Fully discuss and examine the limitations placed upon freedom after 9/11. then compare those circumstances with those during bot

Fully discuss and examine the limitations placed upon freedom after 9/11. Then compare those circumstances with those during bot

9/11 was not only a significant event in the history of USA but in the world also as it shattered the very myth of security in the developed world. The outcome was however, not only limited to military action but it also included certain other restrictions which were generally placed within America. The overall result of these restrictions on freedom however, resulted into the dissent within American society also. It is now generally believed that the government sanctioned restrictions have taken their toll on the private life of Americans. The passing of the Patriots Act by Bush Administration is considered as one of the serious attempts by the Government to circumvent American Freedom. According to the Patriots Act, American government can search the homes of American citizens without citing any reasons and without suspecting for any crimes. Similarly, it allows the law enforcement agencies to carry out the searches of the private records including the bank records etc. Further restrictions also allow the law enforcement agencies to perform the surveillance of the political as religious parties. These are some of the acts through which American freedom has essentially been put under restrictions however; there have also been some indirect results of the same. It is argued that due to these restrictions there is a general dissent against those who are speaking openly against the restrictions placed on the individual freedom. Incidents like turning away of the anti-war protestors from Seattle train stations is indicating towards increasing intolerance for the people who are not ready to sacrifice their freedom. (American Civil Liberties Union) One of the key differences between current restrictions on freedom and one during the McCarthy era is the difference in the target. During McCarthy era, communists and communism were the targets and government tried its best to restrict the communist influence within the country. (Evans) At that time, the primary focus was on the government employees and thousands of Americans were accused without any reason for supporting communism however, during current era, almost every American has been brought under the umbrella. During First World War, there were certain communities which were targeted such as African Americans, German Americans etc. Further, issues such as nativism became evident during this era giving whole American society a new dimension in curbing the freedom of individuals and different communities. At that time, minorities were targeted however, during post 9/11 era, immigrants of Muslim origins have been targeted due to suspected links with Al-Qaeda- the organization behind 9/11 attacks. The balance between the freedom and security during the war era always tilt in the favor of security and it is because of this reason that government imposes restrictions on certain freedoms. However, post 9/11 period is something which is a relatively new phenomenon and new approaches were introduced to curb the freedom of individuals. Though the Constitution protects the rights of the private individuals however, legislations like Patriot Acts have been constitutionally passed to given government an unrestricted right to put restrictions on the freedom of individuals. Bibliography American Civil Liberties Union. Freedom Under Fire: Dissent in Post-9/11 America . General. New York: American Civil Liberties Union, 2003. Evans, M. Stanton. Blacklisted by History: The Untold Story of Senator Joe McCarthy and His Fight Against America’s Enemies. New York: Crown Publishing., 2003.