The USA Patriot Act is actually an acronym that stands for Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism. It was signed into law by President George W. Bush on October 26th, 2001. The Act allowed law enforcement the ability to search telephone and email communications. It allowed them to look up medical and financial records. It expanded the Secretary of the Treasury’s authority to regulate monetary transactions, especially those that were foreign in nature. Immigration authorities and law enforcement personnel were given more authority in deciding whether or not immigrants suspected of terrorism or terrorism related acts could be detained or deported. The act also expanded the definition of terrorism. The new definition included domestic terrorism, which greatly increased the amount of activities to which the USA Patriot Act applied.

The USA Patriot Act passed overwhelmingly in both the House and the Senate. It was wholly supported by both Republicans and Democrats. Even 2008 Libertarian Presidential Candidate, Bob Barr, had supported it, though it was something he later apologized for (Walker 1). At the time of its passage, the majority of Americans also supported the act. Of course, why not? Americans were scared. The image of the invincible America that many thought existed was shattered by the September 11th bombings of the Twin Towers in New York City. Americans desire safety and security, and there was not a better time to pass the USA Patriot Act than directly after September 11th, 2001.

Critics of the bill are quick to point this out. They feel the passage of the act was incredibly opportunistic. They feel the government is constantly attempting to expand its powerful horizon and found the terrorist attacks of 2001 to be a good time to do so. Had they attempted to pass the bill at a different time, the American people might have paid more attention to the many freedoms that were at stake and not been thinking of only their safety and security. Benjamin Franklin once stated that “They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.”

Many believe that the USA Patriot Act is a direct reflection of the lack of terrorist attacks within the United States, especially those similar to the ones on September 11th, 2001. Frank Gaffney Jr., a proponent of the bill, stated that it was “the most important piece of domestic security legislation adopted since 9/11” (Gaffney 1). Supporters feel the government is sincerely and legitimately attempting to protect Americans, andthe provisions in the bill are absolutely needful.  They see the state as their friend. They care not if the state’s power is under check or if it has to abide by the rules. They only care for their own safety and security; and, as long as the state’s misdeeds are not affecting them, they don’t care what happens. I was once discussing this very issue with a friend. My friend stated, “Jay, I don’t care what laws are passed or what our government does as long as I don’t have to worry about my house being blown up when I go to sleep at night. “ I feel this is a true representation of how most Americans feel, and a chilling example of Benjamin Franklin’s quote.

Critics of the USA Patriot Act are petrified by of the amount of unchecked power made available by the over 300 amendments. They noticed the many flaws within the act. They point out how the government has the power to access medical records, tax records, and information about the books one buys or borrows without even having probable cause. The government also has the power to break into one’s home and conduct secret searches without telling the person for weeks, months or an indefinite time period (American Civil Liberties Union).

Critics of the bill repeatedly state the USA Patriot Act fails to follow the United State’s Constitution, which is the basis for our government. Jake Morphonios states the act especially and explicitly violates the first and fourth amendment. He feels it violates the first amendment, which guarantees free speech, by prohibiting the recipients of search orders from telling others about those orders, even when there is no real need for secrecy, and authorizing the FBI to launch investigations of American citizens for only exercising their freedom of speech. He feels the fourth amendment is violated, which states the government cannot conduct a search without obtaining a warrant and showing probable cause. Under the act, law enforcement agencies are not required to provide notice, even after the fact, to persons whose privacy has been compromised. Morphonios also points out that notice is a key component of due process, which is guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment (2). Thomas Jefferson, U.S. founding father and primary drafter of the Declaration of Independence, stated that “A Bill of Rights is what the people are entitled to against every government, and what no just government should refuse, or rest on inference.” The USA Patriot Act violates the Bill of Rights in several different areas.

