We hope that today’s “Readers Forum” will provoke honest and open dialogue concerning issues that we, as responsible citizens of this community, need to address in a rational and responsible way?

 WHATS ON YOUR MIND TODAY?

Todays“Readers Poll” question is: Do you feel that the IU Medical school will have a major economic impact on downtown Evansville?

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No To Hate Crimes Law

Before diving into the topic, and the left with their media allies condemning me, I first want to say I fully condemn acts of degradation and hate in all forms.

On July 28th in Indianapolis individuals vandalized a Jewish Synagogue defiling it with white nationalist propaganda. As a political consultant who has worked for a dear friend and Jewish candidate for Congress, I strongly sympathize with the congregation of Shaarey Tefilla. However, the so-called solution for this incident is not the answer.

Shortly after the incident, Governor Holcomb called on lawmakers to pass “hate crimes” legislation. This call is not shocking seeing the Governors more moderate stance on issues, and recognizing the moves that put him at odds with the faith community and social conservatives in the state. These types of laws have in the past have been used against the faith community, and simply are ineffective.

Before I begin I want to state a statistic. The left seems to be passionate about this to “uphold the law,” yet 99.97% of all crimes are not hated crimes. Plus, if the left were so passionate about doing something to uphold law maybe they should tackle illegal immigration.

Indiana has a very well put together judicial system. The case Witmer v. State gives judges the power to enhance a sentence if it is deemed helpful, and there is no evidence that crimes are not adequately punished in the Hoosier state. With the broad sentencing power of Hoosier judges a “hate crimes” legislation could, in fact, limit the ability of judges when it comes to sentencing. Hate Crime legislation in the Indiana General Assembly includes a list of politically correct victims.  Creating a list for enhancements actually reduces the ability that judges currently have to enhance a sentence involving any victim that was targeted due to excessive animus.

But a point that is dear to me is that “hate crime” legislation punishes thoughts, not just actions. Such legislation would find itself at odds with the pulpit. It would encroach on pastors or members of the faith community and their conscience. Indiana has just laws that tackle and punish individuals for their actions, however, this legislation would go farther and begin to attack individuals for their opinion whether it be gay marriage, transgenders, or a range of other issues. Such legislation would draw the state closer to infringing on the freedom of speech and the freedom of religion. In fact, Christians have already been prosecuted under hate crime laws for peacefully expressing disapproval of homosexual behavior in Sweden, England, Canada, and even in Philadelphia, PA.  This is why we must act and not allow such legislation to pass.

As Hoosiers, we must take our rightful place. Legislators answer to us, we the people give them the power, and it would be a shame if allowed such infringement and “denial of equal justice under the law.” Governor Holcomb and many members of the Indiana General Assembly will turn out in favor of this. They will work hard to push forth their moderate and somewhat “progressive” agenda. As Hoosiers, we must work even harder. We can not allow the continual attacks on our values, and those who represent them like Mike Delph and Curtis Hill continue. We must be loud, and that starts with this Hate Crimes Law.

Caleb Shumaker
Moss For Congress

FOOTNOTE:  The City-County Observer posted this letter without bias, opinion or editing.

During Friday’s meeting trustees, IU President Micahel McRobbie announced it had another year of record funding reaching nearly $1 billion in donations. Private donations passed $347 million.

McRobbie said the money proves IU is a powerhouse in research.

It’s the first time the board has met in the River City and the trustees plan to add Evansville to their annual meeting locations.

Mayor Lloyd Winnecke spoke to the trustees about the developments across the city.

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced  that the government of Morocco has agreed to allow commercial imports of U.S. poultry meat and products into Morocco for the first time.

“The Trump Administration continues to prioritize the opening of new markets for U.S. agricultural products.  This new access to the Moroccan market is an important step in ensuring that American farmers and ranchers can continue to expand their exports,” said Ambassador Lighthizer.  “I welcome Morocco’s agreement to allow imports of U.S. poultry meat and products and the economic opportunities that will be afforded to U.S. producers.”

“Opening new markets for American poultry and other agricultural products is a top priority. I am convinced that when the Moroccan people get a taste of U.S. poultry, they’re going to want more of it,” said Secretary Perdue. “The products that will be imported into Morocco are safe, wholesome, and very delicious. This is also a good harbinger of the kind of relationship that can be developed. We hope there are other things we can cooperate on as USDA works to expand markets around the globe.”

The United States is the world’s second largest poultry exporter, with global sales of poultry meat and products of $4.3 billion last year.  In May 2018, U.S. exports of agricultural products exceeded $12 billion (latest data available). Initial estimates indicate that Morocco would be a $10 million market, with additional growth over time.  Morocco had prohibited imports of U.S. poultry.  Officials from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Department of Agriculture worked with the Moroccan government to provide assurances on the safety of U.S. poultry.

More details on requirements for exporting to Morocco are available from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service Export Library at:  https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/international-affairs/exporting-products/export-library-requirements-by-country/Morocco.