Read at "Time Goes By" about why passage of this bill, now having been forwarded to the Senate, is of such concern and must be prevented with its present wording. But it is that wording that should alarm every citizen. The possibility of setting up a commission that can police thought is an assault on our personal liberties. The bill's potential is that if we disagree with government policies, we could be subject to this law as it is written, despite wording supposedly giving assurance otherwise.
This amendment to the Homeland Security Act of 2002 titled the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism and Prevention Act of 2007, designated H.R.1955 was overwhelming approved by the House of Representatives 23 October by a 404 to 6 vote. Rep. Jane Harmon {Dem-CA} sponsored this bill. Only six members of the House of Representatives voted against the bill. I still have not read anything in the mainstream press about the issues this bill presents which elicits concerns, also.
The degree of my concern is such that I mention this issue again to urge everyone to contact their Congress persons to determine why they voted for this bill and protest their having done so. Most important now is to contact our Senators to protest the passage of this bill, since they are the final legislative group to consider it. The Bill, if passed by the Senate would then require only the President's signature to become law, and there is no reason to believe he would not do so.
I strongly urge everyone who is not familiar with this issue to follow this link to Ronni Bennett's "Time Goes By" blog feature - H.R. 1955 Thought Crime Index. She has objectively and succinctly assessed the bill, and why we citizens should all make every effort to prevent this amendments passage and enactment into law. Pros and cons are discussed in comments there. A direct link to the bill is provided so you can read the actual written language that is of concern.
I am so glad I have found my way to your site. I took your advice and read "As Time Goes By" Re: The Thought Crime Assault Bill, and agree with your view point wholeheartedly.
ReplyDeleteI intend to copy and paste all pertinent information on my blog in an effort to inform any readers I have, if they are not already aware, of the situation.
I remember a time when Americans would not have sat still for the BS of the last seven years and would have protested and gotten involved in an effort to make the needed changes.
The present regime reminds me of the magician's trick... while the right hand is busy keeping your attention, the left-hand is busy sweeping the rug out from under you.
What a wonderful movie and book recommendation. This is a must-see on my list after you have written this. I would think that my good friend, now suffering from total paralysis from Lou Gehrig's, must be able to relate to this. I wish the movie was available by DVD so she could see it.
ReplyDeleteHope you had a wonderful holiday.