American Civil Liberties Union: Friend or Foe? Persuasive Essay by scribbler

American Civil Liberties Union: Friend or Foe?
A look at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and its impact on American society.
# 153536 | 2,021 words | 7 sources | MLA | 2013 | US
Published on Jun 10, 2013 in Political Science (U.S.)


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Description:

The paper provides an introduction to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and looks at its history of intervention to promote justice and preserve rights. The paper considers the organization's long-term effect on community relations and discusses the criticisms that have been leveled against it. This paper argues that the ACLU has done a tremendous job in the protection of the Bill of Rights and in particular the First Amendment, and without this organization, the government would have infringed on many citizens' civil rights.

Outline:
Brief History of ACLU Intervention
Has this Organization had a Historical Long-Term Effect on Community Relations?
The Community's Reaction to the Organization

From the Paper:

"The ACLU was founded in 1920 in direct response to the infringement of individual rights of American citizens. The goal at that moment was the same as it is today "defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person by the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution and laws of the United States (1)." During this period, World War 1 was just concluding, and as such, many anti communist sentiments were predominant (2). As such, the first amendment right to freedom of speech was severely tarnished. Many individuals didn't tolerate any kind of lawful debate regarding communism or the merit of their actions. During this period, the communist party of America was beginning to show favor as it dramatically increased its membership from 5000 to over 30,000 in a few short years. This was so ubiquitous and widespread that Attorney general Mitchell Palmar began deporting individuals deemed as radicals. Together with John Edgar Hoover, Mitchel launched a campaign against radicals and left-wing organizations. Believing that the revolution that had taken place in Russia may soon spread in America, Hoover and Mitchell embarked on a tour of repression (3). In a sense, America ended a repression in one country during the first world war, Russia, only to begin another within its own borders. Through this fear of a communist revival many of the rights of individual citizens were comprised."

Sample of Sources Used:

  • "American Civil Liberties Union." Social Welfare History Project. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2011. <http://www.socialwelfarehistory.com/organizations/american-civil-liberties-union/>.
  • "ACLU History | American Civil Liberties Union." American Civil Liberties Union. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2011. <http://www.aclu.org/aclu-history>.
  • "ACLU: Accomplishments." Action Center | American Civil Liberties Union. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2011. <http://action.aclu.org/site/PageServer?pagename=FP_about_accomplishments>.
  • "American Civil Liberties Union - New World Encyclopedia." Info:Main Page - New World Encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2011. <http://www.newworldencyclopedia
  • "Is the ACLU good for America? - ACLU - ProCon.org." ACLU.ProCon.org - Is the ACLU good for America?. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2011. <http://aclu.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=1316>.

Cite this Persuasive Essay:

APA Format

American Civil Liberties Union: Friend or Foe? (2013, June 10) Retrieved November 28, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/persuasive-essay/american-civil-liberties-union-friend-or-foe-153536/

MLA Format

"American Civil Liberties Union: Friend or Foe?" 10 June 2013. Web. 28 November. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/persuasive-essay/american-civil-liberties-union-friend-or-foe-153536/>

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