City of Los Angeles defies Bush over extending Patriot Act

[kenny J]

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Los Angeles' city council defied President George W. Bush and voted to back legislation that would repeal parts of the controversial USA that Bush wants renewed.

The council voted 9-2 to support a law repealing provisions in the Act, which Bush on Tuesday asked Congress to extend in his State of the Union address, but which human rights activists believe are unconstitutional.


"As a city, we pride ourselves on being inclusive and protecting the basic rights of all people," said Councilwoman Jan Perry, who introduced the largely-symbolic resolution.


"Significant portions of the Patriot Act destroy the spirit of inclusion and encourage racial profiling and other violations of our rights as people of this great nation," she said.


Urging Congress to extend the Act that includes draconian provisions aimed at thwarting any terrorist threat to the United States and expires next year, Bush warned "the terrorist threat will not expire on that schedule."


The anti-terrorist legislation expanded the government's ability to access individuals' medical, mental health, financial and educational records.


Los Angeles Councilman Antonio Villaraigosa said the council, which has no actual power to change US federal law, should still take a stance.


"If we cannot speak out against the Patriot Act, then why are we here in the first place?," Villaraigosa said.


Two council members cast the dissenting votes. "September 11 still lives in my heart," said councilman Jack Weiss, a former police officer.


The city council of the second biggest US metropolis also voted to oppose portions of the legislation that require public libraries to monitor, provide information or report on the borrowing practices of patrons.


Ramona Ripston, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union (news - web sites) of Southern California, characterised the council's action as a "huge victory" for civil liberties.


"Angelenos should be proud that their City Council stands on the side of those who believe we can be both safe and free," she said.


"The City Council's actions underscore the fact that there is widespread opposition to the Patriot Act."

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp...a_040122005146

[EX_529]

I think the recent number is over 100 cities, including many major cities are choosing not to enforce parts of the Patriot Act that diminish personal liberties. I congratulate these cities who put their citizens first.

Lets face it, the Patriot Act is not patriotic. It was a knee jerk reaction to the terrorist acts of 9/11. Parts of the act will probably be overturned in time by the Supreme Court, but at what expense? How many peoples civil rights will be violated until this occurs?

The way I look at it, if my life changes because of the actions of a terrorist, then they have won. I won't let this happen in my life. Much like our hero Norm, I will take up personal arms (even though I only have an old 586) to defend not only my family but my country if we were directly attacked.

I also think us as a country and as a government can remain dilligent against terrorist acts, and still be mindful of the importance of civil rights. It is the only thing that separates us from most of the countries of the Middle East (and even France for that matter)

If you don't like my opinion, make one of your own.

[TALLON]

Please don't compare anything that California does legislatively to any of the other 49 states. California is it's own country.

[EX_529]

I have to research the list of cities that are not following some of the provisions of the Patriot Act, but I believe most of them are outside of CA.

I would love to ceed from the nation. As the world's 5th largest economy on our own, we are have more GDP than TX, AK, and NY combined. It would be great to keep all of the tax money here.

[TALLON]

San Francisco Democrats WOULD love to "ceed" from the nation.

[EX_529]

aww -- spoken like a true New Englander. Don't you have some leaves to rake up?

[TALLON]

Yeah, I do. Can you get the rest of your landscaping crew and come on over?

[EX_529]

on my way -

of course Starving Students with Phd's charge $100. an hour - lol

[TALLON]

You have your PHD and you're still a student?

[EX_529]

You have your PHD and you're still a student?

I have completed and presented my thesis. Until it is actually approved which can can 3-9 months, then you are not actually a PhD. I should clarify that I am as PhD candidate. I will never refer to myself as a doctor however because I reserve that for MD's who actually earn the title (in my opinion)

[TALLON]

Well it looks like that $100/hr is a little steep for a weed puller without a PHD. How's 100 pesos sound? Plus I'll get you that $10 I owe you when you finish getting those lawn clippings off my driveway.

[kenny J]

Tallon,

DO you have ANY input on the actual TOPIC of the thread? I wasn't looking for input ON those who offer input here.

Ken

[TALLON]

Tallon,

DO you have ANY input on the actual TOPIC of the thread? I wasn't looking for input ON those who offer input here.

Ken

YES. What is your point to the thread?

[AnthonyM83]

Read the folder title. He posted a news story and was asking for opinions on it. If you can't figure that out what the point of the thread was on your own, you have a real problem.

[TALLON]

Did I ask what the point of the thread was?!! I asked what HIS POINT was!