'Homeland Insecurity' in Visalia, Ca.

VISALIA CA- 'Homeland Security' caused insecurity Monday evening as the Visalia City Council attempted to table a city resolution against the effects of the USA Patriot Act and the Domestic Security Enhancement Act (DSEA). Author and resolution proponent Daniel Lee (16) was, “not at all surprised” by the delay. Crowds of supporters that filled the chambers beyond capacity were given the chance to give their support to this resolution which was written to mirror resolutions such as those passed in Philadelphia and 140 other cites around the nation. They now hope to bring the same protections to civil liberties to their community which is situated 40 miles south of Fresno.
A procession of local residents told the city council in no uncertain terms that security is not worth the loss of freedom, citing freedom as, "the fundamental value of our nation." Residents also reminded the City Council that the position of the California Attorney General’s Office was in agreement with their resolution, while others brought forward the fact that the Department of Justice is being investigated for their ‘anti-terrorism’ tactics under the Patriot Act. These tactics which violate basic constitutional rights, such as arrest without due process, are what this resolution seeks to ban. Many others said they had to speak now because they feared their friends, coworkers, and neighbors could face ‘McCarthy-style’ civil rights violations; or even be interned just as Japanese-Americans were during WWII.
The City Council decided to take no action at this time, citing that they had not explored the impact to the city and some council members admitted to not even reading the materials provided to City Hall months ago. The Chief of Police and the City Attorney had likewise only recently received the documents from City Hall that the Council admitted were turned in with more than enough time to be distributed. A final vote on a motion by Mayor Gamboa to write a compromise resolution between city staff and the community passed. The only vote against the motion was made by a councilperson who admitted that he had not even read the resolution. There were two votes in favor, one no vote, one absence, and one abstention by Councilperson Rudy. Rudy said she felt compelled to abstain due to a conflict of interest she felt between her oath as a member of the Armed Forces and her duties as a City Councilperson. She did however comment, “I have a great deal of respect for him [Lee]”, and further commented that she supported the ideals behind this resolution. Her sentiment was mirrored by the entire City Council. “The City Council has been very open to speaking with us,” said Lee.
The proponents of the resolution have already prepared a compromise resolution that still achieves all of the goals they have set in securing civil liberties in their community. They plan to present their ideas to city staff once they begin working together on a revised resolution.