Commissioners to Hold Hearing

Pitkin County Stands Up to Patriot Act

By Mitzi Rapkin, 5-17-06

Pitkin County Commissioners, based in Aspen, decided yesterday to hold a hearing at the end of June on civil liberties and the Bill of Rights. Both the Aspen Times and the Aspen Daily News are reporting today that the Commissioners are concerned about the actions the federal government has been taking lately with regard to personal freedom.

The Daily News is reporting that Commissioners Dorthea Farris and Patti Clapper believe they’ve both been on a “watch list.”

The move by the Commissioners was instigated by the Woody Creek Caucus which passed a ‘Bill of Rights Defense Resolution’ late in March. Woody Creek was the home of the late Hunter S. Thompson and home to a passionate group of citizens unafraid to express their opinions.

The resolution calls upon public officials to refuse to cooperate or condone and to insist on thorough disclosures and investigations of actions of any federal officials who assert the right to overtly or secretly fail or refuse to protect and defend the Constitution.

According to the Aspen Times, the hearings will include discussion on the authority to use warrantless searches and seizures without probable cause, authority to hold U.S. citizens as enemy combatants without access to federal court, and practices on chilling freedom of speech.

The hearing which is scheduled for June 29th will entertain all perspectives on the issue. The Commissioners are scheduled to reaffirm their oath of office on July 4th.

The Aspen Times article asserts that more than 400 city governments, communities and state governments have reaffirmed the Bill of Rights.

Like this story? Get more! Sign up for our free newsletters.