Moscow passes resolution questioning Patriot Act

Wed., June 9, 2004

Associated Press

MOSCOW, Idaho – The City Council has weighed in against the USA Patriot Act, saying it violates civil liberties as it stands.

The council voted Monday night for a resolution urging Congress to review the act created after the 2001 terrorist attacks. The dissenting vote questioned if the council should speak on behalf of the city at the federal level.

Councilman John Dickinson initiated the resolution because he wanted residents to be “comfortable, confident in living in our community.”

The resolution petitions the federal government to “actively work for the repeal of any portions that violate the guaranteed civil liberties enumerated in the Bill of Rights.”

Five council members and Mayor Marshall Comstock voted to pass the measure. Councilwoman JoAnn Mack, who dissented, said she was not against the resolution itself.

“The issue is not the Patriot Act, but the council’s right to speak on behalf of the city at the federal level,” she said, adding residents should contact their state and federal representatives.

“It does have an impact of how we do business,” Councilwoman Linda Pall replied. “We, as the city of Moscow, can say we can be vigilant about our civil liberties.”

“I write on behalf of the nearly 300 Moscow residents who are active and current supporters of the American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho to applaud your consideration this evening of the proposed resolution addressing the USA Patriot Act and to urge its approval,” ACLU Idaho Executive Director Jack Van Valkenburgh wrote in a letter to Comstock.

The council’s resolution will be sent to President Bush and Attorney General John Ashcroft. Idaho’s congressional delegates also will receive the resolution, as will Gov. Dirk Kempthorne.

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