Since 9/11 and the birth of the PATRIOT Act, elected and appointed representatives ignore, overrule and challenge federal and local laws more than ever. The PATRIOT Act at the federal level has never sparked concern with me, (federal judges not included). The real worry is with local governments.
Misinterpreting the PATRIOT Act to manipulate local citizens and local interest is no secret. It is impossible for the federal government to monitor the 16,504 townships and 100 counties in North Carolina alone.
There will always be corrupt local leadership that should never have been empowered with the control the PATRIOT Act carries. Abusing power is nothing new; innocent people are jailed only to close cases or continue a win record. Today’s egotistical prosecutors are clearly performing unjust and unreasonable acts, obviously unconcerned with their unsound decisions. The 24/7 media microscope does not scare them at all. High-profile cases emphasize the arrogant and fearless stances within local and state governments.
The PATRIOT Act gives local law agencies the right to search our homes without a warrant. Adding that to our narcissistic courtrooms should evoke an awakening for Americans.
The lawmakers in Washington are legislating what they believe is best for the whole nation. Congress and the Senate have sanctioned city and county governments, where common sense and candor are not always a virtue. Small township leaders are notorious when it comes to breaking the law. The town’s citizens have learned to expect this behavior and would be disappointed if it didn’t occur. These leaders have also been anointed with the muscle of the PATRIOT Act.
It is essential to have law enforcement. The peace officers try to provide us with a sense of security. The court system should assure us that criminals will be taken off the street. It would be impossible to live without laws and those who enforce them. Local law enforcement will have power over your life during a crisis—not Washington, D.C. Sheriffs’ departments have full jurisdiction over the counties during an urgent situation. The local law bureaus have the power to control every aspect of your life.
Our freedom lies in the hands of the local law divisions. We can only trust that the local law departments have the restraint to not abuse this legislated power.
— Jerry Soesbee
Asheville
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