Thanks to the House of Delegates, Governor Kaine's stealth ploy to pass Real ID by amendments (after signing the law against it) failed. The Governor's amendments were defeated 67 to 32. The Senators aren't so smart apparently. They passed the amendments 21 to 19 with all the Republicans voting no and all the Democrats voting yes. Maybe this will help folks in Virginia see that voting Democrat puts you in the fast lane heading for tyranny. Of course the Republicans are often going in the same direction, just at a slower pace. We need to keep 'em honest by being ever vigilant.
My friend Mike McHugh of the Virginia Gun Owners Coalition watched the debate and sent along this analysis:
"The House debate was intense. Even Bill Janis, who was an early opponent of our effort to Stop Dangerous ID, saw the danger. He argued brilliantly that agreeing to the Governor's amendments would cede all authority on the matter to the federal government in the future.
"Why? Because the amendments said that whatever the Feds did in the future would automatically become Virginia law.
"The House voted down the Governor's amendments 32 to 67. 67 delegates said no to Governor Kaine's slavish support of federal control.
"Clearly, the House of Delegates is our only line of defense in the future against federal tyranny.
"Your emails and phone calls had an impact."
So pat yourselves on the back, lovers of liberty. At least in Virginia we are holding the line on this particular assault on privacy.
Thanks for the info on this. I could not find anything about it in the media.
ReplyDeleteI welcome any small sign such as this one to indicate our legislators have some intelligence left.