History...

The USA PATRIOT Act is not the first piece of legisation in America's history that was enacted in a time of national emergency with the intention of protecting national security, but having the effect of interfering with freedoms of speech, assembly and/or press. Like earlier attempts at limiting citizen political rights, the USA PATRIOT Act places enormous, unbalanced power in the hands of the Executive Branch of government.

Earlier instances when rights were under siege include: the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798, limitations placed on the writ of habeas corpus during the US Civil War, the Espionage Act of 1917, the 1940 Alien Registration Act, the investigations of the House Un-American Activities Committee in the 1950s, and the FBI's COINTELPRO of 1967.

Throughout recorded human history, brave people have struggled for equality, justice and a better life, often speaking out against unjust laws and oppressive power structures.

HERO or TERRORIST?

The following individuals, each of whom spoke out for rights and some of whom paid the ultimate price, could have been labeled terrorists under the USA PATRIOT Act, had it been in effect in their time and country. Are they heroes or terrorists? You decide: