ACLU Television Series: The Patriot Act

Beyond the Patriot Act

Through personal stories of ordinary Americans, "Beyond the Patriot Act" tells how a misguided law and other government overreactions to Sept. 11 are restricting our most basic constitutional freedoms and threatening America's system of checks and balances.

Facts and Actions from the Episode

See how the Patriot Act targets libraries and you as a reader
Learn about other Patriot Act abuses
Trackthe history and read about the secretive FISA court
Watch the ACLU’s Stop the Abuse of Power video.
Tell us how the Patriot Act has affected you or a loved one.

Then, write a Letter to the Editor.
Download the Viewer's Guide (PDF)

Guilty Until Proven Innocent

"Beyond the Patriot Act" features people like Patricia David, who was left nearly destitute with a young daughter to raise after her husband became one of the thousands of immigrants to be deported after Sept. 11. Also profiled is Abdulameer Habeeb, an Iraqi artist tortured under Saddam's regime who was arrested while traveling across the U.S. to start a new job in Washington, D.C. After being interrogated by the FBI and imprisoned, he lost his job and his family members withdrew from him.

No Respect for Privacy

You’ll hear a university librarian talking about the need to dump library records to protect the privacy of her patrons, and the owner of an Internet company who was asked to turn over customer records and ordered to keep silent about it.

Grassroots Movement

The episode also tells the story of Allison Smith and City Councilman Bill Peduto, who led a drive in Pittsburgh to pass a resolution against the Patriot Act. They are part of a grassroots campaign that has led to the passage of more than 400 such community resolutions across the country.
Spread the Word

Become part of the movement to protect civil liberties! Join millions of viewers who are watching The ACLU Freedom Files. To help get the message out and receive a free DVD, join the Freedom Files Producers Club: All you have to do is organize a screening or spread the word about the programs via email or the Web.

Click here to find out what's been happening at “Beyond the Patriot Act” screenings around the country. You can also listen to a recorded conference call with ACLU Executive Director Anthony Romero and the series executive producer, Robert Greenwald.