December 13, 2002: ACLU-TN Celebrates Bill of Rights Day

Media Advisory
Immediate Release
13 December 2002

For More Information, Contact Hedy Weinberg, Executive Director
615-320-7142

ACLU-TN Celebrates Anniversary of Bill of Rights
With Leafleting Across the State

Nashville - On Monday, December 16, the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee (ACLU-TN) will commemorate the 211th anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights. ACLU-TN volunteers will distribute Bill of Rights bookmarks and buttons in Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Maryville, Franklin, and Brentwood.

The Bill of Rights was ratified on December 15, 1791.

According to ACLU-TN Executive Director Hedy Weinberg, "It is especially important this year that we celebrate the Bill of Rights. The systematic attack on civil liberties today is as serious a threat to the Bill of Rights as the Palmer Raids, the internment of the Japanese Americans during World War II, the witch hunts during the McCarthy era, and the abuses of the Nixon presidency. ACLU-TN is committed to increasing awareness of the Bill of Rights and ensuring that our constitutional guarantees are not sacrificed in this time of crisis."

In October 2002, to coincide with the first anniversary of the passage of the USA Patriot Act, ACLU launched a nationwide campaign - "Keep America Safe and Free: The ACLU Campaign to Defend the Constitution." ACLU's campaign seeks to safeguard democracy in times of crisis and promote the thesis that we can be both safe and free. The campaign involves grassroots organizing, litigation, and legislative lobbying.

Weinberg explained that the campaign's goal "is to preserve the checks and balances on our government that are essential to liberty."

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