Dear John,

It's been a long year. While you and your family gather together this Thanksgiving, no doubt it will be a time of reflection over the unprecedented events of 2020.

But for residents of multiple states like California and Oregon, this Thanksgiving comes with a recipe of outrageous government restrictions!

In Oregon, you can have cocaine, but not cranberries. Heroin, but no ham. Meth, but not mashed potatoes! Amazingly, a state that just legalized drugs wants to criminalize Thanksgiving!

Governor Kate Brown's (D) ridiculous orders would force families of seven or more to turn away their own children from the meal.

Brown didn't shy away from the harsh rhetoric. "I am not asking you [to limit gatherings]," the governor said last week. "I am ordering you."

Meanwhile, Governor Gavin Newsom's (D) California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released its "Guidance for Private Gatherings" plan. Those hosting a private gathering, according to the CDPH, "must comply with the following requirements:"

• "All gatherings must be held outside."
• "Gatherings that include more than 3 households are prohibited."
• "As much as possible, any food or beverages at outdoor gatherings must be in single-serve disposable containers. If providing single-serve containers is not possible, food and beverages must be served by a person who washes or sanitizes their hands frequently, and wears a face covering."
• Instrumental music is allowed if the musicians maintain at least 6-foot physical distancing. Musicians must be from one of the three households, and wind instruments are strongly discouraged."
• "Gatherings should be two hours or less."

Wait, there's more...

At least the plan allows attendees to "go inside to use restrooms as long as the restrooms are frequently sanitized." But before your guests leave -- at the two-hour limit -- collect their names and contact information "in case tracing is needed later."

These appalling infringements on our constitutional rights are a perfect example of what can happen when American citizens cede power to Big Government.

At Family Research Council, we understand that government plays a vital role in protecting its citizens, especially in a pandemic. But the Constitution gives us the freedom to protect our rights and take personal responsibility for our families.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, FRC has led the way in shaping policies to help families, aiding churches to develop creative strategies to serve their communities, and countering the Left's attempts to exploit the crisis and impose their will on you -- The People.

None of this would be possible without you!

I and the entire Family Research Council team are so thankful for faithful supporters like you, John, who have enabled FRC to be a voice of steady leadership for churches and families in the middle of these uncertain times.

But we will certainly face more challenges in the days ahead as the Left continues to trample on our God-given rights.

So even as you prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving over the next few days, I hope you will prayerfully consider a special year-end gift to support FRC.

DONATE NOW

As I have often said, the issues our nation faces are not just political but spiritual. The answers to our society's challenges will be found around the kitchen table and inside our houses of worship, not a governor's mansion or congressional backroom.

God has given FRC a broad vision to reach thousands of pastors and millions of Christians across America that need to be encouraged, educated, and equipped to take a stand for their families and communities -- what an honor to serve God in this way!

Your faithful financial support today will enable FRC to maintain our presence in our nation's capital while expanding our nationwide outreach. Who knows what we can accomplish together in 2021?

Will you sow into this vision today?

SUPPORT FRC'S VISION

The end of this long year is fast approaching, and FRC relies completely on the generous support of friends like you to ensure we have the resources necessary to advocate on behalf of your family and stand strong against the Left's overreach in your home and community.

We need your help to protect faith, family, and freedom! So please consider a vital, tax-deductible donation of $35, $50, $100, $250, $500, or even $1,000 or more today.

As you and your loved ones gather this holiday season, we are grateful that we get to partner with you on behalf of your family and millions more across this great nation. Let's continue to stand firm and courageous as believers in Christ!

Your contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.