------------------------- Via Workers World News Service Reprinted from the June 23, 2003 issue of Workers World newspaper -------------------------
CITY COUNCIL PASSES RESOLUTION: PHILLY SAYS NO TO "PATRIOT ACT"
By Betsey Piette Philadelphia
By a city council vote of 13 to three, Philadelphia has become the biggest U.S. city to condemn the USA Patriot Act. On May 29 the council passed a resolution denouncing the law as a "threat to fundamental rights."
The non-binding vote made Phila del phia the 117th city to condemn the law. Three states--Alaska, Vermont and Hawaii-have passed similar resolutions.
Introduced by Councilmember Angel Ortiz, the resolution called for the "Phila del phia Congressional Delegation to vigilantly monitor the implementation of the USA Patriot Act and to actively work to repeal it." The resolution blames the federal law for allowing racial profiling, denial of due process and invasion of privacy.
Nearly 20 community groups, in an effort organized by Unite for Peace, had supported the resolution. An overflow crowd filled the council chambers.
The USA Patriot Act, drafted by aides to Attorney General John Ashcroft and enacted on Sept. 26, 2001, significantly widened the government's investigative and prosecutorial powers. The law gives the federal government expanded power for surveillance of an individual's internet, medical, financial, educational and business records. This includes monitoring books purchased or taken from libraries. Further, the law limits disclosure of public documents and records under the Freedom of Information Act.
The council resolution noted that targeting selective racial and religious groups, including immigrants, is especially alarming because Philadelphia is home to a diverse population "whose contributions are vital to the city's character and function." The resolution stated in part that "a threat to any one person's constitutional rights is a threat to the rights of all."
During the debate, Councilmember David Cohen introduced Hiro Nishikawa, a Japanese American who had been forced into an internment camp during World War II. She was present to support the resolution.
"Hiro Nishikawa's experience is a stark reminder of dark days in our nation's history. We must not allow the government to trample our civil liberties under the cloud of war," said Iftekhar Hussain, secretary general of the American Muslim Society of Pennsylvania.
The fight to repeal the USA Patriot Act will be taken up again in Philadelphia on July 4 when thousands of people from around the country unite for a National Pro test to Stop U.S. Wars at Home and Abroad. The event coincides with Presi dent George W. Bush's visit to the city for the opening of the National Constitution Center.
The national rally will demand an end to the U.S. occupation of Iraq and money for human needs, not for the Pentagon's wars.
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