First Objective: Pass the Federal Marriage Amendment!

Dear Friends:

Let me take a moment to express our deep appreciation for the kindness and support that many of you have extended to our new organization, called Focus on the Family Action (Focus Action). It is designed to take on the government, the media and the leftist organizations in the defense of the family and principles of morality.

We initiated this effort in May because: (1) the IRS and the self-serving Congress, through its oppressive Campaign Finance Reform, was choking our ability to stand up for what we believe. That situation quickly became intolerable. (2) Frankly, we got tired of losing the battles to preserve decency and the institution of marriage, which continues to be under severe jeopardy. (3) Too many of our elected representatives in Washington have quickly abandoned the principles they promised to defend. They have also ignored the desperate needs of the family and often made things worse — such as the decision by Congress for the past 35 years to tax married couples at a higher rate than those simply cohabitating.¹ (4) The media has consistently lied to the American people, distorted the facts and kept them uninformed of the betrayal in government. We decided it was time to fight back.

For these and other reasons, our Board of Directors authorized the creation of Focus Action and commissioned it to serve as a sister ministry alongside Focus on the Family (FOF). Nothing has changed for the original organization, which is continuing to function as in the past. The primary difference between the two ministries is that FOF can provide a tax deduction for its contributors but is extremely limited in its ability to lobby for its core principles. By contrast, Focus Action can devote every dollar contributed to defend what we believe, but cannot offer a tax-deduction for the money donated. As you might expect, it is very difficult to raise money for Focus Action, but all the funds contributed to it go straight to the battle for righteousness. Well, this public policy ministry began three months ago, with considerable trepidation on our part. We wondered if our friends would be willing to support Focus Action, while continuing to give to the worldwide ministry of FOF. We had no way of knowing. I'm here to tell you that the Lord is blessing this new initiative through many of you. Our friends and supporters have helped us get started — at least enough to propel us into the thick of things. On May 13, 2004, even the highly partisan, liberal leaning newspaper, The New York Times, devoted three-quarters of a page to the news surrounding the launch of our organization. Copyright laws prohibit me from republishing it in its entirety, but allow me to quote a few sentences to give you a taste of the article's flavor:

"Last month Dr. Dobson started a new, expressly political sister organization, Focus on the Family Action, capitalizing on his reputation and his flagship organization's to lobby and campaign more openly for social conservative causes without endangering its tax deductible status. Some prominent liberals acknowledge that Dr. Dobson's efforts could hurt their causes. 'There is no question that James Dobson is the most powerful and most influential voice on the religious right,' said Ralph Neas, president of People for the American Way." ²

Given the pejorative comments normally assigned to our efforts on the pages of the "old grey lady", this fair portrayal was encouraging. With that background, let me tell you quickly what we are doing with the money contributed so far.

(1) Our first objective is to work feverishly for passage of the Federal Marriage Amendment. It continues to be a struggle, but we will not back off until the family is secure. A distressing number of U.S. senators and congressmen are being cowed by the homosexual lobby and are afraid to support the amendment. Indeed, many of them who ran as conservatives are running instead for the tall grass.

You won't believe the ridiculous excuses they are giving for their reluctance. Some of them claim they are unwilling to "tamper" with the U.S. Constitution, as though it is somehow evil to change it. Meanwhile, many of these same so-called "purists" welcome — and even encourage — the tactics of activist judges who regularly amend the Constitution not by democratic means, but by independent judicial decree! In fact, the last amendment to be ratified was the 27th in 1992,³ and it had to do with the relatively minor issue of congressional compensation.

Let me give you a typical example of this kind of duplicity. Consider this small sampling:

• "Marriage should be reserved to relationships between a man and a woman. Only these pairings can produce children. But I do not believe an amendment to the Constitution of the United States is the appropriate answer at this time." ⁴
  - Senator Kent Conrad (D,ND)
  
• "Changing the Constitution of the United States of America is a very serious business and should only be used as a last resort." ⁵
  - Senator Max Baucus (D, MT)
  
• "I have a deep reverence for our Constitution, and believe it should be amended only when absolutely necessary." ⁶
  - Senator John Edwards (D, NC)
  
• "Our Constitution has traditionally been used to expand rights, not to restrict rights, and I do not support amending it." ⁷
  - Senator Carl Levin (D, MI)
  
• 'I believe that 'marriage' should be reserved to a woman and a man, based on the long tradition and religious context of the institution. But I see no need for a constitutional amendment.' ⁸
  -Senator Bob Graham (D, FL)
  
