CIVIL RIGHTS: Un Birthday Bash for the Patriot Act

This Week opened with a government-operations hearing on Resolution 909, a bill introduced by Bill Perkins and Margarita Lopez opposing the infringement of civil liberties in the name of national security. Dennis Kucinich sent in a statement against the Patriot Act, as did Bob Barr. Many speakers came in support of resolution 909, including Nancy Chang from Center for Constitutional rights and Donna Lieberman and Udi Ofer from NYCLU , Pat Perry (the mother of a NYPD officer killed in line of duty on 9/11, and countless other coalitions leaders came to give statements of support including AALDEF, CAIR, COPO, NICE, People of the American Way, League of Women Voters and Rev.'s Earl Koopercamp and Peter Laarman. Despite the obvious public support of this res 909, the Daily News gave Bill Perkins the "New York Knucklehead Award" for his dedicated work in protection of New Yorkers civil liberties. The week is now closing up with an Un Birthday Bash at Judson Memorial for the inappropriately named PATRIOT Act, from 4-7 at Judson Memorial Church on Washington Square. There will be workshops,spoken word performances and an activist hall. The church is a quick walk from west 4th F train, and also Astor place. Udi Ofer will speak on post 9/11 civil Liberties issues, and NICE will do a workshop on the impact of the Patriot Act on immigrants. [See the Flyer!] || Loyal Nine