The Bill of Rights Defense Resolution will have to wait another council cycle for approval. It appears CM Benson neglected to have the item placed on the Intergovernmental Relations Committee agenda last cycle.
What is the length of these council cycles? Monthly?
Let's hope it's soon, and that the city council has enough spine to do the right thing. Here we are in a supposedly liberal, civil-rights loving city, in a state that, at least historically, is likewise liberal and at the forefront of civil rights. We ought to be able to do this -- especially when an extremely conservative, right-leaning state legislature, like the one in New Mexico can do it:
http://legis.state.nm.us/Sessions/03%20Regular/memorials/house/HJM040.html
> Subj: State Of New Mexico Rejects U.S. P.AT.R.I.O.T Law!
"HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 40 46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2003
A JOINT MEMORIAL
AFFIRMING CIVIL RIGHTS AND LIBERTIES; DECLARING OPPOSITION TO FEDERAL MEASURES THAT INFRINGE ON CIVIL LIBERTIES.
WHEREAS, the state of New Mexico is proud of its long and distinguished tradition of protecting the civil rights and liberties of its residents; and
WHEREAS, New Mexico has a diverse population, including immigrants and students, whose contributions to the community are vital to its economy, culture and civic character; and
WHEREAS, the preservation of civil rights and liberties is essential to the well-being of a democratic society; and
WHEREAS, federal, state and local governments should protect the public from terrorist attacks such as those that occurred on September 11, 2001 and should do so in a rational and deliberative fashion to ensure that a new security measure will enhance public safety without impairing constitutional rights or infringing on civil liberties; and
WHEREAS, government security measures that undermine fundamental rights do damage to American institutions and values that the residents of New Mexico hold dear; and
WHEREAS, the house of representatives believes that there is no inherent conflict between national security and the preservation of liberty and that Americans can be both safe and free; and
WHEREAS, federal policies adopted since September 11, 2001, including provisions in Public Law 107-56, known as the USA Patriot Act, and related executive orders, regulations and actions threaten fundamental rights and liberties by: ..."
Read the whole thing at the link above.
Chris Johnson Fulton
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