City resolution supports Constitution

By Scott Aust, Journal Staff Writer | Wednesday, September 21, 2005

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RAPID CITY - In response to concerns about the federal Patriot Act passed after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the Rapid City Council on Monday approved a resolution encouraging the federal government to continue to protect the rights of the people as guaranteed by the Constitution.

The council voted 8-2 to approve the resolution. Aldermen Michael Schumacher and Bill Okrepkie voted against the resolution.

Representatives of Democracy in Action and the local chapter of the South Dakota Peace and Justice Center asked the council to pass a resolution affirming the city's commitment to civil rights and liberties because of concerns that a federal law designed to fight terrorism has gone too far.

The Patriot Act has been touted as a means to enhance anti-terrorism investigations by expanding the government's surveillance powers. But critics say some provisions of the law infringe on basic freedoms.

Ruth Waddington, representing Democracy in Action, said both groups believe the Patriot Act was passed in haste in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

"We believe in our passion for redress, the Congress created something that infringes on our rights as individuals and the freedoms and liberties guaranteed by our Constitution," she said. "We are Republicans and Democrats coming together. It's an American issue, not a partisan issue."

Democracy in Action is a group of about 200 local women who meet weekly to educate themselves about a variety of issues. The South Dakota Peace and Justice Center is a statewide, interfaith group concerned with issues such as world peace and the plight of the poor.

Their resolution asked the city to ask state and federal legislative delegations to monitor the Patriot Act's implementation, work to repeal portions that violate civil liberties contained in the Bill of Rights and oppose any federal legislation that infringes on civil rights and liberties.

The revised resolution, prepared by the city attorney's office, states that the city recognizes the importance of maintaining both national security and people's constitutional rights, and it "encourages" the president and Congress to ensure that people's rights are "maintained to the fullest extent possible in all executive and legislative enactments."

Marvin Kammerer of Rapid City said there must not be an infringement of the Bill of Rights for the sake of his children and grandchildren.

"My nation is better than the Patriot Act," he said.

Contact Scott Aust at 394-8415 or scott.aust@rapidcityjournal.com