House Passes Defense Bill--and Hate Crimes Bill

Here is a perfect example of muling, the process of attaching an unpopular bill to one more likely to pass. This is how you get the strange coupling of defense and hate crimes. How did they rationalize attaching hate crimes to defense? Why the military "don't ask don't tell" policy of course! So now we have the crazy situation of Democrats who voting for the defense bill so they can get the hate crime bill passed and Republicans voting against the defense bill so they can vote against the hate crimes bill! It's a crazy legislative world and it just goes to show you that you have to track certain bills very carefully. For example, US Rep Harry Reid (D-Nevada) has threatened to use this same process to get the Health Care Reform Bill passed if it doesn't pass on its own. Muling usually involves a lot of wheeling and dealing, behind-scenes-meetings and informal discussions. You would be shocked at how many deals are made over lunch and during golf games. Thus it is important never to take it for granted that a bill won't pass. If reps are determined to get something passed they have many avenues at their disposal so even if an unpopular bill is defeated the first time around always look for it to surface either in another form or attached to something else. The best defense (no pun intended) is to be thoroughly educated in the legislative process and let your reps know you are aware of the process and you are watching closely.

By the way, the Defense/Hate Crimes Bill is expected to pass the Senate. There is still time to contact your Senators and demand they vote against it but don't be surprised if your Senator votes for it just to get the Defense Bill passed. Be very aware though that its passage will mean we will be stuck with a Hate Crimes Bill that misguidedly extends protection to pedophiles and exposes clergy to potential prosecution if they speak out against homosexuality. The best thing to do is contact your Senators and let them know you know about the Hate Crimes Bill. Demand that they defeat the Defense Bill in its current form and start over without the Hate Crimes Bill attachment. Demand that pedophiles not be included Hate Crimes Bill protections and above all demand protection for clergy! Remember stay alert, stay informed and stay tuned in to the legislative process!