9/11 and Wiretapping

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses wiretapping in light of the post-9/11 expansion of government powers in the US. The paper first presents a discussion of the purpose of wiretapping and a brief history of its use in the United States. Next, the paper explores the arguments for and against the extended use of wiretapping to improve law enforcement's understanding of the terrorist situation in the country. The paper maintains that, given all the information discussed in the paper, one can understand the post-9/11 expansion of government through wiretapping.

Outline:
Introduction
Purposes of Wiretapping
Brief History of Wiretapping in the United States
An Exploration of the Arguments Concerning the Government's Expansion of Wiretapping Privileges
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Although their impact on United States history names them as one of the most significant events to occur in decades, the attacks not only affected American history. From fast food joints selling freedom fries to bankrupt airlines who had lost the patronage of frightened customers, nearly every aspect of American life was altered by the colossal events of that day. The government was not excluded. In fact, the events of September 11, 2001 lead to some of the most radical and sweeping national security policy in the recent era. Similarly, these policies have been some of the most controversial since the 1960s Civil Rights era, proposing actions that many believed invaded the privacy of ordinary citizens, violated the constitution, and proved that the government was above the law. This is certainly the opinion of Michael Moore, whose documentary Fahrenheit 911 presented its audience with images of ordinary citizens being persecuted for their negative feelings toward the government."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Americans see 9/11 as most important event of their lives." Breitbart.com. 10 September 2007. Breitbart.com. 7 August 2008. < http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=070910151708.55q95fzq&show_article=1>.
• Balz, Dan and Deane, Claudia. "Differing Views on Terrorism." The Washington Post. 11 January 2006. < http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=070910151708.55q95fzq&show_article=1>
• "Complete 911 Timeline." History Commons. n.d. History Commons. 8 August 2008.
• Harris, Tom. "How Wiretapping Works." 2008. How Stuff Woks. 8 August 2008. How Stuff Works. < http://www.howstuffworks.com/wiretapping.htm>
• Kuniholm, Bruce R. "9/11, the Great Game and the Vision Thing: The Need for (And Elements of ) a More Comprehensive Bush Doctrine." The Journal of American History. 89.2 (2002): 426-438.

More papers on 9/11 and Wiretapping:

• Research Paper # 46455 : "Privacy After September 11"
• Comparison Essay # 134997 : "Pre-9/11 and Post-9/11 Intelligence Reform"
• Cause and Effect Essay # 43298 : " 9-11 and Reinsurance Companies"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: