Week 3: Social Contract Theory, Democracy, and our Rights

2/6/2015

1) Bill of Rights
2) U.S. Constitution
Here are a few recent articles about violations to our constitutional rights.

After watching the film "The End of America" explain how 3 of the 10 tactics named by Wolff relate to the Bill of Rights and other amendments to the constitution. Give three examples of how you see the tactics being used in the United States and what amendment they affirm or negate.

Blog Requirements
Post one original post each week along with a response to one student. Your original post should be at least 200 words, your response should be no less than 50 words.

Post your original post by midnight (11:59 p.m.) on Wednesday of each week and respond by midnight on Friday of each week (11:59 p.m.).

69 Comments

Raynard Anderson

2/9/2015 01:12:56 pm

1. Invoke internal and external threats
so for this step i think that this must just be the default for the rise to power of all dictators because it was used by bush during the his entire presidency which he used to restrict our rights and gain power, but that by itself isn't the most puzzling thing to me its more of the fact that we as Americans had all the steps specifically had all these steps laid out for us in our movies and popular culture years before bush came to power for example the star wars trilogy seen as a cultural unifier showed throughout all the movies that the second nation goes to war they need to start restricting the people in power because the events of star wars were playing out directly alongside bush's rise to power which both coincidentally started with a catastrophic attack on the nation by a foreign army, then the screams of patriotism and war, then during the war laws were passed to give the government more power. its as if goerge lucas was trying to communicate a message to us through entertainment as the situation was happening.

2. secret prison system for interrogation
well by now since this film has come out they have confirmed that they had committed torture under the old administration of bush and that now they were passed that but i don't believe that is true just because the CIA head was changed and the executive branch is different doesn't mean that all of the people who have committed there life to the government will magically stop following the same rules they were taught years ago through training and experience because of a few rules that were put into place in order to appease the public, because what they do cannot be criticized by the public if it doesn't come to light and discretion is in their job description so by the time it does come to light they will have retired and it will be a new administration.

3. Develop a paramilitary force
companies like blackwater and G4s are our countries largest military contractors and while blackwater seems to be doing most of the dirty work our country doesn't want to come to light, G4s is the second largest private company in the world. blackwater has even gotten contracts to operate here on american soil and they were seen heavily armed during hurricane Katrina moving supplies and subduing civilians. the problem with these private military forces is that they have free rein to operate outside the eye of the law and have very small repercussions for doing so which makes it hard to hold anybody accountable for their actions.

Angela Tam

2/11/2015 03:01:24 pm

Wow, I didn't even think of Star Wars but I like the analogy and now I am going to have to rematch and see this perspective.

A.J. Roderos

2/9/2015 03:06:44 pm

First off, Naomi Wolf explores the Patriot Act, which gives the government access to wiretapping/electronic surveillance and financial/medical records without the need of warrants or probable cause. This actually violates Fourth Amendment because now, officers of the law can abuse people’s rights against unreasonable searches and seizures. This is a way for the government to “invoke an internal and external threat.” Secondly, Wolf mentions “secret prisons where torture takes place.” This tactic actually violates a couple of amendments – Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth. Torture is socially unacceptable, but Bush paves way for cruel and unusual punishment. Not only that these detainees are denied the right to due process and the right to trial, they experience their hands to be cuffed to the ceiling, excessive exposure to cold, electrodes on their genital areas, and many more. These detainees are unaware of the crimes they face and trials are held in secrecy, which suspends habeas corpus. Lastly, Wolf analyzes the tactic of infiltrating citizens’ groups. Specifically, she makes a remark about the New York police officers spying on anti-war protestors and the FBI spying on a Quaker meeting house. Because law enforcement can do this, people are denied the right to peacefully assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Angela Tam

2/11/2015 03:06:24 pm

I think that because 9/11 hit us so hard our country was willing to dive into that thought that terrorists should be tortured for the sake of our safety. But the sad reality is that torture and confinement is being used on ordinary citizens who have no incriminating evidence against them. Thats the scary part, is that, government has this power. So if we can stop all torture and confinement we can stop the possible threat of more ordinary citizens being put in horrible situations they don't deserve to be in. Sure we let terrorists get off "scott free" but maybe we need to explore different avenues instead of torture. Just to elaborate more on what you were already talking about.

Shameim Lowther

4/6/2015 02:25:08 pm

Naiomi Wolf exposes the Patriot Act, after it was legally and openly allowed to notify it’s citizens of what has been going on since electronic devices were created. She explores the injustice and abuse of process behind it-through cruel and inhumane treatment based off of race, and religious beliefs. She also expressed how there is no due process for individuals detained by this process. I think this is so unfair and in this world we answer to no one. We are all subjected to the mercy of government. It sucks!!!

Bolortsetseg Jargalsaikhan

2/10/2015 03:25:56 am

Since there are 10, I just chose the first 3.
1) INVOKE AN INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL THREAT- Faking threats to make the people fear makes the people to ask for security from government without restrictions which gives government the authority to do things the people wouldn’t want the government to do. That negates the Article 2 which is about how not giving the government all the authority because it’s Democracy (The Government by the People). But putting fear into people gave government the authority to monitor the people with “wiretapping, electronic surveillance, medical records, bank records, credit card statements and even library book records without warrant”. When the government monitors every person on everything, it gives the people more fear about their way of expressing that restrict their right to stand up against the government and express themselves freely.
2) SECRET PRISONS WHERE TORTURE TAKES PLACE- When the government can capture anyone who they assume of terrorist, they can be tortured by government outside the law/ unaccountable according to the government. Also, when the people give the government that kind of power, it creates barrier/boundaries on what, how people express themselves that negates their right of expressing themselves freely (Bill of Rights). If someone gives speech on certain subjects, it could get them arrested and tortured, even restricted of their rights (Article 6) of public and speedy trials and see their evidences against them and challenge against the charges. As Vincent Cannistraro mentioned “does torture work? Does it do what you want it to do?” It doesn’t because if people are tortured so much, they will lie which gives the people something fake to worry about.
3) DEVELOP PARAMILITARY FORCE- Blackwater “handpicked torturers and murderers from countries where that tortures its civilians “. When the government gives certain groups the authority not to go along with the law, it negates the people’s right to be secure of “unreasonable searches and seizures”. The paramilitary force will not answer to people about how and what they are doing. Any force should be accountable for their own actions which gives them to think before they act uncontrollably. Without letting them know of consequences of their actions, the people will live in fears of when, where, and how and they will be intimidated of standing up and expressing themselves and their right to secure home (Article 6).

Bolortsetseg Jargalsaikhan

2/10/2015 03:56:33 am

I just realized that I was making the connections with the Articles, not the Amendments (Bill of Rights). So I made little changes in them to connect it with Bill of Rights instead. So sorry if you had to read similar things over and over again..
1) INVOKE AN INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL THREATS- Faking threats to make the people fear makes the people ask for security from government without restrictions which gives government the authority to do things the people wouldn’t want the government to do. That negates the Amendment 2 “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” because it’s Democracy (The Government by the People). But putting fear into people gave government the authority to monitor the people with “wiretapping, electronic surveillance, medical records, bank records, credit card statements and even library book records without warrant” which is too much power to the government, not the people. When the government monitors every person on everything, it gives the people more fear about their way of expressing which negates Amendment 1 which gives people the right to express themselves freely and to form groups peacefully.
2) SECRET PRISONS WHERE TORTURE TAKES PLACE- When the government can capture anyone who they assume of terrorist, they can be tortured by government outside the law/ unaccountable according to the government (negates Amendment 8 “Excessive bail shall not be required… nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.”). Also, when the people give the government that kind of power, it creates restrictions/boundaries on what, how people express themselves that negates their right of expressing themselves freely (Amendment 1 :” the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble”). If someone gives speech on certain subjects, it could get them arrested and tortured, even restricted by their rights (Amendment 6) of public and speedy trials and see their evidences against them and challenge against the charges. As Vincent Cannistraro mentioned “does torture work? Does it do what you want it to do?” It doesn’t because if people are tortured so much, they will make up things.
3) DEVELOP PARAMILITARY FORCE- Blackwater “handpicked torturers and murderers from countries where that tortures its civilians “. When the government gives certain groups the authority not to go along with the law, it negates the people’s right (Amendment 4) to be secure in “their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures”. The force will not respond to people about how and what they are doing that negates Amendment 2 “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Any force should be accountable for their own actions which gives them to think before they act uncontrollably.

Raynard Anderson

2/14/2015 03:23:40 pm

i kind of see a connection between your first law and how bush stole the election, because just as he was about to lose to al gore he stole the election and made it to where their was huge controversy over him being elected even though the votes weren't adding up then comes along and and were now at war and if you don't support the president your not patriotic, which allowed him to get into office and set the other parts of his plan into motion.

