Give us liberty

Christian Century, Jan 25, 2003

Eighteen cities and towns have declared themselves "civil liberties safe zones" and another 40 towns in 24 states are considering similar action. Begun in Northampton, Massachusetts, this movement is in reaction to the USA Patriot Act that gives the federal government broad powers to snoop on citizens.

The Northampton declaration requests that local police not cooperate with federal authorities in actions that infringe on constitutional rights, calls on federal authorities to act in accordance with Northampton policies, and implores local members of Congress to work toward repealing the Patriot Act (Village Voice via Utne.com, December 16).