draft petition language

[ifpo238]

After emailing my congresswoman (Sheila Jackson Lee) to ask whether she would sponsor a bill to legalize home distilling, I got back a form letter thanking me for my interest in health care reform.

That got me thinking that maybe a petition would be a better way to go. I drafted some language. Please let me know your thoughts.

Thanks!

-j

WHEREAS it is currently illegal in the United States for persons to distill alcohol (ethanol) in the home for personal consumption (as a beverage);

AND WHEREAS distillation does not create alcohol (ethanol), but rather separates and concentrates it;

AND WHEREAS it is not the strength (proof) of alcohol (ethanol) that creates drunkeness, but rather the quantity consumed;

AND WHEREAS it is currently legal in the United States for persons to make (via fermentation) limited quantities of alcoholic (ethanol-containing) beer and wine at home;

AND WHEREAS information on how to safely distill alcohol (ethanol) is freely available in books and on the Internet;

AND WHEREAS it is now common knowledge that lead-containing apparati and lead-containing solders are unfit for distillation, making lead poisoning from the consumption of spirits a well-mitigated threat;

AND WHEREAS any methanol present in a given distillation source liquid (mash) can easily be discarded by removing a small portion of the first part of distallation product liquid ("heads" of the distllate), making blindness from the consumption of spirits a well-mitigated threat;

AND WHEREAS the legalization of home brewing (beer) and home winemaking stimulated the economy by the advancement of the science and sharing of knowledge, resulting in microbreweries, brew pubs, craft vinyards and wineries, and a host of new products for the consumer;

AND WHEREAS New Zealand's government revenue from distilled spirit excise taxes actually increased when, in 1996, New Zealand legalized home distillation, presumably due to increased interest in spirits generated by the new hobby;

THEREFORE, we, the undersigned, petition the legislative branch of the United States Government to make legal the distillation - at home and for personal use (as a beverage) - the quantity of alcohol (ethanol) that is already legal to produce by beer brewing and winemaking in the home.

[pumpman]

What be legal for beer and wine making probably aint enough for the home distiller to play with but it is a start. Maybe thay could mandate a class on the safty of home distilling befor you could make distilled spirits in the home.

[HookLine]

Maybe thay could mandate a class on the safty of home distilling befor you could make distilled spirits in the home.

Well, there does not seem to have been any serious safety issue emerge in New Zealand in the 14 odd years since they legalised it. If there was a serious problem we would know about it by now.

However, if a short compulsory course on the basics & safety of home distilling is all that stands between us and legalisation, then I will live with it. Hell, some of us could even teach the damn course!

And nice work, ifpo238.

[ScottishBoy]

You are getting ahead of yourself with the petition language.
What you want to do is write a clear and concise explanation that the common man can understand. Most people will turn off their brain at the first sign of a "Whereas", "Heretofore" or a "Therefore". To start at the first level you need to make the subject matter available to the common man, collect signatures and submit it to your regional representative. Once there, they will meet with you and you can make your case clear and also supply more information to ensure their total understanding of what you want to do. The main reason bills get passed that are so stupid is lack of understanding from the representative. Then you give it to them for revision and conversion into congressional language before the motion hits the floor.

Its very good work and it sounds nice, but it might distance the common man from the movement. This is where you have to start. Without having a good ammount of signatures from the voting populace, it will be looked on as an esoteric endevour and wont be taken seriously...probably to be filed with the UFO conspirists.
Sorry if the feedback sounds harsh. Its meant to be helpful in starting your process.

[ifpo238]

Not harsh at all; I welcome the comments. That's why I posed here before going to petitionspot.com or where ever. I want to do this, and I want to do it right.

Thanks!

[ifpo238]

What be legal for beer and wine making probably aint enough for the home distiller to play with but it is a start.

Yeah, I thought about that, and then I remembered that nobody's counting how much home winemakers and beer brewers actually make in any given year...

[ScottishBoy]

Im glad I didnt ruffle any feathers. I hate to bring a man down when he has done good work.
You will most likely want to stay away from online petitions as well. The general attitude towards electronic petitions is that they can be easily faked, there is no real verfification and that people can vote or register more than once. For these reasons alone, many Congressional and Representative factions will automatically dismiss them out of hand. There simply isnt enough legitimacy when you have petitions to congress next to people whining about how their favorite TV series was cancelled. The problem with the Internet is that everyone can be vocal...and there are a lot of nuts out there. An Internet petition is looked at in roughly the same way Wikipedia is looked at compared to verified research. Might be a good place to start, but they still dont trust it.
If you want to avoid trivialization, then you will need to do this the old fashioned way.

But rest assured that you have my full support in any endevour ( as long as its sensible ) you see fit to embark on, be it internet or plain paper.

