{"issues":[{"id":"short-video","name":"Short Video","slug":"short-video","description":null,"page_title":null,"icons":{"black":"/assets/images/icons/default-black-issue-icon.svg","grey":"/assets/images/icons/default-grey-issue-icon.svg","white":"/assets/images/icons/default-white-issue-icon.svg"},"cover_image_url":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/m8q3wkaM/66e6ac/explore.jpg","is_following":false},{"id":"news","name":"News","slug":"news","description":null,"page_title":null,"icons":{"black":"/assets/images/icons/default-black-issue-icon.svg","grey":"/assets/images/icons/default-grey-issue-icon.svg","white":"/assets/images/icons/default-white-issue-icon.svg"},"cover_image_url":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/m8q3wkaM/66e6ac/explore.jpg","is_following":false},{"id":"quizzes","name":"Quizzes","slug":"quizzes","description":"","page_title":"","icons":{"black":"/assets/images/icons/default-black-issue-icon.svg","grey":"/assets/images/icons/default-grey-issue-icon.svg","white":"/assets/images/icons/default-white-issue-icon.svg"},"cover_image_url":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/m8q3wkaM/66e6ac/explore.jpg","is_following":false},{"id":"legislation","name":"Legislation","slug":"legislation","description":null,"page_title":null,"icons":{"black":"/assets/images/icons/default-black-issue-icon.svg","grey":"/assets/images/icons/default-grey-issue-icon.svg","white":"/assets/images/icons/default-white-issue-icon.svg"},"cover_image_url":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/m8q3wkaM/66e6ac/explore.jpg","is_following":false}],"legislators":[],"articles":[{"title":"Weekly Round up - 5/22/2020","id":233,"slug":"233-weekly-round-5-22-2020","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/233-weekly-round-5-22-2020","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=233","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/233/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

For updates on global human rights issues and ways that you can make a difference, make sure to explore WHTT's social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Comment at the bottom to share which topic speaks to you the most!","cta_type":"comment","cta_text":"Comment","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"5.21.20","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/JCkVGzufAHA/0.jpg","xsmall":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/JCkVGzufAHA/0.jpg","small":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/JCkVGzufAHA/0.jpg","medium":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/JCkVGzufAHA/0.jpg","large":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/JCkVGzufAHA/0.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":7,"html_content":"

For updates on global human rights issues and ways that you can make a difference, make sure to explore WHTT's social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

","comment_count":2,"issue_slugs":["short-video"],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-05-21T21:21:12.612Z","status":"published","snippet":"For updates on global human rights issues and ways that you can make a difference, make sure to explore WHTT's social media on","share_count":2,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-05-21T22:02:04.375Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/JCkVGzufAHA","video_dimensions":"480,270","video_aspect_ratio":"16x9","og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["short-video"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"FLASHBACK: Mavericks Needed","id":219,"slug":"219-flashback-mavericks-needed","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/219-flashback-mavericks-needed","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=219","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/219/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

Almost two years ago, we made the call for Mavericks – people who challenge the status quo; people who defend the dignity of all; and people who work in service of a cause greater than oneself. Thousands, maybe millions, have answered the call.

Today, we need mavericks more than ever before. We’re seeing so many answering the call: doctors, nurses, all hospital and healthcare workers, grocery store employees, delivery drivers, immigrant farm workers, EMTs, firefighters, police, sanitation workers, and our military. They’re stepping up to the call – working in service of a cause greater than themselves.

Watch the video and let us know who you think are the Mavericks in your community and beyond. Post your responses and videos here and/or on Twitter and Facebook pages and take the pledge if you haven’t already at https://www.mavericksneeded.org/.

","user_id":641,"cta_prompt":"Who are the Mavericks in your community?","cta_type":"record_video","cta_text":"Record Video","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"5.4.20","image_urls":{"small":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg","medium":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg","large":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg","thumb":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg","xsmall":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg"},"profile_id":8,"action_count":0,"html_content":"

","comment_count":0,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-05-04T17:58:39.126Z","status":"published","snippet":"Almost two years ago, we made the call for Mavericks – people who challenge the status quo; people who defend the dignity of","share_count":0,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-05-04T17:58:39.123Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/QlNPLoI-F1o","video_dimensions":[480,270],"video_aspect_ratio":"16x9","og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Can South Korea serve as an example to the United States on how to run an election during COVID-19?","id":208,"slug":"208-south-korea-serve-example-united-states-run-election-covid-19","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/208-south-korea-serve-example-united-states-run-election-covid-19","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=208","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/208/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

What is it?

