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."
I missed this this morning. Help is on the way!
Thanks...will send some.
The media ought to be required to comply with this law. Can we get our Congressman to offer up an amendment?
Thank you!!!
FYI PING
Woo hoo!! Hope these guys are getting the message!
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!
BTTT
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!
"As long as your Senator is not john McCain. He likes restrictions on free speech."
You said it!
You are very eloquent.
Thanks so much for posting this.
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 .
bump
thanks, .30 ... Amen.
bump
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?
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