Senate Bill S.1 and Repression of Grassroots Activism By Wayne Olson Published: 2007-01-12 21:59 Email this page | printer friendly version Digg this!
ARTICLE SYNOPSIS:
The Democrat controlled 110th Congress is pushing to pass lobbying and disclosure laws which could be used to silence grassroots organizations.
Follow this link to the source article: "Grassroots lobby girds for battle"
COMMENTARY:
On January 4, 2007, promptly after the swearing in of new senators, Senate Bill S. 1 (a high priority lobbying and ethics bill) was introduced titled: LEGISLATIVE TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2007, "a bill to provide greater transparency in the legislative process." The bill purports to impose lobbying reform upon what Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (NV-D) called "a culture of corruption." It is also hoped this bi-partisan bill will rein in the abuse of earmarks, which are pet projects buried within complex bills.
Complex bills also facilitate the passage of obscure, deceptive legislation that can easily be hidden within a large, multifaceted bill. This "ethics" bill appears to be one such trojan horse containing a section that would have a smothering effect on grassroots activism.
Section 220 of Senate Bill S.1 (scroll down to Section 220 on page 31) would impose regulatory and reporting requirements, with the risk of heavy penalties, upon individuals and entities that spend money to reach more than 500 people for the purpose of encouraging "grass roots" activity, such as simply contacting a member of Congress with an opinion about an issue. See The American Family Association Online Review of Senate Bill 1 (Section 220).
Affected organizations aware of the risk are on ultra high alert to rally "grass roots" opposition to Section 220 of Senate Bill S.1. It is particularly poignant that at stake is the very right to rally such a public outcry free from the repressive regulations that Section 220 would bring about if passed.
On Thursday, January 11th, Senator Bob Bennett (UT-R) proposed Amendment S.AMDT.20 "To strike a provision relating to paid efforts to stimulate grassroots lobbying." Time is of the essence for getting Section 220 stricken from Senate Bill S.1, which could be rushed through passage within days.
If this bill passes we will not be able to investigate senate proceedings.
There is another bill that has just been passed that is going to remove another natural way to make ourselves well. As of July 1, 2007 they will remove Lugol's Iodine from OTC sales. You will not be able to purchse this remedy.