On April 15, South Korea will go ahead with its parliamentary election despite the global COVID-19 outbreak. In order to ensure the safety of its citizens, the South Korean government has disinfected over 14,000 polling stations and marked 3-foot intervals to make sure that voters practice social distancing.
South Korea and the U.S. confirmed their first COVID-19 cases within a day of each other but today the U.S. has the most confirmed cases globally while South Korea has barely surpassed 10,000.

Why is it important?

Forty-seven countries including the United Kingdom, France and Ethiopia have postponed their elections but South Korea provides some important lessons to other democracies like the United states who are considering how to proceed with their elections.
As governments prepare to hold elections amid COVID-19, campaigns must make similar adjustments. In South Korea candidates took their campaigns online and engaged with their constituents in creative ways which practiced social distancing.
One thing to note is that online campaigning risks marginalizing people who have little or no access to internet services. Also, in countries with state-run media and internet services, opposition parties often have a difficult time taking their campaign online.

What can you do?

Check out 5 things governments should be doing in Freedom House’s Principles for Protecting Civil and Political Rights in the Fight against Covid-19.
Check out some best practices from South Korea’s experience dealing with COVID-19 from Foreign Affairs

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Vote and share your thoughts & comments below!","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"4.23.20","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/36a6cb/200413082556-05-pandemic-election-exlarge-169-1.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/36a6cb/200413082556-05-pandemic-election-exlarge-169-1.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/36a6cb/200413082556-05-pandemic-election-exlarge-169-1.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/36a6cb/200413082556-05-pandemic-election-exlarge-169-1.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/36a6cb/200413082556-05-pandemic-election-exlarge-169-1.jpg"},"profile_id":7,"action_count":20,"html_content":"

What is it?

On April 15, South Korea will go ahead with its parliamentary election despite the global COVID-19 outbreak. In order to ensure the safety of its citizens, the South Korean government has disinfected over 14,000 polling stations and marked 3-foot intervals to make sure that voters practice social distancing.
South Korea and the U.S. confirmed their first COVID-19 cases within a day of each other but today the U.S. has the most confirmed cases globally while South Korea has barely surpassed 10,000.

Why is it important?

\nForty-seven countries including the United Kingdom, France and Ethiopia have postponed their elections but South Korea provides some important lessons to other democracies like the United states who are considering how to proceed with their elections.
As governments prepare to hold elections amid COVID-19, campaigns must make similar adjustments. In South Korea candidates took their campaigns online and engaged with their constituents in creative ways which practiced social distancing.
One thing to note is that online campaigning risks marginalizing people who have little or no access to internet services. Also, in countries with state-run media and internet services, opposition parties often have a difficult time taking their campaign online.

What can you do?

Check out 5 things governments should be doing in Freedom House’s Principles for Protecting Civil and Political Rights in the Fight against Covid-19.
Check out some best practices from South Korea’s experience dealing with COVID-19 from Foreign Affairs\n

","comment_count":5,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-04-23T15:09:39.631Z","status":"published","snippet":"What is it? On April 15, South Korea will go ahead with its parliamentary election despite the global COVID-19 outbreak. In","share_count":0,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-04-23T15:09:39.627Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Introducing the Diplomacy Caucus","id":119,"slug":"119-introducing-diplomacy-caucus","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/119-introducing-diplomacy-caucus","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=119","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/119/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

The ongoing impeachment hearings in Washington, DC have had the unintended consequence of dragging down the morale of America’s foreign service as U.S. diplomats have been caught up in the partisan crossfire. To remedy this, four members of congress, two Republicans and two Democrats, have announced the creation of the Diplomacy Caucus. The caucus will bring together lawmakers of both parties in the interest of strengthening the U.S. diplomatic corps through legislation. Do you feel that America’s public servants are being protected enough by Congress, or is the creation of this caucus a necessity?