Hang Nguyen

4/30/2015 09:02:10 pm

I agreed with you. The Constitution is sure to have violated many of the Amendments and our freedom. these things take away our rights to speak freely, express our thoughts since they could be arrested. They can access to each and every part of our information system under the name of "protection"

Michael Le

2/10/2015 01:40:18 pm

2) Create a Gulag - Before President Bush created Guantanamo Bay, he first got the U.S people scared of terrorists so they could agree with his decision to create a prison specifically made to get rid of them and then he strategically placed it outside of the United States where laws against torture aren't strict. In this prison, prisoners are heard to be abused, convicted without due process and held without bail indefinitely. This violates the 8th, 9th, and 13th amendments. This act of finding a loophole to torture people is similar to Italy's and Germany's history in the 1920's and 1930's.
4) Set up an internal surveillance system - After 9/11, President Bush signed the Patriot Act into law in an attempt to intercept future terrorist attacks. Although I see why this law was passed, I am confused as to why it passed so easily. I am confused because this law clearly violates the 7th amendment that states that is is illegal to infiltrate a person's privacy without probable cause/warrant
8) Control the press - Our government controls the press because they don't want us to know about truth. According to Wolff's story, there have even been reports of reporters in Iraq being fired on by U.S troops because they are documenting the violence. This violates the fourth amendment which states that it is illegal to infringe on the people's right to speech, press, assemble, consult, and hold the government responsible if they did something wrong. Assuming that BBC reporters were really attacked in Iraq because they were documenting the truth for us to see, then we are no different than Italy in the 1920's and Germany in the 1930's.

Nafi Watosn

2/11/2015 02:21:16 am

Michael I agree with your comment, I like how you connected the 2nd tactic to one of the amendments. I feel like it was wrong for Bush to install all of those different surveillance systems in our homes, that are still living today but just stronger than they were when they were first created. it invalids our privacy and our right to say anything we want.

Shameim Lowther

4/6/2015 02:27:24 pm

I know its wrong to use survellance us-but if we are living a normal life its fine. Our privacy is infringed upon-and at least we know.

Yvette Castillo

2/10/2015 03:26:48 pm

The first tactic that was used in the film,"The End of America" that related to the bill of rights was "Invoke an Internal and External Threat". They bombed many states like Spain and London in the year 2004. There was War on Terror and many people were getting killed by this which made no sense because its a right for people's security and people to feel safe. This negated amendment 8 Cruel and unusual punishment (if im not getting it wrong) basically they voided people's saftey and people were getting tortured and killed for no reason . Also the Patriot Act which was released by the white house and was voted at 3am. It gave the president the right to accesses information of people's bank account,medical records,credit cards,electronic seeings and even library book records of people that they thought they could have been terrorist. And the worst part is that these people privacy was taken away without any warrant! This is voiding amendment 4 Search and Seizure, the right of the people to secure their persons,house papers etc. The Paramilitary Force called "BlackWater" also voids amendment 4 and 2 because they come to countries that never provoke them to even come near them and they just start killing and torturing innocent people due to the fact of preventing terrorism, when Blackwater are the ones creating it. This makes me very mad because its something very injustice specially to the people that are going through it and have nothing to do with it! The last one is Surveil Ordinary Citizens. This breaks a big law of one's safety, security, identity and it can be intimidating. Emails can be seen, calls can be heard, you can be seen at any time through some cameras and many said that they felt scared, sad and insulted and even made these people feel frighten to stand up and speak. Imagine that? And this is what the U.S calls FREEDOM and LIBERTY? It stated that millions of Americans were on the "Watch List" and the reason why they have this list is to become aware of people they think are "Terrorist." This voids amendment 4.

Bolortsetseg Jargalsaikhan

2/11/2015 07:34:26 am

Hi, Yvette
I was wondering if the government did those bombings and I thought the idea Noami Wolfe was saying about the first one (Invoke Internal and External Threat) was mostly about panicking the citizens which basically gives them authority to do certain things citizens wouldn't let them do in the first place. I am not sure if that is right as well (but that is what I got out of it-But if yours is right, I missed another part of #1 )... Also, Blackwater -I don't think it's creating the terrorism, but I think it's just making it worse and making people around it on the edge because of its reputation of killing innocents in cold blood (I guess you can say that might considered as terrorism). Also, like you mentioned about watch-list, I wanted to know the reasons and how people were put down on the list since even I could be on the list as far as anyone knows. That was kind of alarming and intimidating thing to think about. When the guy says even his 86 years old mom gets on the list because he was on the list. That's ridiculous to think they would assume her being terrorist. Also, Great perspective and post.
Nancy :D

Stephanie Linford

2/12/2015 04:03:15 pm

I remember when I was younger and heard people say how Bush set the whole 9/11 Experience up for the people to gain all this extra power and really limit what we do. Wolff did bring this and it makes me wonder too. Now the government has so much access to us its unbelievable and I'm really starting to think Wolff tactic was used for 9/11. It really is stripping us of our "freedom & liberty". Black Water is making things worse I agree with you and it puts us at risk. What if they learn a lot about us and then turn on the U.S? Wouldn't we have to worry? I think they could become terrorists since they display so many killings without answer?I think they are a big problem.....

Emerson Lovato

2/10/2015 04:28:55 pm

5) Infiltrate Citizens' Groups - Monitoring citizens to keep them shut and find out what they are doing on the daily basis. Which goes against Amendment 14 of the U.S. Constitution because it states "nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without the process of law", but infiltrating cops or secret agents to monitor citizens pretty much deprives citizens of liberty & life because they don't have the freedom to live freely and express themselves. Not having the freedom to live the way you want to live doesn't allow citizens to feel safe and to feel like human beings because by infiltrating people into our lives the government controls most aspects of our lives.
8) Detain & Release Ordinary Citizens - This means anybody can be sent to prison or detained for a long amount of time for not agreeing with the government or just by doing something that they believe involves suspicious activity. According to Article Seventh of The U.S. Bill of Rights "no person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime", the examples given in the film prove that the government is violating this article because they can't accuse a citizen of anything when there is no evidence that proves the citizen was committing or planning a crime.
8) Restrict The Press - The press has the right to publish or investigate anything important to the public and cannot be forced to give up what they do on the daily basis because it is part of their jobs. Restricting the press negates the 1st Amendment of The U.S. Constitution because this document states "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or the of the press" therefore how can the government decide what can or cannot be published. In the film, the young journalism was sent to prison because the government believed he was in possession of inappropriate film which he didn't want to give up because he had the right to use.

Yvette Castillo

2/28/2015 11:13:54 am

Wow great examples! It sounds like the U.S doesn't recognize what is humanity. Very cruel things happening around us. I agree with everything you said

jorge ferrer

2/10/2015 04:31:51 pm

First of all I just want to say that this video pissed me off but I won’t be getting off topic. Anyways the video talked about The Patriot Act and with it the government basically can go through your private stuff without a warrant or without you doing something wrong. For example they are allowed to wiretap your phones or houses etc. just to get private information from you. They are allowed to spy on you by using electronic surveillance, have the authority to go through your medical records, credit card statements, and even library book records. Where is our freedom that the U.S claims us to have??!! Wolff also talked about fear and the U.S sure knows how to do that with “The Water List”. The list is used towards people who could or might be a threat to the U.S. People who are on this list have a SSSS on their passport and every time they travel, passengers with SSSS on their passport are stopped to be interrogated and to me that’s harassing innocent people who aren’t really a threat. Thirdly Wolff talked about infiltrating citizen groups which from my understanding meant to the protestors who actually have the courage to stand up to what they believe is wrong to do, or to stand up to what they think should be done right. It’s not fair to me that protestors can go to jail for just standing up having a voice. Just tell me where’s our freedom of speech?? Everything is just based on lies!

Emerson Lovato

2/12/2015 05:11:57 pm

I felt the same way, it made me feel like we really don't have any freedom. In reality, we don't have as much freedom as we think we do because we are always being watched and monitored to make sure we don't do or say something the government dislikes. We should be able to speak without fear but it's something we cannot do if the government does not like it and we are forced to keep quiet. The press is not allowed to publish certain things so where is the freedom of the press, we deserve to know if anything affecting us or other people is happening. The monitoring gets out of hand when the government infiltrates people in our lives because we do know about it. Now I realize the so call freedom we have is not really freedom because we are being oppressed since we cannot say or do anything the government dislikes or anything that goes against what they believe.

Michael Le

2/13/2015 03:31:10 am

I agree with you. It is pretty amazing how our government manipulates us into agreeing to laws that violates our amendments. The 7th amendment clearly states that our privacy can't be infiltrated unless with probable cause but the Patriot Act was passed so easily. The Patriot Act was created to make us feel safe but in reality it kind of makes me feel in danger because of all the wrongful conviction cases going on today.

Qin Chen

2/13/2015 12:52:14 pm

I have similar feeling with you. What the Government did is sounds likes everything is good for citizens; however, I think the Government cross the line. The Government tries to decrease the risk by monitoring everyone that they think is dangerous. This sounds ridiculous for me, on the basis of what the Government, maybe the best way for everybody is staying in their home.

