Posted on 05/02/2007 5:46:11 AM PDT by radar101
In George Orwell’s classic novel 1984, the government Thought Police constantly spies on citizens to make sure they are not thinking rebellious thoughts. Thought crimes are severely punished by Big Brother.
1984 was intended as a warning against totalitarian governments that enslave and control their citizens. Never have we needed this warning more urgently than now, because America’s Thought Police are knocking on your door.
Last week the House Judiciary Committee, egged on by radical homosexual groups, passed what can only be called a Thought Crimes bill. It’s called the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act. But this bill is not about hate. It’s not even about crime. It’s about outlawing peaceful speech—speech that asserts that homosexual behavior is morally wrong.
Some say we need this law to prevent attacks on homosexuals. But we already have laws against assaults on people and property. Moreover, according to the FBI, crimes against homosexuals in the United States have dropped dramatically in recent years. In 2005, out of 863,000 cases of aggravated assault, just 177 cases were crimes of bias against homosexuals—far less than even 1 percent.
Another problem is that in places where hate crimes laws have been passed, hate crimes have been defined to include verbal attacks—and even peaceful speech. The Thought Police have already prosecuted Christians under hate crimes laws in England, Sweden, Canada, and even in some places in the United States.
If this dangerous law passes, pastors who preach sermons giving the biblical view of homosexuality could be prosecuted. Christian businessmen who refuse to print pro-gay literature could be prosecuted. Groups like Exodus International, which offer therapy to those with unwanted same-sex attraction, could be shut down.
In classic 1984 fashion, peaceful speech will be redefined as a violent attack worthy of punishment.
This is the unspoken goal of activist groups. We know this because during the debate over the bill last week, Congressman Mike Pence (R) of Indiana offered a Freedom of Religion amendment to this hate crimes bill. It asked that nothing in this law limit the religious freedom of any person or group under the Constitution. The committee refused to adopt it. It also refused to adopt amendments protecting other groups from hate crimes—like members of the military, who are often targets of verbal attacks and spitting. They also shot down amendments that would protect the homeless and senior citizens, also often targeted by criminals. Nothing doing, the committee said—the only group they wanted to protect: homosexuals.
Clearly, the intent of this law is not to prevent crime, but to shut down freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of thought. Its passage would strike at the very heart of our democracy.
The full Congress may vote on this bill as early as this week. Unless you want Big Brother telling you what to say, what to think, and what to believe, I urge you to contact your congressman immediately, urging him or her to vote against this bill. If you visit the BreakPoint website, you’ll find more information about this radical law.
If we do nothing, 1984 will no longer be fiction, and Big Brother will be watching you and me—ready to punish the “wrong” thoughts.
BTTT
Freedom of speech? Only approved speech. Freedom of though? Only approved thought. And the left worries about McCarthyism?
I would love to think that the Supreme Court would not let such a law stand, at the very least because it violates the penumbra and emanations of the liberties our Constitution implies. (hey, if that reasoning works for something that libs love, then why not use it elsewhere?) But I am not so foolish. The present Court has too many justices who don’t know a threat to real liberty when they see it.
Land of the used-to-be-free.
Exactly! Well said in post #3.
I want my country back.
Sadly I think you are right...
nice...
If they pass it, let the SOBS try to enforce it. These idiots forget the rebellious nature of True Americans.
Land of the used-to-be-free, and home of the used-to-be-brave....
Liberals in the House of Representatives are pushing for a “discharge petition” to force a vote on the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2001, H.R. 1343. This effort is being spearheaded by John Conyers (D-MI). This petition currently has 44 supporters. The discharge petition needs 218 to force the legislation to a vote.
If passed, this legislation will provide special legal protections for homosexuals—and even cross-dressers and transgenders—as a minority class under federal law.
Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Gordon Smith (R-OR) are pushing the same bill in the Senate.
Sticks and Stones may break my Bones,
But words are a hate crime.
Lev 18:22 (KJV)
Whoops, I just committed a hate crime.
IMO, you cited a higher law.
All I can say is THANK GOD, THE REPUBLICANS FINALLY HAVE BEEN TAUGHT A LESSON.
Next election, I think I’m going to join the ‘teach’em a lesson’ crowd and vote for someone who can’t win. That way my conscience will be clear.
At least we have better arms than muzzle loaders now.
Secular Humanists only recognize themselves as the law. Quoting Scripture (to them) is like adding insult to injury.
This says it all. There is no hate of homosexuals in this country. If it weren't for the homo-activists there would hardly be any anger towards them at all. In general Americans are not haters. Leftists are though.
Religious expression is really the same topic since quoting the Bible is now walking on thin ice, or as in the article I just pinged out - even quotes such as "In God We Trust" are are illegal according to the God haters.
Hate crimes laws are truly Orwellian.
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