Comments on: Dem Congressman explains ‘No’ vote on hate crimes

By: Matt

Matt — Fri, 11 May 2007 04:48:10 +0000

Thank you Bil for the work you have done in getting both Congressmen as well as Joe posting and starting a much needed conversation on this issue. Here in North Carolina we also have Democrats who saw fit to vote against the bill. Both Heath Shuler and Mike McIntyre voted no on the hate crimes legislation.

By: Bil Browning

Bil Browning — Fri, 11 May 2007 03:39:43 +0000

HRC President Joe Solmonese responded to the two Congressmen in his own guest post too. You know, I’m proud of my site for the debate and spectacularly intelligent comments it’s spawned. Both Congressmen knew they’d have to face an unhappy crowd, but did it willingly. Would you? They’re willing to be educated on why they should have voted in favor of the legislation… If Bush vetoes the bill, we may need them. And between the comments and Joe’s post, it’s pretty darn convincing over there.

By: Matt

Matt — Thu, 10 May 2007 18:24:59 +0000

You’re right Kip… I assumed the calls, letters and emails came from people in his constituency. Knowing the religious right, I’m sure it was just an email blast from all over the country.

By: KipEsquire

KipEsquire — Thu, 10 May 2007 16:27:36 +0000

“Five times more people in his constituency told him to vote against it.”

That’s not what he said — see the comments at that post.

And it’s also irrelevant one way or the other.

By: Bil Browning

Bil Browning — Wed, 09 May 2007 16:34:43 +0000

I forgot to add, Representative Brad Ellsworth, Indiana’s other Democratic Rep who voted NO, will be guest blogging tomorrow to explain his vote as well.

By: Bil Browning

Bil Browning — Wed, 09 May 2007 16:32:10 +0000

Thanks for the link, Matt. I hope your readers will take the time to comment on Joe Donnelly’s post to express their frustrations with his vote (politely, of course!). The Congressman has said he’d be checking in a few times to read comments and respond.

He got very few e-mails in support of the legislation from the district. Let’s show him that he’s on a national stage and that the bill affects those of us outside his conservative district too by giving him a lot of comments to read and think about.

After all, if Bush vetoes this, we may need his vote! And he IS swayable…

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 09 May 2007 15:50:17 +0000

He is a “Representative.” Five times more people in his constituency told him to vote against it. Right or wrong, he did his job. We have the support for hate crimes legislation… we need to do a better job at empowering and motivating our base….

Speaking of which…. Contribute to Activate! The North Carolina Advocacy Coalition

By: KipEsquire

KipEsquire — Wed, 09 May 2007 15:44:48 +0000

In a sense it’s almost refreshing to see a politician admit that he is soulless automaton.