Article: With State Department Under Fire, Lawmakers Form a Diplomacy Caucus

","user_id":898,"cta_prompt":"A bipartisan group of lawmakers are banding together to support America's diplomats","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"12.4.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg"},"profile_id":6,"action_count":6,"html_content":"

Article: With State Department Under Fire, Lawmakers Form a Diplomacy Caucus

","comment_count":1,"issue_slugs":["news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-12-04T19:22:29.919Z","status":"published","snippet":"The ongoing impeachment hearings in Washington, DC have had the unintended consequence of dragging down the morale of America’s","share_count":2,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-12-04T19:22:29.917Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"People of Hong Kong Receive Leadership Award","id":114,"slug":"114-people-hong-kong-receive-leadership-award","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/114-people-hong-kong-receive-leadership-award","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=114","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/114/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

The second annual John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service has been awarded to the people of Hong Kong in recognition of their fight for democracy. The award, which was presented to the people of Lesbos, Greece, last year was presented this year to former lawmaker Emily Lau Wai-hing and activist Figo Chan Ho-wun on Saturday, November 23rd. The two accepted the award from Cindy McCain, the wife of late Senator John McCain, alongside the Halifax Security Forum, on behalf of all protesters in Hong Kong.

Giving this award to the people of Hong Kong makes the Halifax Security Forum—a network of international experts, academics, military officials, entrepreneurs and authors—the first international organization to recognize the struggles of the city’s people. This certainly comes at a delicate time: last week, the US Congress almost unanimously voted to pass the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act. This act would impose stricter monitoring of Hong Kong and, should any action be taken by the government to erode at the city’s freedoms, sanctions against China. President Trump, who has been in the process of working out a new trade deal with Beijing as a focal point of his re-election campaign, has yet to comment on whether he will sign the act into law or not.

In this context, the Halifax Forum’s recognition of the Hong Kongese could be seen as a challenge to Beijing itself. However, the Forum stands firm in its decision. Cindy McCain, who is also a board member of the Forum, said that she hopes “this tribute to those who are struggling for their rights in Hong Kong will encourage more people around the world to raise their voices in support of their cause, especially in my country’s government. They are fighting for something larger than themselves.”

Article: People of Hong Kong awarded 2019 John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service – an honour that comes at delicate time in US-China relations

","user_id":898,"cta_prompt":"Second annual John McCain Prize for Leadership and Public Service awarded to people of Hong Kong","cta_type":"contact_reps","cta_text":"Contact Reps","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"11.25.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/84e01a/Screen%20Shot%202019-11-25%20at%2010.25.39%20AM.png","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/84e01a/Screen%20Shot%202019-11-25%20at%2010.25.39%20AM.png","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/84e01a/Screen%20Shot%202019-11-25%20at%2010.25.39%20AM.png","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/84e01a/Screen%20Shot%202019-11-25%20at%2010.25.39%20AM.png","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/84e01a/Screen%20Shot%202019-11-25%20at%2010.25.39%20AM.png"},"profile_id":5,"action_count":2,"html_content":"

Article: People of Hong Kong awarded 2019 John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service – an honour that comes at delicate time in US-China relations

","comment_count":0,"issue_slugs":["news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-11-25T15:26:21.848Z","status":"published","snippet":"The second annual John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service has been awarded to the people of Hong Kong in recognition","share_count":2,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":{"state":"","region":"country","geolocate":true,"select_path":"Contact Reps : Federal : Geolocate","lower_chamber":"house","upper_chamber":"senate","chamber_choice":"all","state_required":false,"default_message":"","chosen_legislators":[],"lower_chamber_name":"House","upper_chamber_name":"Senate"},"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-11-25T15:26:21.846Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"One Big Thing: Are you concerned about foreign or domestic election interference?","id":234,"slug":"234-big-thing-concerned-foreign-domestic-election-interference","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/234-big-thing-concerned-foreign-domestic-election-interference","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=234","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/234/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

What is it?