Huimin Huang

2/13/2015 02:49:45 pm

I agree, if the goverment keep doing things the same way they are doing now, no one will going to stand up to talk for themself or talk for whoever needs help.as what we see now, people are losing their freedoms and their rights or we can say we never have freedoms. We can not say anything against the goverment even the things we say is right, or else we will get in trouble. I don't think any one want to get in trouble because of that. If America want to be better, the goverment has to change. Let people have their really right and freedoms

Nafi Watson

2/11/2015 02:11:32 am

4) Set up an internal surveillance system- Now this is violating the 4th amendment of the Bill of rights. (Nobody can search your body, or your house, or your papers and things, unless they can prove to a judge that they have a good reason to think you have committed a crime.) Bush passed this law that the U.S is able to set up surveillance systems and t some people doesn’t even knowing what is going on. With all of these new iPhone and computers coming out we don’t know that secretly we are being watched.

2. Secret prison system for interrogation- This is going against the 5th amendment of the Bill of rights ( You can't be tried for any serious crime without a Grand Jury meeting first to decide whether there's enough evidence for a trial.). How can they put someone in a secret prison with them going in front of a grand jury, if that is the case of how big the crime is it should be stated in the bill of rights? It’s crazy to me how when people of power change things just to go their way or to cover their butts.
3) DEVELOP PARAMILITARY FORCE- I think this is going against the 8th amendment (The government can't make you pay more than is reasonable in bail or in fines, and the government can't order you to have cruel or unusual punishments (like torture) even if you are convicted of a crime.) because the companies like the Blackwater coming into people’s neighborhood and scaring them into believing that something bad is going to happen. And the blackwater also torture different civilians during their “practice of safety”.

tory burleson

2/13/2015 05:47:25 am

HI Nafi, It really is scary to think of all the ways they can get information on us and get into our homes by the electronics we use. We are so surrounded and dependent on the very things that can be used to violate our privacy. As for the secret prisons, it is just a way of bending the laws and being able to get around them and the government can do it because they are the ones in power and have the money to do so. I think the development of a paramilitary force such as Blackwater goes hand in hand with working around the laws they want the masses to abide by, just like the secret prisons its their way of getting things done their way by bending the rules.

Jazmyn Brown

2/14/2015 02:23:53 pm

I chose number 4 and number 2 as well because I knew the government legally being able to track my every move through electronic devices was constitutionally unjust from how uncomfortable it made me. The same with number 2; how could we possibly have input, an opinion or just know about the mistreatment of prisoners and the unjustice that happens in those type of places if they are so easily kept secret and held unaccountable by the governement.

LENA COLETTO

2/11/2015 12:33:27 pm

America has been using fear as a manipulation tactic since the beginning. The way the U.S. used Al Qaeda, 9/11, and weapons of mass destruction to inflict a high state of fear inside American's so that war could be justified. My mind is drawn to the puritans in the 1600's. The Puritan's already had a high external fear of the Indians, but they (puritan leaders such as ministers) also created another extreme internal fear of witches. This helped them to target specific people(women) to murder with no actual physical evidence. This fear created a mass hysteria for the justification of murder. The U.S. continued this with 9/11 and Al Qaeda, not only to justify the war on Iraq, but to also strip us of our rights starting with the Patriot act. The patriot act directly violates the 4th Amendment which states we have the right to secure houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches as seizures and with out a warrant. The patriot act allows wiretapping, surveillance , and gives permission to law enforcement officers the right to search the home or business without the owners or occupants consent or even knowledge. The Patriot act is the complete opposite of the 4th amendment.
The next Amendment that is being broken is the 6th Amendment; which states in all criminal prosecutions the accused shall get a right and speedy trial ,by impartial jury, and to be confronted by witnesses, and shall receive a counsel or defense. Although Guantanamo Bay is not on U.S. soil or governed by U.S. laws, it is run by the U.S.A. It is a secret prison where "terrorists" are taken and tortured. Guantanamo Bay also violates the 8th amendment which states cruel and unusual punishment should not be inflicted. Paramilitary forces such as Blackwater are another example of how the 6th and 8th amendment are being violated. Blackwater is a private security force that uses intimidation and is not ruled by the constitution. These are not the only 3 amendments that are being broken, when I am being asked these specific questions and am being faced with the answers I am becoming equally more disturbed and aware to the realities of America. As the declaration of independence states "we the people need to rise above".

Fode Cheick Toure

2/12/2015 06:32:56 pm

I totally agreed with you on the secret prison Guantanamo Bay. even though it's not on US soil, but it's still considered as US territory. So the law of the United States should be applied to anyone being incarcerated in there.
During Bush' presidency, Prisoners were extremely tortured like animals. This nagates the 8th amendment which states cruel and unusual punishment should not be inflicted. These alleged terrorists were denied the right to due process and the right to trial, and they are still being denied of their rights. I think that they deserve to be put on to trial so that people will know what they exactly did as crime.

Fode Cheick Toure

2/11/2015 12:57:53 pm

"Secret Prisons" around the world, including Bagram, Abu Ghraib, and Guantanamo Bay which is located in Cuba,Guantanamo Bay. This is a prison where the mastermind of 9/11, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed is incarcerated and tortured with others so called suspected terrorists. Innocent people that had nothing to do with 9/11 were arrested in their own country and put in jail in another country. Bush' government stated that: "we don't torture people." But we all know that they did torture.

The Enhanced interrogation techniques used in the U.S. government's program of systematic torture of detainees by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), authorized by officials of the George W. Bush administration included prolonged stress positions, hooding, subjection to deafening noise, sleep deprivation to the point of hallucination, deprivation of food and drink, waterboarding, walling, nakedness, subjection to extreme cold, confinement in small coffin-like boxes, and repeated slapping or beating, forced rectal feeding and threats to harm family members. Some of these methods are actually being used here on inmates. This negates the eighth Amendment: “Excessive bail shall not be required… nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.”)

"Paramilitary Force" Blackwater shouldn't have to exit in the first place. This company really gave a very bad reputation to the whole country. this band of criminals did too many horrifying killing in Iraq and Afghanistan. They executed children and women, and they were not held responsible for their crime. But the bottom line is that the Bush' government was responsible their crime anyway because they are they one who hired them to do their dirty job, and to keep the Us army as clean as possible.

“Invoke an internal and external threat.” September 11 attacks were horrifying, people were terrified and scared to death. President Bush created a storm of fear and injected it in people's minds through propaganda statements like " terrorists want to kill all of us. So when people are fearful, they will ask their government for protection. Too much power was giving to the president to basically do whatever he wants to protect his people. The 9/11 attacks were as a pretext to start wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and to create opportunities to curtail civil liberties. Curtailing people's liberties negates the first amendment :” the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble”). Patriot Act became the law of the land. The government unlawfully launched a massive people's privacy invasion through wiretapping and electronic surveillance, by accessing people's medical records, bank records, credit card statements and library book records. This practice negated fourth amendment: " Search and Seizure, the right of the people to secure their persons,house papers etc."

Lin Chen

2/11/2015 01:36:08 pm

1.Invoke an internal and external threat.
US Patriot Act against the Constitution. president was raise American fear feeling as higher as possible, in order to control the power of the military. The congress passed the Patriot Act, and this act was unconstitutionality. The Patriot Act stated that the government may search and seize Americans' papers and effects without probable cause to assist terror investigation. However,the 6th Amendment protect people from the unreasonable searches. Unreasonable searches ans seizures should nor be violated. And also on the end of the America 2008, it mentioned that government created a Department of Homeland Security, and it could check citizens’ email, and listen citizens’ phone call, which means citizen had no privacy. However, it also against the right of privacy which is 9th Amendment.
2.Secret Prisons where torture take place. As the film mentioned, creating a secret prison where torture take place was closing the society, and it was also outside the rule of law. Because, it means government can put anyone into the secret prisons when they think the person is dangerous The person just disappear and no one know how, and the person’s family might be involved. Obviously, it was against the 5th and 6th Amendments which protect the rights of the accused. Speaking against oneself, due process.
3.Develop a Paramilitary Force. Creating a paramilitary force and it was not directed by the people. For example, Black water which is outside of law. It murder and torture people by agreement from government. The 5th Amendment against forced self-incrimination.And also the paramilitary force against the 4th Amendment which states “citizens have a standing army,and against unreasonable searches and seizures ”.

