September 11th, 2001 is a day that will forever live in infamy; a day that has had far reaching effects on all those across the United States due to legislation policies that have infringed the civil liberties of citizens through unjust surveillance. In “Playing with Fire: The Civil Liberties Implications of September 11th,” Jon B. Gould discusses the heightened security policies that have arisen from the great tragedy which occurred on 9/11. Gould claims when Congress originally passed these provisions, it was seen that American citizens would be willing to accept greater limits on their freedoms; however Gould concludes that as time progresses, these permanent restrictions will not only “concern Americans, but also may turn them against government officials and civic participation” (74). As stated before, in response to future terrorist threats, President Bush and Congress passed what is called the USA Patriot Act, “described by Attorney General John Ashcroft as a package of tools urgently needed to combat terrorism” (74). The Patriot Act was passed in 2001, and with its passing came various changes regarding how and what law enforcement agencies are permitted to do with obtained information. One change specifies that the standards revolving around wiretapping may be lowered. Previously, the FBI could only obtain a court order if its primary purpose was to gather information through wiretapping. Now, the Patriot Act allows wiretapping only if a significant purpose involves information gathering. This new policy means that people “merely suspected of working with terrorists or spies may be wiretapped” (74). Continuing, Gould states law enforcement may access an individual’s internet communications as long as the officials can confirm to a court the information is relevant to an ongoing investigation. This may seem just, however this standard is far lower than