John Trever, The Albuquerque Journal. © Copyright 2005, John Trever. All rights reserved.
Focus Questions
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1. What are the main points that the artist is making in this cartoon? What does the cash register represent, in your opinion? Do you agree with the artist's perspective?
2. What measures or actions do the items in the cart represent? How have these actions involved the Executive branch and how have they involved Congress?
3. One of the items in the trolley is labeled "Patriot Act." The Patriot Act was passed by both houses of Congress, and signed by the President. Do you think national security measures that may impinge upon civil rights are more legitimate if they are in the form of laws passed by Congress? Why or why not?
- The Electronic Privacy Information Center contains information about the Patriot Act
- Chicago Tribune, "The Surprising Lessons of the Patriot Act"
- Washington Post, "Memo Offered Justification for Use of Torture"
- Debate between Senator Patrick Leahy (Vermont-D) and Jon Kyl (Arizona-R) about NSA wiretaps
- The Center for American Progress includes a list of FAQs with respect to the NSA wiretaps
