The job of the U.S. Congress is a never-ending one.  After putting to bed the heated debate to transform the nation’s health care system, Congress switches gears and looks ahead to its list of immediate to dos:

1. Tackle the country’s financial problems

2. Create jobs

3. Enforce climate laws that will curb carbon emissions and create clean energy systems

4. Reform immigration policy

5. Give equal rights to the LGBT community by such things as repealing Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and passing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act

…and that’s just to name a few.

Well Congress is not the only group with a never-ending agenda. All of us on the outskirts are keeping up the momentum as well and refocusing attention to ensure the voices of the people in America are heard and the policies they demand are passed.  However, some conservative, religious and right-wing groups, like those that fought tooth and nail trying to kill the health care bill, have the same old agenda that is never-ending:  Block everything on the President’s to do list and spread fear through this nation like wild fire, no matter what the issue.

Such is the case now with the rights of the LGBT community.  The Employee Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) is a bill that is expected to be voted on in the House very soon, and is aimed at protecting the LGBT community from employment discrimination. This legislation is so important because in 29 states it is still legal for employers to discriminate based on sexual orientation. Ending discrimination, however, is apparently something Americans should be afraid of according to some groups.

Immediately, the same type of fear-mongering ads we saw against health care reform just a few months ago have reappeared to attack ENDA. Two very different issues, yes, and some different groups, but all the qualities are very similar: fear, fear and more fear, nothing substantial to say, and no proof of knowledge on the legislation at hand. Check out this Family Research Council ad to fight ENDA:

Is it me or did that video tell you a whole lot of nothing?  There was no elaboration on comments like those from Marcia, the licensed counselor, who insinuated that religious people would lose their job from this legislation. There was plenty of terrifying music and telling, ominous statements, but with nothing to back them up.  Maybe in the detailed documentary there is more elaboration, like Marcia explaining that people losing their jobs would only be those not willing to comply with federal law because they are insistent on illegally discriminating against employees and justifying their actions on the basis of personal religious beliefs.  So if I own a company and I decide that all people with green eyes are evil, then I fire and abstain from hiring all green-eyed people, and defend my ridiculous actions by saying that those green-eyed monsters do not fall in line with my personal religious beliefs, I cannot act surprised if I lose my job by not complying with federal non-discrimination laws.  But who needs explanations or details, that’s not the point. The point is that we should be afraid, very afraid.

Have no doubt, these ad campaigns will continue and grow larger among groups like these in the coming months. But we all have to remember to check the facts and not fall for the same old fear-based obstruction. The progressive agenda is one that aims to secure rights for all to have fair access to jobs, health care, education, clean air, a chance to serve your country and marry your partner of the same sex or not. I don’t think that’s anything to be scared of.