Tonivi Truong

2/11/2015 01:49:10 pm

Just going to throw in the Oath/Affirmation that the president has to take before entering his office: ""I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

1) invoke an internal and external threat - Essentially advantage of people's fear: the way bush began wars, the way leaders become dictators, and the way someone weak can easily become villainously powerful. Naomi Wolfe did a great job putting this as a first step as it is the root of the tree of all the other steps she had listed. This also led to the Patriot Act which allowed access to wiretapping, surveillance, medical/bank records, CC statements, library book records with no warrant. Which mean that it also broke the Fourth Amendment, and in some ways the third one also, and of course, the first amendment.
2) Secret prisons where torture takes place - Of course, Guantanamo Bay, Negating first, fifth, sixth, eighth, and tenth; its already visible in the name if the step itself. They did so to affirm the act of interrogation. but what sort of handy information will they need from people who reside in Guantanamo Bay. Why the act of torture when they are already sentence for life in prison? How is it possible for this to be counted as a humane thing to do? I am convinced that execution is better than life in guantanomole bay as when you are in there, you are not really living a life, but a hell.
5) infiltrate citizen - "For the sake of 'public order.'" As if United States is of no more "Land of the Free." Its like Bush tried to win a fight with the American Citizen by force, or perhaps its easily seen that way. Many were arrested for no reason, it was an act against the very First Amendment, or in other words, the Amendment that never seems to matter when both the government and the police are involved. This is also available due to the Patriot Act (which negated the sixth amendment), since they were able to spy on everyone and everything: the protest, churches, reforms, etc. It also negated the third amendment in the case of the mass arrest of the innocent citizens.

Michael Waller

2/11/2015 02:27:47 pm

The development of a para military force is a tactic that I think affirms a very controversial amendment in the bill of right and that is the right to bear arms. There is the right to bear these arms and to learn and train on how to use them lethally against others. I’m sure someone can explain to me the difference between a para military force and a gang but to me it all seems very similar. Yet, the gangs of America are look at as almost terrorists. Now, I must say that I don’t agree with the things that gangs do but I can agree with many thing that the right to bear arms allows a para military force to do. Not only do you have groups like blackwater but you also have white supremacist groups who from these groups and hurt people as well as forces who gather and use force against people at the border. The difference that I see between the two is very minimal and maybe not even existent. Please if anyone has some insight to this topic I urge you to comment so I can be better informed.
A tactic that she explains that is severely negating freedom of the press is the restriction of the press. What struck me as interesting is how she talked about the fact that journalist where arrested and detained but never charged for exercising the freedom of press and speech. Even military veterans where not safe in the freedom of speech and press. This all was very obvious in this film, but it was still happening before 9/11and still is happening currently, just maybe in a lighter sense. Our press is controlled by our capitalist society and is often not giving us a good representation of what is going on anyway. Our government does nothing to our press for making money on building up this American arrogance that has us disliked around the world, but if someone exclaims that what the government is doing is wrong they become and enemy of the state.
I believe that the last point that she made and subverting the law is the most important of the ten, only because all of them can fit into a subversion of the law. In this story there is an amazing undermining of the law and it is hard to watch. Every law that the government did not want to pay attention to after 9/11 was completely not relevant to them. Although, it may have been used with even higher significance to the citizens and also people who live in other countries that don’t even know about our laws. Other than that I really have nothing to say the history of our country both in its infantry and recently is one that does not bring me any pride, and as a young biracial person who lacks a sense of connection to any race I wonder where my culture resides?

Patrianna Douglas

3/10/2015 09:39:08 am

I like your analogy of Blackwater technically being a gang. I agree for the most part it is just an elite unregulated military force, just as gangs are basically unregulated military forces of common citizens. Citizens should be aware of the movement of organizations like Blackwater. Would you consider the standardcity police force a gang as well? Just curious

Chase Carter

2/11/2015 02:46:27 pm

1.Internal Surveillance System: Due to the tragedy taken place on 9/11, President Bush wrote off allowing our government to monitor our phones and other electronic devices and bank accounts. To monitor terrorist activity go in and out of the country to enforce that nothing like this will happen again.This steps on 7th Amendment that gives us the right of privacy unless probable cause is inflicted. I however dont mind being monitored because im doing nothing wrong.
2.Secret Prisons Where Torture is Inflicted: Guantanamo Bay is the United States most secure and inescapable prison under our jurisdiction. The worlds worst terrorist are disposed of there and interrogated and tortured. Personally i don't believe any amendments are being broken because the United States Amendments don't apply to TERRORIST. Is this humane? No its not but what they did to be sent to our prison wasn't either. Your aren't invited to stay in the most Maximum security prison on the planet because you feel like taking a feel trip. Your sent there because you are categorized as most inhumane as possible and deserve multiple life sentences to this hell hole.
3.Paramilitary Forces Developed: These forces like Black Water are "government" contracted militias that go into other countries with active military and exterminate known threats outside regular boundaries and rules set by the military and the occupying country there in. Reasonably Amendment 2 and 4 say that we the people have the right to bear arms and form a well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms. However the amendment does state that people have they right to be secure in their own homes. I dont believe we need trigger happy secret armies running around causing more bad then good

Angela Tam

2/11/2015 02:57:37 pm

After watching “The End of America” I was shocked at how easy it was for the White House to simply write whatever it wants. I am not well versed in politics (I sure hope I do become) but I do know that it’s quite a process to get any bill passed by congress. It also seems like changing the constitution or going against it is a difficult process. But this film made it seem like Bush was able to do whatever he wanted. In Article the third it states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. But yet, as the film said, “The 9th Step is to recast Criticism as Espionage and Dissent as Treason” and that is exactly what happened. So you had your “freedom of speech” as long as you weren’t criticizing the war or what the White House was doing. You could not write about anything that went against the government but you could write about everything else. You could peacefully assemble as long as it wasn’t to express dissent on what the government was doing. Today we can’t peacefully assemble. As was seen in the “All live matter” BART strike. The people who were there are not being charged for this.

In Article the sixth it states, “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.” But article was broken by many steps, but especially step 4, which states, “Surveil Ordinary Citizens”. Under the Patriot Act the government has rights to any kind of information practically. Military Order Number 1 stated, “President can pick out any non-citizen from anywhere around the world that might be involved in terrorism”. Then it started to extend to persons in America, Americans. So there didn’t need to be a warrant or probably cause, it was up to the president’s discretion. Even today, we have to be aware that the government is watching me even type this comment up. I have to probably choose my words wisely and also fear what list I might be put on for writing anything against the government.

In Article the eight, it states, “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence”. In Step 6 it says, “Detain and release ordinary citizens”. Detainees weren’t given any information about what evidence they had against them. Detainees aren’t offered a speedy trial or a trial at all. They aren’t allowed an attorney. The Military Commissions Act stripped Detainees the rights to a trial. It gave the president the right to detain indefinitely. Detainees couldn’t even challenge their treatment. So this Military Commissions Act was created to give the power to go against Article eight and further progress the 10 step process. We probably don’t actually see this today because it all goes under the radar. But in the film Naomi noted innocent citizens being detained for numerous days, tortured, and then released.

Tonivi Truong

2/12/2015 01:15:48 pm

This is a nicely done detailed analysis and I agree with you on every part of it. Even the most peaceful assemblies or riots are not allowed. I think Bush was just so powerful that he was able to break half of the amendments and just completely get away with it. His jokes are rather strong too. And also, the list, oh man. Since the Professor is encouraging us to basically to take initiative and make a change for the things in the society we don't like, we all are possible victims of the list just as Naomi is. It's amazing that there are millions of people on the listen and they are already in the system listed as a person of such. its like we seemingly have rights. They only seem to apply when the government allows it to be, otherwise, the government can do whatever they want with out consequences.

Richara Glenn

2/11/2015 03:07:05 pm

Patriot Act relates to our 4 amendment rights, " right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, unreasonable searches". This tactic is used to wiretap people who are suspected to work with terrorists, Another, is section 216 the government monitoring our internet and phone activities without our approval. Third example is espionage, Obama used this form to persecute Edward Snowden a year ago after leaking classified information. This act affirm and negate our constitutional rights based on several sections within the act itself. For one , security for all, and then negated the 4th amendment.

Enhance interrogation: I've seen this technicality used by gang members. They torture others to receive information of a person whereabouts. The CIA and other security systems use this form of approach towards terrorists to receive information . Like the guy in the film who was held captive after getting of the plane. Sometimes Parents use interrogation for disciplinary reasons . This act is borderline between affirm and negate, one way to put it is that the act ensures safety and security for the public but then again violates our 4th and 8th amendment rights.

