RESOLUTION NO. 218-2003

OPPOSING THE PATRIOT ACT

By Mr. FitzRandolph, Chair, Finance Committee
Co-Sponsored by
Ms. Brothers, District 12
Ms. Cobb, District 8
Mr. Morrill, District 6
Mr. Turbett, District 10

 WHEREAS, according to Thomas Jefferson, ""Dissent is the highest form of patriotism,"" and
 
 WHEREAS, St. Lawrence County and its citizens strongly support all lawful and Constitutional efforts to prevent and investigate terrorist or other criminal acts and prosecute their perpetrators, and

 WHEREAS, St. Lawrence County and its citizens believes that sufficient Constitutionally acceptable tools existed, prior to the passage of the ""USA Patriot Act"" or other such restrictive acts, for law enforcement to accomplish their intended lawful purpose, and

 WHEREAS, St. Lawrence County and its citizens believes that any act, enactment, law, or legislation, etc., which dilutes, weakens, or denies the State and/or Federal Constitutionally guaranteed rights of the citizen is void from its inception, is unenforceable in our jurisdiction, and should be quashed, repealed, or found by a court of jurisdiction to be unconstitutional in part or in full, as appropriate, to protect the Rights and Freedom of the Citizenry,

 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators urge our Congressional Representatives to review, examine, and propose amendment or repeal of those portions of the USA Patriot Act of 2001 that restrict or infringe various civil rights and liberties recognized and guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States,

 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to our Congressional Representatives informing them of our position.