As U.S. citizens be alarmed that a foreign government, Israel, is lobbying U.S. politicians to restrict our rights.

Bill of Rights

1^st 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.

SENATORS WORKING TO SLIP ISRAEL ANTI-BOYCOTT LAW THROUGH IN LAME DUCK

The Senate measure, which has a House companion, is part of a broad push to undermine support of BDS in both the U.S. and Europe, often conflating the boycott with anti-Semitism. According to the activist group Palestine Legal, which monitors anti-BDS [Boycott, Sanctions, and Divestment movement] legislation across the country, as of June 2018, 25 states had enacted laws punishing businesses that choose to boycott Israel. In 2017, one city in Texas even required businesses to certify that they would not boycott Israel before receiving hurricane aid.

The Israel Anti-Boycott Act, which was introduced last year by Cardin and Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, would amend the 1979 Export Administration Act to allow penalties for companies who join boycotts of Israel called for by international institutions — like the United Nations or the European Union. The new version clarifies that people cannot face jail time for participating in a boycott, but the ACLU has argued that it still leaves the door open for criminal financial penalties. Defenders of the bill say that it is strictly aimed at preventing companies from facing pressure to boycott Israel and that it is not meant to restrict an individual’s free speech.

TEXAS CITY TELLS PEOPLE NO HURRICANE HARVEY AID UNLESS THEY PROMISE NOT TO BOYCOTT ISRAEL

HOUSTON — The city of Dickinson, Texas, is requiring applicants for Hurricane Harvey rebuilding funds to certify in writing that they will not take part in a boycott of Israel. The American Civil Liberties Union criticized the city’s condition as a violation of free speech rights.

“The First Amendment protects Americans’ right to boycott, and the government cannot condition hurricane relief or any other public benefit on a commitment to refrain from protected political expression,” said ACLU of Texas Legal Director Andre Segura. “Dickinson’s requirement is an egregious violation of the First Amendment, reminiscent of McCarthy-era loyalty oaths requiring Americans to disavow membership in the Communist party and other forms of ‘subversive’ activity.”

The city appears to be enforcing a recently passed Texas law that requires all state contractors to certify that they are not participating in boycotts of Israel. While the ACLU does not take a position on boycotts of foreign countries, the organization has long supported the right to participate in political boycotts and has voiced opposition to laws and bills that infringe on the right to boycott.

DYI:  This blogger is a Constitutional loving American who just happens to be Jewish.  If I want to boycott or criticize Israel – and I have in the past on this blog – it is my RIGHT along with yours as well.  This proposed legislation along with those laws enacted in 25 State is clearly UNAMERICAN!  This is a McCarthy era mentality being driven by a foreign government for their benefit.  This is obvious massive involvement by the Israeli government to change laws benefitting them and has successfully in 25 States.   I have to say this; the residents of Dickinson, Texas most likely never thought much about Israel whether positive or negative until this absurd “loyalty oath” had to be signed to receive Hurricane Harvey rebuilding funds.  You can bet you’re A$$ Israel is now seen in negative light and when a so called “conspiracy theorist” states that America is on its way to a full blown fascist state many of the citizen of Dickerson just became new found believers when the truth through insane laws is shoved down their throats!

DYI