Secret prisons war: Is a prison outside the rule of law. The commander in chief s and the board during the early 2000s were picking up random combatants who they thought were affiliated with terrorists. They tortured them, not regarding the basic human rights of others. Wrapping a piece of cloth over their head to prevent visibility. It negates the constitutional amends that forbids cruelty and usual punishment to individuals.

liang zhang

2/11/2015 03:09:40 pm

1, Invoke An Internal and External Threat.
against 4th amendment. I dont know anyone else, i am really get scared. because of The Patriot act, the goverment can wiretapping, electronic surreillance, can check our medical records, bank records and even library book records without any warrant or probable cause. wow.. wow.. beofre i really dont know that. i dont know what kind privacy i have in the stats right now. no human rights
2. Secret Prisons Where Torture Takes Place.
against of 6th amendment .president can pick up any one who is not citizen anywhere in the world with president thinks may be involved in terrorism. so , if president think you are the terrorist they will take you. they will make you a hard time to even find a lawyer, to see your family. they may use torture. they may make a healthy person crazy. even that person wronged， he may end up with guilty. cause they use torture. people dont even know where is that secret court located at. any one may take away from that secret prison. no human rights.
4. Surveil Ordinary Citizens
against of 1st amendment. people have rights to say anything. thats the freedom of speech. but the govement made a watch list. goverment think you may be the terrorist, they will put you in the watch list. in 2008 there are 1000695 people on that list. there is no way that many people are terrorists. but they still doing it. whoever stand out speak something against government, they may put him on that list. that make so many people afraid of to speak. they didnt directly make you unable to speak, they are kind of Indirectness make you afraid of to speak. that is so against of 1th amendment.

Qin Chen

2/11/2015 03:22:38 pm

1.Invoke an internal and external threat.
In this case, Government tries to raise American fear feeling as high as possible. After everyone in the USA thinks this country is in dangerous, then Government can create a department of homeland security reasonably. However, it has too much power for Government, for example, Government can check people’s mail and listen people’s phone call in any times, any place. In US Constitution (Bill of Rights), Amendment IV: “ The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.” It shows that this case already against the right of people.
2.Secret Prisons where torture take place.
After president thinks someone is dangerous, the president can arrest he/she without any evidence. The person may be tortured when he/she in the jail. However, In US Constitution (Bill of Rights), Amendment VI: “. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.” In this case, people not only lose their safe and right.
3.Develop a Paramilitary Force.
To develop a paramilitary force, the Government built a military organization that is not directed by the people and outside rule of law. Literally, this proposal already break the law, because it is outside rule of law. Things will be dangerous if it does follower the rule, especially for military power.

Lin Chen

2/13/2015 12:07:30 pm

I agree with you on every part you mentioned. And also, I think the 10 tactics will absolutely bring the society to the end because the president can do whatever he want without reasonable, and even though it is unconstitutional, the president still can kill a person without a reason secretly.

Maurice Ainsworth

2/11/2015 03:24:07 pm

1. Evoking an internal threat. 911 was the cause of the patriot act. The patriot act is is designed to protect U.S. citizens from terrorist threats. It does so by negating the fourth amendment, which assures due process. At present the police can detain whomever, for whatever reason. We have no privacy, and must submit any information we have for any reason they give,

4. Surveil Ordinary Citizens. This is another violation of the Fourth
Amendment and it's due process. It allows the government to be
intrusive without cause, and to detain those suspected of foul play,
or anyone for any reason.

5. Infiltrate Citizens Groups. This violates the Posse Comitatus act
that was established after the end of reconstruction. This act
prevents the government from using military personal to enforce
state laws.

jorge ferrer

2/12/2015 02:56:19 pm

it still bothers me so much that the patriot act takes away our privacy. i understand that it was created to protect us from other terrorist but why does the people that live in the u.s, innocent people have to suffer as well. our privacy is our privacy and even though not everyone is a threat to the u.s its still not ok to like spy on us it just doesnt feel good

Dongho Kim

2/11/2015 03:24:50 pm

3) Develop a paramilitary force- This was very shocking to me because I was not aware of Black Water incidents occurred in the history of United States. Black water operated outside the rule of law and killed innocent civilians in Iraq. The 4th amendment made sure national guards are answerable to people and domestic force. But Black water was military contractors hired by company and they violated people’s rights and laws.
8) Restrict the press- When executive editor of New York times published story of white house illegally monitoring financial transactions, The White house called him a traitor. Lawmaker wanted New York Times prosecuted and there was prosecution of reporters under Espionage Act. Espionage Act silenced dissent in the United States for a decade. One of the presidential candidate was prisoned for 10 years under the espionage Act. All he did was giving a speech about 1st amendment. But US government was violating the 1st amendment themselves.
9) Recast criticism as an espionage and dissent as treason- When someone criticize having war against other countries, laws criminalize and silence speech. New laws were created during Bush administration which redefined protest as terrorism as also criminalize speech itself. A lot of protesters were arrested for protesting and even people who were not actually participating in the protest were arrested too. This definitely goes against 4th amendment because government did not have probable cause to arrest those people.

Yolandamaria Paden

2/11/2015 03:48:34 pm

1.) Invoke an internal/external threat; This is just to cause people to be afraid of the enemy, and gives the United States permission to attack with the peoples support. The film discussed 9/11, when Homeland Security was created. This took away all peoples rights. when people are afraid, they tend to respond differently in situations. The rise of fear to the nation after 9/11 was definitely illegal and immoral. The lies about 'weapons of mass destruction,' was just another reason to support the war and the illegal actions that the State did. The Patriot Act violated the 4th Amendment: Search and arrest. The government knows everything we do and every time we do it. This is scary to know that we are always under surveillance. This is being treated as a threat and as a criminal.
2.) Secret Prison System: "We don't torture people." Our government lies to us constantly. It is ashame that our leaders do not have our best interest in mind. This violates the 3rd and 4th Amendment. It is barbaric to torture. It does not help, it just creates more reasons to prolong wars. The United States is not suppose to be thought of as a country that does not put the people first. We are suppose to be treated fairly. There is a training manual on 'Intelligence Interrogation.' not Enhance interrogation. People will say anything to stop being tortured, so that system is flaw.
3.) Develop a Paramilitary Force: Just about all the Amendments are broken on this one, starting with the !st Amendment. "Blackwater," was created by the government to torture and kill enemies. They took it to another level and killed innocent people. Well, they were created from murders and tortures from around the world.
The United States of America is no better than all the people we were trained to hate, Hitler, Mussolini, Sedan, or other unhumanism leaders. Our world is a scary place to live in.

Tory Burleson

2/11/2015 04:00:03 pm

8. Restrict the Press.
Goes against the 1st Amendment, They can try people under the espionage act for basically doing anything that can be considered going against the state. Just telling people what they have every right to know you can be tried for treason. The 1st amendment says that have the freedom to press and the freedom to assemble. You can be imprisoned just for releasing TRUE statements.
2. Secret Prisons used for Tortures.
This goes against the 8th Amendment which states no cruel or unusual punishment. These prisons and places are held off of U.S. soil solely for the fact of getting around what is right and what is said to be against the U.S. law and international law.
4. Surveil Ordinary Citizens.
Again goes against the 1st Amendment, you can be put on a watch list by basically stereotyping someone. If they want to watch you for no reason with no basis they can. It restricts people and it gets people afraid to come together.

Dongho Kim

2/13/2015 03:42:42 pm

People being imprisoned for releasing true statement is very wrong and goes against 1st amendment. Espionage act really silenced people's voices in America. People did not have freedom of speech and press. I did not know 8th Amendment state no cruel and unusual punishment, but you are definitely right about government's secret prisons used for tortures violated it.

Luna Flores

2/13/2015 03:46:46 pm

I agree that restricting the press gas against the first amendment. I think its wrong that we have to go out our way just to hear the full truth of out own government. I feel like other countries know more about what goes on with us that the people who live here because the truth is always watered down and kept from us.

Huimin Huang

2/11/2015 04:02:40 pm

2. Secret Prisons Where Torture Takes Place. the president can order to take people to a secret court and illegaly torture without letting anyone know. the goverment say the prisoner have the right to call the lawyer and see their family but they really can't. they will do anything to shut the prisoner out from the world. i think that against of 6th amendment.
3.Develop a Paramilitary Force. paramilitary force such as blackwater that created by goverment but the people.i think that against of 2th amendment. they are just like a legal murder. they make people feel not safe. even they are created to protect our country and most of the people dont like them because they had killed civilian who are not terrorist inside or outside of america.
4. Surveil Ordinary Citizens. goverment create a list call watch list. they put people on this list to watch because they think these people may be terrorist. but this is against the 1st amendment. people have the right to keep their privacy. no one likes to be watch by anyone in anywhere.

liang zhang

2/13/2015 01:59:24 pm

i agree with you, this is the fact of whats happening right now. If we see from the other hand. The governer may be right. The country need has the the pwer to do something to protect the country. thats why they has the power to check our emails or records. thats why they created the black water etc.. but if we see the thing from the citizens, we dont think the governers are doing the right thing. whatever they did, it is not fear to everyone in the USA. i think it just they way we look at the case. everyone is right, just how do u look at it, and think of it. anyway . i agree with u, i really hate the government did all of that to us.

