[Seattle-editorial] King County Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Resolution Hearing 10 November Monday Morning

[Devon Abdallah]

Hello,

Please join us Monday morning, 10 November, to support Civil Rights and Civil Liberties in King County!!!

After months of gathering signatures and gaining support for the King County Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Resolution by a coalition of organizations, there will be a public hearing on the resolution on Monday, 10 November.  We would like to pack the room with supporters of the resolution, so please join us on:

				Monday, 10 November, 9:15 a.m.
				King County Courthouse - 10th Floor
				516 Third Avenue
				Between James and Yesler on 3rd Avenue - a few blocks up from Pioneer Square

Please arrive at the 10th floor of the Courthouse at 9:15 a.m.  You will have to pass through a metal detector to enter the building.  You may bring hand signs into the courthouse, but signs connected to sticks are not allowed.  

	IMPORTANT:  If you do bring hand signs, it is very important that they are framed in a positive manner, i.e., "Vote Yes on Civil Rights" versus negative, such as criticizing the Bush administration.  We will lose Councilmembers' votes rather than gain votes if we come across as slamming President Bush, Attorney General John Ashcroft or the Bush Administration.  Please be positive!  

In the mean time, we would appreciate everyone contacting your Councilmember and urging them to support this resolution.  (You can locate your Councilmember at <http://www.metrokc.gov/mkcc/members/members.htm>).   Either phone or email your councilmember; there is a sample email below that you can cut and paste if you so desire (important:  include your home address in the email).  You do not have to be a voting citizen to voice your concerns to your Councilmember, only a resident of King County!

Again, please frame your comments in a positive manner : do not slam the Bush Administration, but urge your Councilmember to support the civil rights that our country was founded upon.  

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me.  A copy of the draft resolution can be found at http://aclu-wa.org/SafeAndFree/ResolutionsInProgress.htm.  More information on the USA PATRIOT Act and other government actions since September 11th can be found at www.aclu.org. 

Also, please forward this email to your organizations and groups.  If you have received this email more than once, I apologize; you may be on more than one email distribution list.

Thank you,
Devon Abdallah


Sample Email

Dear Councilmember

Over 200 cities, towns, and counties across the United States (as well as 3 states) have already passed resolutions supporting the Bill of Rights, re-affirming their commitment to civil rights, and expressing concerns about the USA PATRIOT Act.  I understand that  a King County Civil Rights Resolution is now before the County Council. I hope that you will support this resolution as a reflection of King County's affirmation of our civil liberties and civil rights.  Nationwide, many Republicans and Democrats have voiced their concerns regarding the USA PATRIOT Act and asking that the USA PATRIOT Act to be modified or be allowed to sunset in two years.

Thank you,

Name
Home Street Address
City, State, ZIP


Devon Alisa Abdallah, Ph.D.
Community Organizer
American Civil Liberties Union of Washington
705 2nd Avenue, Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98104-1799
206-624-2184 ext 202
www.aclu-wa.org