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The proverb that said 'may you live in interesting times' should have added 'may you have a lot of friends.'  So we are looking for you on Facebook.  Search Jefferson City NAACP and you will find us.  

 The legislative changes that re being proposed in both the Senate and House could have devastating effects on cvili rights in Missouri - legalizing discrimination.  Unfortunately, the media is reporting on this as an 'employment bill' with few exceptions.  As we identify reporters that are willing to call this what it is - we will share them with you so we all know what responsible journalism looks like.  Imagine someone reporting a "house fire where people are injured" as a "spectacular observation of combustable materials at work."  The fact is that people are going to be harmed in many and a variety of ways if HB 205 and SB 188 pass through the Missouri Legislature and become law.

There are some who are hopeful that cooler heads will prevail and preserve our democracy, but other such as the Missouri Chamber of Commerce that claim victory after the bill passed the House of Representatives.  Since when did legalizing discrimination become a part of anyones' support of a better economic climate?  Looking back in history there are several examples of what happens when poor economic times are blamed on the rights of/existence of other races, ethnicities and religions?

Todays homework assignment - post a comment naming those instances where legalized discrimination had a negative result.  Include as much detail as your comfortable with.  Comments can be anonymous if you like. 

Expect the worst from these bills and tell everyone that Missouri is dangerously close to legalizing discrimination.

Just as an update to the Senate committee hearing that was held on Senator Brad Lager's bill SB 188 to legalize discrimination:

• The hearing was packed and testimony was reportedly cut short for some of those in opposition while those in favor testified without interruption;
• Media coverage still seems to be limited to a very bland review of fix the 6 Missouri Chamber of Commerce Position rather than the moral, social, and constitutional issues of will discrimination be tolerated; and
• As soon as the list of those who testified in favor of the house and senate bills are available, they will be distributed.

We are in the process of building a coalition in support of American democratic values, civil rights, and religious beliefs - please talk with your civic and religious organizations and contact us as soon as possible jcnaacp@gmail.com.

Senator Brad Lager's Bill That Legalizes Discrimination In Missouri Will Have a Public Hearing 2/22/2011

Government is to preserve and protect the common good. The Missouri Senate will hold a hearing tomorrow to determine if we will reintroduce Jim Crow era legislation that would allow discrimination in Missouri.

Senator Brad Lager will have his bill that legalizes and legitimizes discrimination in Missouri heard by committee on Tuesday 2/22/2011 at 3 PM.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment 3:00 pm Senate Lounge
SB 188 - Lager - Modifies the law relating to the Missouri Human Rights Act and employment discrimination

Examine the bill for yourself -http://www.senate.mo.gov/11info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=4095341

Join the voices in opposition to this measure. This is the only opportunity for public comment that the Missouri Senate will provide. If you support fundamental American values such as fair play, equality, and justice then come in person, send a representative from your church or civic group, or submit written opposition to this measure.

Without your voice, someone might get the idea that we approve of this measure or that this is where we want America to go. It maybe the most important hour in civil rights Missouri can produce.

This evening, the Jefferson City NAACP will meet at Lincoln University in room 117 to hear concerns voiced by its members and individuals from the community about HB 205 and SB 188 - the two bills advanced by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce that would legalize discrimination between individuals. Please attend, send an email with your comments, share the message, connect with us on Faceboookhttp://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=24385104911

If your interested in building a coalition in opposition to this measure, please email jcnaacp@gmail.com.