Erkhes Bat-erdene

2/11/2015 04:15:39 pm

Invoke Internal and External Threats-- Fear is a powerful emotion that can be used to manipulate the masses. Totalitarian governments use this emotion to control their people and what they do. George Bush used 9/11 as a kickstarter to violate our rights and gain more power, although probably not completely unjust. This violates the very notion of democracy (which is a government in which the masses hold all the power, and the government has the people's interest in heart), but America has long since become a republic democracy. Many of the classic books written years ago have expressed governments that eventually become completely totalitarian (1984, Brave New World, etc) and the governments usually start by stripping the rights of its people. By manipulating people's emotion of fear, the government can establish any law that might, on the outside, seek to protect its citiens, but is actually constricting to those very citizens it may have said to protect. This can turn to violate every rights we have under the Constitution, such as the First Amendment, where the government can control the masses an stop them from ever protesting.

Secret Prisons for Torture--When the government is given the power to be able to quite literally apprehend anyone in the world whom they deem to be a threat to national security, it strikes fear and anger into people. By setting up a prison system outside of the country, to a far-off area that is not patrolled and controlled by national powers much, one can do a lot. Torture is not allowed under the UN and the Geneva Convention and also under the U.S Constitution of Amendment 8 of No Cruel or Unusual Punishment. The Bush Administration has denied such torture during his presidency, but now has admitted to having tortured people.

Internal Surveilance Systems-- The PATRIOT ACT was passed through the Congress and the House of Senate and became an official Bill in 2001 only months after 9/11. This rushed bill was to calm the citizens into knowing that the government would be stepping up to protect them, but it was a dastardly, digusting bill. It violates the First Amendment, Fourth mendment, and the Seventh Amendment, among others. It limits the freedom of speech of the people, and they can search you and your belongings without a warrant or probable cause. They can also wiretap and surveil their own citizens.

Harin Yoon

2/12/2015 06:33:55 am

1. The government passed a law called the patriot act and it gives government the right to look into our mails, phone calls, emails, etc without warrant. This violates the fourth amendment which says that all authorities need to get a search warrant to search citizens properties.
2. Everyone can get on the watch list if they speak against the White House or simply just expressing their own views on what they are doing. This violates the first amendment which gives the citizens right to free speech and government not having any right to stop them. from doing so. Just like how some journalists were arrested and put into jail for filming and writing about the current events and publicly talking about their views on it.
3. Which leads to next point, the detainees does not have the power to know what they are accused of and have the right to have attorney besides them. This violates sixth amendment which gives the accused the right to public trial and to be informed of the nature and the cause of the accusation.

Anqi Sun

2/12/2015 08:35:57 am

1. Creating the secret prison
After the 911, the American government began to create secret prisons in almost every part of the world. Like many other secret agencies that work for their government, these prisons are created under the permissions of the US government. The main reason that these secret prisons are created is to protect Americans against the threats of the terrorists, but it is controversial that the president is granted the power to “determine who is an accused terrorist”. You could be tortured, put on a special trial and executed secretly. But obviously, this is clearly against the constitution that “the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury”.
2. Developing Paramilitary Force
As a company which is working for the US government. Mercenary companies like Black Water are doing their mission in different parts of the world under the permission of the government. When they were doing their missions outside the America, they sometimes killed innocent people in Iraq without any reason. They were shown has very tight bound with some political parties, but its existence scared the citizens. It is completely against the Article 4
3. Surveilling Ordinary Citizens
Like many other countries, the American government also created a system of monitoring its own people. Under this system, the government can listen to every citizen’s phone call, email, their records with the bank, or just simply intimidate someone. Many people are put on the list and put on a mark SSSS/ high security when they are trying to go for a vacation. In every society, there is always such a list. Surprisingly, it was said that there was over 1 million people on the watch list, these people are put on the list just because they openly said something about the government. It not only made those people on the watch list feel so frustrating because they and their families were monitored, but also it was against the constitution. This is clearly against the 1st amendment.

Roy Christopher

2/12/2015 01:46:17 pm

Patriot act/invoking an internal and external threat:. The patriot act allowed the government access to wiretapping, electronic surveillance, medical records, bank records, credit card statements , and even your library record. They could do all that without a warrant or probable cause. The government used fighting terrorism as a cover up to expand federal law enforcement powers. They hyped up the threats to scare you. When I was little and was told about Saddam having weapons of mass destruction, my imagination imagined something big. I was young,about 5-7 years age, that expression makes you imagine and wonder and can frighten you,The patriot act violates the IV Amendment and quite a few others. The government may search and seize Americans' without probable cause to assist their terror investigation. Also it violates VI Amendment, the right to a speedy and fair trial. The government can jail you at any moment without taking you to court.

Interrogation in hidden prison systems: Another problem on Naomi’s list was prison systems hidden by the government where inmates have minimal protection. They aren’t given a due process or trial. This violates the Eighth Amendment. Punishment which involves torture are to be forbidden under the eighth amendment Having places like Guantanamo Bay, America pretty much has a gulag. At first you may see or hear people considered enemies of the state or spies. Then you feel safe knowing their locked up somewhere else. Then all of a sudden you start seeing people who oppose government decisions locked up because the government wants to pick on them and keep them quiet. You’ll see reporters, journalist, and certain leader activist getting taken away. The U.S has committed cruel and degrading interrogations on many prisoners.

Surveillance on ordinary citizens: The U.S congress amended the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The Bush administration had illegally monitored many phone calls and emails warrantlessly. Many people especially spokespersons, and reporters were being watched, tracked, and put on seize and search lists. They wanted to scare others from speaking up. The NSA and Bush administration was violating the 4th amendment act. Throw people on watchlist, marking their passport with codes to warn other security administrations to search that person. Which also meant that their families were being watched and have their rights violated. Also because they can listen in, even though their doing nothing wrong, the government agency can say anyone of his family members have done something. They can accuse them of treason because he was against the government choices and used to be on their side. Then this can even apply to when they spy and infiltrate citizen groups.

Stephanie Linford

2/12/2015 03:38:57 pm

"Invoke an Internal External Threat"
About the 9/11.Bush scared everybody about terrorists, these weapons they had, and where they might attack us next. That scared everyone into giving consent in some degree what Bush did even thou Bush used the tactic "Invoke an Internal External Threat" that Wolff mention in the film "The End of America" even regarding to the Patriot Act.
"Secret Prisons"
Again Bush reworded things here and their and signed something that allowed severe pain and suffering must be inflicted with specif intecnt ENHANCED INTEGRATION Bush called it. Then we began to hear about this place they hold terrorists called Guantanamo Bay established in 2002. Even the United Nations step in to call out this things was working but the Bush Administration denied it all. Currently their are about 120 prisoners at the facility now since 2015, last month. This is what Wolff mentioned and worried us about. Bush even passed a law where a U.S Citizen could end up in the facility.(I thought it was for only terrorists) Slowly, but surely the U.S are taking over us more then we think to believe. Pretty soon there going to say none of the U.S Citizens are civilized and have us all in chains..
"Develop A Paramilitary Force"
While watching the film I learned about "BlackWater" A secret military force the the United States Hire to "HELP" with special situations. Wolff talks about how "BLACKWATER" killed 17 iraqi citizens and they didn't have to answer to nobody. The owner still rich and mighty. BlackWater changed there name to "Academi" now its still the same group though supposedly they changed owners and all that Blah Blah this group just made a deal with the Obama Administration too for $250 million something todo with the CIA. Wow!!! now they Veterans and EX convicts whoever they are know secret information working hand in hand with the CIA people that could be are potential enemy may be knowing more about our country then we know about it. And we pay taxes that most likely helps pays for "BS" like this!! In The End of America also brings up how this whole "company" was under investigation by the FBI and the federal government had their backs. And the United States are choosing business with them!!!

Academi is an American private military company, founded in 1997 by Erik Prince.[2][3] Formerly known as Blackwater,[4] the company was renamed Xe Services in 2009, and "Academi" in 2011.[5] The company was purchased in late 2010 by a group of private investors who changed the name to Academi and instituted a board of directors and new senior management. Prince retained the rights to the name Blackwater and has no affiliation with Academi. The company received widespread publicity in 2007, when a group of its employees killed 17 Iraqi civilians and injured 20 in Nisour Square, Baghdad.[6][7]

Academi continues to provide security services to the United States federal government on a contractual basis. The Obama administration contracted the group to provide services for the CIA for $250 million.[8] In 2013, Academi subsidiary International Development Solutions received an approximately $92 million contract for State Department security guards.[9]

In 2014, the company became a division of Constellis Holdings along with Triple Canopy and other security companies that were part of the Constellis Group as the result of an acquisition.[10][11]