The warrant for those who disapprove of the USA Patriot Act is that government cannot be trusted. I feel this warrant is sound. All throughout history, John Dalberg-Action’s statement that “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” has been proven true. There are basically two warrants for those who support the USA Patriot Act. The first is government can be trusted, and it is the only means by which Americans may achieve safety and security. The second is only those who are unpatriotic and don’t love America would challenge bills created by the American government, especially those during a time of war. I disagree with both of these warrants. Firstly, I don’t believe government can be trusted. Secondly, I feel to call people unpatriotic because they disagree with their nations’ policies is unfair. In America, we’ve confused nationalism with patriotism. A patriot is a lover of freedom, while a nationalist is a blind follower of whatever his leader desires. Many times, if one disagrees with America’s policies, he or she is unfairly labeled unpatriotic.

In a free country, it is critical that those in authority have many checks and balances. The USA Patriot Act destroys many of these checks and balances, giving law enforcement substantially more unchecked power than it had ever had before. Personally, I feel there is not a more unpatriotic bill than the USA Patriot Act. I believe it is a perfect example of “big brother’s” desire to know all. This bill represents America’s change from a land of the individual to a land of collectivism where the state is the supreme authority. The bill also represents the continued growth of the American government. The bill was just another way for government to get an even stronger hold on the individual. George Washington, the leader of the American Revolution, the father of our country, and our first president, stated that “Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.”

Works Cited

Gaffney, Frank Jr. “Preserve the Patriot Act.” Front Page Magazine. 13 Dec. 2005. 04 Mar. 2009.http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/Printable.aspx?GUID=3120B072-E466-45B7-A2A9-1FB0F093164B

Morphonios, Jake. “USA Patriot Act for Dummies – Part 1.” Nolan Chart. 25 Mar. 2008. 25 Feb.    2009. http://www.nolanchart.com/article/print.php?ArticleID=3274

“USA PATRIOT Act.” American Civil Liberties Union. 14 Nov. 2003. 04 Mar. 2009. http://www.aclu.org/safefree/resources/17343res20031114.html

Walker, Jessie. “Bob Barr, Civil Libertarian, The right wing of the ACLU.” Reason Online. Dec. 2003. 04 Mar. 2009. http://reason.com/news/show/28960.html

As popular and as watched as the television is, it only makes sense that people want to talk about it. My friends and acquaintances always seem to be discussing their current TV addictions with me. This literally bores me to no end. It also annoys me, because, firstly, I do not watch television, so I do not have a clue what they are talking about, and secondly, I have never been someone who liked to watch anything, I like to do. It seems to me that people know more about their favorite TV star than they do about their own family, and maybe even themselves. I was once at a family get together when the mood of conversation between two women turned very serious. I began to listen as the women were talking about someone they both knew who had been through a terrible sequence of events. I thought to myself, I have never known anyone to have that bad of luck. I then asked the women whom they were talking about, wondering if I may know them. As it turned out, these women were discussing a daytime soap opera. I was in disbelief; the emotion and expression that these two women had been conveying was based upon a make-believe TV show. I wanted to scream, “Don’t you know it isn’t real.”

As I stated earlier, I enjoy doing things, real things, not watching and living in a dream world. I don’t believe most Americans share this same sentiment. In fact, I’m certain most people would much rather live in the make-believe rather than reality, and I feel that “Reality TV” is proof for this statement. I never cease to be amazed at the sheer number and magnitude of so-called “Reality TV” shows. There are “Reality TV” shows for everything. It’s crazy. A few examples are “The Bachelor,” “The Ultimate Fighter,” “Survivor,” “House,” and “Hogan Knows Best” (Oh, please), just to name a few. “Reality TV” has become the only reality that most people know. Who cares if Iran just announced it has finished making a nuclear bomb? Who cares if congress is trying to pass a bill that would prohibit people from growing and selling food from their own private land? Just as long as they don’t miss their favorite television show, they’re happy. Patrick Henry’s cry of “give me liberty or give me death” has been replaced with “give me the remote and I’ll be content.”

