The Patriot act and loss of our Freedoms


Long ago Benjamin Franklin stated those that would trade freedom for security deserve neither freedom nor security.

  I would like to believe that the individuals who worked on the Patriot Act had the best intentions for this country; unfortunately it appears that few have given thought to what can happen when these changes are used against Christians.
  We should always be looking at the affects that changes in legislation can possibly bring 5, 20, 50 or even 100 years from now.

 
What follows is some of the fundamental changes to Americas’ legal rights by the Bush administration and the USA Patriot Act after the terror attacks; as listed by the Associated Press.

Freedom of association: To assist terror investigation, the government may monitor religious and political institutions without suspecting criminal activity. (What happens when Christians are perceived as the threat).

Freedom of information: The government has closed once public immigration hearings, has secretly detained hundreds of people without charges, and has encouraged bureaucrats to resist public record requests. “Sensitive” information has been removed from government Web sites.

Freedom of speech: The government may prosecute librarians or keepers of any other records if they tell anyone that the government subpoenaed information related to a terror investigation.

Right to legal representation: The government may monitor conversations between attorneys and clients in federal prisons and deny lawyers to Americans accused of crimes.

Freedom from unreasonable searches: The government may search and seize Americans’ papers and effects without probable cause to assist terror investigation. (What happens when Christians are perceived as the threat).

Right to a speedy and public trial: The government may jail Americans indefinitely without a trial.

Right to liberty: Americans may be jailed without being charged or being able to confront witnesses against them. “Enemy combatants” have been held incommunicado and refused attorneys. Plans for military tribunals have been initiated. (What happens when Christians are perceived as the threat).