City of Olympia Opposes Patriot Act Council denounces Patriot Act Unanimous vote says law violates civil rights, threatens democracy KATHERINE TAM | THE OLYMPIAN Wednesday, October 29, 2003 http://www.theolympian.com/home/news/20031029/southsound/135916.shtml OLYMPIA -- The City Council took a stand against the USA Patriot Act on Tuesday, saying it violates basic American rights and is a threat to democracy. The council's unanimous vote denouncing the federal legislation was greeted by applause from the crowd of about 70 people. Mayor Stan Biles was absent. "It seems to me our country in its history and at various times has put together laws devised in an atmosphere of fear, an atmosphere of hatred, an atmosphere of xenophobia that we look back on as failings," Councilman Matthew Green said. "There are actions this country and other countries have taken that are universally viewed as the worst moment in history. I believe the Patriot Act will go down on that list," he said. Councilwoman Jeanette Hawkins added, "The process described for the Patriot Act was basically thoughtless and reactionary. We know the people hurt the most by these kinds of laws were sometimes the most innocent." The Patriot Act, approved in October 2001, gives law enforcement agencies broader authority to access personal, medical, financial, library and educational records without traditional judicial oversight. It allows the government to detain noncitizens suspected of being terrorists. The Thurston County chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union drafted a resolution and asked the city to approve it. Officials extracted some words that instructed city employees to refrain from participating in enforcing federal immigration laws. Other language removed pertained to encouraging other local agencies and businesses to educate themselves on the act and to post notices about how the act might affect the public. Officials said it would be more appropriate for the ACLU and other groups to encourage other agencies. There are 194 cities that have gone on record as opposing the Patriot Act, including several in Washington. During the public hearing, some residents called the act "anti-democratic," "diabolical" and an "assault" on freedoms. They quoted from famous leaders who championed American freedoms. They pointed to the Sedition Act of 1918, which placed restrictions on constitutional rights in times of war, and the Japanese internment during World War II as examples of mistakes from which the nation should learn. "The thing that was always astonishing to me about how Germany became reactionary and radical was everything done in Germany was legal because laws such as the Patriot Act took away people's rights and made them afraid," said Harriet Ammann, who was born in Germany. Olympia resident Larry Bahr added, "I'm just astonished by the insinuating efforts to take away cherished rights that we embody." Olympia resident Julia Moore added she hopes the council's resolution will have an effect. "My concern is, will it really have teeth, will it be worth doing," Moore said. "Or will it just be a polite dissent of the Patriot Act." Councilwoman Laura Ware said the resolution "does have teeth" and sends a strong message. Katherine Tam covers the city of Olympia for The Olympian. She can be reached at 360-704-6869 or kathetam@olympia.gannett.com. another world is possible . . . www.omjp.org