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Why Did Rep. Pitts Vote Against H.R. 1592 - Hate Crimes Bill?
Written by
Alison L. Needles, Oxford, PA,
aln4@zoominternet.net
Rep. Pitts’ understanding
of the powerful impact of hate crimes occurring in our nation seems to
be that hate crimes are fiction. He voted “NO”on H.R.1592 ( bill
which recently passed to provide Federal assistance to States, local
jurisdictions, and Indian tribes to prosecute hate crimes),
and that was that. No reasons are provided for us on his
website currently. Does he think this horrific hate crime reality is
fiction?
Here is my personal,
non-fiction experience meeting the Mother of slain hate crime victim,
Matthew Shepard. Almost one year ago I had the distinct privilege to
spend time with Judy Shepard, mother of Matthew Shepard. Matthew, her
dear son, was tied to a fence, bludgeoned and left to die - because he
was gay. That is one of countless examples of a hate crime that
happen each day in our beloved country. Matthew’s murder was a well
publicized and very horrific hate crime that rocked the family who, to
this day, mourns the loss of Matthew. Some on our Diversity committee
at work had arranged for Judy to bring her message in a one hour
speech to our work community. The evening before the event, 6 of us
took Judy to dinner after her flight arrived. Though the 6 of us are
very Diversity savvy, we had no idea that she would forever touch our
lives in a powerful way. Judy is a soft-spoken, “Mom next-door” woman
with a personal and poignant message about replacing hate with
understanding, compassion and acceptance.
As I read about Rep.
Pitts’ recent, disappointing vote against H.R. 1592, my mind quickly
retreated to my time with Judy Shepard. During our dinner with Judy
it was clear she was immediately comfortable with 6 strangers. She
laughed with us, permitted us to ask any questions about her life then
and now, and she listened to our daily struggles to help people in the
workplace demonstrate a higher degree of sensitivity to those who are
not like themselves. The following day Judy gave one of the most
moving speeches I have ever been witness to in my life. After the
event the entire room of 700+ co-workers stood, applauded for a very,
long time - unstoppable, but most importantly the majority had tears
rolling down their cheeks because for the first time - they really GOT
IT! They identified with what they could personally do to stop hate
crimes like the one that took Judy’s son from her. I was speechless
and in awe of what I was witnessing. To experience Judy and her
family’s message, along with the throng of folks who GET IT.....I
would highly recommend that you visit the website:
www.matthewshepard.org
Judy shared with us last
year that she was finding it difficult to get into colleges and high
schools to share the message. Our small group was surprised by this
fact. The high school population especially needs to hear her
message. I would highly encourage those interested to do all that you
can do to bring her to schools and colleges and businesses in the 16th
District. Judy’s contact information is on the Matthew Shepard
website.
Why did Rep Pitts vote
against this hate crimes bill? Don’t you wonder?
He just does not GET IT.
How tremendously unfortunate.
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