Concerns have been raised about the integrity and legitimacy of the 2020 November elections and whether they will go forward on time. With coronavirus threatening normal public life, many election officials are looking for creative and legal ways to ensure that November’s election reflects the will of American voters.
Internationally, China and Russia have stepped up their game in terms of election meddling. Both have enhanced their ability to project disinformation on social media and through Russian government owned news stations like RT.
Domestically, there has been debate about the need for more funding for elections. Congress allocated $400 million in March, but as reported by the Brennan Center, many experts believe more is needed in light of COVID-19.
Additionally, concerns of legality have been raised about the use and distribution of mail-in-ballots and applications for them; however, in most localities across the United States, mail-in ballots have been used for decades without issue.
Local election officials – who actually plan and execute elections at all levels – are making plans to ensure an election with the highest of integrity but additional funding looks to be needed.

Why is it important?

Electoral transparency and legitimacy are core functions to the transition of power in a democracy. True democratic representation is when citizens’ desires are reflected in the election results and must be protected from foreign and domestic meddlers.
Although Russia and China have already successfully deployed election meddling campaigns around the world including Madagascar, Zambia, and even the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
Domestically, the only way the election can be postponed is by an act of Congress, agreed on by both the House of Representative and the Senate. Even if Congress were to choose to enact this option, the 20th amendment stipulates that “The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th day of January.” The United States has never postponed a presidential election.

What can you do?

Tune into NPR’s 26 minute toolkit on How to Spot Misinformation.
Voting is the best way to ensure electoral legitimacy is by voting! Register to vote HERE

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"5.21.20","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/d80fab/ElectionInterference_0.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/d80fab/ElectionInterference_0.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/d80fab/ElectionInterference_0.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/d80fab/ElectionInterference_0.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/d80fab/ElectionInterference_0.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":111,"html_content":"

What is it?

Concerns have been raised about the integrity and legitimacy of the 2020 November elections and whether they will go forward on time. With coronavirus threatening normal public life, many election officials are looking for creative and legal ways to ensure that November’s election reflects the will of American voters.
Internationally, China and Russia have stepped up their game in terms of election meddling. Both have enhanced their ability to project disinformation on social media and through Russian government owned news stations like RT.
Domestically, there has been debate about the need for more funding for elections. Congress allocated $400 million in March, but as reported by the Brennan Center, many experts believe more is needed in light of COVID-19.
Additionally, concerns of legality have been raised about the use and distribution of mail-in-ballots and applications for them; however, in most localities across the United States, mail-in ballots have been used for decades without issue.
Local election officials – who actually plan and execute elections at all levels – are making plans to ensure an election with the highest of integrity but additional funding looks to be needed.

Why is it important?

Electoral transparency and legitimacy are core functions to the transition of power in a democracy. True democratic representation is when citizens’ desires are reflected in the election results and must be protected from foreign and domestic meddlers.
Although Russia and China have already successfully deployed election meddling campaigns around the world including Madagascar, Zambia, and even the 2016 U.S. presidential election.\n
Domestically, the only way the election can be postponed is by an act of Congress, agreed on by both the House of Representative and the Senate. Even if Congress were to choose to enact this option, the 20th amendment stipulates that “The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th day of January.” The United States has never postponed a presidential election.

What can you do?

Tune into NPR’s 26 minute toolkit on How to Spot Misinformation.\n
Voting is the best way to ensure electoral legitimacy is by voting! Register to vote HERE\n

","comment_count":18,"issue_slugs":["quizzes"],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-05-21T21:43:10.916Z","status":"published","snippet":"What is it? Concerns have been raised about the integrity and legitimacy of the 2020 November elections and whether they will go","share_count":10,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-05-21T21:58:14.464Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["quizzes"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Should the World Health Organization be criticized for its response to coronavirus and its relationship with China and Taiwan?","id":207,"slug":"207-world-health-organization-criticized-response-coronavirus-relationship-china-taiwan","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/207-world-health-organization-criticized-response-coronavirus-relationship-china-taiwan","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=207","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/207/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

What is it?

On Tuesday, April 7, President Trump attacked the World Health Organization (WHO) for its late response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. He is not alone as the New York Times details the 3 ways that the WHO mismanaged its COVID-19 response in relation to China and Taiwan.
The WHO also refuses to acknowledge Taiwan’s existence as a sovereign country, a policy it continued last weekend when a top WHO official appeared to avoid questions about Taiwan. The WHO also continues to classify Taiwan under China’s borders on its website.