BTW. The average american household is allowed to make 200 gallons or wine or beer per person. Using wine with an avergage of 12% abv, that translates to 24 gallons of pure ( yeah I know, just bear with me) ethyl alcohol or 48 proof gallons. We may need to be careful in how we word it. If someone who knows the tax structure looks at that, they will see 500 dollars each year going to waste...not to mention local taxes.

The legacy, folk tales, and myths left behind will most likely be our greatest obstacle.

Maybe if we put together a presentation for all the folks before we lobbied them, sort of a warm up so they would be less knee-jerk fearful when the time came...

[warr87]

There isn't an actual argument in what you've written. Also, "whereas" is a disjunction. This means that it separates two clauses, and more particularly, the second clause being a negation or contrary to the first. Writing something like this can be approached in a number of different ways. I suggest that you highlight the fact that this is not a bill to allow rampant sales of moonshine avoiding taxes on alcohol, but rather not turning hobbyist and enthusiast into criminals. Just as beer and wine home-brewers make their product for themselves to enjoy an ancient craft, so is the hobbyist who wants to make their own whiskey. Another important point is the safety issues. Emphases that this will not impact on the health of the community: i.e. that distiller explosions are unlikely, and that ethanol is not going to be passed out to underage drinkers at dangerous levels (i.e. over-proof). I would assume that the two main concerns for legalising this would be, 1) taxes, and 2) safety.

[ifpo238]

Good points. Not sure where I got the "whereas" language. I think I'd seen it in Congressional proclamations or something.

Heard back from my congresswoman; different form letter this time:

Thank you for your recent correspondence in which you express your views about an issue of major importance.



As you know, there are many issues such as the one you raised that are before Congress and deserve our attention. While every issue is a legislative priority to me, Congress may not be able to pass substantive legislation this year on this issue. However, I am constantly reviewing the legislative calendar with the goal of identifying issues to make sure they receive the attention they deserve, and will take your views under consideration.



During the 111th Congress, which will end some time later this year, we have been able to address major legislative priorities including, healthcare reform and financial services regulatory reform. Indeed, my concern is that we can always do more on behalf of the American people. As such, I will count on you to continue to inform me of your concerns and interests, particularly as they relate to issues like the one you have brought to my attention.



There are many issues facing the 111th Congress, and I am committed to enacting policies and programs that will benefit the American people. Please be assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind if and when legislation related to this issue comes before Congress.



Again, thank you for sharing your views with me. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future at http://www.jacksonlee.house.gov" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow <http://www.jacksonlee.house.gov/> with your comments and concerns.

This sort of thing just motivates me more.

[goinbroke2]

Don't you just love political double talk....

We received your submission and value your right to forword any further information to us.
The submission has been denied, please resubmit in 30 days for final disapproval.


Dumb bitch....

[blind drunk]

This sort of thing just motivates me more.

That's the exact attitude you're gonna need for this pursuit. They hope you'll just go away after a couple of their "neutral" responses. I've fought many battles in the past and I know that the first half dozen times they barely hear you; you're just an annoyance, a fly they try and swat away with a letter or two. (It took me 5 years just to get a building accross the street to stop renting to crack heads, dealers and hookers.) If you keep at, the next letter might even respond to what you're actually trying to do. She never once mentioned home distillation in her response. The more you push her, the more your reality will become hers. It's just how it works, unfortunately. Eventually, she'll be talking about cuts and abv with you Good luck, bd.

[warr87]

Well I wouldn't be discouraged from this letter . On the one hand reading that letter seems as if they are sidelining your proposal because its not important enough, on the other hand she does bring up the fact that she thinks it is important and you should continue to pursue this. It is political doublespeak but I wouldn't give up. The next time you contact her try adding in some new information, i.e. some research. Demonstrate that your not just getting annoyed because you can't make you own alcohol, show that its something deeper and beneficial for society. At least then you will grab more of her attention. What would also help is if you had a lawyer friend who could help with this (like knowing the ins and outs of the relevant laws regarding this, or how other countries like New Zealand handle the legalisation of it).

[ScottishBoy]

Allow me to translate. I am fluent in gov speak...

Thank you for your recent correspondence in which you express your views about an issue of major importance.

You are unimportant to me and you do not pose a threat in any way. I have not read your letter, nor do I intend to. I have to go get my feet massaged by oil lobbyists.

As you know, there are many issues such as the one you raised that are before Congress and deserve our attention.

You are just one of the hundreds if not 1000's of people I hear from every day who cannot further my political goals. But I have to pretend to listen to you.

While every issue is a legislative priority to me,

Im pretending to care. Actually Im pretending that my computer is pretending to care. Im off having sex with my intern.

