The Patriot Act

Author: Mike O’Connor
Copyright 2008

The Patriot Act uses logic from the days of the Red Scare and McCarthyism. It recognizes a legitimate danger---in the case of the Patriot Act, terrorism---but offers extreme, radical solutions that undercut essential safeguards Americans have the right to expect from their government.

 The Patriot Act affects people beyond its stated goals. New powers to federal law enforcement agents heighten the sense of insecurity and encourage local law enforcement officers to enhance their own authority, irrespective of what the threat may be, or what role local police may have in countering the threat.

The Patriot Act was not on the books when my family was running from the FBI., from the 1940’s to the 60’s (They were after us for political reasons.) But the aura of an international menace was in the air. It allowed the FBI to assume powers beyond the laws and rules that governed the bureau. Agents felt they had the power---even the duty---to abuse basic human rights, and violate laws against wire tapping, room bugging and break-ins because the threat was so great that the rules were no longer valid. By the early 1970’s five thousand American citizens wound up with FBI files that listed them as dangerous to the country.

We may have only a glimpse of the violations of common protections done so far by the Patriot Act, but we know from the record that the last time the government assumed such powers---during the McCarthyism and the Red Scare---that the constitution was violated repeatedly.

About the Author
Veteran journalist Mike O'Connor has spent most of a lifetime reporting for television, NPR and The New York Times. He's covered - and uncovered - the malfeasance of domestic politicians and public servants. Read his riveting new book about dysfunctional families here