Why is it important?

The WHO has existed since April 7, 1948. It plays a crucial role supporting developing countries’ health needs and has played an important role in providing emergency responses to global health issues for more than 70 years – smallpox, AIDS, SARS, Ebola, MERs, Polio, etc.
In recent years, WHO has come under criticism especially with relation to China’s growing influence and the Unites States’ diminishing sway. Many observers (political and nonpolitical) see this influence as evidenced by WHO’s Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus responses to China’s handling of the pandemic.
Several experts have argued that the WHO’s declaration of a public health crisis on March 11 was too late. This limited many countries’ preventative responses including quarantine mechanisms and preparing hospitals.
The WHO’s questionable response to China’s mishandling of the COVID-19 outbreak has diminished the organization’s credibility. Prioritizing science over politics is needed in order to curb the global pandemic and restore its international reputation.

What can you do?

Learn more about the WHO’s response to COVID-19 from the Council on Foreign Relations and keep track of the virus’s spread from the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and share your thoughts!","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"4.23.20","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/b9f2a6/who-hq-e1586353803480-1.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/b9f2a6/who-hq-e1586353803480-1.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/b9f2a6/who-hq-e1586353803480-1.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/b9f2a6/who-hq-e1586353803480-1.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/b9f2a6/who-hq-e1586353803480-1.jpg"},"profile_id":7,"action_count":4,"html_content":"

What is it?

On Tuesday, April 7, President Trump attacked the World Health Organization (WHO) for its late response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. He is not alone as the New York Times details the 3 ways that the WHO mismanaged its COVID-19 response in relation to China and Taiwan.
The WHO also refuses to acknowledge Taiwan’s existence as a sovereign country, a policy it continued last weekend when a top WHO official appeared to avoid questions about Taiwan. The WHO also continues to classify Taiwan under China’s borders on its website.

Why is it important?

The WHO has existed since April 7, 1948. It plays a crucial role supporting developing countries’ health needs and has played an important role in providing emergency responses to global health issues for more than 70 years – smallpox, AIDS, SARS, Ebola, MERs, Polio, etc.
In recent years, WHO has come under criticism especially with relation to China’s growing influence and the Unites States’ diminishing sway. Many observers (political and nonpolitical) see this influence as evidenced by WHO’s Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus responses to China’s handling of the pandemic.
Several experts have argued that the WHO’s declaration of a public health crisis on March 11 was too late. This limited many countries’ preventative responses including quarantine mechanisms and preparing hospitals.
The WHO’s questionable response to China’s mishandling of the COVID-19 outbreak has diminished the organization’s credibility. Prioritizing science over politics is needed in order to curb the global pandemic and restore its international reputation.

What can you do?

Learn more about the WHO’s response to COVID-19 from the Council on Foreign Relations and keep track of the virus’s spread from the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.

","comment_count":2,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-04-23T14:56:35.406Z","status":"published","snippet":"What is it? On Tuesday, April 7, President Trump attacked the World Health Organization (WHO) for its late response to the","share_count":0,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-04-23T14:56:35.404Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"New California Law Prohibits Political Deepfakes","id":100,"slug":"100-new-california-law-prohibits-political-deepfakes","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/100-new-california-law-prohibits-political-deepfakes","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=100","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/100/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

California recently became the second state to pass a bill restricting the use of “deepfake” technology to spread false information about political candidates.

Specifically, the bill applies to instances where deepfake technology is used to intentionally spread false information about a candidate within 60 days of an election.

The bill includes exceptions for parody and satire, as well as cases where the broadcaster or publisher makes it clear that the media has been manipulated.

Article: California Becomes The Second State To Restrict Political “Deepfakes”

The bill has already drawn harsh criticism from free speech advocates, including the ACLU, who claimed \"this bill will not solve the problem of deceptive political videos; it will only result in voter confusion, malicious litigation, and repression of free speech.”

It’s worth noting that libel and defamation have never been protected by the first amendment, and many deepfake videos could be classified as libel or defamation.

