- My hate laws flyer is waking up members of Congress!
A copy of a letter from Congressman John Boozman was recently sent to me.
It shows the power of "Anti-Hate Laws Will Make You a Criminal"
to persuade lawmakers against the federal hate crimes bill, H.R. 254, now
in the House Judiciary.
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- Rep. Boozman begins his reply like most misinformed
politicians on Capitol Hill. He asserts that H.R. 254, "David's Law,"
merely wants to empower the government to punish violent hate crimes in
the States. But then, in a virtual paraphrase of my flyer, Boozman says
"many are concerned because of legal precedents that similar 'hate
crime' legislation has led to in other countries. In countries such as
Canada and Great Britain, 'verbal violence' against a person based on faith,
race, national origin, gender, disability or sexual orientation has become
criminal under law. This brings up serious concerns for protecting Americans'
freedom of speech."
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- Boozman concludes the letter by reservedly
telling his constituent, Ed Garrett, he will "keep your thoughts in
mind." But then, hand-written, Boozman adds, "I will vote NO!"
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- Breaking ADL Control in Congress
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- Boozman's letter is the first word I have
read from a member of Congress warning against what has happened under
similar 'hate crimes' legislation in other countries. It is clear Boozman
and probably his legislative aides absorbed the logic, argumentation, and
even some phraseology from my flyer. It is not an easy task to persuade
a very busy and distracted politician away from the usual cant in favor
of the hate bill. Yet, despite ADL propaganda, this politician has been
resoundingly persuaded!
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- Also significant is Boozman's observation
that "many are concerned" about the possibility that a federal
hate law, originally passed to end violent hate crimes, might, as a result
of legal precedents, broaden to criminalize "verbal violence"
(i.e., unpleasant speech.) Who are the "many" critics Boozman
refers to? Callers protesting H.R.254! The American Family Association
alone estimates that perhaps two million of its members expressed disapproval
to Congress. Boozman may also be alluding to his many Congressional colleagues,
including their legislative staffs. I believe his letter reflects growing
apprehension about the hate bill among both Democrats and Republicans in
Congress. Call Democrats' offices, and they will likely minimize the number
of calls protesting the hate bill. Call Republicans, and most will tell
you protest is heavy. Fortunately, after a brief lull, we are told calls
are heavy again.
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- Conscience of a Congressman
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- Many callers to the radio talk shows on which
I speak are skeptical that any member of Congress listens to his constituents
- or even his own conscience. Yet Boozman's letter is proof to the contrary.
It should powerfully encourage lovers of freedom to keep sending my hate
laws flyer, available at <http://www.truthtellers.org/>www.truthtellers.org,
to all three members of Congress from their district. Send it also to their
legislative staff members. (Total flyers to be mailed: about 24.) This
flyer was designed to convince legal and legislative experts within House
and Senate offices through argumentation that cannot be resisted. It may
be more compelling to this audience than calls, no matter how numerous.
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- Taking the Offensive
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- There is even more we can do to arouse Congressional
opposition to the bill. Many Republicans in Congress, perhaps from your
district, oppose the hate bill. If you are one of their constituents, why
not write, fax, or email them suggesting they do more than simply vote
against the hate bill? Encourage them to further research this issue at
<http://www.truthtellers.org/>www.truthtellers.org and plan to speak
out on the floor of the House or Senate.
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- Also, impress on your elected representatives
the urgent need for congressional hearings on the "anti-hate"
bill. This momentous legislation, leading to a radically new "bias-orientation"
justice system and end of states' rights in law enforcement, is being ramrodded
through Congress with neither the knowledge nor consent of the American
people. Hate crimes experts, such as legislative researcher Robert L. Knight
and Canadian free speech leader Paul Fromm, should be invited to explain
the fallacies and consequences of hate laws, especially focusing on the
Canadian experience over the past 37 years. The hate bill's only chance
of passing is to advance swiftly, silently, with Congress ignorant of its
real intention. If the opposite happens and feisty Republicans take to
the floor, informing members of what happened in Canada, Europe, and Australia,
then the Anti-Defamation League's hopes of passage are doomed. It may well
be that if H.R. 254 cannot pass Congress, even under such favorable circumstances
(Democratic control), then the hate bill, at least in its present form,
may never be resurrected.
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- Few members of Congress have the courage
to mount an offensive unless they are assured of support from constituents.
It is important that you thank and encourage them. The conversion of Rep.
Boozman to hate bill opponent is a powerful reminder that, if the people
rise up and take action, they can still change the direction and destiny
of America. The Power of the People is not just a forgotten memory. It
may slumber, but it can yet be incited to erupt in volcanic fury. Armed
with the power of God and the whole truth, the will of the people can yet
become an irresistible force -- a force no government can defy or restrain.
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- Letter:
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- Rev. Ted Pike is director of the National
Prayer Network, a Christian/conservative watchdog group.
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- Go tovideo.google.com for the whole story
of how ADL took away free speech in Canada and wants to do the same in
America. Watch Rev. Pike's "Hate Crimes: Making Criminals of Christians,"
also available at www.truthtellers.org in VHS or DVD for $24.90 postpaid.
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- TALK SHOW HOSTS: Interview Rev. Ted Pike
on this subject at 503-631-3808.
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