A Resolution by the Town of Bristol Reaffirming its Commitment to the U.S. Constitution and its Bill of Rights and Established Freedoms

WHEREAS, the Town Council of Bristol, RI recognizes and upholds the United States Constitution and its Bill of Rights and the Rhode Island Constitution; and

WHEREAS, the residents of Bristol cherish their political and civil rights and liberties based upon the Constitution and Bill of Rights; and

WHEREAS, full recognition is taken of the serious nature of the current threats to the United States and its citizens which prompt dynamic actions to defend ourselves and our way of life; and

WHEREAS, while we support the necessary thrust of actions for "homeland security," we do not want those actions, directed to preserve our liberties, to in any way abridge the very liberties being defended; and

WHEREAS, the citizens of Bristol, thus, wish to insure that the PATRIOT ACT and related executive orders do not significantly erode our fundamental constitutional protections, including but not limited to due process, the right of privacy, the right to counsel, protection against unreasonable search and seizure and all basic freedoms of the Bill of Rights.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council, while not condemning the PATRIOT ACT, urges its federal delegation to review and work toward revision and/or repeal of those sections of the PATRIOT ACT that may limit or violate the fundamental liberties granted to Americans by the Constitution and Bill of Rights; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this resolution be transmitted to our Federal Congressional delegates.