Does the patriot act ever get used to catch terrorists?

Question

or is it only used to spy on Americans?
old school law enforcement 1 Patriot act 0
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070603/ap_on_re_us/terrorism_plot

Answer 1

@Chrissy:
You're post makes it sound like the idea of using informants and the FBI were all brought about the Patriot Act. Informants have been in use for dozens of years before the PA came into law.
Instead, the Patriot Act reads like a panicy knee-jerk reaction to a percieved armageddon right after 9/11.

Answer 2

So you going to limit law enforcement to only one tool?... Don't you think that a broad use of tools would be better.... BTW the druggie may have been caught using a tool similar to the Patriot Act that has been used for years by the DEA types.

Answer 3

you mean besides the last 2 foiled terrorists attempts?
Fort Dix would have been a sitting duck if it weren't for FBI involvement.
Or the Airport attempt even...without the intelligence formed from use of the P. Act it would have happened but been larger scale than 9/11.
or
the American turned terrorist living in California. You don't think he should be monitored?

Answer 4

No, but its dandy when it comes to spying on Americans and creating a huge no-fly list for air travel. I think its better suited to suppressing indivudual freedoms.

Answer 5

if we get attacked , the patriot act will look liberal.

Answer 6

I think so.