If you are old enough to clearly remember 9/11 you are probably well aware of changes that have taken place since then. Perhaps you've gone to your bank and they've asked for your license so they can enter more information about you because of the Patriot Act. Everyone who flies is certainly aware of the heightened security in the airports. But do you really know why you are being asked for such personal information or why someone has to go through your suitcase every time you go on a trip to visit grandma? This book will tell you why these things are happening and discusses why people think this should be done or not done as the case may be.The USA PATRIOT Act is an acronym for "The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act." This act went into effect on October 26, 2001. This book talks and debates such issues as our safety vs. the violation of our civil liberties, it discusses our constitutional rights, the history of surveillance, the provisions included in the Patriot Act, surveillance that is allowed under this act, profiling, our right to privacy, and a discussion on whether or not we are "protecting our way of life or destroying it."This book is nicely laid out. It lays the facts and then presents arguments for and against each issue. It is targeted toward the young adult, but the adult audience would also find it of interest. For example, I was unaware of some of the actual provisions of the act and the impact they have made in society. It would be a nice book for several students to read, discuss, take sides and engage in a more formal debate. This book would also be a nice stepping stone for a report. In the back of the book is an index, a bibliography, a glossary and additional recommended book and web site resources.