Kent, Ohio - These patriots express their opinion silently during the annual march last May 4, in memorium of the four students shot and killed at Kent State University by the Ohio National Guard on May 4, 1970. The National Guard was brought on campus to control students protesting against former President Richard Nixon's orders to invade Cambodia. Photo: Karen Kilroy GET LOCAL! Effort to preserve Bill of Rights to move through local action; Bill of Rights Defense Committee has ammo ready for local use The Bill of Rights Defense Committee, established in response to threats posed to the liberties provided to Americans under the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution, plans to accelerate efforts to push resolutions affirming those rights through town councils, county governments and state governments, according to Nancy Talanian, director of the organization. A kit is now available to help local activists in U.S. communities design effective campaigns to head-off expected challenges to civil liberties once regarded as sacrosanct. CHECK IT OUT! BORDC newsletter BORDC resources page BORDC fliers page ACLU materials on the Patriot Act Nearly 400 communities have adopted resolutions or ordinances reaffirming the Bill of Rights, and instructing local law enforcement and justice officials to regard the Constitution as the highest law of the land, even when the U.S. Justice Department, the FBI or the CIA come calling with claims of exemption. While the Patriot Act is a federal issue, local action is a strong signal to Members of Congress and the Justice Department that they are out of synch with the voters back home. As with the Nuclear Freeze movement, town councils can have a major impact on national policy.     Return to Democracy Week home page   Home - Past Issues - eCards - Classifieds - Blog Spot - Free Subscription - About Us