Do you think outlawing deepfake videos is an attack on the first amendment? Can we stop the spread of misinformation without relying on censorship? Let us know in the comments below.

","user_id":27,"cta_prompt":"Should deepfake videos be considered protected speech?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"10.22.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/843872/WHTT_PoliticalDeepFake_Explore_20191021.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/843872/WHTT_PoliticalDeepFake_Explore_20191021.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/843872/WHTT_PoliticalDeepFake_Explore_20191021.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/843872/WHTT_PoliticalDeepFake_Explore_20191021.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/843872/WHTT_PoliticalDeepFake_Explore_20191021.jpg"},"profile_id":6,"action_count":14,"html_content":"

California recently became the second state to pass a bill restricting the use of “deepfake” technology to spread false information about political candidates.

Specifically, the bill applies to instances where deepfake technology is used to intentionally spread false information about a candidate within 60 days of an election.

The bill includes exceptions for parody and satire, as well as cases where the broadcaster or publisher makes it clear that the media has been manipulated.

Article: California Becomes The Second State To Restrict Political “Deepfakes”

It’s worth noting that libel and defamation have never been protected by the first amendment, and many deepfake videos could be classified as libel or defamation.

Do you think outlawing deepfake videos is an attack on the first amendment? Can we stop the spread of misinformation without relying on censorship? Let us know in the comments below.

","comment_count":3,"issue_slugs":["legislation","news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-10-22T14:57:04.556Z","status":"published","snippet":"California recently became the second state to pass a bill restricting the use of “deepfake” technology to spread false","share_count":2,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-10-22T15:29:37.361Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["legislation","news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Congressman Introduces Bill Requiring Arrested Protesters to Pay for Police Overtime","id":89,"slug":"89-congressman-introduces-bill-requiring-arrested-protesters-pay-police-overtime","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/89-congressman-introduces-bill-requiring-arrested-protesters-pay-police-overtime","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=89","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/89/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

Republican Representative Jim Banks responded to September’s climate protests by introducing a bill that would force arrested protestors to pay for police overtime.

Rep. Banks (R-Ind.) said \"Hoosier taxpayers shouldn't be on the hook for illegal protests — it is a violation of their 1st Amendment rights.”

Despite Banks’ statements, such a bill would erode First Amendment protections and make citizens less likely to protest.

Article: GOP lawmaker to introduce bill requiring arrested DC protesters pay for police overtime

Banks claims that this bill would not prohibit other demonstrations or protests, but historically speaking, many of our nation’s most important civil rights victories have come from protests that led to arrests. It seems likely that adding financial responsibility on top of the threat of arrest may prevent would-be-activists from participating in future protests.

Is this an intimidation tactic? If so, is it a violation of our First Amendment rights?

What do you think? Should activists ever be on the hook for police overtime?

","user_id":27,"cta_prompt":"Should protesters have to pay for police? Tell your Rep. how you feel.","cta_type":"contact_reps","cta_text":"Contact Reps","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"10.8.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/dc7cc9/WHTT_ArrestedProtestersPayPoliceOvertime_TakeAction_20191007.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/dc7cc9/WHTT_ArrestedProtestersPayPoliceOvertime_TakeAction_20191007.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/dc7cc9/WHTT_ArrestedProtestersPayPoliceOvertime_TakeAction_20191007.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/dc7cc9/WHTT_ArrestedProtestersPayPoliceOvertime_TakeAction_20191007.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/dc7cc9/WHTT_ArrestedProtestersPayPoliceOvertime_TakeAction_20191007.jpg"},"profile_id":5,"action_count":44,"html_content":"

Republican Representative Jim Banks responded to September’s climate protests by introducing a bill that would force arrested protestors to pay for police overtime.

Rep. Banks (R-Ind.) said \"Hoosier taxpayers shouldn't be on the hook for illegal protests — it is a violation of their 1st Amendment rights.”

Despite Banks’ statements, such a bill would erode First Amendment protections and make citizens less likely to protest.

\nArticle: GOP lawmaker to introduce bill requiring arrested DC protesters pay for police overtime\n

Is this an intimidation tactic? If so, is it a violation of our First Amendment rights?