Stephanie Linford

2/12/2015 03:54:33 pm

"Invoke an Internal External Threat"
About the 9/11.Bush scared everybody about terrorists, these weapons they had, and where they might attack us next. That scared everyone into giving consent in some degree what Bush did even thou Bush used the tactic "Invoke an Internal External Threat" that Wolff mention in the film "The End of America" even regarding to the Patriot Act.
"Secret Prisons"
Again Bush reworded things here and their and signed something that allowed severe pain and suffering must be inflicted with specif intecnt ENHANCED INTEGRATION Bush called it. Then we began to hear about this place they hold terrorists called Guantanamo Bay established in 2002. Even the United Nations step in to call out this things was working but the Bush Administration denied it all. Currently their are about 120 prisoners at the facility now since 2015, last month. This is what Wolff mentioned and worried us about. Bush even passed a law where a U.S Citizen could end up in the facility.(I thought it was for only terrorists) Slowly, but surely the U.S are taking over us more then we think to believe. Pretty soon there going to say none of the U.S Citizens are civilized and have us all in chains..
"Develop A Paramilitary Force"
While watching the film I learned about "BlackWater" A secret military force the the United States Hire to "HELP" with special situations. Wolff talks about how "BLACKWATER" killed 17 iraqi citizens and they didn't have to answer to nobody. The owner still rich and mighty. BlackWater changed there name to "Academi" most recent in 2011 before that the name was "Xe Services" in 2009 now its still the same group though supposedly they changed owners and all that Blah Blah this group just made a deal with the Obama Administration too for $250 million something todo with the CIA. Wolff even brought uo in The End Of America how the Bush Administration used the "Blackwater" when hurricane Katrina happen destroying and made more problems there sent by Bush himself. Wow!!! now they Veterans and EX convicts whoever they are know secret information working hand in hand with the CIA people that could be are potential enemy may be knowing more about our country then we know about it. And we pay taxes that most likely helps pays for "BS" like this!! In The End of America also brings up how this whole "company" was under investigation by the FBI and the federal government had their backs. And the United States are choosing business with them!!!

***http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academi were I got the last few names of the Black Water. Since. they repeatedly changed their names since they first formed. Also, the information for the last most recent agreement with the Obama Administration. (Not cited right in previous comment)

Luna Flores

2/13/2015 03:41:58 pm

Invoke an internal and external threat.
The Patriot Act was done over night with out notice to the pubic and just as quickly it was passed with out the people approval. This allows the government to access any and all information regarding anyone they believe may be a threat. This includes information regarding their family, electronic activity, to medical history and bank account information. The act allows all of this with out the need of a warrant or any proof to prove or even explain why they want to access any of that information, and because they do no need to provide a warrant all of this happened without people they search knowing. They simply use their surveillance system. This act goes against amendment 4 as it says that each man has the right to their property and requires a warrant from the government in order to seize any of their information.

Watch list
The government has created a watch list that people are put on whenever they have anything to say that goes against or criticizes the government. Is on the list it means that you are someone to keep any eye on because you are seen as a possible threat and not just you but it includes your family. This goes against the first amendment that states that we have the freedom of speech. You are not truly allowed to say what you want because it can result in you being seen as threat simply based on the belief and opinions you have.

Use of Secret Prison
The government allows for secret prisons to exists that allow torture of people they may or may not have proof of them doing anything wrong. They send people to these prisons when they feel that they may be plotting against our government to simply writing revealing articles about what they do in secret. The select government officials alone decides weather to punish them or not and can easily just take people from their homes without notice or access to a grand jury. These select officials do not require any hard evidence or allow the accused to defend themselves for them to make a decision. Amendment 5 clearly says that anyone considered a criminal has the right to a grand jury who is made up of their fellow people and they help decide weather innocent or guilty. As one can see these secret prisons go against the fifth amendment.

Jazmyn Brown

2/14/2015 02:18:27 pm

The tactic that stook out to me the most was number 2; Secret prisons where torture takes place. The constitution states that prisoners of war are not to be tortured and that everyone charged with a crime has the right to a fair and public trial which this tactic contradicts. The next tactic that stood out to me was number 4; Surveiling ordinary citizens because of how uncomfortable the thought makes me that it is possible my every movement is being tracked at all times through electronic devices by the government. After watching the clip and reading the articles, I learned that a large majority of people feel that this practice (along with the NSA’s activities) is a violation of constitutional rights and it is a lot of work in place to try and make it illegal for this continue. I also felt really strongly about tactic number 8; restrict the press because it is common knowledge that we are allowed the right of freedom of speech. When that is taken away by eliminating the media’s ability to communicate facts and opinions publicly it makes room for a lot to be covered up and. One way I see these tactics being played out in the US is through tactic number 9 and how the government is charging the creator of WIKI Leaks with espionage for trying to educate the public on issues and documents the government is trying to keep secret. Also tactic number 5 through protests I have witnessed and participated in like ‘ending police brutatility’ and ‘we are the one percent’ usually put on by private community groups and no matter how peaceful the protest may be law enforcement always intervenes and usually ends the protest at some point. And finally tactic number 2 through Guantanamo bay, a prison I have learned about in the past and continue to learn the mistreatment and injustices that go on there and how the government allows such a place to remain open and active.

Gabriela Ruiz

4/17/2015 06:17:04 am

Hello Jazmyn, tactic number 2 not only shocked me but left me angry. It is so sickening that what we read in history about torture is still taking place today. And after reading your post i didn't even think of wiki leaks, but you're totally right. What they did by charging the creator of wiki leaks was because it was an inconvenience for the truth to be out. It's scary to think that our country is known as being the home of the free, but we aren't really free to do much anymore...

Erik Hoffmann

2/16/2015 02:01:37 pm

(I apologize for the late post. I'm aware i may not get the points for it)

1. Invoke a terrifying internal and external enemy
This tactic is used to scare people into giving the government consent with "false flags" like 9/11/ then blaming another country or a group like Al Queda as an excuse to invade their country. Now, the media is hyping up the group ISIS as a way to scare the general public into consenting to invade Syria. Through manipulation of the media, the population is completely okay with millions of dollars in tax money on the military for the sake of "national security".

4. Set up an internal surveillance system
This tactic is used to monitor everybody and everything to create a sense of fear so people wont rise up against the government. The PATRIOT act basically signed away our rights and let the government listen to our phone calls and emails.our right to free speech are being violated because the NSA can listen in on everything we say, at any time, without a warrant. Our right to privacy is basically nonexistent.

8. Control the press
This tactic is used to keep the public from knowing certain things or details by withholding certain information, and to instill fear in the public by only showing the violent and tragic events in the news. Depictions of violence, death, and military strength are constantly showed to the public to keep us afraid and distracted by too many things in order to discourage dissent.

Adham Awa

3/5/2015 04:06:24 am

I also highlighted these 3 tactics in my blog post for this week (and was also late to do so). I like that you pointed out the idea to instill fear because I truly think that it all revolves around that. When people are afraid, they conform. They’ll conform with the rest of the masses and believe what they’re told and continuously showed on their TVs over and over rather than taking the time to read and research for themselves.

Patrianna Douglas

2/20/2015 04:05:47 pm

As an Oakland Bay Area resident I am very close and interested in the current Occupy and police brutality protests. As stated in the video one of the ten tactics is the Infiltration of Citizen groups in relation to this, hitting very close to home, several news articles from reputable sources recently published stories in December 2014 regarding the use of undercover police officers in the protest ranks. This is a direct violation of the First Amendment, freedom of speech and the right to assembly of the people. I feel officers do this out of a duty to keep peace and order but during a political protest this only proved to create more tension amongst the people and a fear of government intervention in the freedom of protest. Also, using the tactic gives an unfair advantage to police officers against the freedom of protesting citizens since those protesting do not have undercover surveillance against the police as well.
This act of undercover officers present at protest also feeds into another tactic mentioned, Surveillance of Ordinary Citizens. The protests were meant to be kept peaceful so I feel police officers did not have probable cause to monitor the actions from inside the protest secretly. Once police officers were ousted it actually caused more outrage and hostility within the ranks of the protesters, agitating the situation.
Another tactic mention I feel strongly about is the Target of Key Individuals. We have seen it many a time throughout history but more recently there was the big case of Edward Snowden of WikiLeaks. He was an outspoken individual who released documents regarding covert surveillance and pressure tactics being used by the government toward other outspoken individuals. As a society should we accept the criminalization of those presenting us the truth with evidence or should we embrace them as important whistleblowers. I feel individuals should be allowed to present documents kept secret from the majority of Americans because if not then the government is no longer answerable to the people and is in violation of the ninth and tenth amendment as well as the first amendment ot the Bill of Rights.

Adham Awa

3/5/2015 03:43:58 am

1.) Invoke an internal and external threat
This tactic is a direct method to sway people into believing that there is a very justifiable cause for the actions that will follow whatever they may be. Usually, a threat is imposed through the media to present to the masses a very serious threat and instill fear in them so that whatever the government may choose to do following the event may be explained as maintaining national security or fighting terror or “doing the right thing.” Hitler burned the Reichstag building the same way Bush knocked down the towers.

2.) Set up an internal surveillance system
This is a direct clash with the Bill of Rights and our supposed rights as American citizens because it allows for the federal government or the NSA to tune into our phones, emails, and privacy in general without a warrant at any time they decide to do so. This gives us no sense of real privacy as Americans, knowing that whatever we say or write could somehow be pulled up and used against us. It almost instills fear in me, making me feel like I truly can’t express my feelings in regards to our government and situation.

