JoAnn McElwaine HIS 167 (26208) Essay #2 The United States government has seen security and preservation of the society as taking precedence over civil liberties. Some civil libertarians are concerned that not abiding by the Constitution will eventually lead the demise of civil liberties. Some even consider this worse than terrorism itself.
Even though , as history proves, our government has underestimated our nations security. The United States is in much greater jeopardy from international terrorists that previously believed. We also have to be concerned about terrorists living on our own soil. In the wake of 911, the government signed a law in 2001 called the USA Patriot Act, citing the need for more participation on all levels of security. Law enforcement was given a wider preemptive authority and encouraged to share information. The law was passed with one goal in mind; a safer America.
Over the years, some Americans have become concerned that law enforcement restrictions were too invasive, that wire tapings and extensive surveillance was too much of an invasion of civil liberties. Many argued that the Patriot Act affects all citizens personal freedoms and privacy. The government argues that only suspected terrorists are affected by the law.
As arguments flare about the proper balance between civil liberties and national security, a recent survey of terror cases show that surveillance such as intercepted communications and the monitoring of e-mail have often provided investigators with vital clues. According to court documents and other testimony resulted in at least half dozen major terror plot have been thwarted. Somehow a balance needs to be met Our civil liberties should be curtailed to a point that benefits a greater security system while not loosing site of our civil liberties.
We now know that interning Japanese Americans did not shorten WWII, but at the time it was a reaction by government to protect. Some may think it was an overreaction, but only now can that be said. In my opinion national security and civil liberties are equally important. I wouldn't want to live in a country without a great national security system. What good are civil liberties if we live in constant fear.

Works Cited
"Speak Outs - National Security vs. Civil Liberty: How Do You Feel about the Patriot Act?" Annenberg Classroom. Web. 09 Feb. 2016.

The Atlantic. Atlantic Media Company. Web. 09 Feb. 2016.

" WWII Violations of German American." WWII Violations of
German American Civil Liberties by the US Government. Web. 09 Feb. 2016.

"The Restriction of Civil Liberties During WWII." Prezi.com. Web. 09 Feb. 2016.