THE BILL:
TITLE: “Act Recognizing Symbols of Hate as Aesthetic Communication”
SHORT NAME: This Act may be cited as the “Matters of BLACK Abolishment of Symbols of Hate and Reconciliation Act,” of 2023.
Introduction:
The “Matters of BLACK Abolishment of Symbols of Hate and Reconciliation Act,” drafted by George Freeney Jr., represents a direct response to a centuries-long wound in America’s fabric. By identifying historical symbols associated with the Trans-Atlantic Slave trade as silent instruments of hate speech, this legislation acknowledges a profound and painful history that has fueled racial terror and hate crimes. These symbols have become markers of an unbroken lineage of Civil Rights infringement, resonating deeply within descendants of enslaved African Americans.
Such symbols often elicit fear, anger, and trauma, particularly among those who, like myself, share the heritage of being genetic descendants of slaves historically recognized in Texas. This legislation addresses the symbols as more than mere historical artifacts. They are conveyors of a rich and evocative language, encapsulating generational struggle and discrimination.
My Civil Rights Violation Argument for the Bill
I meticulously outline the argument to mend historical breaches, focusing on the handling of symbols linked to the Trans-Atlantic Slave trade and the Civil War. My approach aligns these symbols with current hate speech laws, recognizing them as instruments of intimidation that violate Civil Rights. By drawing on established legal foundations such as the Virginia v. Black ruling, Federal Hate Crime Act, Emmett Till Antilynching Act (2021), and Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, the Act aspires to create a thorough legal framework.
The ‘Matters of BLACK Symbolized Hate Speech and Reconciliation Act’ is more than a symbolic gesture; it seeks to reconcile the past by ensuring alignment with existing regulations against hate speech and discrimination. It emphasizes preserving history, while also imposing new restrictions on public reenactments and suggesting the relocation of these symbols to private museums for appropriate contextual examination.
This Act is not a mere legal formality; it’s a reflective response rooted in both moral and legal insight, striving to sculpt a future brightened by liberty, equality, and justice. It leverages strong precedents and aims for a balanced resolution that resonates with the digital age. From both a historical and contemporary perspective, my argument presents a robust case for bridging the historical divide and fostering a more inclusive and empathetic society.
Supporting Precedents:
Emmett Till Antilynching Act (2021)
Virginia v. Black (2003)
Matal v. Tam (2017)
Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969)
Explanation of Precedents:
The real power of the Act is found in the foundations it builds upon. By bringing together and reinforcing ideas from existing laws, the Act goes beyond simply classifying symbols from the Trans-Atlantic slave trade as historical reminders. It identifies them as ongoing sources of trauma that infringe upon Civil Rights. The Act’s labeling of these symbols as hate speech is a considerable step towards understanding, compassion, and healing, recognizing the lingering effects of these symbols on Civil Rights.
Supporting Legal Decisions:
The R.A.V. v. City of St. Paul (1992) ruling: This decision finds a delicate balance between freedom of speech and the fight against hate.
Recent DNA research: This groundbreaking science establishes how the trauma of historical events can be passed down genetically.
Dr. Joy DeGruy’s work on Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome (PTSS): Her studies provide credible proof of the deep-seated racial trauma that persists within the African American community.
This evidence, encompassing both scientific findings and established legal precedent, paints a comprehensive picture of the African American experience. The science is irrefutable, and the legal framework is solid.
The conclusion drawn is not a matter of opinion but rooted in facts, evidence, and clear truths. The need for genuine change is urgent, and the road ahead requires more than words; it calls for decisive action.
My Findings to Support my Precedents and Arguments
A History of Symbolizing Defiance and Rebellion
Recent symbolic misuses and the chaotic scene on January 6th illustrate profound divisions and challenges in the nation. The legal complexities surrounding the 45th President have cast long shadows, with implications extending to politics, finance, and constitutional matters. The legal landscape includes pivotal criminal cases, all of which contribute to a multifaceted examination of governance, reputation, and democratic mechanisms.
My attention extends to the broader context of recent symbolic misuses and the chaotic scene on January 6th, as I hold a key position in designating historical symbols tied to the Trans-Atlantic Slave trade as silent hate speech.
