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Amendment Offered to Protect Grassroots Lobbying
Focus on the Family Citizenlink ^ | 1-11-2007 | Stephen Adams

Posted on 01/12/2007 11:18:34 AM PST by pctech

Fax your senators a prewritten message that you support the amendment to strike Section 220 of S. 1.

A legislative fix was offered today that could kill an onerous measure in the Senate that threatens the right of citizens to influence their lawmakers.

It all depends on how the votes line up next week.

The lobbying-reform bill numbered S. 1 contains a provision -- Section 220 -- that would require grassroots organizations and churches to file federal reports on communications that urge people to speak out on public-policy issues.

Tens of thousands of phone calls, faxes and e-mails in opposition to the provision flooded Senate offices in response to appeals from groups including Focus on the Family Action.

Sen. Robert Bennett, R-Utah, introduced an amendment to strike the provision according to his communications director, Emily Christensen.

An aide to Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said he is a co-sponsor of the amendment. That’s significant because not only is McConnell now minority leader in the Senate, but he’s also one of the Republican co-sponsors of S. 1.

Focus on the Family Action Chairman James C. Dobson, Ph.D., termed the legislation a “grave threat” to First Amendment rights. Consequently, Focus Action launched its first-ever petition drive on Wednesday to rally opposition to the provision.

The response was overwhelming. More than 18,000 faxes have been sent to senators’ offices by CitizenLink readers and listeners to the Wednesday Focus on the Family broadcast, in which Dobson sounded the alarm, along with Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, American Values President Gary Bauer and American Family Association President Donald Wildmon.

“Clearly, the objective here is to hide what goes on from the public,” Dobson said of the intent of Section 220. “And to punish and silence those of us who would talk about what the Congress is doing.”

Peter Brandt, senior director of issues response for Focus Action, explained that the petition gives concerned Americans another effective way to make their voices heard on Capitol Hill.

"We've long urged our constituents to call, e-mail and fax their lawmakers," Brandt said. "But they've told us they also want the flexibility that comes with being able to sign a petition -- and forward it to their friends and family. Other pro-family groups have been doing this for years, but we have waited until now so we could offer a unique experience that not only lets constituents speak their mind once -- but also keeps them up-to-date on issues they care about throughout the year."


TOPICS: Government; Miscellaneous
KEYWORDS: afa; aretheykidding; constitution; freedomofinformation; s1; senatebill1; whatacrock; whataretheythinking
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1 posted on 01/12/2007 11:18:36 AM PST by pctech
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To: Txsleuth; Mo1; onyx

I missed this this morning. Help is on the way!


2 posted on 01/12/2007 11:20:30 AM PST by Bahbah (.Regev, Goldwasser & Shalit, we are praying for you.)
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To: Bahbah

Thanks...will send some.


3 posted on 01/12/2007 11:28:04 AM PST by Txsleuth (FREEPATHON TIME-Please become a monthly donor, or Dollar a Day donor.)
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To: pctech
As long as your Senator is not john McCain. He likes restrictions on free speech.
4 posted on 01/12/2007 11:29:28 AM PST by msnimje (You simply cannot be Christian and Pro-Abortion.)
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To: pctech

The media ought to be required to comply with this law. Can we get our Congressman to offer up an amendment?


5 posted on 01/12/2007 11:40:24 AM PST by Brilliant
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To: Bahbah

Thank you!!!


6 posted on 01/12/2007 11:42:42 AM PST by onyx (DONATE NOW! -- It takes DONATIONS to keep FR running!!)
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To: Jim Robinson

FYI PING


7 posted on 01/12/2007 12:42:27 PM PST by Mo1 (PLEASE SUPPORT FREE REPUBLIC AND DONATE)
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To: Mo1

Woo hoo!! Hope these guys are getting the message!


8 posted on 01/12/2007 12:47:58 PM PST by Jim Robinson
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To: Mo1; All

I thought I heard on Dobson's radio program that he will be on Hannity and Colmes tonight. Someone, who knows more people than me, please send out pings to everyone you think will be interested!