One show that I’m more familiar with than the others is “The Bachelor” I was recently at my grandma’s, as she was watching this show. She was talking to the bachelor, almost as if she thought she could help him choose a bride. She would say things like, “no, that one doesn’t really love you” and “I think he loves her.” Yeah right, he loves her, maybe in the sense of, “Hey, I get a million bucks when I marry you.” I mean, come on, how many girls are really going to care for a guy who is making out, hot-tubing and stating his deep affection for eleven other women? I do not think my wife would have married me under those circumstances; well, maybe she’s just being selfish.

Another thing that astounds me about America’s greatest passion is the role that it plays with children. A website entitled “Parenting Healthy Children” stated that the average child watches over 1,500 hours of TV each year, while spending only three hours of the 365 days in meaningful conversation (2). Wow! That is an astounding statistic; however, it is far from surprising. I’ve heard numerous parents tell me how they enjoy allowing the TV to be a babysitter for their children. Ah, yes, the perfect babysitter; one who will curse, use drugs, get drunk, and have sex in front of innocent children. What more could a parent ask for? If children were to imitate what they see on TV, then they would obviously become model citizens. TV has long since left its past as a form of harmless, innocent entertainment. The days of “Andy Griffith,” “Roy Rogers,” and “I Love Lucy” seem to be light years away. The trouble seems to be that most parents are oblivious to this.

So, the question begs to be answered. Does TV, the American passion, have anything to offer? Personally, I feel certain the average American doesn’t receive any benefits from television. Of course, there are those who appear to benefit—the ones directly involved in the entertainment industry. The billons and billons of dollars they make off movies allow them the ability to exhibit a highly extravagant and undisciplined lifestyle. They can afford whatever they desire, from half million-dollar cars, multi-million dollar homes, and outrageously priced, designer clothing.

But does it really benefit them either? The partying that is so popular in Hollywood often leads to trouble for the celebrities. They spend thousands of dollars on alcohol and drugs, which many times bring them into conflict with the law or cause medical issues. Of course, the drug usage was most likely an attempt to keep their mind off their last divorce, since celebrities have a higher divorce rate (Hayes 1). Their extramarital affair, another desperate grasp at fulfillment, might also bring them some relief. That is unless the individual’s new partner hasn’t already found someone else. Someone please remind me again why these people are role models? Just a hunch, but it may have something to do with their appearance, which includes the good physical shape of their body. Of course, being in good physical shape is a foreign concept to TV addicts. The American Heart association conducted a study in 2003 that found strong links between television, obesity and fast food (Kaufman 3, 4). Also, in 2003, Harvard researchers found that women who watched twenty or more hours of TV each week were sixty percent more likely to become obese (“Too Much TV…” 1).

So, the American passion of television seems to offer only negativities. It’s incredibly addictive. It causes people to lose touch of reality. It is a terrible excuse for the babysitter that so many parents allow it to be. It also seems to promote physical lethargy, causing people not to maintain active healthy lifestyles. In addition, the people who seemingly benefit most live wasted lives, are poor role models, and are a far cry from being productive citizens.

Works Cited

Hayes, Rosa. “Are Celebrities Becoming More Famous for Divorces?” Associated Content. 19 April 2007. 08 April 2009. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/200413/are_celebrities_becoming_more_famous.html?cat=41

Herr, Norman.
“Television and Health.” California State University, Northridge. 2003. 08 April 2009. http://www.csun.edu/science/health/docs/tv&health.html

Kaufman, Ron. “Television, Diet and Advertising: Why Watching TV Makes You Fat.” Turn off Your TV. 2003. 08 April 2009. http://www.turnoffyourtv.com/healtheducation/junkfood.html

“Too Much TV is an Unhealthy Habit.” Health and Age. 2003. 08 April 2009. http://www.healthandage.com/public/health-center/2/article/2456/Too-Much-TV-is-an-Unhealthy-Habit.html.

