CONGRESSMAN AWAKENS TO HATE BILL THREAT
By Rev. Ted Pike
6 Mar 07
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.
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.”
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!”
Breaking ADL Control in Congress
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!
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.
Conscience of a Congressman
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 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.
Taking the Offensive
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 www.truthtellers.org and plan to speak out on the floor of the
House or Senate.
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.
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.
Letter:
Rev. Ted Pike is director of the National Prayer Network, a Christian/conservative
watchdog group.
Go to video.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.
TALK SHOW HOSTS: Interview Rev. Ted Pike on this subject at 503-631-3808.
National Prayer Network, P.O. Box 828, Clackamas,
OR 97015