• Marriage between a man and a woman is an honored social and sacred institution that dates back thousands of years in civilization. It is for this reason that I am opposed to same sex marriages. However, I do not support amending the U.S. Constitution to ban same sex marriage at this time." ⁹
  - Senator Chuck Hagel (R, NE)
  
• "Though I oppose gay marriage, I believe a Constitutional Amendment is neither appropriate nor necessary." ¹⁰
  - Harry Reid, (D, NV)

Other senators and congressmen have come up with another phony excuse. They are claiming that marriage is a state issue, and should be handled exclusively at that level. Every legislator must surely know, however, that it would create chaos to have 50 different definitions of marriage in the United States. Imagine the implications of having a couple married in Texas that learns after moving to Connecticut that they are not married in that state. Is this what our timorous representatives want? When you push them for an answer to that question, they change the subject.

Given their propensity to take political cover under the guise of legislative debate, it has become increasingly frustrating to get a firm read on where all one-hundred members of the Senate stand on their support of the amendment. Many of them are bobbing and weaving from day to day. A listing of names will invariably ruffle some feathers because many of these men and women have been actively engaged in the "Potomac Two-Step" — that is, dancing around the issue, but refusing to commit one way or the other to the legislation at hand. No more games! The time has come to "simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No,' 'No'" (Matthew 5:37, NIV). As of today, we have reason to believe that 64 senators will be voting against the FMA. Can you believe that? It's an outrage! However, I'd like to share one note of encouragement. In recent days, several senators who had been 'on the fence' called our offices to communicate their support of the FMA! This is no doubt due to the pressure asserted on them from people like you.

You see, that's because we're a representative Republic and you can make a difference — but you must act NOW before the vote is taken. Please look over the list and if you see your senator's name — contact him or her immediately! In five minutes, you can help preserve the future of the family. Please consider the following options:

1. Call your senator's home offices. Politely tell their aides that they must vote for the Federal Marriage Amendment. Their district office numbers are listed below.

2. Call your senator's Washington D.C. office as well. They can be reached via the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121. Simply ask for your senator when the operator answers. Again, politely remind their aides how critical it is for the senator to support the FMA.

Here are the 63 senators that appear prepared to vote "NO" on the FMA as I write:

Arizona:
Senator John McCain (R) 602-952-2410;
480-897-6289; 520-670-6334

Arkansas:
Senator Blanche Lincoln (D) 501-375- 2993;
479-782-9215; 870-367-6925; 870-774-3106;
870-910-6896

Senator Mark Pryor (D) 501- 324-6336

California:
Senator Dianne Feinstein (D) 415-393- 0707;
559-485-7430; 310-914-7300; 619-231-9712

Senator Barbara Boxer (D) 415- 403-0100;
213-894-5000; 619-239-3884; 559-497-5109;
909-888-8525; 916-448-2787

Colorado:
Senator Ben Campbell (R) 303-843-4100;
719-636-9092; 970-206-1788; 719-542-6987;
970-241-6631; 970-385-9877

Connecticut:
Senator Christopher Dodd (D) 860-258- 6940

Senator Joseph Lieberman (D) 860-549-8463

Delaware:
Senator Joseph Biden (D) 302-573-6345;
302-424-8090

Senator Thomas Carper (D) 302-674-3308;
302-856-7690; 302-573-6291

Florida:
Senator Bob Graham (D)850-907-1100;
813-228-2476; 305-536-7293

Senator Bill Nelson (D) 407-872- 7161;
850-942-8415; 813-225-7040; 305-536-5999;
561-514-0189; 904-346-4500; 954-693-4851

Hawaii:
Senator Daniel Inouye (D) 808-541-2542;
808-935-0844; 808-242-9702; 808-560-3653;
808-245-4611; 808-935-0844

Senator Daniel Akaka (D) 808- 522-8970;
808-935-1114

Illinois:
Senator Richard Durbin (D) 312-353-4952;
217-492-4062; 618-998-8812

Indiana:
Senator Richard Lugar (R) 317-226-5555;
812-288-3377; 219-422-1505; 219-548-8035;
812-465-6313

Senator Evan Bayh (D) 317-554- 0750;
812-465-6500; 260-426-3151; 812-218-2317;
219-852-2763; 574-236-8302

Iowa:
Senator Tom Harkin (D) 515-284-4574;
319-365-4504; 563-322-1338; 563-582-2130;
712-252-1550

