The Jingoism Act is a fictional piece of legislation in the HD Universe that was signed into effect before 2008. A subsequent renewal and expansion of the law was approved by President Joe Lawton. This act empowers law enforcement agencies to conduct surveillance on citizens. Additionally, it requires citizens to express positive sentiments about America.
Description[]
Despite objections from constitutional historians and civil liberties groups, the Jingoism Act was passed into law, allowing for the aforementioned mass surveillance and requiring individuals to report behavior deemed un-American to authorities. Proponents of the law argue that it will instill patriotism, but critics claim that it infringes upon civil liberties. Both sides remain uncommitted to compromise.
During the events of Grand Theft Auto IV, the Jingoism Act is renewed by Congress. According to a report by Weazel News, this updated legislation eliminates the checks and balances that "made it difficult to protect America." New restrictions include "mandatory" family values and the prohibition of flag burning "except in rare cases." Also, in order to locate individuals who threaten national security, citizens must provide their email passwords to the authorities. Lastly, the law includes a provision to discard history books that criticize the abandonment of a free republic.
Mayor Julio Ochoa and Congressman Thomas Stubbs, both prominent political figures, support the extension. Mayor Ochoa goes a step further by organizing a celebratory parade, while Stubbs publicly endorses the act on his social media page. However, not everyone views it as a victory, so the bill remains controversial. For instance, the writers at Public Liberty Online assert that conservatives have undermined the Constitution, claiming that the War on Terror is, in reality, a war against the poor.
In addition to internet news, the Jingoism Act is mentioned by a few characters, signifying its impact. For example, during the Corner Kids drive-back segment in The Ballad of Gay Tony, Luis Fernando Lopez lectures Armando Torres and Henrique Bardas about government surveillance, stating, "The Jingoism Act, that shit means they can pretty much read your thoughts now and get away with it." Furthermore, in the mission Going Deep, if the player is visible to the NOOSE, they'll say, "Get out of here, civilian. We don't want you to start reading the Jingoism Act." Moreover, at the closed bridges, law enforcement has unique dialogue such as, "It's closed, buddy. Blame the Jingoism Act."
Trivia[]
- The Jingoism Act is a parody of the Patriot Act. However, a subway announcement mentions the real piece of legislation.[1]