RADAR ALERT:
Independence Day Thoughts on the Violence Against Women Act

This week Americans celebrate the Fourth of July. The day commemorates the Declaration of Independence, a document that outlines the contours of King George III’s tyrannical rule:

• “He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone.”
• “For depriving us, in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury”
• “He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people”

Do these indictments bear a frightening resemblance to the biased family judges, the pro-arrest laws, and the massive abuse of restraining orders -- all of which have been spawned by the Violence Against Women Act?

It was exactly 230 years ago this week that 56 courageous men made this solemn promise:

Election Day is coming up Tuesday, November 7. Candidates in every Congressional District are looking for our votes. Our goal is to meet with the candidates or staff in every one of those races. We will explain how VAWA harms families and children, and ask them to support our urgent call for civil rights hearings in Congress.

The campaign is supported by 50 organizations from around the country that have signed a three-point Resolution: http://www.mediaradar.org/docs/VAWA-Resolution.pdf. Complete details about the campaign can be seen at http://www.mediaradar.org.

Four months remain between now and November 7. Are we ready for the challenge?

Date of RADAR Release: July 3, 2006

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R.A.D.A.R. – Respecting Accuracy in Domestic Abuse Reporting – is a non-profit, non-partisan organization of men and women working to improve the effectiveness of our nation's approach to solving domestic violence. http://www.mediaradar.org