Number
031413
Version
SUBSTITUTE 2
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. RICHARDS, D'AMATO, JOHNSON-ODOM, GORDON AND MURPHY
Title
Substitute resolution affirming the protection of citizens' civil rights and civil liberties.
Analysis
This resolution affirms the protection of citizens' civil rights and civil liberties, which are threatened by sections of the USA Patriot Act. The United States Congress passed the USA Patriot Act (Act) on October 26, 2001, following the events of September 11, 2001. Approximately, 250 communities in 37 states representing approximately 43 million people have passed resolutions opposing the USA Patriot Act as of February 24, 2004.
Body
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee denounces terrorism and acknowledges that federal, state and local governments have a responsibility to protect the public from terrorist attacks and uphold: 1) freedom of speech, religion, assembly and privacy, 2) the right to counsel and due process in judicial proceedings, and 3) protection from unreasonable searches, seizures and detention; and
Whereas, The members of the Common Council believe that there is no inherent conflict between national security and the preservation of liberty -- Americans can be both safe and free; and
Whereas, Federal, state and local governments should protect the public from terrorist attacks, such as those that occurred on September 11, 2001, but should do so in a rational and deliberative fashion in order to ensure that security measures enhance the public safety without impairing constitutional rights or infringing on civil liberties; and
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee is grateful for the supreme sacrifice of military veterans and law enforcement officers who have died in protecting this country's cherished rights and liberties; and
Whereas, The U.S. Congress passed the USA Patriot Act on October 26, 2001 with little debate, following the attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001; and
Whereas, Se...
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