Louisiana:
Senator John Breaux (D) 504-589-2531;
225-248-0104; 337-262-6871; 318-325-3320

Senator Mary Landrieu (D) 504- 589-2427;
225-389-0395; 318-676-3085; 337-436-6650

Maine:
Senator Olympia Snowe (R) 207-874-0883;
207-786-2451; 207-622-8292; 207-945-0432;
207-282-4144; 207-764-5124

Senator Susan Collins (R) 207- 945-0417;
207-622-8414; 207-283-1101; 207-784-6969;
207-493-7873; 207-780-3575

Maryland:
Senator Paul Sarbanes (D) 410-962-4436;
301-589-0797; 301-724-0695; 301-259-2404

Senator Barbara Mikulski (D) 410-962-4510;
410-263-1805; 301-345-5517; 410-546-7711;
301-797-2826; 410-860-2131

Massachusetts:
Senator Edward Kennedy (D) 617-565- 3170

Senator John Kerry (D) 617-565- 8519;
413-785-4610; 508-831-7380; 508-677-0522

Michigan:
Senator Carl Levin (D) 313-226-6020;
989-754-2494; 517-377-1508; 616-456-2531;
586-573-9145; 906-789-0052; 989-354-5520;
231-947-9569

Senator Debbie Stabenow (D) 517-203-1760;
231-929-1031; 810-720-4172; 313-961-4330;
616-975-0052; 906-228-8756

Minnesota:
Senator Mark Dayton (D) 612-727-5220;
218-865-4480; 218-773-1110

Montana:
Senator Max Baucus (D) 406-657-6790;
406-449-5480; 406-329-3123; 406-756-1150;
406-586-6104; 406-782-8700; 406-761-1574

Nebraska:
Senator Chuck Hagel (R) 402-758-8981;
402-476-1400; 308-632-6032; 308-236-7501

Senator Ben Nelson (D) 402- 441-4600;
402-391-3411; 308-260-2278; 308-340-1264;
308-631-7614

Nevada:
Senator Harry Reid (D) 702-388-5020;
775-686-5750; 775-882-7343

New Hampshire:
Senator Judd Gregg (R) 603-225-7115;
603-752-2604; 603-622-7979; 603-431-2171

Senator John Sununu (R) 603- 625-5585

New Jersey:
Senator Frank Lautenberg (D) 973-639- 8700

Senator Jon Corzine (D) 973- 645-3030;
856-757-5353

New Mexico:
Senator Jeff Bingaman (D) 505-988-6647;
505-622-7113; 505-523-6561; 505-346-6601;
505-454-8824

New York:
Senator Charles Schumer (D) 212-486- 4430;
716-846-4111; 585-263-5866; 518-431-4070;
607-772-6792; 315-423-5471; 914-285-9741;
631-753-0978

Senator Hillary Clinton (D) 212- 688-6262;
518-431-0120; 315-448-0470; 716-854-9725;
914-725-9294; 315-376-6118; 585-263-6250;
631-249-2825

North Carolina:
Senator John Edwards (D) 919-856-4245;
704-344-6154; 336-333-5311; 828-285-0760;
252-931-1111

North Dakota:
Senator Kent Conrad (D) 701-258-4648;
701-232-8030; 701-775-9601; 701-852-0703

Senator Byron Dorgan (D)701- 250-4618;
701-746-8972; 701-239-5389; 701-852-0703

Ohio:
Senator Mike DeWine (R) 614-469-5186;
513-763-8260; 216-522-7272; 419-259-7536;
740-373-2317; 937-376-3080

Senator George Voinovich (R) 614-469-6697;
216-522-7095; 513-684-3265; 419-259-3895;

Oregon:
Senator Ron Wyden (D) 503-326-7525;
541-431-0229; 541-330-9142; 541-962-7691;
541-858-5122; 503-589-4555

Pennsylvania:
Senator Arlen Specter (R) 215-597-7200;
814-453-3010; 610-434-1444; 570-826-6265;
717-782-3951; 412-644-3400; 570-346-2006

Rhode Island:
Senator Jack Reed (D) 401-943-3100;
401-528-5200

Senator Lincoln Chafee (D) 401- 453-5294

South Carolina:
Senator Ernest Hollings (D) 803-765-5731;
843-727-4525; 864-233-5366

