Portland native, peace and environmental advocate, writer and music lover
Coronavirus testing sites will be defunded across the United States due to a recent decision made by President Trump. As infection rates still surge, officials warn that testing is a crucial resource needed to slow the spread of the virus. Demand that President Trump reverse this ill-informed decision.
The release of toxic chemicals into the air, land and waterways could soon go unreported. These “forever chemicals” are linked to cancer, birth defects, immune deficiencies and more. Demand that companies be required to report any release of toxic chemicals and create stricter regulations on the amount they can release.
President Trump is threatening protesters who have defaced or removed statues of racist figures with up to ten years in prison. He referred to protesters as “hoodlums” and “anarchists” for toppling monuments of men associated with colonialism, slavery and confederacy. Demand President Trump stop threatening protesters who are speaking out against racism.
Native peoples’ lives, land, and culture are being threatened by a proposal to expand fracking. This practice would destroy sacred artifacts and exacerbate the public health risk for communities who already suffer disproportionately high rates of Covid-19. Demand the Bureau of Land Management halt their plan to expand fracking in order to protect the health and well-being of native people and their lands.
Facebook recently removed a Trump campaign advertisement that displayed a symbol used by the Nazis. The symbol, a red triangle, was used to identify political prisoners and communists during WWII. Applaud Facebook for removing Trump’s harmful and alarming use of a Nazi symbol for political gain.
Philonese Floyd, the brother of George Floyd, has called for an investigation into racism, police brutality and police killings of unarmed black people in the United States. He appealed to the United Nations in an emotional message about his brother’s tragic and unjust death at the knee of a police officer. Demand the U.N. open this investigation for the sake of black people across the nation.
President Trump has refused to mandate police reform, despite widespread public outcry. His executive order failed to mention racism or discrimination, which is the central issue invoking nationwide protests. Demand President Trump mandate police reform at the very least in order to adequately respond to police brutality and systematic racism.
A seven-year-old boy was sprayed in the face with mace by police officers at a recent anti-racism protest in Seattle. The boy’s family claims that, while the child screamed in pain, no officers or nearby Emergency Medical Services workers stepped in to help. Demand the Police Chief fire the officer responsible for this outrageous action.
A New York police unit known for its involvement in fatal shootings is being dismantled. This comes after weeks of nationwide protests in the United States calling for defunding the notoriously brutal police force. Applaud the New York City police commissioner for disbanding this unit and working to properly address police brutality.
A key Republican-led Senate committee voted to remove confederate names from army bases, despite adamant resistance from President Trump. This vote would require the Pentagon to strip military bases and equipment of confederate names, monuments or symbols within three years. Thank the Armed Services Committee for working to address racism in America.
Attorney General William Barr directed the use of violence against peaceful protesters so President Trump could get a photo-op holding a bible. Demand the inspector general open an investigation into Mr. Barr’s violent and unconstitutional actions against peaceful protesters.
Two officers who reportedly shoved a 75-year-old peaceful protester to the ground were charged with felony assault, thanks to a decision made by district attorney John J. Flynn. Applaud Mr. Flynn for holding police accountable and bringing justice to the man who was reportedly shoved to the ground.
Donald Trump is lying about a 75-year-old peaceful protester who was assaulted by police, suggesting the man was “a set up” who was “scanning” police communications and faked the incident. The victim, Martin Gugino, remains hospitalized with a brain injury caused by the police assault. Demand Trump stop defaming this innocent man.
The Minneapolis City Council voted to dismantle their police force which was responsible for the death of George Floyd. This comes after tireless protesting and organizing by Black Visions Collective, the Black Lives Matter movement and thousands of Americans nationwide. Applaud Black Visions Collective for protecting the black community from police brutality and working to dismantle the police department.
Widespread police violence has led to the harm and deaths of thousands of peaceful protestors and innocent American citizens. Hundreds of cell phone videos have recently been released displaying this violence, sparked by the death of George Floyd. Demand Attorney General William Barr implement immediate and widespread police reform in order to end senseless violence and killing.
Brazil’s president is threatening to reopen the border even though the country’s coronavirus infection and death rates are the highest in Latin America and still on the rise. Medical experts have warned that Brazil is far from their peak in cases. Demand President Bolsonaro cease to reopen Brazil’s borders, at least until coronavirus rates begin to fall.
Facebook has taken no action to remove a violent post written by President Trump. The message reads, “when the looting starts, the shooting starts,” which directly threatens American protesters with military force. Demand Zuckerberg remove the violent post and take a stand against hateful content on Facebook.
President Trump is invoking military force as a way to control nationwide protests regarding the wrongful death of George Floyd. He has supported use of rubber bullets, flash grenades and tear gas on mostly peaceful protesters. Demand Trump stop threatening protests with violence and instead work to address the root causes of nationwide unrest.
A black CNN reporter was arrested while covering protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Another white CNN correspondent was reporting a block away, and claimed that the police were “polite.” Demand Minneapolis’ Chief of Police apologize to the black reporter who was wrongfully arrested and punish the officers involved.
Thousands of Mexicans are dying preventable deaths due to Mexico’s drastically underfunded healthcare system. During the coronavirus crisis, nurses and doctors have reported severe lack of basic equipment, such as gloves, masks and heart monitors. Demand President López Obrador provide immediate funding to save thousands of lives.
Facebook increases virulent polarization and divisiveness in order to boost engagement on their platform. Fact-checking and removal of hateful content has been placed second to profit. Demand Facebook make a significant effort to encourage civil conversation and fact-checking and decrease polarization.
Coronavirus cases and death rates are seemingly drastically underestimated in Venezuela. The country has reported only 10 deaths, despite the collapse of their health system even before the pandemic. Demand President Maduro require reporting of Covid-19 cases and release accurate data so that the coronavirus can be properly responded to.
Latino workers at meat production plants are contracting Covid-19 at disproportionately high rates compared to white Americans. The plants are hotspots for the virus. Demand these facilities strengthen health and safety standards and ensure employees are receiving the proper resources to protect against Covid-19.
Further oppressive restrictions will be imposed on Hong Kong, despite the continued threat of the coronavirus. This includes a crackdown on anti-government protests and increased security measures, putting the territory more firmly under Beijing’s control. Demand Xi Jinping stop imposing oppressive restrictions on Hong Kong, especially during the coronavirus crisis.
Secretary Pompeo fired the State Department’s Inspector General, who was investigating Pompeo’s alleged misuse of government resources for personal and political gain. Demand Pompeo reinstate this hard-working employee unless there is a valid reason for firing him.