“Why Kid’s Normal TV Watching Is More than Emotional Child Abuse.” Parenting Healthy Children. 2007. 08 April 2009. http://www.parenting-healthy-children.com/emotional-child-abuse.html

On many Fridays, I would spend the night with my Pa and Nan (grandma). All day Friday, I was usually very excited, anticipating my being able to spend the night with my grandparents and my upcoming Saturday with Pa. It was difficult for me to concentrate on school Friday.

On most Saturdays, we would usually begin the day by watching westerns. We both really enjoyed a good western. Two of our favorites were the “Wild, Wild West” and “Brisco County Junior.” “Jim West” and “Brisco County Junior,” the stars of our favorite shows both had cocky, confident, “James Bond” type attitudes that we both admired and we enjoyed the action and humor that these shows provided.  Pa and I would be on the edge of our seats when “Jim West” and “Brisco County Junior” faced dangerous situations. We wouldn’t be able to sit back and relax until they’d overcome them. We also enjoyed all the fight scenes in the “Wild, Wild West”. Pa would say, “Jim is a small man, but he’s sure a really tough guy.”

After we watched our two favorite shows, we would then go to Pa’s “Insurance House” in Celina.  He sold insurance for a living and had a very successful business. People trusted him and knew that he would treat them right. They felt exceedingly comfortable buying insurance from him.

Pa was also a preacher at a small church in the “Baptist Ridge” community in Clay County. Many times, people would come by the “Insurance House” to seek his help or opinion. Mostly, people desired his spiritual or marriage guidance. He assisted and counseled many people there.

Every other Saturday, I would mow the Insurance House’s yard. It would typically take me between one and a half to two hours. When I finished mowing the yard, he would take me to Scott’s Bestway, across the street and buy me a Sunny Delight. I still remember how good that cold Sunny Delight tasted after mowing on a hot, humid day.

On most Saturdays, we would eat lunch at Peewee’s Deli, a local restaurant and doughnut shop in Celina.  I can still remember, walking in and being greeted with the smell of tobacco smoke, hamburgers cooking, and coffee. It was a hangout for old guys who liked to stay informed of all the local gossip. Pa was good friends with Peewee, the owner, as well as all the regulars. We would grab a burger or some pizza and then have a doughnut or two for dessert. The doughnuts were a far cry from “Krispy Kreme,” in fact, most of the time, they were probably stale, but that wasn’t what mattered. What mattered is that my Pa and I were hanging out having a good time.

Many Saturday evenings were spent around a table with a deck of cards. My Pa loved playing cards. One of his favorite card games was Pitch. My Pa and I would usually play my brother and my dad or whoever else might be there. Pa was a good sport, but he did like to win. When I was still learning the game I would make multiple bad plays. Pa would always instruct me in a nice way. I can still hear him saying, “Always lead back in trumps when your partner has the bid.” He would also say, “Don’t hesitate to bid five if you have an Ace and two Jacks.” Pa was also quick to encourage me by saying, “That was a good play Jay.” We had a lot of fun times playing cards together.

On some special Saturday evenings, we would go to Cookeville to shop and eat out. We would usually go by a few department stores. His two favorite ones were Sears and J. C. Penney’s. Him and Nan would usually get some clothes for themselves and many times would get some for me also. After we finished our shopping, we would get us a bite to eat. Pa preferred good old-fashioned country cooking, but he also liked all-you-can-eat seafood buffets. Some of his favorite places to eat were Cracker Barrel, Uncle Bud’s Catfish and Such and Shoney’s Restaurant.

I never doubted that my Pa loved me. He wasn’t afraid to say it either, like some men might be. He would always say, “Jay, I love you a big ‘ole bunch.” I always told him that I loved him too.

I have many pleasant memories of my Saturdays with Pa. We spent a lot of time together. It has been eleven years now since he lost his battle with cancer. I was fifteen years old at that time. Even now, when I think about it, I cannot help but get a tear in my eye. However, I’m so thankful for all the time we were able to spend together and I especially value all those fun Saturdays.