What do you think? Should activists ever be on the hook for police overtime?

","comment_count":4,"issue_slugs":["legislation","news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-10-08T16:57:59.427Z","status":"published","snippet":"Republican Representative Jim Banks responded to September’s climate protests by introducing a bill that would force arrested","share_count":13,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-10-08T17:09:45.576Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["legislation","news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"One Big Thing: Is Nicaragua hiding the truth about its COVID-19 outbreak? ","id":232,"slug":"232-big-thing-nicaragua-hiding-truth-covid-19-outbreak","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/232-big-thing-nicaragua-hiding-truth-covid-19-outbreak","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=232","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/232/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

What is it?

To date, Nicaragua has only reported 25 COVID-19 cases and eight related deaths but many experts believe these statistics to be false. Recently, reports have emerged that the government has ordered “express burials” to hide the true scale of Nicaragua’s COVID-19 outbreak.
Nicaragua’s government has also gone against the international norm in combatting the spread of COVID-19. Citizens have been encouraged to continue to attend school, work, and public gatherings including soccer matches and parades.

Why is it important?

President Daniel Ortega first came to power through a coup in 1979 and was later elected president in 2007. Since then, Nicaragua went from a promising democracy to a near autocracy. Police and military crackdowns on his critics and political opponents are common. Human Rights Watch has reported that more than 88,000 people have fled the country since April 2018.
Nicaragua, while certainly not free, had escaped the violence of its Northern Triangle neighbors of El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. Millions from those countries have fled to the United States seeking refuge and asylum. With Ortega’s and his wife’s (the current vice president) increasingly corrupt and brutal rule, that could lead to more Nicaraguans leaving the country and headed to the United States to seek safety.
Freedom of press and access to reliable information are also under attack in Nicaragua. Ortega’s government regularly raids news critical outlets, confiscates their equipment and forced them to shutdown indefinitely.
Nicaragua has also faced endemic corruption since Ortega took power through a system of political and economic patronage. Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index shows how Nicaragua’s world score has been within the bottom 20 percent of world since 2012.

What can you do?

Learn more about Nicaragua’s human rights situation from the State Department and check out the current sanctions imposed on the central American country.

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"5.20.20","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/b5192f/f83cc3bac9244323b3deb893a57c7efb_18.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/b5192f/f83cc3bac9244323b3deb893a57c7efb_18.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/b5192f/f83cc3bac9244323b3deb893a57c7efb_18.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/b5192f/f83cc3bac9244323b3deb893a57c7efb_18.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/b5192f/f83cc3bac9244323b3deb893a57c7efb_18.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":12,"html_content":"

What is it?

To date, Nicaragua has only reported 25 COVID-19 cases and eight related deaths but many experts believe these statistics to be false. Recently, reports have emerged that the government has ordered “express burials” to hide the true scale of Nicaragua’s COVID-19 outbreak.
Nicaragua’s government has also gone against the international norm in combatting the spread of COVID-19. Citizens have been encouraged to continue to attend school, work, and public gatherings including soccer matches and parades.

Why is it important?

\nPresident Daniel Ortega first came to power through a coup in 1979 and was later elected president in 2007. Since then, Nicaragua went from a promising democracy to a near autocracy. Police and military crackdowns on his critics and political opponents are common. Human Rights Watch has reported that more than 88,000 people have fled the country since April 2018.
Nicaragua, while certainly not free, had escaped the violence of its Northern Triangle neighbors of El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. Millions from those countries have fled to the United States seeking refuge and asylum. With Ortega’s and his wife’s (the current vice president) increasingly corrupt and brutal rule, that could lead to more Nicaraguans leaving the country and headed to the United States to seek safety.
\nFreedom of press and access to reliable information are also under attack in Nicaragua. Ortega’s government regularly raids news critical outlets, confiscates their equipment and forced them to shutdown indefinitely.
Nicaragua has also faced endemic corruption since Ortega took power through a system of political and economic patronage. Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index shows how Nicaragua’s world score has been within the bottom 20 percent of world since 2012.

What can you do?

Learn more about Nicaragua’s human rights situation from the State Department and check out the current sanctions imposed on the central American country.

