Bill of Rights Defense Campaign

BILL OF RIGHTS Defense Committee - Working with communities to uphold the Bill of RightsWe the People
Bookmark and Share

Ingham County, Michigan

County: Ingham
State: Michigan
Congressional District: (click to contact Rep.) 8

Population (2000 Census): 279,320
Date Passed: 11/12/03

Ingham County Board of Commissioners Resolution Expressing Concern About the USA Patriot Act Resolution #03

Approved by: Ingham County Board of Commissioners

WHEREAS, The County of Ingham supports all lawful and constitutional efforts to prevent and investigate terrorist or other criminal acts, and prosecute their perpetrators; and

WHEREAS, The County of Ingham is proud of its long and distinguished tradition of protecting the civil rights and liberties of its residents, a diverse group including immigrants from many nations, ethnic and religious groups, and students;

WHEREAS, Ingham County, whose boundaries include the State Capital and Michigan State University, is a center of free expression and public debate on government actions and policies, and is a symbol of the rights of free speech and assembly guaranteed by both the f deral and state constitutions;

WHEREAS, the vital investigation of terrorist acts should be conducted in a rational and deliberative fashion to ensure that new security measures enhance public safety without impairing constitutional rights or infringing on civil liberties;

WHEREAS, the Ingham County Board of Commissioners believes that there is no inherent conflict between national security and the preservation of liberty; and

WHEREAS, a law enforcement agency's use of legislative powers or provisions such as the USA Patriot Act must be consistent with civil liberties guaranteed by the United States Constitution and should never deprive a person of, or otherwise abuse, an individual's civil rights;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners affirms its strong support of fundamental constitutional rights and its opposition to measures that infringe on civil liberties;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners encourages all citizens, organizations and governmental and legislative bodies to study, for understanding, the state and U.S. Constitutions and their history, and the Bill of Rights and its history, so that they can recognize and resist attempts to undermine our constitutional republic and our system of government;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners encourages the Capitol Area district Library to notify patrons that records of the books and other materials borrowed from that library, and Internet usage there, may be obtained by federal agents without informing the patron;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners encourages the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office to continue to respect the rights of all people during the investigation of terrorist or other criminal acts and will continue to work closely with the Ingham County Prosecutor during prosecutions.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Clerk is hereby directed to send a copy of this resolution to our State and Federal Representatives and Senators and the Michigan Association of Counties.