FightBackBetter Editor / Rep. Bonnie Watson-Coleman Letter Exchange: OPPOSE NSPM7!
Editor’s Note: I have contacted Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman via Facebook messenger, twitter, Bluesky about many things – in the last two years mostly on the issue of how the NJ Democratic Party is taking away our Free Speech rights through IHRA codification and how to my knowledge she has not spoken up against that happening. I have written about her and to her at FigthBackBetter including in this appeal that she use a Montgomery Town Hall meeting to oppose IHRA support by her own party. I do not believe she heeded the suggestion.
Today I received an e-mail letter from her office. I do not remember ever contacting her on these topics by email (I might have). The letter was about First Amendment Rights. The letter was in general and did not specifically address the issues I have raised. I did mention Bonnie Watson Coleman in a FightBackBetter article today about Lamonica McIver’s case, our need to defend her and at the same time that she (and Bonnie) need to defend us from harms of NSPM7. So the letter could have been in response to that. I do not know if the letter to me – with a phone number suggesting a call was an opening or just being polite – but I did call to reiterate my written response below. Her letter is further down under my reply. Steve from her office was friendly and attentive during the call and demonstrated interest in my topics. I hope it leads to a response to the NSPM7 threats from Rep. Watson-Coleman and hopefully others, especially right now, OAG Platkin.
Dear Bonnie Watson Coleman and staff.
I have contacted Bonnie specifically to oppose the NJ Democratic Party support for IHRA in NJ and I do not believe she has done this specifically.
But more important – here are two messages published today Honorable Bonnie might want to act upon.
She has not spoken on NSPM7 either I believe – Elisa Slotkin has and Bonnie should contact her for information.
These are two published articles today that address this issue specifically. One of these articles mentions you:
https://fightbackbetter.com/sherrill-must-challenge-nspm7/
A vague reference to First Amendment without addressing the very specific attacks – especially NSPM7 which is literally a mass murder conspiracy (and silence about it equal complicity – please let Bonnie know I said that!) – does not protect us.
The very specific attacks need to be addressed in very specific terms – like we do at FightBackBetter.
For our reporting on Bonnie:
https://fightbackbetter.com/?s=bonnie
Bonnie is obviously the most forward on NJ congressional delegation with Lamonica in close second place and gaining.
But that does not mean either can be silent as your own party passes IHRA fascist laws – basically handing us off to Trump – and maintain absolute silence about NSPM7 !!! – the silence allows the process of Bondi reaching out directly to NJ police to put our names on a false and secret “domestic terrorist” list and subject us to repression including lethal military attack. This sounds far fetched but you do your own research – reach out to Elisa Slotkin – she is the only one in both US houses focusing a spot light on it and it is a shame that Bonnie has yet to join her in this regard. NOW IS TIME TO TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT US AGAINST THE VERY PRESENT THREAT OF HARM FROM NSPM7.
You are as of now on the record of being publicly notified on the topic (10/21/2025). Any information from NJ police that is transmitted between now and the time you take action that leads to any possible harm including lethal to NJ citizens and residents – you are on the hook for complicity by your silence. This record will be made publicly shortly and I will send you that link.
Thank you indeed for this opportunity to communicate. I WILL follow up with a call.
Sincerely,
Bob WItanek Editor of FightBackBetter.com
LETTER FROM BONNIE WATSON COLEMAN:
October 21, 2025
Dear Mr. Witanek,
Thank you for contacting my office regarding protecting the First Amendment. As your representative in Congress, it is important that I hear your opinions. I am pleased to respond to you on this matter.
As you may know, the First Amendment says that 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.” There was a reason this is the First Amendment; the founding fathers understood the importance of being able to speak one’s mind without fear of retribution from the government. The ability to say, write, petition, and protest our own government is a right that many parts of the world still don’t guarantee. This right is granted to everyone who is in this country, regardless if they are a citizen, an immigrant, or a visitor. In the past 250 years of this country, no right has perhaps been quoted more than those of the First Amendment, yet as we see today these rights are under attack. </span ></p >
Since President Trump took office, he has repeatedly undermined the foundational principles guaranteed by the First Amendment. This includes President Trump’s attempts to silence the dissent of both politicians and civilians alike, detaining immigrants who expressed support for Palestine, denying visas to those who post things the administration disapproves of, and placing unprecedented restrictions on press access in the White House and now the Department of Defense. We have seen this assault on the First Amendment take place not only in official government actions, but the government going after those in the private sector. On September 18, 2025, Disney and ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel’s show after President Trump’s FCC Chair, Brendan Carr, threatened to punish the network and broadcasting companies over comments Mr. Kimmel made during his late night show. Only after widespread public outrage did ABC reverse course and reinstate the show. This is a clear example of government officials using their power to silence dissent and opinions they disagree with.</span ></p >
No network, artist, or American should ever face censorship for expressing views that differ from those in power. This is why I joined Congresswoman Ansari (AZ-03) on a resolution condemning these brazen attacks on free speech (H.Res.748). This resolution reaffirms Congress’s commitment to the First Amendment, denounces the misuse of government power to intimidate or silence critics, and warns of the dangers posed when public officials and private actors collude to weaponize regulatory or legal tools against lawful expression. As your Representative, I am committed to ensuring that you are free to express all the liberties granted to you by the Constitution. I take my responsibility seriously as a lawmaker in ensuring that the executive branch does not overstep its boundaries. Should any relevant legislation come to the House Floor for a vote, I will be sure to keep your thoughts in mind. </span ></p >
For the 119th Congress, we have the opportunity to pass legislation in the House that will benefit our country, and so I encourage you to continue to express your concerns and opinions with me and my office. I value your input and participation in our democratic process. You can learn more about my activities in Congress by visiting my website at </span >www.watsoncoleman.house.gov</span ></A ></span >, contacting my office at 202-225-5801, and following me on social media. Again, thank you for expressing your thoughts to me.</span ></span >
Sincerely,
Bonnie Watson Coleman
Member of Congress