South Dakota:
Senator Tom Daschle (D) 605-334-9596;
605-225-8823; 605-348-7551

Senator Tim Johnson (D) 605-332- 8896;
605-226-3440; 605-341-3990

Utah:
Senator Robert Bennett (R) 801-524-5933;
435-628-5514; 801-625-5676; 801-379-2525;
435-865-1335

Vermont:
Senator Patrick Leahy (D) 802-863-2525;
802-229-0569

Senator Jim Jeffords (I) 802-223- 5273;
802-658-6001; 802-773-3875

Virginia:
Senator John Warner (R) 804-771-2579;
757-441-3079; 540-628-8158; 540-857-2676

Washington:
Senator Patty Murray (D) 206-553-5545;
360-696-7797; 509-624-9515; 509-453-7462;
425-259-6515

Senator Maria Cantwell (D) 206- 220-6400;
509-353-2507; 360-696-7838; 509-946-8106

West Virginia:
Senator Robert Byrd (D) 304-342-5855

Senator John Rockefeller (D) 304- 347-5372;
304-253-9704; 304-367-0122; 304-262-9285

Wisconsin:
Senator Herbert Kohl (D) 414-297-4451;
608-264-5338; 715-832-8424; 920-738-1640;
608-796-0045

Senator Russ Feingold (D) 608- 828-1200;
715-848-5660; 608-782-5585; 414-276-7282;
920-465-7508

Wyoming:
Senator Craig Thomas (D) 307-261-6413;
307-772-2451; 307-362-5012; 307-856-6642;
307-672-6456

All of these senators know that the institution of marriage cannot be protected at the state level. Why not? Because the U.S. Supreme Court could wipe out all state laws protecting traditional marriage with a single imperious decision. This is precisely what a majority of the Justices apparently plan to do when the proper case is brought to them. Their predecessors did something similar on January 22, 1973, when every abortion law in the country was struck down by the Roe v. Wade ruling. A state court could also impose homosexual marriages on the people of a particular state. That is what the un-elected and un-accountable Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts did in May of this year.¹¹ Even a mayor or a commissioner could take a swing at the family.

Only a constitutional amendment will protect marriage against judicial tyranny. Don't let anyone tell you differently. Congressmen and senators understand this fact very well. You might want to ask them why they won't admit it.

Finally, Members of Congress who don't want to take the heat from you are claiming they are still "undecided" about the Federal Marriage Amendment. They are trying to have it both ways. The polls are telling them that their constituencies are decidedly pro-marriage and pro-family, but they are afraid of criticism by the liberal media and attacks from the gay activists. Thus, they equivocate. They are holding their breath and hoping the issue will go away. It won't.

It is time for us and other pro-family organizations, such as Tony Perkin's Family Research Council Action, and Gary Bauer's American Values or the "Arlington Group" made up of more than 50 pro-family organizations, to let "the folks back home" know what is happening in Washington. Here's what Focus Action has done so far.

We placed ads in the home newspapers of many of the senators who won't stand up for marriage. To view them, click here. For example, one headline reads "Why Don't Senators DeWine and Voinovich Believe Every Child Needs a Mother and a Father?" The advertisements encourage the reader to contact their respective representatives and tell them just how important the FMA is to the future of the American family. Senatorial contact information is included. Due to the nature of these ads, Focus on the Family could not place them within current IRS limitations. Focus Action can do it, and indeed, we have done so, not only in Ohio, but in the following states:

• In Alaska, targeting Senator Lisa Murkowski
• In Arkansas, targeting Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor
• In Indiana, targeting Senators Richard Lugar and Evan Bayh
• In Louisiana, targeting Senators Mary Landrieu and John Breaux
• In Nebraska, targeting Senators Chuck Hagel and Ben Nelson
• In North Dakota, targeting Senators Kent Conrad and Byron Dorgan
• In South Dakota, targeting Senators Tom Daschle and Tim Johnson

All told, these advertisements are running in 81 newspapers throughout 8 states.

We will continue to let people know what these and other members of Congress are doing, and why it is so important to hold them accountable. Perhaps we can give some of the legislator's reason to listen to the people. This is, after all, a government "of the people, by the people and for the people." That's what Abraham Lincoln said in his Gettysburg Address. But how can "the people" help run the government if they don't know the facts, and if the press won't tell them? That's where Focus Action comes in.

(2) The second objective of Focus Action is to carry out a "get out the vote" program this fall, and to organize informational rallies in various areas. I will be going with my team and other nationally known speakers to three states in September and October.

