The Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania supports Pittsburgh Bill of Rights Defense Campaign Resolution!

State College, PA - The Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania (LP-Pa) voiced its support for the Pittsburgh Bill of Rights Defense Campaign (www.pbordc.org). At the recent LP-Pa meeting on July 26th, the Board voted to call on Pittsburgh City Council to pass this or a similar resolution supporting the Bill of Rights in the aftermath of the USA Patriot Act. This resolution recommends repealing parts of the Patriot Act.

Pennsylvania Libertarians expressed alarm at how the Patriot Act expands government search, seizure and detainment powers against individuals while limiting the judicial review mechanisms of due process and public trials. This comes at a time when federal power over state governments and local communities is accelerating as evident in matters ranging from health care to highway funds to education. The libertarian consensus was clearly that individuals and their elected local governments must push back.

2002 Libertarian Lt. Governor candidate Henry Haller commented, "The Patriot Act is the worst of both worlds. It's an ever-present threat to personal freedom and it gives cover to politicians who want to invade our privacy, often for the benefit of their cronies. We call on local officials to support the Bill of Rights resolution."

LP-Pa Chair Ken Krawchuk added that, "Allegheny County Council and the Pa House should consider a similar resolution and send a message to our state and federal representatives that enough is enough."

The Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania applauds and supports the efforts of those involved in the Bill of Rights Defense Campaign. The Libertarian Party is very different from the Democratic and Republican Parties because we can always be counted on to defend all ten amendments in the Bill of Rights. If you want to repeal the Patriot Act and fight the federal government's treasonous assault on our Constitution then elect Libertarians to get the job done.

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