Follow-Up on Dr. Dobson's Message

Dear Concerned Citizens, We are thrilled to tell you that the "Meehan-Shays Amendment" the "Grassroots Gag Bill" we've been alerting you about since January was killed Thursday in the House Judiciary Committee. This is a victory made possible by concerned citizens like you, who made their voices heard. Thanks to your phone calls and petitions, we will be able to continue informing you of the latest issues in the culture war. The "Meehan-Shays Amendment" was possibly the most dangerous bill introduced yet in the 110th Congress because it would have severely limited free-speech rights. Because of that, this victory is the biggest pro-family victory we've seen this session. The bill would have made it nearly impossible for groups like Focus Action to update you on important legislative issues by creating miles of new red tape.

Freedom of Speech Petitions Delivered to House Judiciary Committee Democrats

More than 130,000 petitions were signed, and on Tuesday we delivered petitions to the Democratic House Judiciary Committee members. Within two days of delivery, these petitions, along with the thousands of calls and e-mails flooding the Hill this week, clearly impacted the committee members and their vote on this amendment. Click here to listen to Dr. Dobson congratulate the concerned citizens – including you – who successfully petitioned our government in opposition to this bill, at the top of the May 18 broadcast ("Understanding the Threat of Radical Islam," Part 2 of 2).

But we're not quite out of the woods yet. This dangerous grassroots-lobbying language could be added back in before the full House vote on the broad lobbying-reform bill next week.

Rest assured that we will continue to update you about any new developments leading up to the House vote. We are honored to be your eyes and ears in Washington, D.C. Thank you for helping protect our freedom of speech and congratulations on being an integral part of this victory for our constitutional rights.


P.S. A few weeks ago, we told you about two bills that will directly threaten our First Amendment freedoms of speech and religion. These bills, the Hate Crimes Act and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) will be coming up for consideration in Congress soon. There's still time to make your voice heard on these bills, so that's why we're asking you to sign this petition and forward this e-mail to your family and friends, so they, too, can sign the Hate Crimes/ENDA petition.

An Important Message from Dr. Dobson!

Here is a message we recently received from Focus on the Family Action.

Dear Concerned Americans,

Last week we alerted you that the dangerous legislation that would make it much more difficult for groups like Focus Action to keep you abreast of what's taking place in Washington, D.C., had been introduced in the House of Representatives. This week we've learned the bill will be moving very quickly – but there's still time for you to stand up for our freedom of speech.

Initially scheduled for a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee May 15, a broader "lobby reform" bill is now slated for consideration on May 17. At that time, the Meehan–Shays language (currently the language of HR 2093, which was introduced last week) is expected to be added to the reform bill.

The broader reform bill itself will address many ethical problems associated with paid lobbyists. However, the Meehan-Shays amendment is directed at efforts to educate and motivate the "grassroots" – concerned citizens like you – to make their voices heard by Congress. No ethics scandal will be solved by making it more difficult for Dr. Dobson to keep you updated about what our elected officials are doing!

We know this bill – with the Meehan-Shays amendment – will be on the House floor by next week. It's crucial that you do everything you can to stop this threat to our freedom of speech dead in its tracks. We have heard reports that congressional offices are being flooded with calls, and we need to keep the pressure on. Here are a few things you can do:

• Call the members of the House Judiciary Committee and urge them to reject the Meehan-Shays amendment or any similar language that will make it more difficult for the grassroots to communicate with Congress. Contact information for the committee members is available here. You are free to contact these members even if they are not your own representative.
  
• Call your representative and urge him or her to oppose the Meehan-Shays amendment or any attempt to interfere with the right of Americans to make their views heard by their members of Congress. Contact information is available here.
  
• Forward this petition update to your family and friends who may not have had a chance to sign the "Freedom of Speech" and "Hate Crimes and ENDA" petitions.

It is time to stand strong for our right to be informed and be heard. Thank you for making your voice heard.