|
|
Capitol Resource Institute Burglarized Most of us spent this past Christmas weekend with family and friends. We paused to celebrate what is good. Still others took the opportunity to do harm. Despite extensive security precautions, Capitol Resource Institute's Sacramento office was broken into over the holiday weekend. While staff was away with family, some took the opportunity to vandalize and take things of value. Unfortunately, it does not appear that this was a random entry in search of electronics and cash. Those responsible for this act apparently spent time poring through files and other things with little street value. CRI is not too worried that our opponents may have gained a glimpse of our strategy; we are pretty up front about what we do and why we do it. But we take this as another sad reminder of the dynamics of the battle we are in. For each of the years that CRI has been active in California we have watched the gap widen between what is morally acceptable and what is being advocated in State and local governments. We have seen shameful behavior celebrated and we have witnessed those who oppose such behavior being shamed. Our motives are constantly questioned and the strength of our opposition has increased. Over the years CRI has noticed something else. Opponents of our family friendly agenda have not limited their opposition to conventional education or activism. Our web site has been hacked, our signs and literature destroyed, and our staff has received threats of violence. It is a tribute to the determination of the staff and supporters of CRI, and the importance of this work, that CRI has not backed down. Each attack has been met with a renewed commitment to push on. And at times we have directly pushed back: see the YouTube video, Louder than Silence, we produced in response to the numerous threats we received over our opposition to The Day of Silence. And this incident will be the same. The authorities will pursue those who committed this crime. The computer equipment and other valuables will be replaced. And even more security measures will be put in place. Backing away from the battle because of this attack will not even be discussed as an option. Similar choices need to be made by everybody who is reading this. The days of merely observing the culture war are rapidly coming to an end. You may not be the victim of vandalism or threats but you will be asked to take a stand on important but emotionally charged issues. It may come when a neighbor asks how you are going to vote on a ballot measure, or when you consider opting your child out of unacceptable curriculum at school. It may be when you wrestle with putting a sign in your yard or a bumper sticker on your car that clearly identifies your views. In 2010 and forward, CRI needs a small army of individuals who have decided that they will take a stand and will commit to a partnership with us. Yes, immediately we need partners who will understand the huge financial burden that comes from a break-in like we suffered last weekend. Please let us know if you can send a special donation to help us replace our losses and increase our security. But we also need the long term partners who will take the resources CRI provides and will become activists. Attend a Lobby Day. Send a student to City on the Hill. Join us at a school board meeting-come to speak or come to pray. Ask your church to financially support the work of CRI. And make 2010 the year that you will faithfully, monthly do the same. We will not be deterred from what needs to be done. We are grateful for those who will stand beside us. "You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life" Winston Churchill Make a Tax Deductible Donation Today! Mail Donations to: CRI, 660 J Street, Suite 250, Sacramento, CA 95814. To Make a Credit Card Donation by Phone: Call La Tanya Wright at 916-498-1940 ext.10 |
|