I Support the ACLU Because...

“You can look at civil rights from a narrow perspective, like you have the right to free speech whether you live in a gated community or under a bridge. Or you can take a broader perspective that civil rights are only useful to the extent that you have the ability to exercise them. I am proud that the ACLU-NC recognizes that civil liberties are bound up with economic rights and human rights. And this perspective directly impacts the work of the ACLU today - for instance, when the police are sweeping up the homeless, it's a civil rights issue.

When I first joined the ACLU-NC board, there was a real debate over the rights of anti-abortion protestors to picket. They have rights, but at the same time should their shouting keep people from exercising their right to an abortion? There really isn't a party line when it comes to issues like this. It was a very rich discussion and that's one of the reasons I enjoy being part of the ACLU.

I'm also proud that the ACLU is a membership organization with active chapters. It's not purely a lobbying organization or a bunch of lawyers on white horses. ACLU-NC lawyers and lobbyists reflect the members' views. Otherwise it would just be like any other group that's susceptible to political whims. You've seen it happen with other organizations and it hasn't happened with the ACLU.”  

- Bob Capistrano,
ACLU-NC Member and Donor
Former Board Member, 1993-1999 & 2001-2007

“We in the Bay Area are fortunate that we have one of the strongest ACLU affiliates. Every time I open my newsletter from the ACLU of Northern California, I feel proud that I am supporting really great work close to home.

Civil liberties and the Bill of Rights are a key foundation of our nation, and the ACLU is on the front lines every day, fighting to ensure these rights. Freedom of speech is one of the most important issues to me, especially after 9-11, when many people took the position that any form of dissent was unpatriotic.  It takes a lot of courage to stand up for civil liberties, particularly when it comes to defending the rights of people who promote unpopular causes.

It also is important to me that the ACLU works on all civil liberties issues.  The ACLU understands that it is not just one issue that is important, but the whole amalgam of issues taken together that represent our civil liberties and freedoms.”  

- Ruth Borenstein,
Member, ACLU-NC Lawyer’s Council
“I have the deepest respect for the ACLU because it fully embraces the ideal that our society can and should live up to the values set forth in the Constitution.  The ACLU acts with exemplary courage and creativity on a wide-range of issues and never shrinks back from taking on the cause of the unpopular, the forgotten, and the disenfranchised.  I'm incredibly proud to be part of an organization that is on the right side of history on the death penalty, gay marriage, the so-called war on terror, and so many other critical issues of our day.”  

- Linda Lye,
ACLU-NC Lawyer’s Council Member, Board Member & Donor

“At a very young age, I became interested in civil liberties issues, particularly free speech. Today, some of the greatest issues facing us are those of immigrants’ rights and racial profiling, which can take many forms.

It can be easy to take for granted the jealously guarded balance between individual liberty and civic participation. There are many people and groups, who, if they had their way, would dramatically shrink individuals’ rights. Much of the work of the ACLU is focused on preserving those rights. And, while you may not always agree with every stand or position of the organization, just having the ACLU there helps to preserve the rights of every individual.”

- Ken Sugarman
ACLU-NC Member & Donor