I think it isn't for the citizens. I think it is for the others. Oh, and a few Saudis and others. We may hate these people and their actions (US citizens) but they do have rights, and the Patriot act is not even remotely patriotic, any more than net neutrality was neutral or Liberals believe in liberty.
I am not saying this is a bad thing, but we need to be very careful. Absolute transparency of evidence, and not court of public opinion is a must. And remember, every law made may be great when you are a fan of who is in power, but it can be turned like the tide… and abused.