Supporting Free Speech Without Intimidation or Violence
A Resolution of the Sacramento County Republican Central Committee in support of free speech while denouncing all acts of violence and intimidation to influence voters or government officials, regardless of the messenger or the cause.
Whereas, the United States Constitution’s First Amendment states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances;” and
Whereas, the Republican Party Platform expresses support for the “free exchange of ideas at institutions of higher learning” and our approach to public policy consistently respects the right of people to peacefully assembly to express their views, even if we disagree; and
Whereas, since President Trump was inaugurated there has been a constant barrage of lawless, violent demonstrations, including during his inauguration, resulting in lives lost, putting law enforcement at high risk, damaging businesses, places of worship, and residential communities; and
Whereas, elected officials and their staff have been subjected to invasions of their personal residences and disruption while dining at local restaurants, causing distress for their families; and
Whereas, the volunteers of the Sacramento County Republican Party have been subjected to intimidation and destruction of property while hosting tables at community events and the State Fair; and
Whereas, participants in rallies at the State Capitol have experienced violence, destruction of property, bodily harm and intimidation; and
Whereas, some defenders of conservative views and patriotic rallies have resorted to the same acts of intimidation and violence; and
Whereas, the tragic storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2020 resulted in death and destruction to our nation’s Capitol building, providing Democrat leaders in Congress with fodder to initiate a second impeachment of President Trump, while big tech ramped up censorship of conservatives expressing their concerns about election integrity; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, the Republican Party of Sacramento County will continue to speak up for conservative principles regardless of opposition from individuals who take offense or social media platforms that seek to silence us; and be it further
Resolved, the Republican Party of Sacramento condemns any intimidation of public employees, including breach of private residences, be it the Mayor of Sacramento or the Republican Leader in the U.S. Senate; and be it further
Resolved, the Republican Party of Sacramento calls on all political parties to demand of local, state and federal governments that law enforcement be allowed to protect individuals and their personal property, government buildings, places of business and worship, to enforce the rule of law and the right to peacefully assemble; and be it further
Resolved, representatives of the Sacramento County Republican Party shall support civil discourse by example and all political parties should help unite our country by respecting the right to express different points of view while discouraging engagement in intimidation and violence to advance any cause.
Approved by unanimous vote of the Sacramento County Republican Central Committee on February 17, 2021
