There have been 187 cities in the nation to pass resolutions declaring opposition to the PARTRIOT ACT, but only 2 other cities have went as far to pass actual ordinances, putting that opposition into law (Berkeley and Arcata, CA - cities known for being reliably progressive), now there's a 3rd. Huntington, WV-the 2nd largest city in the state.
As a a Huntington resident, I think it's great that our city is one of the first in the so-called 'conservative heartland' to join the list. And the one that ClearChannel and Glenn Beck tried to have their fizzle of a natl pro-war rally in, at that!
But after a lot of hard work by local civil rights activists (and a lot of help from our great Democratic congressman Nick Rahall), what we were told was impossible occured and the council passed it.
Thought we could use a little good news
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Council adopts opposition to Patriot Act
Some question ability of ‘People’s Bill of Rights’ to oppose legislation
By BRYAN CHAMBERS - The Herald-Dispatch
http://www.hdonline.com/2003/October/14/LNtop2.htm HUNTINGTON -- Since 9/11, dozens of cities and three states have adopted legislation opposing the USA Patriot Act.
Monday night, Huntington was added to the list.
After 90 minutes of hearing from several residents who said the wide-ranging federal law is an attack on civil liberties, City Council voted 6-5 to adopt the "People’s Bill of Rights," which prevents local law enforcement and government agencies from performing searches without a warrant and questioning someone because of their race, religion, gender, age or ethnic origin.
Voting for the ordinance were Larry Patterson, Cal Kent, Mary Neely, Jim Insco, George Malott and Trey Hanshaw. John Daniels, Jim Ritter, Tom McCallister, B.W. Ellis and Charlie Thompson voted against