than we did before.” In order to defeat an enemy who uses our way of liberties and way of life as a weapon. All of us, every American must be willing to his or her part to protect the nation.
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