3.) Control the press
This tactic I think is very effective if not the most effective way to gain support for what they were doing. It also the best way to keep the masses ignorant of what is really going on. By only showing the public certain things, and withholding most of what is going on, they can easily sway the average and ignorant American into believing that we are doing is always right and for good reason.

Guadalupe Hernandez

3/26/2015 03:36:47 pm

Yes, all these tactics do contradict with what is on our Constitution. I do agree with your idea that restricting the press is the most effective way for the government to control Americans. It's shocking to believe that the country supposedly known as the "land of the free," is the exact country restricting it's own citizens freedom of speech. Also. now with our modern way of life, individualism and self-expression are some key elements in the American culture. By limiting our right to speak freely, and in addition, punishing those who do so is outright discussing, and shocking. So, yes I completely agree with you. Most people are too busy to notice anything wrong, and those who know are to intimidated to break the rules for what they may think is right, or to even speak in honors of our founding fathers.

Guadalupe Hernandez

3/26/2015 06:46:06 am

1. Restrict the Press
This tactic involves exactly what it says... to restrict the press. This means that the government will stop anybody publishing information that they do not want out. This means that anybody reporting or exposing a political issue can be detain, harassed, or even executed because of the act. Anyone can be a victim; newspaper reporters, authors, publishers, musicians, artists, public speakers, etc.. The government is so corrupt they will take any means possible to obtain information on who is releasing information about the government or political issues. This tactic violets our first amendment, which is Freedom of Religion, Press, and Expression.

2) Infiltrate Citizens Group
This tactic involves spies, Counter Intelligence Programs, and surveillance. The government is violating our privacy by spying and watching us in secrecy. This tactic also violates, "the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

3) Secret Prisons were Torture takes Place.
One example of this is Guantanamo Bay. This is a prison were suspected terrorist are detained, interrogated, and tortured. The government tries to defend this procedure by stating it is not torture and that the reasons for doing this are legitimate, and reasonable. They're different examples in the film were suspected terrorist are detained in our country and sent over to prisons. There are also those who are suspected from foreign countries, that are captured and sent over to American prisons simply because they are thought to be terrorist. Prisons which are torturing the captives, in attempt to gain information.This tactic also violates one of our amendments, Amendment number eight which states... "Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted."

Zane Samuel

4/6/2015 10:51:55 am

- Invoke an internal and external threat
By making the people believe that they are in danger or that there is a threat possibly putting everyone at risk, a feeling of panic is created. When the masses panic, they tend to believe anything they’re being told in the media which allows the government to react with any action and say that it is the best option for the safety of the public. This makes people believe that the government is doing its job, while the government in fact, can use peoples fear to get anything they want.

- Control the Press
Similarly to invoking a threat, the press is controlled and only puts out what they want the public to know. By doing this they can control the masses and twist stories or hide facts to make everyone believe what they want you to know. They can make certain situations look not as ugly as they truly are, or instead fill the media with unnecessary celebrity drama to hide something horrific that may be going on at the same time. By doing your own research and observing world news or other sources, you can enlighten yourself rather than be controlled by the media.

- Set up an internal surveillance system
This tactic has become much easier in modern day times as everyone has some form of electronic device that they use to communicate which can easily be tapped into. Of course, tapping into citizens privacy is against our original Bill of Rights and completely removes all privacy as we know it. Nevertheless, its almost guaranteed that everything we do or say is being monitored so that the government can keep a closer eye on the masses and invoke fear when they feel the public is catching on to something or becoming too strong.

Shameim Lowther

4/6/2015 02:19:13 pm

We as Americans are blinded by what we hear and what is presented to us. After World War II America Held Britans gold. It was stored in the basement of the World Trade Center.
America had to figure out a way to get the gold out undisclosed. Due to Americas relationship with Islamic States on war and terrorism, and Palestines relationship with the Isralies, and Germans etc. they made Islam a threat because it threatens the fabric of American and most societies. Islam is a religion of peace. It facilitates a way of life down to rights of a moth. It prohibits, fornication, sexism, racism, no liquor, no interest, rights and equality and human rights, science, dad to day functions.. it rehabilitates the most criminal minds. It also forbids tainting ones self with body art, gambling, abuse, ect..
Most importantly Arabs hold the key and access to oil-and he who controls oil controls the air, land, and sea.
Due to culture Islam, bombings, suicide, terrorists it was easy to use terrorists as scapegoats.
In that America itself bombed its citizens to start a new world order. Ti was used to unify its citizens, abuse tax dollars, and support torture, and our own terrorism to our own innocent citizens.
The firefighters and officers who lost their lives families were paid because they saved citizens from the burning building. But it was the officers in the basement running to protect the pounds of gold. And after the world trade center bodies were carried out in trucks with the gold under it.

So we have no feedom, no equality, no peace. its all about the money.

Izraul

4/15/2015 01:31:33 pm

The Patriot Act, is really an "Anti-Patriot Act" in disguise, presented as a tool for the protection of Americans against foreign terrorist threats, when in actuality, is self enacted protection for domestic terrorists from us, the Americans.

[Before Patriot Act] Patriot (Rebel, Revolutionary, Freedom Fighter): anyone who stands up and fights tyranny and oppression, for god and country.

[After Patriot act] Patriots (Terrorist, Jihadist, Global Threat): anyone who stands up, speaks out or fights back against their tyranny and oppression, especially for god or country.

Spying on Americans doesn't help us, it helps them from us.
The paranoia of domestic threats from Patriots, not fear of foreign threats from Terrorists, otherwise Bankers would have been jailed for violating every aspect of the patriot act including the funding and aiding of terrorism, and drug cartels.

Sitting idle, watching them rape and destroy America and Americans, allowing these terrorists to pay fines for attacking us and stealing all our money and property, not going to Guantanamo bay like all the other terrorists, where they belong.

Gabriela Ruiz

4/15/2015 03:15:32 pm

The Patriot Act instilled by President Bush in 2001 was put into affect after the events of 9/11. With this act the government is allowed to basically spy on us if they feel it necessary. This Act completely goes against amendment four, of unreasonable search and seizure. The government does not even need a reason, they can literally spy on anybody…anybody! Seeing how some people are on “the list” and get more attention at airports shows us how this is being used in the U.S. today.
Another tactic Wolff deconstructs and that is being used present day is how you can’t even speak your mind anymore without going to jail. When the freelance journalist, Josh Wolf, recorded the events of a political protest and refused to hand the tapes over to the FBI he was just thrown in jail. The first amendment is supposed to give us that right to be able to say whatever we want. Freedom of SPEECH and the PRESS, but I guess in present-day America we don’t have that right anymore.
Lastly another one of the tactics Wolff addressed was how they are using secret prisons in order to torture people. This goes against your right to a grand jury, right to a speedy trial and cruel and unusual punishment!!!! Like the video stated this was clearly used when we invaded Iraq under false pretenses based upon information obtained while torturing people in Guantanamo Bay. It is sickening that these methods of torture that you read about in history books are actually still used today.

Hang Nguyen

4/30/2015 08:54:59 pm

1. Invoke an Internal and external threat:
Increase people's fear, which is not real, and give the constitution the power to have more control and make effect on the cititzens' life. The constitution used the 9/11 event as a legal reason for them to access to our information system, and that is originally illegal. President G.Bush created the The Patriot Act, which violated the 4th Amendment: Search and arrest. The act help them to know everything we do and every time we do it. But we let them do it because of our fear that we are in protection, while is actually violation.

2. Secret Prison System:
People are originally born with the right to be respect and obviously not tortured. This violates the 4th and 8th Amendment: no cruel or unusual punishment. this only helps increase violation and crimes, and of course wars, because of the cruel and no humanity.

3. Build a Paramilitary Force:
Black Water_ A secret military force that is said was built to help people in special cases. And as in the film showed, they have killed people and have to answer to no one. it goes against people’s right 4th Amendment: to be secure in “their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures”. They just gave themselves a easier way to killing and hurting people.

steven gissentanner

5/1/2015 08:25:46 am

Invoke an Internal and external threat - After we were hit on September 11 2001, The U.S. when into shock because of the sudden bombings that where spontaneously happening.during this time our president put fear on our minds thus making a enemy with other countries. Bush made a bad image of theses " terrorist" He calmed that the attacks where coming from outside of the country.

The Patriot Act - was establish on October 26, 2001 by President George W. Bush. It was an act to "punish terrorist" in the united states and around the world. The act was to enhance law enforcement investigatory tools, and for other purposes. little did people know that their rights where being violated. Phones where being tapped. Any type of records or credit card statements where being watched without a warrant or probable cause.

Surveillance - Citizens of the U.S. are unaware that surveillance where put all over the place to keep the "state safe". The surveillance keeps the citizens in fear. In China the secret police spy on ordinary people and encourage neighbors to spy on neighbors. The real function is to keep citizens docile and inhibit their activism and dissent.

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