9 posted on 01/12/2007 5:02:40 PM PST by pctech
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To: pctech

BTTT


10 posted on 01/12/2007 6:18:49 PM PST by Mo1 (PLEASE SUPPORT FREE REPUBLIC AND DONATE)
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To: Jim Robinson; Mo1; pctech
I am praying so hard about this. It is an abomination against our Constitution, this proposal. It is an openly proposed denial of our Rights to Assembly and to Petition for Redress of Grievances - they have no shame, these people. I thank our Mighty God the True Founder of all Free Nations that there are "watchmen on the walls" and strong men of leadership in place for such a time as this. O may God have mercy on America! Strengthen us in our just cause! Grant us victory over unashamed tyrants! Keep our nation free that we may remain the friend of Israel, who are Your Chosen People surrounded by enemies in our day, that we may gather and encourage one another in every just cause, keeping Your commandment: "and more and more as we see the Day approaching."

Almighty God, thank You for Free Republic. Preserve us in Thy Good Will. Save out the remnant for the Glory of Your Name, that Truth and Mercy, Life and Righteousness flourish among Your people here, and with the blessings we have in Liberty we may continue to be a beacon of hope for oppressed peoples throughout the earth!

It all depends on how the votes line up next week.

Lord, I remember in Your Hearing this word: the hearts of the leaders are in Your Hand like a watercourse, and Thou dost direct them as Thy will. Direct the votes this coming week to make use of this way out of a very evil proposal, that once again You may receive glory in all Your people here and everywhere for the Mighty Movement of Our Glorious God to deliver us from evil, amen!

11 posted on 01/13/2007 1:12:31 AM PST by .30Carbine
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To: msnimje

"As long as your Senator is not john McCain. He likes restrictions on free speech."

You said it!


12 posted on 01/13/2007 6:59:47 AM PST by Sun (Let your New Year's resolution be to vote for conservatives in the primaries! Happy 2007!)
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To: .30Carbine

You are very eloquent.


13 posted on 01/13/2007 7:01:38 AM PST by Hardastarboard (Hey! What happened to my tagline?)
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To: pctech

Thanks so much for posting this.


14 posted on 01/13/2007 12:32:52 PM PST by cyn
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To: pctech; EternalVigilance; Coleus; NYer; cpforlife.org; 8mmMauser; Mr. Silverback; MHGinTN; ...

Did we know about this unbelievable attack on first amendment rights before Sun's posting Thursday of the original bill at http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1766262/posts ? I didn't!

acc to info on bill at http://www.congress.org/congressorg/issues/bills/?billnum=S.1&congress=110&size=full SB1 was introduced in the Senate on 1/4 .


15 posted on 01/13/2007 12:43:20 PM PST by cyn
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bump


16 posted on 01/13/2007 2:29:37 PM PST by cyn
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To: .30Carbine

thanks, .30 ... Amen.


17 posted on 01/13/2007 4:06:18 PM PST by cyn
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To: All

bump


18 posted on 01/13/2007 6:04:01 PM PST by Sun (Let your New Year's resolution be to vote for conservatives in the primaries! Happy 2007!)
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To: All; pctech

More:

http://www.aclj.org/media/pdf/HR4682ExecutiveSummary.pdf


19 posted on 01/13/2007 6:38:44 PM PST by Sun (Let your New Year's resolution be to vote for conservatives in the primaries! Happy 2007!)
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To: pctech

From the OP link:

"An aide to Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said he is a co-sponsor of the amendment. That’s significant because not only is McConnell now minority leader in the Senate, but he’s also one of the Republican co-sponsors of S. 1."

Why would Sen. Mitch McConnel sign the original, S. 1, and then sign the amendment?

Did he see the error of his ways, or am I missing something?


20 posted on 01/13/2007 6:48:35 PM PST by Sun (Let your New Year's resolution be to vote for conservatives in the primaries! Happy 2007!)
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