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Community Resolution for Aspen, CO

Document Date: July 14, 2005

A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Aspen, Colorado, Relating to the USA PATRIOT Act, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution of the United States.

WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes the Constitution of the United States as our charter of liberty, and that the Bill of Rights enshrines the fundamental and inalienable rights of Americans, including, but not limited to, the freedoms of religion, speech, assembly and privacy: and

WHEREAS, each of Colorado’s duly elected public servants has sworn to defend and uphold the United states Constitution and the Constitution of the State of Colorado; and

WHEREAS, the City Council denounces and condemns all acts of terrorism, wherever occurring; and

WHEREAS, attacks against the United States such as those that occurred on September 11, 2001, have necessitated the crafting of effective laws to protect the public from terrorist attacks; and

WHEREAS, any new security measures of federal, state, and local governments should be carefully designed and employed to enhance public safety without unnecessarily infringing on the civil liberties and rights of innocent citizens; and

WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that the City of Aspen has a diverse population, whose different backgrounds and experiences allow them to contribute a variety of ideas, expressions and perspectives that enrich our community; and

WHEREAS, the City of Aspen hosts international guests who expect a welcoming experience upon arrival to the United States; and

WHEREAS, the City of Aspen has an international presence through its participation in World Cup skiing events and functions sponsored by its non-profit community including, but not limited to, the Aspen Institute, the International Design Conference, the Aspen Music festival, the Rocky Mountain Institute, and the Aspen Center of Physics; and

WHEREAS, certain provisions of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act, commonly known as the USA PATRIOT Act (Public Law 107-56), allow the federal government more liberally to detain and investigate citizens and engage in surveillance activities that may violate or offend the rights and liberties guaranteed by our state and federal constitutions;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO, THAT:

Section One: The City Council of the City of Aspen supports the government of the United States of America in its campaign against terrorism and affirms its commitment that the campaign not be waged at the expense of inalienable civil rights and liberties of citizens of this country.

Section Two: The City Council of the city of Aspen opposes any portion of the USA PATRIOT Act that could be used to justify the violation of the rights and liberties of citizens guaranteed equally under the state and federal constitutions.

Section Three: The City Council of the City of Aspen implores its federal congressional representatives to correct provisions in the USA PATRIOT Act and other measures that infringe on civil liberties, and opposes any pending and future federal legislation to the extent that it infringes on the rights and liberties of citizens of the United States.

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