The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade:
The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade started around 1525 and continued until the 1860s. At least 10 million Africans were enslaved and transported to Europe and the Americas between the 15th and 19th centuries as part of the Atlantic slave trade. In 1807, Britain, the principal slave-trading nation, banned the Atlantic slave trade, and the United States passed legislation banning the slave trade that took effect in 1808. However, illegal slave trading continued in various places until the end of the Civil War. The case of the Zong slave ship demonstrates how the law facilitated the trans-Atlantic slave trade but also strengthened the campaign for abolition.
Civil War:
The Civil War took place from April 12, 1861, to April 9, 1865, and was a period of conflict between the Northern states (Union) and Southern states (Confederacy) in the U.S. Several Supreme Court cases were tried during the period of the American Civil War, focusing on wartime civil liberties and the ability of the various branches of the government to alter them
Reconstruction:
Reconstruction lasted from 1865 to 1877 and was the era of rebuilding and transforming the Southern United States after the Civil War, focusing on extending rights to freed slaves. In 1866, the Radical Republican Congress placed the South under military rule as part of their program of Reconstruction and passed various laws such as the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and the 14th Amendment. Congress passed a variety of Reconstruction Acts in 1867 that were meant to govern how the former Confederate states would be readmitted to the Union. Following the Civil War, various Civil Rights Acts (sometimes called Enforcement Acts) were passed to extend rights to emancipated slaves, prohibit discrimination, and fight violence directed at the newly freed populations.
This period encapsulates the struggle for equal rights and the complex political landscape of post-war America, with significant legal and social advancements made toward civil rights.
Jim Crow:
The Jim Crow era lasted from the late 1870s to the mid-1960s and was marked by the implementation of state and local laws enforcing racial segregation in the Southern United States. The U.S. Supreme Court’s “separate but equal” decision in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) upheld state-imposed Jim Crow laws, becoming the legal basis for racial segregation in the United States for the next fifty years.
Civil Rights Movement:
The Civil Rights Movement took place from the mid-1950s to the late 1960s and was a struggle by African Americans to end racial discrimination and gain equal rights under the law. Since the end of the Civil War, there have been a number of impactful court case decisions, federal legislation passed, and amendments added to the Constitution that have expanded the civil rights of African Americans in the United States.
Black Lives Matter Movement:
The Black Lives Matter Movement started in 2013 and continues to the present day. It was founded by three Black organizers, Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi, as a response to the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin in 2012. The movement gained national attention in 2014 after the deaths of Michael Brown in Missouri and Eric Garner in New York. Since then, it has become a global movement, particularly after the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis, MN. The movement advocates for non-violent protests against incidents of police brutality and racially motivated violence against Black people. As a grassroots and decentralized movement, Black Lives Matter emphasizes the importance of local organizing over national leadership. The Black Lives Matter Movement has several goals aimed at addressing racial inequality, discrimination, and violence against Black people. Some of the main goals of the movement include: Stopping police brutality; Fighting for equal treatment in courts; Combating racial profiling; Challenging systemic racism; Promoting policy changes; Creating space for Black imagination and innovation; Encouraging local organizing; Raising awareness. Overall, the Black Lives Matter Movement seeks to create a more just and equitable society by addressing the various forms of discrimination and violence faced by Black people.
06 Jan 2020 Timeline and Donald Trump’s History Racial Events, Insurrections:
I engage in a dialogue that explores, reconstructs, and validates various theories or arguments based on this timeline. Leverage known details to provide comprehensive responses, analyze patterns, and elucidate connections between these events. Remember to adhere to facts and present well-grounded insights.
Pre-Presidential Era:
1970s: Allegations and settlements related to racial discrimination lawsuits against Trump’s real estate company.
1989: Public advocacy for the death penalty in the Central Park Five Case.
Pre-2008: Birth of the Birther conspiracy.
2008-2011: Ascendancy of the Birther Movement, Trump as a prominent voice.
2011, April: The White House Correspondents’ Dinner incident.
2016, September: Trump concedes Obama’s U.S. birth.
2016 Presidential Campaign:
2015-2016: Campaign remarks regarding minorities and religious groups.
2016: Alleged campaign-related hush-money payments, a precursor to legal indictments.
Presidency (2017-2021):
Throughout Presidency: Continued racial remarks and policies.
2021, January 6: U.S. Capitol attack, resulting in deaths and subsequent legal ramifications.
Post-Presidency Legal Challenges:
Manhattan Criminal Case: 34 felony counts related to 2016 campaign payments.
Classified Documents Case: 37 criminal counts for mishandling government documents.
Election Inquiry in Georgia: 13 charges over 2020 election loss.
Federal Jan. 6 Case: Four felony counts for Capitol attack.