One of the major differences between married life and single life is responsibility. When you are single, only you are affected by the decisions you make. When you are married, your wife is your responsibility. Now, I understand that in this modern day that we live, chivalry is becoming a thing of the past, however, I still feel that it is the husband’s responsibility to care for his wife. It is sad though, that many husbands are willing to take the irresponsible, easy out in not adequately caring for their wife.

A married man must be responsible in communicating with his wife. As a single man, one is free to go where he pleases and do what he wants whenever he so chooses. He is free to do as he wishes. A married man should communicate with his wife where he’s going and what he’s doing. Some, in favor of the single lifestyle, may consider this bothersome, but I consider it to be just common courtesy to someone whom I’ve made a lifelong commitment to.

Married life also differs greatly from single life in the handling of finances. When one is single, he can buy whatever he wants, whenever he wants to do it. In married life, this changes. A married man cannot spend his money as he wishes. He must make certain that all the bills are paid and his wife’s needs are met before he dare spend a dollar on himself. So, as a married man, one may have to say no to that new hunting rifle, fishing rod, or four-wheeler that he’s been coveting; his hard-earned money may need to go toward fixing the dishwasher or possibly his wife’s hair appointment. When a responsible man ties the knot, he gives his financial freedom away.

Married men are more secure. Ok, I know that many people will disagree with this, but I feel that it is true. When one is single, he is much more concerned about his looks and about how others perceive him. Single guys are always aware of that pretty girl on the other side of the room and always wondering if she’s noticed them and if she has, what’s she thinking. On the other hand, guys who are happily married may or may not even notice the pretty girl. Note, that I did say happily married; a struggling marriage does not bring this type of carefree security. Much of a man’s self worth may come from the woman he is married to.

Marriage may bring more financial security. In most marriages, the husband and wife work, creating two sources of income for the one household. Two people who are sharing the same house can live much cheaper per person than someone can by their self. Less of their income is allocated for just “the cost of living,” allowing them to better save than single folks. So even though marriage can mean less financial freedom for the man, frugal spending may later on lead to more financial freedom.

Married life comes with many other perks that are not often thought of. Single guys learn to live off of carryout pizzas, microwave-ables and ramen noodles. They are forced to eat-out much more and make unhealthy, but cheap choices such as fast-food restaurants. Married guys typically fair much better. It is rare when I get home from work, for my wife to not have a hot, tasty meal waiting. My wife cooks foods that she knows I like and that are also healthy choices. If I had to pay for this service, there is no telling what it would cost.

Single guys come home to a lonely home. They sit down and can either, as my single friend said, “look at the blank walls or turn on the television.” When I come home, I’m immediately greeted by my wife and she shows genuine concern about how my days went, if I’m tired or not and what I need to get done that day. She desires to know my goals and full-heartedly commits to helping me achieve them. The type of emotional reassurance, unconditional love and encouragement has no price tag. No dollar figure can be placed upon it; “it is priceless,” just like the well-known commercial.

Ok, contrary to what many may think, sex is better and more frequent in marriage. Surveys show that married men have sex more than single guys. Also, sex cost them less in time, money and psychic energy. In today’s times, marriage is always under attack and Hollywood is constantly portraying the single lifestyle as providing the best sex. I disagree; the best sex is achieved as a byproduct of a healthy marriage.

In today’s world, marriage is typically talked about in a negative sense. Guys who are married are either talking about the fun that they are missing out on, how they miss being single or just the lack of freedom in being married. I feel that this inaccurately portrays marriage. I’m married and I cannot imagine being happier. To me, being married is so much better than being single. I do understand that a married man has less freedom in certain areas and more responsibility in others. However, I feel that the many perks of being married far outweigh anything that could possibly be construed as negative. And hey, married guys live longer.

