The making of the USA PATRIOT Act II: Public sentiments, legislative climate, political gamesmanship, media patriotism

On September 11, 2001, terrorists attacked America without warning, killing 2752 in New York City alone. The President declared war on terrorism and pledged to use all resources at United States' disposal to conquer the enemy. On October 26, 2001, President Bush signed into law the USA PATRIOT Act, giving law enforcement officials expansive powers and security agencies increased resources to fight terrorism, at home and abroad. This article is the third of a five part series reporting upon: "The Impact of USA PATRIOT Act on American Society;" its historical context, legislative process, implementation problems, social impact and political undoing. This article investigated into why the USA PATRIOT Act was adopted without any serious contest and effective challenge by exploring the public sentiments, legislative climate, political gamesmanship and media patriotism attending to and accounting for USA PATRIOT Act's speedy and uncritical passage. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.