What We Are Up Against
Senators get 705,000-plus letters opposing ‘hate crimes’
Anyone who reads my blog regularly knows that I’m a major cheerleader for grassroots constituent advocacy. Making contact with your elected official is the single most important thing a person can do other than vote. but the linked article below demonstrates a bit about just what we are up against with our opposition. The article is specifically about national hate crimes legislation, but the opposition to any GLBTQ-related legislation is based on the same bigotry against homosexuality. They are doing everything in their power to stop any progress on any front whatsoever.
What I find so henious about this is the level of dishonesty involved:
“This could create a chilling effect on religious speech, connecting innocent expression of religious belief to acts of violence against individuals afforded special protections,” he wrote. “The criminalization of religious speech, such as speech against the practice of homosexuality, has already been seen in other countries with similar hate crimes legislation in place.”
Radio talk icon Rush Limbaugh has warned his audience about the advancing threat of “hate crimes” laws.
“Some people are going to be put in jail for things that they say,” he said. “Hate crime legislation. That’s where they determine what’s in your mind when you commit a crime. That’s when they decide what you were thinking … If you were thinking unapproved thoughts, that would make the crime you committed even worse.”
This is all, of course crazy if you look at the bill, and what it actually says. But the opposition will stop at nothing to maintain hatred and bigotry.
Numbers like 705, 000 letters sounds overwhelming. That may not be true either, but no matter how many letters were actually received, it isn’t a small number. It cold be easy to feel discouraged and wonder why bother. But in reality, now is the time we have to step it up even more. But I think we must make wise and strategic decision on where we put our time and energy. There is no area of civil rights legislation that is unimportant. We could go round and round trying to decide should we go for hate crimes, or nondiscrimination, or ending DADT, or [fill in the name of your favorite GLBTQ-related issue]. but the truth is we can’t do it all, all at once. So, can we look at it from the standpoint of where can we make real progress, and get the most bang for our buck?
I’m a big believer in working first, at the local and regional level, and then at the state level, for I think it is easier for the average person to have an impact in these areas. I am not a fan of the recent suggestions for a March on Washington for October. What are we going to do? Get 400,000-600,000 thousand people there and put on a show, and to what end? Our opponents can get more letters to Washington that we can get bodies there! but I’m also willing to have my mind changed on Washington. I just don’t see a strategy, or any explanation of what the March will do. but I’m open to it.
There has never been a time where it was more important for every GLBTQ person to get involved in some way, shape, or form. Even the littlest of action is needed. but most importantly, we need thousands and thousands of gay, bi, lesbian, trans, queer and straight supporting people to get out there, and make a difference. Come out! Talk about the issues and how they impact you and the people you love. Advocate for legislation in your city, region, or state. Even at the National level. Know what is going on! Confront hatred and lies with facts and real information.
We will not achieve full equality over night, but failure to get involved and take action now may prolong the struggle indefinitely. When you look at what we are up against, we can only succeed if we are all in this one together.
Senators get 705,000-plus letters opposing ‘hate crimes’.
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