Letter Mailed By The Filangieri Society for Justice and Good Government to Voters in Gary Ackerman District Calling To Account His Vote Against Christmas and America's Judeo-Christian Roots

Business Wire, Jan 7, 2008

NEW YORK -- The Filangieri Society for Justice and Good Government has written a letter to voters of New York's 5th Congressional District condemning Congressman Gary Ackerman's vote against Christmas and against Judeo-Christian roots.

On December 11, 2007 the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed Resolution 847 recognizing the religious and historical importance of Christmas and acknowledging America's Judeo-Christian roots. Another part of the Resolution denounced the persecution of Christians worldwide. The vote was 372 Ayes to 9 Nays. Among the Nay Sayers was Congressman Ackerman, a thirteen-term member of Congress representing New York's 5th Congressional District.*

In defending his vote against Christmas, Mr. Ackerman said, "For the Congress to spend time talking about the coming of the Messiah really broaches the wall of separation of church and state."

But the same Congressman Ackerman voted on October 2, 2007 for House Resolution 635 recognizing the commencement of the Muslim holiday of Ramadan, which passed unanimously. Then, on October 29, 2007 he co-sponsored and voted in favor of House Resolution 747 recognizing the religious and historical significance of the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain holiday of Diwali, which also passed unanimously.

"Congressman Ackerman should be ashamed of himself," said Peter Leahey, Vice President of the Filangieri Society for Justice and Good Government. "To Vote in favor of Ramadan and Diwali and then to vote against Christmas and claim as an excuse the separation of church and state is dishonest and anti-Christian."

In December 2005, Mr. Ackerman voted against House Resolution 579, which also recognized the importance of Christmas. At that time he mockingly said, "I do not understand why we need to set up a straw man just to knock him down; to protect the symbols of Christmas as if they were under attack...Did something happen when I was not looking? Did somebody mug Santa Claus? Is somebody engaging in elf tossing?"

"Christmas is under attack in schools, office buildings, in the media, and public places in general across the country, and Christians are violently persecuted in foreign lands such as Sudan," Mr. Leahey added. "Mr. Ackerman's vote is disrespectful of the values of an overwhelming majority of his constituents. Someone is attacking Santa Claus, Mr. Ackerman - and Christianity, our Judeo-Christian roots, America's religious heritage, and Western Civilization - You!"

* New York's Fifth Congressional district includes the following communities in Queens County: Bayside, Corona, Douglaston, Flushing, Jamaica Estates, Little Neck, and Whitestone. The district includes the following communities in Nassau County: Albertson, Great Neck, Manhasset, New Hyde Park, Port Washington, Roslyn, and Sands Points.

To read the letter and the legislation, please go to www.filangierisocietyforjustice.org

Please see attached materials.

About the Filangieri Society for Justice and Good Government

The Filangieri Society for Justice and Good Government is named for the 18th century Neapolitan philosopher Gaetano Filangieri, the author of "The Science of Legislation", an important five volume work of the Enlightenment.

Filangieri's writings concerned the organization and responsibilities of government. Most of his proposals have become a reality in the Western World -- free speech, freedom of religion, economic freedom and free trade, limits on governmental power, and equal justice before the law. One of Filangieri's most ardent admirers was Benjamin Franklin who read and disseminated copies of his writings. The two corresponded from 1780 until Filangieri's untimely death in 1788.

The Society seeks to perpetuate the principles and values upon which our Republic was founded, which are enshrined in the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, and were eloquently articulated by Franklin and the other Founding Fathers.

Attachment 1

FILANGIERI SOCIETY

FOR JUSTICE AND GOOD GOVERNMENT

135 EAST 54th STREET

NEW YORK, NY 10022-4539

Christmas Day 2007

RE: Congressman Ackerman's Vote against Christmas and America's Judeo-Christian heritage

Dear 5th Congressional District Voter:

On December 11, 2007 the House of Representatives passed Resolution 847 recognizing the religious and historical importance of Christmas, acknowledging America's Judeo-Christian roots, and rejecting bigotry and persecution against Christians worldwide. The resolution overwhelmingly passed, but it was not unanimous, with 372 Ayes and 9 Nays. Among the Nay-Sayers was Congressman Gary Ackerman, who represents you and your neighbors of the 5th Congressional District.

In defending his vote against the importance of Christmas, against America's Judeo-Christian roots, and against morally supporting Christians who are persecuted in the world, Mr. Ackerman said, "For the Congress to spend time talking about the coming of the Messiah really broaches the wall of separation of church and state."

But, Congressman Ackerman voted on October 2, 2007 for House Resolution 635 recognizing the significance of the Muslim holiday of Ramadan. Then, on October 29, 2007 he co-sponsored and voted in favor of House Resolution 747 recognizing the religious and historical significance of the Hindu holiday of Diwali. Both these resolutions passed unanimously, but because of Mr. Ackerman and eight others the resolution for Christmas did not.