Here is the schedule of these events:

September 6, 2004: Charlotte, NC
September 7, 2004: Raleigh, NC
September 27, 2004: Baton Rouge, LA
September 28, 2004: Shreveport, LA
October 4, 2004: Sioux Falls, SD
October 5, 2004: Rapid City, SD

In addition to these rallies, we'll also be participating in the South Dakota music festival on September 4-5 in Sioux Falls, SD. (Rest assured — I'll be speaking — not singing!)

We intend on these occasions to inform people about progress in passing the Federal Marriage Amendment, to identify congressmen and senators who are helping and which are hindering, and providing other important information. We will discuss the regrettable passage of so-called "hate crimes" legislation by the U.S. Senate in June. Unbelievably 18 Republicans joined 46 Democrats in passing this terrible bill,¹² which is designed to stifle religious and political freedom. In this regard, the U.S. is just one step behind Canada, which has actually criminalized disagreement with homosexuality and threatened the religious liberty of the church. The Scriptures themselves may be interpreted as "hate speech" by the Canadian courts. Did you know that this could happen here? We are able to warn you about this possibility and urge you to speak out now because of your support for Focus Action.

3) We have aired several radio programs designed to support the institution of the family and help pass the Federal Marriage Amendment. These broadcast would not have been possible with FOF, because of IRS limitations.

4) Judicial Voter Guides: Both Focus on the Family and Focus Action are in the process of gathering pertinent information on scores of judges who will be on various state ballots across the country come November. Given the activist fervor of so many rogue jurists, this information will help you make an informed decision come election day.

We are working on other projects, and we'll do even more good things with your help. The need is endless, but we've made a great start. Thank you so much for caring about the issues that matter most. With your continued assistance, we'll take on the ACLU, People for the American Way, the National Abortion Rights Action League, the hard core and child pornographers, the unresponsive Congress and others, if necessary.

We can and will use every dollar contributed in this most critical of years. The battle to protect the family could be be won or lost between now and November. A virtual meltdown of the culture is under way, and a considered response is overdue. If you'd like to join us in this campaign and become a member of FOFA, please send your donation today, We would deeply appreciate any contribution made out to Focus on the Family Action. Those are the magic words. Regardless of the outcome, however, we will be like Sir Winston Churchill in the darkest hours of World War II. He said, "We will fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall never surrender."¹³

Thanks again. It's time to play hardball!

Sincerely,

James C. Dobson, Ph.D
Chairman and Founder

I have two resources that I hope you will request. The first is a copy of my brand new book, entitled Marriage Under Fire. It spells out the eleven reasons homosexual marriage would be a social disaster, and what we can do about it. We're getting this material out at considerable cost to Focus Action, and will barely break even in the process. That's why we would appreciate an additional donation if possible.

I spoke to the National Press Club on June 25th, which was carried four times on C-Span and National Public Radio nationwide. It is the clearest statement I've made on why the institution of the family is in such trouble, and why we must support the Federal Marriage Amendment. If you would like a copy of the CD, just give us a call. Again, any donation should be made to Focus on the Family Action, which is NOT tax deductible.

One more time, let me say it. THANK YOU!

Footnotes:

1. Deborah Rankin, "Taxes: Plans to Ease Marriage Levy," The New York Times, 9 September 1980, D1.
2. David D. Kirkpatrick, "Warily, a Religious Leader Lifts His Voice in Politics," The New York Times, 13 May 2004, p. A22.
3. Richard L. Berke, "Congress Backs 27th Amendment," The New York Times, 21 May 1992, p. A26.
4. Statement from Senator Kent Conrad's office, 14 June 2004.
5. "Burns Opposed to Gay Marriage, But 'Cool' Toward Amendment," Associated Press, 26 February 2004.
6. Excerpt from letter to constituent, dated 21 May 2004.
7. Statement from Senator Carl Levin's office: 27 February 2004.
8. Larry Wheeler, "Florida Lawmakers Differ on Bush Marriage Stand," Gannett News Service, 25 February 2004.
9. Excerpt from letter to constituent, dated 16 June 2004.
10. "Gay Marriage III: In the States," The Hotline, 26 February 2004.
11. Jonathan Finer, "Gay Couples Line Up for Mass. Marriages; At Midnight, Cambridge Becomes First to Issue State-Sanctioned Licenses," The Washington Post, 17 May 2004, p. A2.
12. Carl Hulse, "Senate Backs New Research on A-Bombs," The New York Times, 17 May 2004, p. A2.
13. See: http://www.courts.fsnet.co.uk/ churchilloratory.htm.