Friday, April 20, 2012

Virginia HB1160 Enacted Into Law

Lots of Tea Partiers have been e-mailing back and forth about Virginia's House Bill #1160, which officially provides that Virginia law enforcement will not participate in the military detention of U.S. citizens without a trial.

Those of us who followed the General Assembly's proceedings online last winter remember that HB1160 was very popular with voters and legislators, but Governor McDonnell hung back on actually signing it into law, apparently fearing that supporting this bill might make him seem too right-wing to his fellow Republicans (?!?!).

Although the bill's function is symbolic, and the National Defense Authorization Act that provoked it will soon be subject to reenactment--without the objectionable clauses that seemed to provide for possible use of U.S. troops to violate the U.S. Constitution, we can hope--it's a pleasure to report that a critical number of Republicans have reassured Governor McDonnell, and HB1160 is law at last.

This web site officially thanks Jim Babka, who I think is actually based in D.C., but whatever, for being first to report the good news. In fact I'm so grateful I'm going to share his e-mail, which contains live links to a legitimate nonprofit organization I recommend to the attention of anyone who's feeling munificent:

Together, we've struck two big blows against the NDAA legalized kidnapping provisions

GOOD NEWS!

Downsize DC Foundation proposed it, you funded it, and we did it. Our attorneys filed the amicus brief in the lawsuit being brought against the Federal State's new legalized kidnapping "law." This can be a powerful case with a great lead plaintiff, Pulitzer Prize winning reporter Chris Hedges.

As usual, our brief makes unique arguments. We hope these claims help Mr. Hedges acquire standing, so that his case will go forward and this bad "law" will be overturned.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to make this happen. The deadline was tight, but Bill Olson and his team delivered the goods. I'll be sharing more about this soon. Meanwhile, there's more good news . . .

WE'VE WON A BIG VICTORY

Delegate Bob Marshall of Virginia called me Wednesday night to once again thank DownsizeDC.org. Why? Just yesterday, HB 1160 was signed into law!

Starting July 1, Virginia officials are prohibited from aiding Federal agents in the kidnapping of American citizens.

You played a big part in this. Remember, it looked like we might lose this fight. But you helped bring the victory, and Delegate Marshall asked me to convey his thanks to you.

And I want to return the thanks to him for introducing this legislation.

I also want to applaud our attorney, Bill Olson, who played a big role in this outcome too. Bill Olson is a great partner, and a big part of our success.

NOW . . .

We hope you like how we deliver progress and victories. You make our work possible.

Right now, DownsizeDC.org is $3,500 short of its budget for April, with only 10 days left. Can you contribute to close the gap?

Your support will bring more progress soon.

Jim Babka
President
DownsizeDC.org, Inc.
& Downsize DC Foundation


We also thank Delegate Marshall for his work on behalf of HB1160, and Delegates Kilgore, Crockett, and all the others who contributed to its success in the General Assembly.

One minor correction...I didn't fund Mr. Hedges' lawsuit, although if I were wealthy I might have chipped in. This was a group e-mail. If I'd inherited my late husband's money I'd be able to support religious or political causes. I didn't. I'm penniless. That's why I need you to support this web site, as a sponsor, by buying any book or product listed for sale here, or just as a reader showing appreciation...you'd pay five or ten dollars for a printed magazine, and you must admit there's as much good stuff at this site, by now, as there would be in a printed magazine.

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