Resolution in Opposition to Border Militia Groups
WHEREAS a just society that respects the civil rights of all people should be the goal of all Whatcom County residents, and
WHEREAS the Whatcom County Democrats (WCDCC) work to uphold and protect human and civil rights, and are committed to including and representing all people, and
WHEREAS the activities of self-appointed militia or vigilante groups or individuals with limited training and no legal authority present a potential danger to the safety and well-being of society and all members of that society who might become the victims or inadvertent targets of such activities, and
WHEREAS the existence and activities of vigilante groups or individuals in other regions have created fear, an atmosphere of racism and violence, and increased suspicion, intolerance and even hate in those regions, and
WHEREAS the presence of vigilante border militia groups, such as the Minuteman Project’s operation on our nation’s northern and southern borders, can create a negative image for our region and harm our local economy as occurred in the State of Idaho, and
WHEREAS Whatcom County, the State of Washington, and the U.S. Government all have policies that are opposed to the casual use of ad hoc Militia groups to replace or augment the duties of duly authorized law enforcement organizations, and that such unregulated, undisciplined and untrained militia groups acting without adequate supervision and training are known to have adversely impacted the lives and liberties of citizens and other civilians in the U.S.;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Democrats oppose any effort to deputize, commission, finance or otherwise encourage the presence of self-appointed vigilante groups or individuals within our County who might take into their own hands the legal authority vested in our law enforcement officials and those of the federal and state governments; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Democrats express once again our absolute commitment to a safe and secure environment where individual civil rights are respected by all.
(Date Passed 04/08/2006 by Whatcom County Democrats)
