Politics - ForceChange

Stop Fingerprinting Food Stamp Recipients

New York City continues to fingerprint their food stamp recipients long after the rest of the state, and much of the country, has abandoned this intrusive process. Tell Mayor Bloomberg that the rights of low-income families must be respected and this intrusion must be ended.

Urge Kentucky Republicans to End the Attack on Women’s Abortion Rights

Republican legislators in Kentucky have been pushing two bills that would restrict women’s abortion access. These representatives must respect women’s authority over their own bodies. Legislators must not pass these dangerous bills and stop the attack on women’s reproductive rights.

Support a Minimum Wage Increase in New York

New York is currently considering an increase in its minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.50. The state’s minimum wage is lower than nearly all of its neighboring states, yet it is one of the most expensive places to live in the country. Support an increase of New York’s minimum wage to help one million New Yorkers struggling to survive.

Don’t Allow The Privatization Of Florida’s Publically Owned Shorelines

For hundreds of years, Florida’s endless shorelines of rivers, bays and streams have been open for recreational enjoyment. However, a new bill threatens to privatize nearly 500,000 acres of this land. As a result, anyone who steps ashore or paddles close to the public-private boundary can face potential arrest and even felony charges. Florida must vote no on this devastating bill that will confiscate the beautiful and bountiful shoreline from the public and hand it to private interests.

Tell Minnesota Republicans to End the Attack on Poor Women’s Abortion Rights

Minnesota Republicans have been planning an amendment that would rescind low-income women’s access to abortions. The bill would prevent poor women from funding abortions through the state’s Medicaid program, even though they’d have no other way of obtaining abortions. Republican legislators in Minnesota must end their attack on women’s reproductive rights and discard this proposal.

Hawaiian Internet Freedoms Threatened After Personal Attack On State Representative

After a personal online attack against her character, Hawaiian State Representative Kymberly Pine has reacted by introducing a new bill that would force all Hawaiian Internet providers to monitor user information and browsing histories. Such logging of online activity violates privacy rights and freedom from arbitrary invasions. Rep. Pine must withdraw her sponsorship of this unconstitutional bill in order to protect civil rights and Internet freedoms.

Legalize Hemp Cultivation in California: An Herb of Many Virtues

Industrial hemp is an incredibly useful plant which is useless as a recreational drug, yet the United States federal government treats it as if it were the same as marijuana. The ban on its cultivation is completely irrational, and California, which has previously defied the federal ban on medical marijuana, should once again step forward and allow the farming of this sustainable and versatile crop.

New Hampshire Must Reject “License to Discriminate Bill” Against Same-Sex Couples

New Hampshire is considering a bill that would allow business owners and employees to deny marriage-related services to same-sex couples. The measure would legalize religious-based discrimination against LGBT couples who are married or preparing to get married. This proposal should be rejected because it would sanction hate and discriminatory practices.

Oppose Hungarian Efforts to Curb Freedom of Speech, Judicial Independence and Minority Rights

Hungary’s new constitution has angered many citizens because it reduces the power of the courts, puts restrictions on journalists, and undercuts fundamental democratic principles like minority rights. Sign this petition to tell the Prime Minister of Hungary to reconsider this new constitution and ensure Hungary does not reverse its democratic course.

Signed Up for Slavery – It’s Time for the Selective Service Requirement to End

Selective Service registration for a potential military draft is a relic of the past, a pointless demand that we are better off leaving behind. Conscription is merely enslavement to the military, and we must stop forcing our young men to sign up to be tracked in case the politician of the day decides to use it again.

Immoral Occupation – Get US Bases Off Okinawa

The large US military presence on the island of Okinawa puts an undue and expressly unwelcome burden on its people. The US military uses up 18% of Okinawan land and constitutes 4% of its residents. The President and Congress should withdraw our troops from a peaceful territory where 85% of the citizens want the US military out.

Stop Moving Towards Militarization and Authoritarianism in El Salvador

The president of El Salvador has been undermining the nation’s domestic peace accords by appointing military officials within the public security sector. Civilian departments specifically created to counteract strong military influence are now being run by the military. President Funes must uphold civilian rights and stop the move towards militarism and authoritarianism.

Support Efforts to Legalize Same-Sex Adoption in Michigan

A recent civil rights lawsuit filed against the same-sex adoption ban in Michigan is bringing awareness to same-sex adoption. Same-sex couples in the state cannot currently adopt children together, which means that one parent is the sole legal guardian should they decide to raise a family. This severely restricts the rights of the other parent who is not legally recognized as such and puts the welfare of the children at stake. Let’s tell Michigan legislators that we support this lawsuit and that they must overturn the ban on same-sex adoption.

