PASADENA - In a victory for civil liberties, the Pasadena City Council today passed a resolution condemning the unconstitutional aspects of the USA-PATRIOT Act. By passing the resolution, the City of Pasadena, joins over 332 cities, counties and even states throughout the nation that have passed similar resolutions.
"This is a tremendous victory for civil liberties," said Ramona Ripston, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California. "The City of Pasadena has taken a stand today by passing a resolution in support of civil liberties and critical of the USA-PATRIOT Act. Pasadena residents should be proud that their City Council stands on the side of over 59 million Americans in 41 states who believe we can be both safe and free."
"All across this country, people of all walks of life and of all political persuasions are continuing to voice concern about the expansion of government powers under this Administration," she continued.
The USA-PATRIOT Act was passed on October 26, 2001, just 45 days after the September 11th attacks. The 342-page piece of legislation was passed with little debate by the Members of Congress, most of whom did not even read the bill. The Act gives the Executive Branch sweeping new powers that weaken the American system of checks and balances that is designed to guard against government encroachment.
For more information on the USA-PATRIOT Act check the ACLU-SC's website: www.aclusocal.org
