Security and Individual rights

In my law class this semester I have constantly been presented with terms like due process and natural rights that are stressed in the U.S. Constitution. The government uses the constitution to follow guideline for federal and state government as well as the three branches of government. Due process and natural rights are things written in the constitution that are to preserve the rights of the citizen. By the government stretching their boundaries with things like the Patriot Act, which takes advantage of their promise to the preserve the citizens natural rights.

The Patriot Act was enacted by President Bush following September 11th in order “to deter and punish terrorist acts ... to enhance law enforcement investigatory tools, and for other purposes.” Just like every aspect of the constitution and the law, the government can use these broad terms any way they see fit. This means the ability to listen in on private phone calls, look at e-mails, and various other things if they feel you are a suspicious person.

There are a lot of people who feel this is directly taking away from peoples natural rights by hacking into their private information but it is now legal for the government to do. The main thing people want is their personal freedoms and most people expect to be able to have a phone call or a e-mail to stay private.

Airports since 9/11 have also stomped down on security with the Homeland Security Department, which pumped billions of dollars in improving airport and overall homeland security. This is where the government has been brilliant but have had some rough incidents where the security has been too irritating. Going through airports in the past five to ten years has changed drastically with baggage checks, metal detectors, scanners, and likely pat-downs if they see or feel anything suspicious may be going on the plane. Some incidents have targeted the wrong people based on age or race but Homeland Security absolutely helps monitor what is being transported in and out of our country.