Announcement

This from the Bill of Rights Defense Committee

Join us for Patriot Days of Action!

Participate in a National Week of Action: July 2-8, 2005

Overview

As Congress considers reauthorizing or amending portions of the USA PATRIOT Act that sunset on December 31, 2005, it is time for a national call to action to defend the Bill of Rights and restore our lost liberties.

In periods of fear and hysteria, all too often our precious liberties have been violated in the name of defending them. From the Alien and Sedition Acts to the Palmer Raids to the internment of Japanese Americans, time and again in the face of real or imagined threats, foreign and domestic, the government has denied the civil liberties of citizen and non-citizens alike.

Today, our civil liberties are again at risk and we must take action to defend them. A broad coalition of grassroots groups has begun planning a National Week of Action to demand that the government strictly comply with the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and that Congress and the people of the United States provide strict oversight over all anti-terrorism legislation.

We hope you will join us the week of July 2-8 to organize locally as part of a coordinated national series of events. Now, more than ever, we must use the power of our collective voice to restore our lost liberties.


What is the week of action?

During the days surrounding July 4, 2005, we call upon everyone who is dedicated to protecting civil liberties to join with other members of their community to reinvigorate the national debate by taking local action. By holding or participating in events in your community, you can voice your concerns to your legislators, the public, and the press. Events can focus on education/entertainment, civic and multicultural activities, and lobbying.


Timing

July 2-8, 2005: July Fourth weekend (July 2-4) is a good time to reclaim the spirit of Independence Day and celebrate America's founding principles of liberty and justice in your community. During the weekdays following July 4, while members of Congress are in their districts, we are asking participants to hold in-district meetings with their legislators to reinforce their concerns.


What are the main issues?

Concerns about threats to civil liberties are not limited to the USA PATRIOT Act but encompass a host of laws and policies that have provoked fears and that have harmed innocent people and families since September 11, 2001. Participants can focus on the threats that concern their community and connect them to local civil liberties abuses. Our broader message will be unified by a demand to uphold the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, and to restore liberty and justice. We will post talking points, fliers, and other resources soon.


How can I participate?

To encourage maximum participation and impact, we suggest events that are meaningful, but not difficult to organize. Representatives of several communities have helped us compile a menu of event suggestions. We will post information on participating organizations, locations, and event schedules, as well as sample literature, press releases, and other helpful resources soon.

Please start planning by inviting organizations and individuals in your community to help put on one or more local events. Include your legislators in your plans - invite them to participate in a planned event, or make an appointment for a delegation to meet in their district office(s). Remember that the movement to defend civil liberties and basic American values is nonpartisan. Your work to build or reinvigorate a nonpartisan coalition to participate in the Patriot Days of Action will pay off in your community, in the press, in your legislators' offices, and ultimately in Washington, DC.


Help us promote your planned activities!

Submit information about your plans to us so we can list your event(s) on our web site and include your community in press materials. Fill out our online form. The more locations and events involved, the greater the attention from Congress, the press, and the public.