York, PA state congressman trying to deny constitutional rights of the York 912 Patriots.
Original York Daily Record Newspaper article from 9.21.11:
Here is the press release...Congressman Platts Uses Intimidation Tactics to Silence the York 912 Patriots
York, PA – September 20, 2011 - Congressman Platts uses intimidation tactics in an attempt to silence the York 912 Patriots, a grassroots organization that has been outspoken against the congressman’s voting record and performance in congress.
On September 15th, the York 912 Patriots hosted a free viewing of the movie Agenda, Grinding American Down which details the history of the communist/socialist agenda and its implementation in the United States. Following the movie, the Patriots, as they had done in past meetings, highlighted Congressman Platts’ voting record, “a record that seems to be in sync with the socialist agenda, and is riddled with Constitutional abuses to include the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 also known as The Incumbent Protection Act,” says Elizabeth Roberts, 912 Organizer.
Congressman Platts attended the meeting, unannounced, and upon conclusion of the presentation on his voting record requested that he be given the time to “rebut the allegations.” Months prior, an open invitation was sent to all York’s representatives encouraging them to attend meetings, and offered them time at the podium provided they called in advance to be placed on the meeting’s agenda. Congressman Platts’ was also allotted over an hour at last month’s meeting to explain why he made specific votes that were being brought to light. Due to the late hour, the Patriots declined his request.
After the meeting, the Congressman approached the group’s President, Scott Burkholder, and another 912 member, Joel Solomon, and queried, “Do you know you have to file with the FEC because you are advocating for the removal of a federal congressman?” He then cited an FEC regulation that limits the amount of money that can be spent in opposition to a federal congressman as $1000.00, stating the Patriots exceeded the allowable amount with the purchase of the meeting place, anti-RINO t-shirts and anti-Platts bumper stickers; an allegation which is not true.
The following day, the Congressman called the York 912 President, Scott Burkholder, at home to guide him to the FEC’s website and the regulation that the Patriots supposedly violated.
After researching the constitutionally illegal FEC regulations and consulting with a federal elections attorney, Burkholder realized the law that Platts was referring to stemmed from the The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, which Platts voted in favor of. Since the law’s conception, its opposition has argued the law is a clear violation of the First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
The York 912 Patriots feel the Congressman’s actions constitute a threat meant to weaken their resolve as an educational organization and proves once again, by citing and voting for legislation that is a clear violation of our constitutional rights, the point the Patriots were trying to make at their meeting: Congressman Platts is not a true conservative.
The updated article from 9.22.11 can be found here:
http://www.ydr.com/politics/ci_18948224
