đ˝Protect Democracy
đ˝Stay informed with daily news updates to hold our leaders accountable and protect democracy. A well informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny.
Today in đ˝Protect Democracy, weâre featuring: November 13, 2024 news briefs, video briefs, Brief on the Freedom to Vote Act, and calls-to-action.
Together, we can realize a democracy that represents, reflects, and responds to all of us.
For far too long, special interests, ultra-wealthy donors, and vote suppressors have dominated our politics and attempted to silence the voices of everyday Americans, especially in Black and Brown communities.
America's democracy is under attack as the MAGA agenda seeks to undermine our democratic institutions, erode the rule of law, and strip away the rights that ensure every voice is heard and every vote counts. Join us to champion our rights, freedoms, and democracy, hold our leaders accountable to the people's will, and inspire voters to make a meaningful difference.
Together we can Protect Democracy
Click here to Sign the Petition: Abolish the Electoral College
Click here to Tell your member of Congress to co-sponsor and support the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act
Call your member of Congress today (202) 224-3121 and ask them to support the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act
Click here to Tell Congress: Overturn Citizens United
Register to vote, vote, and help elect leaders that will ensure safe, secure elections and are committed to protecting democracy
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Protect Democracy - News Briefs - November 13, 2024
Nonprofits Vow a New Resistance. Will Donors Pay Up?
New York Times By David Fahrenthold, Kenneth Vogel
The coalition, called the Democracy Alliance, has steered hundreds of millions of dollars to PACs and nonprofits that form the pillars of the institutional left since 2005.
Reclaiming Democracy from Capitalism: Understanding Trump's Resurgence
Common Dreams By Peter Bloom
As Donald Trump has won a historic landslide to once again reclaim the U.S. presidency, the conventional narrative has focused heavily on partisan polarization, disinformation, and the strengths or weaknesses of individual candidates. There is also a seeming reckoning within the Democratic Party, where at least some are recognizing that their focusing away from working class populations and policies has catalyzed their dramatic defeat.
Trump's Defense Choice Stuns The Pentagon And Raises Questions About The Fox News Host's Experience
HuffPost
Democracy âmust be fought forâ: R.I. leaders urge nation to uphold veteransâ values
Boston Globe By Alexa GagoszÂ
It was only weeks before Veterans Day when Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore helped escort 54 veterans to Washington, D.C., as part of the Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Honor Flight. Seeing World War II veterans in wheelchairs hoisting themselves up to watch as a wreath was laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery was something Amore said he would never forget.
Democratic state leaders prepare for a tougher time countering Trump in his second term
ABC News By Geoff MulvihillÂ
The Democratic governors of Colorado and Illinois announced a nationwide effort Wednesday that they're calling Governors Safeguarding Democracy. Here's a look at how states worked against Trump policies last time and how it might go in his second term.
WA voter turnout appears to be lowest since 2000
Seattle Times By Jim Brunner
Despite the talk of a high-stakes presidential election with democracy itself allegedly on the line â not to mention a gubernatorial race and four major initiative campaigns â voter turnout in Washington is on track to be the lowest in more than two decades.
No Thanks to These 52 Dems, House Defeats Bill Enabling Trump Assault on Nonprofits
Common Dreams By Jake JohnsonÂ
"This isn't just an attack on our communities; it's a fundamental threat to free speech and democracy." The ACLU noted ahead of Tuesday's vote that while the bill contains "a 90-day 'cure' period in which a designated nonprofit can mount a defense, it is a mere illusion of due process."
Protect Democracy - Video Highlights - November 13, 2024
Democratic candidate who outperformed Harris shares lessons for his party | CNN
New alliance of governors works to safeguard democracy in wake of Trump re-election | MSNBC
Maddow: Trump win 'gives us a really big to-do list' to defend democracy | MSNBC
What is the John Lewis Voting Rights Act?
How the John Lewis Voting Rights Act Protects Democracy | Now This Impact
What is the Freedom to Vote Act?
With the Freedom to Vote Act, we can finally take action against some of the largest issues plaguing our democracy. It will protect the right to vote, end partisan gerrymandering, combat election subversion, and decrease the power of big moneyed special interests. Together we can realize a democracy that represents, reflects, and responds to all of us.Â
TOPLINES
Freedom to Vote Act and Voting Rights:
Since the 2013 Shelby v. Holder SCOTUS decision, we have less federal voting rights protections than in the decades before.
We must ensure the freedom to vote for all Americans to have our vote counted and voice heard.
The Freedom to Vote Act will modernize our voting system and prevent blatant attempts to silence our voices so that we all have the freedom to vote
The Freedom to Vote Act helps dismantle barriers erected to keep Black, Indigenous, young and new Americans from voting, including long lines and eliminated polling places, targeted restrictions to registration, and overt voter intimidation.Â
Freedom to Vote Act and Money in Politics
We must build a campaign finance system that ensures our elected leaders listen to every American â not just the rich and powerful.Â
Our current pay-to-play system silences the voices of Black, brown, young, and new Americans and gives unchecked power to the wealthy few.Â
The Freedom to Vote Act tackles corruption by ensuring that our government works for us by reducing the influence of big money in politics and increasing ethical standards for our elected officials.Â
In order to make progress on the issues that Americans care most about such as, health care, racial justice, reproductive rights, and environmental justice, we must build a system that serves the people, rather than the interests of the rich and powerful.
Freedom to Vote Act and Election Sabotage:Â
The Freedom to Vote Act would set new national standards for voters to safely and freely cast our ballots, ensure that trusted local election officials count every vote, and prevent partisan politicians from sabotaging our elections.
State Anti-Voter Bills
With states across the country working to pass bills that attack our freedom to vote, we need national standards to ensure that we all have equal access to the ballot.
These restrictive voter policies are designed to disenfranchise black, brown, and indigenous communities, as well as people with disabilities, college students, low income voters, and more.Â
We need federal government action to ensure that the will of the people prevails.
Rights Restoration for Felony Disenfranchisement
Restoring the freedom to vote for formerly and currently incarcerated Americans would allow them to fulfill an important civic duty, help those released to successfully re-integrate into their communities, and make us all safer. (Additional Talking points from Stand Up America)
Disenfranchisement disproportionately impacts the vote of Black and Brown communities.Â
Progress has been made on the state level, but we need to enact federal legislation securing every Americanâs right to vote.
People Power Unitedâs Statement on Protecting Democracy
In response to recent MAGA shenanigans to suppress votes and stop voting rights bills like the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act from passing, People Power United - a progressive grassroots group - issued the following statement:
âAmerica's democracy is under attack as the MAGA agenda seeks to undermine our democratic institutions, erode the rule of law, and strip away the rights that ensure every voice is heard and every vote counts. There is no power like that of the people, and People Power United stands ready to protect our communities against any and all injustices,â said Laurie Woodward GarcĂa of People Power United.
People Power United will continue to oppose such harm to our community and champion civil rights for all.
Join us to build People Power! Together, we can protect and empower those we love, champion our rights, freedoms, and democracy, hold our leaders accountable to the people's will, and inspire voters to make a meaningful difference.
Laurie Woodward Garcia (paid with hugs and kisses, not bought by special interests)
People Power United | In this community, we will always speak out against racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, homophobia, misogyny, sexism, ageism, ableism, sizeism, elitism, transphobia, misogynoir, and bigotry! Check out our 2023 recap post to see how impactful our scrappy People Power United group is!â
People Power United is a group of community members that champions progressive values and power for the people.