Protect Your Right to Freedom of Speech
About the Petition: The U.S. Senate is poised to consider a bill that
could keep you from finding out what the politicians are doing in Washington,
D.C.
The very first bill introduced in the Senate by the new Democrat majority
aims to clean up recent lobbying scandals that have plagued the halls of
our government. While most of the bill is good, it contains a provision,
Section 220, which will severely limit your ability to stay abreast of
the important issues facing our country – harming the ability of
organizations such as Focus on the Family Action to share that information
with you.
At least you have to give the Democrats credit for working fast and hard
on their left-wing agenda. When the Republicans ran the Senate, they didn't
do much of anything!
If this horrible new bill passes communications from Focus Action, known
as "grassroots communications," will be tied up in miles of new
red tape. These bureaucratic restrictions are unconscionable, and failure
to comply could result in $100,000 fines.
It's clear that this is a concerted effort to silence the voice of Americans
by making it harder for you to know what's happening. At the same time,
Section 220 will create a loophole for labor unions, trade associations
and foreign corporations. How's that for fairness?
It's imperative that you take this opportunity to express your outrage
about Section 220 of S. 1 by signing the petition below. Focus Action will
deliver your petition to your senators.
After you sign, you'll receive an e-mail inviting you to forward the petition
to your friends and family. Everyone who cares about their right to be
involved in the democratic process and their right to free speech should
sign this petition. In addition, Focus on the Family Action will send you
regular updates on this bill as well as other important issues.
Thank you for taking a stand in defense of freedom of speech.
Update: In response to
an outpouring of phone calls, faxes and this petition effort, senators
rejected the unfair grassroots-communications provisions of S.1 by
stripping Section 220.
The House of Representatives is now considering a bill with language similar
to Section 220, aimed at restricting grassroots communications. The bill
is HR 2093, introduced by Reps. Marty Meehan (D-Mass.) and Chris Shays
(R-Conn.). It is possible that HR 2093 will be attached as an amendment
to a broader House lobby reform package that is set to be introduced soon.
Thus, the threat to our freedom of speech remains – and we need to remain
vigilant in defense of this freedom. Please continue to forward this petition
to your family and friends, so they, too, can help protect our right to
free speech.
The Petition States:
Dear Members of Congress,
As an American, I am outraged to learn that Congress is considering legislation
that will severely restrict my ability to know about the important
issues and votes being considered in Washington, D.C.
Unfair grassroots-communications provisions in bills like S. 1 are clearly designed to silence the voters who sent you to office to represent them, and prevent us from holding you accountable.
I am further outraged to learn that the organizations that serve as our eyes and ears in Washington will be burdened by outrageous red tape, while labor unions, trade associations and even foreign corporations will be exempted.
I urge you to use your considerable power and influence to ensure the unfair grassroots provisions are not included in S.1 or any other similar legislation, and our right to free speech is preserved.
