HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESOLUTIONS - 01011998 - 1998-642 The Board of Supervisors
of Contra Costa County
In the Matter of Resolution No. 98/642
SUPPORTING A RESOLUTION RELATIVE
TO THE BILL OF RIGHTS OF THE UNITED
STATES CONSTITUTION AND DECLARING
DECEMBER 15, 1998 AS `BILL OF RIGHTS DAY"
IN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
WHEREAS,the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution are referred to as
the Bill of Rights, which limit and define the powers of government; and
WHEREAS,several of the original states refused to ratify the Constitution without an
express Bill of Rights; and
WHEREAS,the Bill of Rights recognizes, affirms, and protects fundamental human and
civil rights for which persons of all races have struggled for thousands of years; and
WHEREAS,the Bill of Rights secures our freedom to speak,print,read, assemble,pray,
petition the government, and keep and bear arms;protects us from unreasonable arrests, searches,
excessive bail,double jeopardy, coerced confessions, and cruel and unusual punishment; and
secures our rights to due process,jury trials, and counsel, and to present defense witnesses; and
WHEREAS,the Bill of Rights protects our sovereign state from excesses of the federal
government; and
WHEREAS,the Bill of Rights is integral to the American way of life, and America's
civic holidays,President's Day, Independence Day,Labor Day,Veteran's Day, Memorial Day,
and Thanksgiving, all remind us of the special contributions and sacrifices made by our
forefathers and leaders to preserve,protect, and extend our freedoms; and
WHEREAS,the Bill of Rights energizes our military defense because American
servicemen and women swear an oath to preserve and defend the United States Constitution,
which includes the Bill of Rights; when American military personnel fight and die for our
country,they do so to protect our rights and freedoms under the Bill of Rights; and
WHEREAS, a Bill of Rights Day would help prevent the Bill of Rights from being
otherwise forgotten, and since many Americans do not know their Bill of Rights,this special day
would encourage our schools to instruct children about this aspect of our American heritage; and
WHEREAS,a Bill of Rights Day would declare America's commitment to fundamental
human rights to the whole world; and
WHEREAS,just as celebrating religious holidays reminds Americans of their religious
beliefs and traditions, a Bill of Rights Day annually would remind America of the manner in
which its history and philosophy have secured the rights for which oppressed people everywhere
still yearn; and
WHEREAS, a Bill of Rights Day would be a memorial day honoring the personal
sacrifices and deaths of countless millions of people who have struggled for basic human and
civil rights over thousands of years; and
WHEREAS, a Bill of Rights Day would remind elected and appointed officials and
employees of the state and local executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government that
their authority and powers are limited; and
WHEREAS,a Bill of Rights Day would remind all members of government that they
serve the citizens,not rule them, and that the citizens always hold the right to restrain
government; and
Resolution No. 98/642
318
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WHEREAS,the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights deserve perennial
celebrations and the sacrifices made to protect the Bill of Rights deserve eternal remembrance;
and
WHEREAS,the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution was ratified on
December 15, 179 1.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of the County of
Contra Costa,California,hereby affirms that December 15, 1998,and every December 15 thereafter,be
declared Bill of Rights Day in Contra Costs County,California;and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT all governmental bodies in Contra Costa
County are encouraged to observe the annual Bill of Rights Day in a manner that brings to mind
the meaning and importance of each of the ten provisions contained therein; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT on Bill of Rights Day,the Bill of Rights should
be read in its entirety, in all public schools and in all government meetings and courtrooms
convening on that day.
PASSED by unanimous vote of the Board Members present on this 15'day of December, 1998.
Witness my hand and the Seal of the Board of
Supervisors affixed on this 15'day of
December, 1998.
PML BATCHELOR,Clerk of the Board of
Supervisors and County Administrator
By:
Deputy
;In'trouced by:
sar seph Canciamilla,District V
Resolution No. 98/642