The USA Patriot Act was signed into law with little debate or congress review only 43 days after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. This article describes some of the pros and cons, and how this Act was created to aid in the War against Terrorists.
This is some updated information on those we are opposed to the idea of SOPA/PIPA. It describes the difference and similarities between the two bills, and why the writer is opposed to both.