In America, we constantly hear references to the word “freedom.” Most Americans feel that we are a free people. I disagree; I think they are badly mistaken. I do not feel that Americans enjoy complete freedom. In a truly free country, one would be able to work for money and be able to keep it. They would not have it taken from them and given to another. They would be able to travel where they desired, however they saw fit. If they owned property, they would not worry about getting someone else’s approval before they started to develop it. They would not be concerned about the government reading their mail or listening to their phone conversations. They could put whatever substance in their own body they so desired, as long as it did not cause them to harm others. I feel that there are freedoms in America that are under attack.

I feel that with every new law that’s passed, another freedom is being taken away. Some people have brought up, that without our laws we would have total anarchy and that there would be chaos similar to New Orleans after Katrina. People have asked me, what would stop me from shooting you right now or stealing something from you? I am not against laws. I feel that there are two types of laws. There are laws that are malum in se. These are acts that are morally wrong or evil by nature. Anything that a person does to harm another person or another person’s property would fall within this category. Most people would agree, that rape, murder and stealing are evil acts. There also laws that are moral prohibitum. These laws are artificial or pious in nature. An example of this would be a law that made it illegal for anyone to start a building project without a permit. If a person owns property, he or she should be able to build whatever they desire, whenever they choose to. I am not against laws that are malum in se. I am however against our many malum prohibitum laws.

Our government has been able to take much freedom in the name of security. People want to feel secure. In fact, most people would be willing to trade their freedom for security. After the tragic events that took place on September 11th, 2001, the USA Patriot Act was passed into law. This has been one of greatest infringements upon the rights of the American people in the history of our country. Telephone, email and financial information can now be searched without even having to get a court order. Secret searches can be conducted. The FBI can investigate American citizens for criminal activity without probable cause. This is absolutely absurd. These are the kind of things that one might expect from a totalitarian state such as China, but not the United States of America. What is even greater cause for alarm is that most of the entertainment driven, robot-like masses in America do not even care. I was talking to a friend of mine about this subject some time ago and he actually told me, “Jay, as long as I can go to bed at night, get up in the morning and then go to work, and not have to worry about a bomb going off near me, I don’t care what laws they (our government) pass.” I feel that this is the attitude of many Americans. Benjamin Franklin once said “they who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.”

Our freedoms are also being attacked in the name of the “common good.” To me, these malum prohibitum laws are not nearly as troublesome as some of the laws that our aimed making us more secure. However, they still are intrusive to our freedoms as individuals and our personal liberties. Some of our “artificial” laws for the perceived common good are laws relating to eminent domain, zoning restrictions and safety laws, such as seatbelt and helmet (when riding a motorcycle) requirements. There are other laws that fall within this category. Christian conservatives want the government to in essence regulate morality. This is a dangerous thing. What you do in the privacy of your home is your business. I choose to live my life on the biblical code of morals, but it is not for me to push that on someone else. Liberals would most likely agree with me on this. However, they want the government to make laws regarding hate speech, discrimination, affirmative action and other “equality” laws. Personally, I have nothing against any ethnicity. I feel that all men and woman are human beings and deserve to be treated as such. I feel that we are created equal. The fact that I’m a white Caucasian does not make me better or inferior to anyone else. However, after saying that, I must say that I do not feel that it is the governments place to force people not to engage in “hate speech.” This restricts one’s right to free speech. Also, employers should be able to hire or not hire whomever they choose for whatever reason they choose, whether it is discrimination or not. It is their money.

I believe that a person should have the right to live how he or she wants to. I do not feel the government should be involved in enforcing any other laws beside those that are malum in se. True freedom brings very minimal government. The more that government involvement can be minimized in our lives, the better off we’ll be. I may not agree with Ronald Reagan on many issues, but he had it right when he said, “the government is not the answer; it is the problem.” When people began to realize this, that’s when we will truly have freedom in America again.