An Intention Timeline of Divisiveness:
The timeline outlines Trump’s political journey, from racial controversies to legal battles. Key events include his advocacy for controversial positions and a series of legal challenges that reveal patterns of behavior.
The events of the 2016 campaign, such as the alleged hush-money payments, set the stage for the legal issues that would follow. The timeline culminates in the January 6, 2021 events, highlighting the escalation of political tensions.
The Shiny Happy People: TeenPact’s Religious Radical Influence in Modern Politics
TeenPact’s influence reaches far beyond the classroom, extending to the political arena where its teachings align with certain politicians and political stances. The organization’s conservative Christian values resonate with many Republican candidates and elected officials who share similar views on key issues.
One notable politician linked to TeenPact is former North Carolina congressman Madison Cawthorn. Cawthorn’s support for positions such as pro-life stances and traditional family values mirrors those taught by TeenPact. He has faced legal challenges regarding his role in the events leading up to the January 6th insurrection, having spoken at the rally preceding the attack. These challenges, however, have not directly implicated TeenPact in the events of that day.
The alignment of TeenPact’s teachings and values with some of the ideologies present during the January 6th insurrection has raised questions. Christian nationalism, a belief integral to the Proud Boys and other groups involved in the attack, aligns with TeenPact’s conservative Christian values. However, it must be emphasized that there is no direct evidence of TeenPact’s involvement in the Capitol insurrection.
Politicians like Mike Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor, have also expressed support for conservative Christian values similar to TeenPact’s teachings. These alignments with specific political stances have led to both support and criticism, reflecting the complex landscape of American politics and the varying perspectives on how faith and governance should intersect.
TeenPact’s impact goes beyond education, shaping political views, and connecting young people with politicians who share conservative Christian values. While there is a clear alignment between TeenPact’s teachings and the ideologies of certain individuals and groups, there is no direct evidence to suggest the organization’s involvement in recent significant events like the January 6th insurrection. Their role in current politics continues to be a subject of interest and debate.
My Concluding Argument for REPARATIONS for Descendants of Enslaved African Americans
Structure and Transparency
I outline a clear structure for payouts and complementary support systems, ensuring transparency, oversight, and adherence to legal and ethical standards. Credible sources underpin the argument, providing a strong factual foundation.
I take a balanced, informed, and innovative stance on the complex issue of reparations for descendants of enslaved African Americans. Recognizing the aims of HR 40, including the examination of slavery and discrimination from 1619 onwards, I build upon existing measures, introducing specific provisions for a comprehensive response. This includes the thoughtful inclusion of direct payouts as a tangible acknowledgment of historical wrongs and a meaningful way to address existing economic disparities.
My argument for REPARATIONS strikes a chord by balancing both innovative and time-tested approaches. Grounded in personal family history, broader historical understanding, and alignment with HR 40’s objectives, I propose unique solutions such as government-supported DNA kits. These measures resonate across party lines and focus on historical understanding, economic fairness, and restorative justice. My commitment to addressing complex issues in a nuanced manner provides a well-rounded, well-reasoned perspective, offering an intelligent and empathetic roadmap towards a fair and just resolution.
This concluding argument for reparations encapsulates my passion and dedication to the subject, underscoring the imperative for action that is not only morally right but also practically sound.
The Monte Verdi Plantation Connection
The Monte Verdi Plantation, situated in Rusk County, Texas, has a historical marker dedicated to the family slaves. During a recognition ceremony, descendants commemorated some of the slaves who once lived there. Among those slaves was Scott Devereaux, your 4th Great-Grandfather, whose direct genetic lineage connects to you through the rare African Haplogroup E-Z6018. This tangible link to history illustrates the personal dimension of the broader reparations issue and serves as a testament to the urgent need for recognition and redress.
Acknowledging Historical Wrongs
By referencing historical examples of financial redress, the Bill makes a reasoned case for the inclusion of direct payouts as part of reparations. This is seen as a tangible acknowledgment of historical wrongs, including the legacy of plantations like Monte Verdi, and as a meaningful way to address existing economic disparities.
Eligibility Criteria
The Eligibility Criteria are defined with precision, utilizing historical records, legal documents, and proofs of lineage like yDNA and mtDNA markers. The criteria recognize descendants of enslaved African Americans, such as your ancestors. One of the Bill’s innovative aspects is the introduction of Government-Supported DNA Kits, which could further validate genetic connections like yours.