Urge New Jersey Governor Chris Christie to Pass Marriage Equality Bill

Though a marriage equality bill has a very good chance of passing through the New Jersey state legislature next month, Governor Chris Christie has promised to veto the bill once it reaches his desk. If passed, Christie should uphold the vote and approve equal marriage rights for all of his constituents.

Transportation Company Encourages 15-Hour Workdays for Drivers in D.C.

A transportation company is putting the safety of its employees, customers and the general public at risk by encouraging long workdays for its employees. At least 87 drivers have been filmed falling asleep at the wheel. This disturbing behavior must be stopped before a terrible accident takes place.

End the Bloodshed in Mexico – Stop Pressuring Mexico to Fight Our Drug War for Us

The US drug war has cost the Mexican people dearly in lives and stability. They bear this price with barely any benefit, and both polling and protests shows the people of Mexico are against it. The US government must end its pressure on Mexico to fight our drug war for us.

Tell Arizona Lawmakers to Support Women’s Reproductive Rights

Democratic lawmakers in Arizona are pushing for a statewide Reproductive Rights Awareness Week. However, they face staunch opposition from Senate Republicans, who claim to be defending ‘babies’ rights.’ These Republican lawmakers should alter their misleading stance and support this week of education about women’s reproductive rights.

Don’t Allow New Hampshire to Undermine Women’s Health and Domestic Abuse Protections

New Hampshire has passed and introduced a series of measures that will have dire consequences for women. An amendment geared towards defunding Planned Parenthood will eliminate services for women such as cancer screening, pap smears and STD prevention. Also, another bill would weaken the state’s domestic abuse laws. Demand that Governor Lynch veto both of these anti-women propositions.

Urge Virginia Lawmakers to Support Pro-Gay Adoption Bill

Two Virginia lawmakers have sponsored a bill that would greatly limit the rights of LGBT adoptive parents. Meanwhile, another lawmaker has proposed a pro-LGBT adoption bill. We are calling on these two politicians to reconsider their discriminatory stance and instead support the inclusive bill.

Art Is Not A Crime! End The Los Angeles Mural Moratorium

Due to changes in the Los Angeles municipal code, the city’s once famous street murals are now defined as signs and viewed as an unwanted violation. Artists are being harassed in the streets, building owners who sanction the work of muralists are being heavily fined and many public street artworks are being painted over by graffiti removal companies. Art is not a crime! It is time for Los Angeles to end the moratorium on mural art.

Support Needed Reforms of the U.S. Food Safety System

There are roughly 15 government agencies tasked with administering our food-related laws. This inefficient mess of agencies threatens the safety of our food supply. By simplifying the convoluted food safety system into one independent and consolidated agency, we will streamline costs and increase food safety. Don’t allow agribusiness to continue to use our regulatory mess to find loopholes to avoid food safety regulations.

Demand Tennessee Lawmaker Apologize for Advocating Violence Against Transgender People

A Tennessee politician not only condoned, but repeatedly advocated violence against transgender people. He has said he will ‘stomp a mudhole’ in transgender women for using female-designated dressing rooms. We are calling on this politician to issue a public apology for his harmful and potentially violence-causing statements against transgender people.

Peaceful Animal Rights Activists Labeled ‘Terrorists’ Under Federal Law

Animal rights activists can be penalized as ‘terrorists’ under a 2006 law designed to protect corporations that use animals for testing, products, etc. The vague wording of the law targets even peaceful protesters, infringing on constitutional rights. Tell Congress to reissue this law with clearer and more just terms so activists can continue their right to protest without being labeled as terrorists by our heavy-handed government.

Urge Congress To Protect Rights Of LGBT Employees

It is still legal in 29 states for an employer to fire an employee for being homosexual or transgendered. Currently, the Senate holds the power to bring this unfair practice to a stop. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act will make it illegal for an employer to fire and/or refuse to hire or promote anyone based on their sexual orientation. Let’s protect LGBT in the workforce and pass this bill.

Government Subsidized Flood Insurance Shouldn’t Benefit Just the Rich

Wealthy Americans who own property in high-risk or environmentally questionable areas are the primary beneficiaries of government sponsored flood insurance. Low-income homeowners benefit only in severe disasters, while middle-income homeowners largely lose out, yet foot the bill through their taxes. New legislation must be passed ensuring that government subsidized flood insurance benefits everyone and not just the rich.

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