September 14, 2003

Abstract: (CPOD) Sept. 14, 2003 - Many Americans are concerned over how the war against terrorism will affect their everyday lives, according to a poll by ICR released by the Associated Press. 66 per cent of respondents are concerned with violations to their individual freedoms.

(CPOD) Sept. 14, 2003 - Many Americans are concerned over how the war against terrorism will affect their everyday lives, according to a poll by ICR released by the Associated Press. 66 per cent of respondents are concerned with violations to their individual freedoms.

The "Patriot Act" --passed by congress and signed into law by George W. Bush in October 2001-- enables the federal government to gather information on suspected terrorists through court-ordered wiretaps and searches. 49 per cent of respondents say the current administration has acted correctly in using new laws to prevent further attacks.

Polling Data

How concerned are you that new measures to fight terrorism in this country could end up restricting our individual freedom? Are you very concerned, somewhat concerned, not too concerned, not concerned at all?

Very concerned	34%
Somewhat concerned	32%
Not too concerned	19%
Not concerned at all	14%

Do you think the Bush administration -- has gone too far, not gone far enough or has been about right -- in using new laws that give the government more power to fight terrorism?

Too far	24%
About right	49%
Not far enough	18%

Source: International Communications Research (ICR) / Associated Press
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 1,008 American adults from 48 states, conducted from Sept. 4 to Sept. 8, 2003. Margin of error is 3 per cent.