Resolution No. 56-2003
Resolution Regarding the USA PATRIOT Act and Related Executive Orders Approved on June 10, 2003, by the County Commissioners, County of San Juan, Washington
WHEREAS, the County of San Juan is home to a diverse population, including citizens of other nations, whose contributions to the community are vital to the character and functions of the County; and,
WHEREAS, the authority of government is derived from the consent of the governed; and,
WHEREAS, the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States and the Declaration of Rights of the Constitution of the State of Washington guarantee all persons living in San Juan County fundamental rights including freedom of religion, speech, assembly and privacy; protection from unreasonable searches and seizures; due process and equal protection to any person; equality before the law and the presumption of innocence; access to counsel in judicial proceedings; and a fair, speedy and public trial; and,
WHEREAS, the County of San Juan has been, and remains, committed to the protection of civil rights and civil liberties of all our people; and,
WHEREAS, the County of San Juan affirms its unequivocal opposition to terrorism and also affirms that freedom, civil rights and civil liberties are compatible with the necessity for national security and are not to be infringed upon by efforts to end terrorism; and,
WHEREAS, a great crime against humanity occurred on September 11, 2001, resulting in new federal laws and enforcement powers, including the USA Patriot Act ("Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism") of October 26, 2001 and related Executive Orders which contain some provisions that contradict the above listed inalienable civil rights and fundamentally alter civil liberties.
WHEREAS, many other counties and cities throughout the country have enacted resolutions reaffirming support for civil rights and civil liberties in the face of government policies that threaten these values, and are demanding accountability from federal agencies regarding the use of these new powers, now
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF SAN JUAN that the County affirms the civil rights and civil liberties of all citizens and non-citizens living within the County in accordance with the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States and the Declaration of Rights of the State of Washington Constitution; and, be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of County Commissioners urges county employees and citizens during the course of their daily life to be guided by the collective responsibility and obligation for safeguarding the constitutional protections afforded all people of our County. The Board of County Commissioners recognizes that this is the paramount responsibility of local law enforcement personnel, and appointed and elected government offices that are ultimately responsible for upholding the solemn oath they have taken to preserve, uphold, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and the State of Washington Constitution; and, be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners calls upon all private citizens and organizations, including residents, employers, educators, and business owners, to demonstrate respect for civil rights and civil liberties, especially but not limited to conditions of employment; and, be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners call on our United States Representative and Senators to work for the repeal of any provisions of the USA Patriot Act and those Executive Orders that violate the civil rights and civil liberties guaranteed in the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States and the Declaration of Rights of the State of Washington Constitution; and, be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners communicate a copy of this Resolution to all County departments, the Attorney General and Governor of the State of Washington, the Congressional Delegation of the State of Washington, the United States Attorney General and the President of the United States.