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Session 1868 <br />February 10, 2003 <br /> <br />Tobias Gibson, 1058 Reisler Avenue, responded to statements made by <br />previous speakers by stating that U.S. involvement in previous wars were by an <br />act of Congress or were an action by the United Nations. He believed that the <br />war on terrorism did not fit those standards. He asked Council to approve the <br />resolution. <br /> <br />Mayor Adams responded to statements about the propriety of a local government <br />entity formulating a resolution about federal legislation. He said that federal <br />legislation could not preclude comments and responses from Council. He noted <br />that government has "put the Constitution in the closet" in the past; vigilance and <br />response by local government was a critical force for accountability. <br /> <br />Mr. Munkel thanked the citizens for their comments. He said that were some <br />good provisions in the Patriot Act therefore he could not support total repeal. <br />After asking how many of those present had actually read the act, he addressed <br />statements that 9/11 occurred due to a failure of intelligence; he observed that <br />the Patriot Act was a remedy for the failure of intelligence agencies to share <br />information. Mr. Munkel also advised citizens on the importance of directing <br />their comments and concerns about expansion of the Act to their Congressmen. <br /> <br />Mr. Lieberman said that the resolution, as now prepared, was not anti-Patriot Act; <br />it did not call for repeal. He maintained that some stands taken by the federal <br />government on certain provisions of the act could lead to infringement upon civil <br />liberties; the intent of the resolution was to protect residents against such actions. <br />The resolution directed the City Manager to mandate that City employees must <br />guarantee fundamental constitutional rights when asked to assist investigations. <br /> <br />Ms. Welsch said that she believes this is a dangerous time for our country and <br />she considered the Patriot Act a symbol of that dangerous time. She stated that it <br />is easy to ignore what is happening if it is not happening to you, personally. <br />There is no way to know whether the Patriot Act has affected the lives of people <br />in University City, because under the provisions of the Patriot Act, we don't have <br />to be told. Ms. Welsch said she would be proud if the City Council passed this <br />resolution. <br /> <br />Mr. Sharpe spoke in support of Mr. Munkel's suggestion that citizens contact <br />federal elected officials about their concerns about the Act. <br /> <br />Ms. Colquitt also advised those present to communicate with federal elected <br />officials. She also stated that the main function of local government entity was to <br />protect its citizens. <br /> <br />Mayor Adams thanked those present for their input and comments. He also <br />stated that there had been several modifications to the Resolution. <br /> <br /> <br />