Congress may not be able to pass substantive legislation this year on this issue.

The chances of whatever it is that you want happening is highly unlikely unless I can either gain from it or pad my wallet.

However, I am constantly reviewing the legislative calendar with the goal of identifying issues

I am constantly looking for ways to avoid my constituents and keeping them quiet.

to make sure they receive the attention they deserve, and will take your views under consideration.

Where is my money? I only respond to two words: junket and funding.

During the 111th Congress, which will end some time later this year,

Haha Sucker, you are too late.

we have been able to address major legislative priorities including, healthcare reform and financial services regulatory reform.

We did a few weeks of kneejerk reactions and then decided we needed to convene for the summer because our tradition is based on agrarian culture, even though none of us are farmers.

Indeed, my concern is that we can always do more on behalf of the American people.

I know I am not doing shit for you and you know it too. The question is how can you make me?

As such, I will count on you to continue to inform me of your concerns and interests

Keep writing letters if it makes you happy. My 20,000 dollar parrot needs cage liners.

particularly as they relate to issues like the one you have brought to my attention.

Not only do I have a short attention span, but I also have the government equivalent of ADHD. Only a large infusion of grift will make me sit still for any length of time.

There are many issues facing the 111th Congress,

Wow...I wonder if my Intern has read any of this?

and I am committed to enacting policies and programs that will benefit the American people.

...as long as they are either oil barons, members of large pharma companies, or people who can help me get rich.

Please be assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind

I might remember you...

if and when legislation related to this issue comes before Congress.

I'm too chickenshit scared to do it..or lazy...take your pick. Maybe Smirnoff will fund me if I forget about it.

Again, thank you for sharing your views with me.

Why does every ass in the world have an Internet account?

Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future at http://www.jacksonlee.house.gov" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow <http://www.jacksonlee.house.gov/> with your comments and concerns.

Please feel free to understand that I am a big person ( I even have my own website to stoke my precious ego) and that you are a little person. Feel free to write an email here too, as it will get even less attantion than this one. Plus I wont have to deal with it. Have a swell day.
I wonder if they will notice that this letter speaks directly to any subject it is replied to? Arent we clever? It looks like we care! Oh Poolboy!



I think thats about right. What was once a structure to serve the people is now a skeleton picked clean by the vultures of big business. I love my country, but I feel that our system has lost sight of its purpose. Once you step up to a congressional or representative seat, they treat you differently and the companies all want to be your best friends. Its like being reborn into the upper class.
Too bad about the people who helped get you there.

[ifpo238]

Ah, I needed that smile.

In the process of trying to buy a house, but I will return to this. Please keep any and all advice coming. How do we turn a hobby into a movement?

(Think the NRA will help?)

[Dnderhead]

on this forum we have an assortment of professions from farmers to doctors and chemists,but no lawyers? or is it that they wont speak up?

[ScottishBoy]

The NRA will most certainly NOT help. Just do the math and follow the money...

This is the type of thing that must be done slowly and with predetermined goals. I think if any model were to be used, it would have to be the Masonic method of change. Generations of a single mind will produce results.

[Rabies]

During the 111th Congress, which will end some time later this year,

Haha Sucker, you are too late.

This is the best line in the whole thing, it has all the vagueness that I come to expect from someone in the legislative system

YES, it will end at some point in the future

thanks for the heads up

[rubber duck]

on this forum we have an assortment of professions from farmers to doctors and chemists,but no lawyers? or is it that they wont speak up?

I doubt we have any lawyers, alcoholics are to lazy to distill.

I couldn't pass a opportunity to make a lawyer joke.

[ScottishBoy]

I couldn't pass a opportunity to make a lawyer joke.

Whats the difference between a dead snake and a dead lawyer in the middle of the road?

The snake has skidmarks and only one set of tire tracks ...

[NcHooch]

Allow me to translate. I am fluent in gov speak...

Thank you for your recent correspondence in which you express your views about an issue of major importance.

You are unimportant to me and you do not pose a threat in any way. I have not read your letter, nor do I intend to. I have to go get my feet massaged by oil lobbyists.

As you know, there are many issues such as the one you raised that are before Congress and deserve our attention.

You are just one of the hundreds if not 1000's of people I hear from every day who cannot further my political goals. But I have to pretend to listen to you.

While every issue is a legislative priority to me,

Im pretending to care. Actually Im pretending that my computer is pretending to care. Im off having sex with my intern.

Congress may not be able to pass substantive legislation this year on this issue.

The chances of whatever it is that you want happening is highly unlikely unless I can either gain from it or pad my wallet.

However, I am constantly reviewing the legislative calendar with the goal of identifying issues

I am constantly looking for ways to avoid my constituents and keeping them quiet.

to make sure they receive the attention they deserve, and will take your views under consideration.

