What Would Jefferson (or Madison) Do?

There are many parallels between the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 and the Patriot Act of 2001. You would’ve thought that Americans would’ve learned in history class about the lessons to be learned from 1798.... oh wait, we don’t really teach the parts of history we don’t like anymore.

“It is a universal truth that the loss of liberty at home is to be charged to the provisions against danger, real or pretended, from abroad.” - James Madison

“[The people are] made for a moment to be willing instruments in forging chains for themselves.” - Thomas Jefferson

The above statements were made in 1798 regarding the Alien and Sedition Acts. You can also apply those statements today to the Patriot Act (or just about any Act of Congress that threatens our liberties).

An environment of fear and distrust of the French in the 1790’s led to the Acts. These Acts gave President John Adams the power to deport any alien he considered suspicious. These Acts also prohibited criticism of the Federal government.

An environment of fear and distrust in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks led to the Patriot Act. Using this Act, the Federal government routinely violates the First and Fourth amendment rights of American citizens.

In response to the Alien and Sedition Acts, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison anonymously drafted the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions which declared the Acts void because Congress exceeded their powers. We need the same thing to happen today.