House Passes "Thought Crimes" Act

[CurtisLow]

House Passes "Thought Crimes" Act
Senator_Specter@specter.senate.gov

Reply

Dear Mr. Burns: (changed name)

Thank you for contacting my office regarding the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007.

I appreciate your taking the time to bring your views on this important matter to my attention. As a United States Senator, it is essential that I be kept fully informed on the issues of concern to my constituents. Be assured that I will keep your thoughts on maintaining civil liberties in mind when the Senate considers this or related issues during the 110th Congress.

The concerns of my constituents are of great importance to me, and I rely on you and other Pennsylvanians to inform me of your views. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office or visit my website at http://specter.senate.gov. Thank you again for writing.

Sincerely,

Arlen Specter


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BS!
Well at least I tried...

[Lois]

Yes, thanks for trying.

It's the thought that counts :)

[NoxTwilight]

Yeah my congressman had the nerve to tell me I "misunderstood" what it was about. I tell you I was livid! Hey i'll just paste it so you can see! I have never voted for him (thank god) nor will I ever - his days are numbered I can tell you.


Thank you for your contacting me regarding H.R. 1955, the
Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act
of 2007. While I appreciate your concern, I am afraid you have
misunderstood this bill and its implications.

This bill does not, in any way, limit the constitutional rights of
Americans, including freedom of speech. Nor does it prevent
Americans from speaking out against the government when they
disagree with its policies. Rather, this bill recognizes that the
United States, like many countries, is vulnerable to homegrown
terror, as evidenced by the actions of Timothy McVeigh and
Theodore Kaczynski. Indeed, the threat today is infinitely greater
and more likely to be influenced by events in the Middle East and
the Bush Administration's failed foreign policy.

H.R. 1955 seeks to understand the root causes of radicalization by
creating a National Commission on the Prevention of Violent
Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism, as well as a Center of
Excellence for the Prevention of Radicalization and Home Grown
Terrorism, to examine the social, criminal, political, psychological
and economic roots of domestic terrorism. The bill also requires
the Department of Homeland Security and other Federal agencies
to work with U.S. allies to learn about their experiences with
homegrown terror. Moreover, the bill expressly states that the
constitutional rights of Americans shall not be violated in the
government's effort to prevent homegrown terrorism.

While free speech, including speech espousing even radical beliefs,
is protected by the Constitution, violent behavior is not. I believe
homegrown terrorism is a potential threat to our nation that we
must combat aggressively. However, we can do so without
violating the constitutional rights of Americans.

I hope this letter explains my vote on H.R. 1955 and allays any
concerns you may have regarding this bill. Please be assured that I
work diligently to protect the constitutional rights of all Americans
and will continue to do so.
Sincerely,

MIKE THOMPSON
Member of Congress
http://www.mikethompson.house.gov