Where is my money? I only respond to two words: junket and funding.

During the 111th Congress, which will end some time later this year,

Haha Sucker, you are too late.

we have been able to address major legislative priorities including, healthcare reform and financial services regulatory reform.

We did a few weeks of kneejerk reactions and then decided we needed to convene for the summer because our tradition is based on agrarian culture, even though none of us are farmers.

Indeed, my concern is that we can always do more on behalf of the American people.

I know I am not doing shit for you and you know it too. The question is how can you make me?

As such, I will count on you to continue to inform me of your concerns and interests

Keep writing letters if it makes you happy. My 20,000 dollar parrot needs cage liners.

particularly as they relate to issues like the one you have brought to my attention.

Not only do I have a short attention span, but I also have the government equivalent of ADHD. Only a large infusion of grift will make me sit still for any length of time.

There are many issues facing the 111th Congress,

Wow...I wonder if my Intern has read any of this?

and I am committed to enacting policies and programs that will benefit the American people.

...as long as they are either oil barons, members of large pharma companies, or people who can help me get rich.

Please be assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind

I might remember you...

if and when legislation related to this issue comes before Congress.

I'm too chickenshit scared to do it..or lazy...take your pick. Maybe Smirnoff will fund me if I forget about it.

Again, thank you for sharing your views with me.

Why does every ass in the world have an Internet account?

Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future at http://www.jacksonlee.house.gov" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow <http://www.jacksonlee.house.gov/> with your comments and concerns.

Please feel free to understand that I am a big person ( I even have my own website to stoke my precious ego) and that you are a little person. Feel free to write an email here too, as it will get even less attantion than this one. Plus I wont have to deal with it. Have a swell day.
I wonder if they will notice that this letter speaks directly to any subject it is replied to? Arent we clever? It looks like we care! Oh Poolboy!



I think thats about right. What was once a structure to serve the people is now a skeleton picked clean by the vultures of big business. I love my country, but I feel that our system has lost sight of its purpose. Once you step up to a congressional or representative seat, they treat you differently and the companies all want to be your best friends. Its like being reborn into the upper class.
Too bad about the people who helped get you there.

Congress.jpg

LMAO Scottish

[900footjesus]

I almost choked when I read that you had written The CongressWOMAN about home distilling. Good luck with that, probably be easier to get her to discuss legalization of pot. You might want to consider getting Michael Berry on board, he loves to down her.

[maztec]

A lawyer could lose his or her bar license (license to practice law), if caught distilling. Thus, a trend among those that do distill not to make it public in any form - especially by participating in a group like this.

That said. I do not distill, but I think it is very cool and is something I would love to do legally some day. Thus, I am here to learn more about it, while waiting for the law to change.

Why are you looking for a lawyer and what is the status of the petition in this thread?

[Freddy57]

The problem with petitions is that they require the signatories to list their name and address. All it would take is for some jackass in congress to decide to send those out to the FBI for verification and a lot of people could end up with some serious legal problems. If you want to pursue this, you probably had better bury your still and keep your shine at a friends house until legalization becomes a reality.

[maztec]

The problem with petitions is that they require the signatories to list their name and address. All it would take is for some jackass in congress to decide to send those out to the FBI for verification and a lot of people could end up with some serious legal problems. If you want to pursue this, you probably had better bury your still and keep your shine at a friends house until legalization becomes a reality.

Technically they are not supposed to do that. Realistically, that is a reasonable worry.

On the other hand, don't have home-stillers sign it. Get your friends, relatives, and strangers to sign on to the petition. Set up an online petition, invite people to invite people to sign on. There are a lot of people out there who support the movement who do not actively still. Those voices have much more value in the political process than stillers anyway.

[rubber duck]

Interesting point on getting non distillers to sine a petition. I know we have a few guys stopping in here from time to time that have some pretty active whiskey blogs......

[maztec]

Interesting point on getting non distillers to sine a petition. I know we have a few guys stopping in here from time to time that have some pretty active whiskey blogs......

It seems reasonable that if proper language was written up that those guys might be willing to share it around and help the petition take on a web presence and gain signage from there.

[ifpo238]

i don't (yet) distill, and i'm not afraid to put the petition out there. the question is, i think, how to drive visibility/traffic to it... i'll put it up on one of the petition websites if you guys will actively get people to the site to sign it...

let me know.

-j

[Munin]

the popular blog boing boing has been recently had a couple of articles about home distilling. They have a fairly active community that generally supports personal freedom and a very wide readership. They particularly Mark Frauenfelder might be interested in such a petition. He posted this http://boingboing.net/2010/09/06/free-t ... eviouspost a week or so ago.