Letter: Fairfax County Executive Anthony H. Griffin on PATRIOT Act

October 29, 2004

Letter to Fairfax County Executive Anthony H. Griffin

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James Landrith
PO Box 8208
Alexandria, VA 22306-8208

October 29, 2004

The Honorable Anthony H. Griffin
Executive
Fairfax County

Dear Mr. Griffin:

As a citizen of Fairfax County, internet publisher, civil libertarian, and USMC and Gulf War veteran, I strongly feel it is time for the Board of Supervisors to act in protection of the Bill of Rights and the civil liberties of my neighbors and friends in this great County.

Whereas,

The USA PATRIOT Act and related Executive Orders and edicts now grant the federal government powers that are too easily abused and that threaten free speech, privacy and due process — the fundamental rights of every American; and,

Time Magazine compares the PATRIOT Act to the notorious Alien and Sedition Act of 1798 (see “The Patriot Act of the 18th Century The Alien and Sedition Acts sparked controversy in the country’s early years,” TIME, by Ishmael Reed, 5 July 2004; http://www.time.com/time/archive/preview/0,10987,1101040705-658357,00.html); and,

Many Members of Congress have serious second thoughts about passing the PATRIOT Act; and,

Due to Section 215 of the PATRIOT Act, Fairfax County residents have grave concerns about the using county library services; and,

Recent disclosures by the federal government show that the PATRIOT Act’s Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court does not even provide procedures for outside litigants (such as Fairfax County) to file memorandums or otherwise influence a case (see “Secret Court Poses Challenges: Non-Government Litigants Lack Access, Ways to Influence Cases,” Washington Post, By Dan Eggen, August 30, 2004, Page A21; http://www.time.com/time/archive/preview/0,10987,1101040705-658357,00.html), therefore,

Please reveal what you know about the PATRIOT Act’s impact on civil liberties in Fairfax County to the Board of Supervisors so that they can act upon an appropriate resolution. It is far past time for the Board to take a stand on this issue.

Sincerely,

James A. Landrith, Jr.
Founder, Pious Pagan Publishing
https://www.jameslandrith.com
The Multiracial Activist
http://www.multiracial.com
The Abolitionist Examiner
http://www.multiracial.com/abolitionist/

cc:
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
The Honorable James P. Moran