","comment_count":1,"issue_slugs":["quizzes"],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-05-20T21:58:01.398Z","status":"published","snippet":"What is it? To date, Nicaragua has only reported 25 COVID-19 cases and eight related deaths but many experts believe these","share_count":3,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":4,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-05-20T21:58:01.389Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["quizzes"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"One Big Thing: America Votes in the Shadow of Coronavirus","id":206,"slug":"206-big-thing-america-votes-shadow-coronavirus","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/206-big-thing-america-votes-shadow-coronavirus","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=206","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/206/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

What is it?

As Coronavirus (COVID-19) looms over all aspects of society, state and national election officials must still determine how to proceed with the remaining presidential primary elections, Congressional & state level primary elections, and general elections on November 3.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, more than 20 states need to hold presidential primary elections and many more will have to hold primary elections for state level offices and Congressional seats.
Different voting options are common around the country, but many states would need to quickly implement new voting procedures if coronavirus continues to November – even sooner with on-going primaries.
Absentee mail-in voting is common, but different states have different rules.
The cost of new measures to ensure voters have access to polls is going to be expensive – keep in mind security measures needed to protect against foreign interference as well.

Why is it important?

Voting is essential to a strong American democracy. It is vital that there are functional alternative voting methods in place for all registered voters if the coronavirus pandemic continues to persist. The overall success the election depends on the mutual cooperation of the American public to adapt to a new method of voting.
This is a non-partisan issue. As the Campaign Legal Center has advocated “red” and “blue” states have an obligation to ensure all people have access to voting.
As mentioned above, Congress already allocated $500 million to support elections, but in a Politico article, experts believe more is needed.
Disenfranchising voters is not an option. In a Techcruch article written by a state elections official, secure online voting should be considered to ensure voters have options.
Voters need options: mail-in, online or even drop it off at a drive up location.

What can you do?

Check out legislation in the U.S. Senate aimed to make mail-in voting widely available and appropriates $500 million to help election officials around the country prepare.
Check your state’s primary election dates from National Conference of State Legislatures.
Make sure you are registered to vote and sign up online from Vote.gov

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Do think more funding is necessary to ensure on-time, secure and safe voting for the November general election?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"4.23.20","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/b005d5/ap_mail_ballot-1.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/b005d5/ap_mail_ballot-1.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/b005d5/ap_mail_ballot-1.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/b005d5/ap_mail_ballot-1.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/b005d5/ap_mail_ballot-1.jpg"},"profile_id":7,"action_count":0,"html_content":"

What is it?

As Coronavirus (COVID-19) looms over all aspects of society, state and national election officials must still determine how to proceed with the remaining presidential primary elections, Congressional & state level primary elections, and general elections on November 3.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, more than 20 states need to hold presidential primary elections and many more will have to hold primary elections for state level offices and Congressional seats.
Different voting options are common around the country, but many states would need to quickly implement new voting procedures if coronavirus continues to November – even sooner with on-going primaries.
Absentee mail-in voting is common, but different states have different rules.
The cost of new measures to ensure voters have access to polls is going to be expensive – keep in mind security measures needed to protect against foreign interference as well.

Why is it important?

Voting is essential to a strong American democracy. It is vital that there are functional alternative voting methods in place for all registered voters if the coronavirus pandemic continues to persist. The overall success the election depends on the mutual cooperation of the American public to adapt to a new method of voting.
This is a non-partisan issue. As the Campaign Legal Center has advocated “red” and “blue” states have an obligation to ensure all people have access to voting.
As mentioned above, Congress already allocated $500 million to support elections, but in a Politico article, experts believe more is needed.
Disenfranchising voters is not an option. In a Techcruch article written by a state elections official, secure online voting should be considered to ensure voters have options.
Voters need options: mail-in, online or even drop it off at a drive up location.

What can you do?

Check out legislation in the U.S. Senate aimed to make mail-in voting widely available and appropriates $500 million to help election officials around the country prepare.
Check your state’s primary election dates from National Conference of State Legislatures.
Make sure you are registered to vote and sign up online from Vote.gov\n

","comment_count":0,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-04-23T14:54:33.318Z","status":"published","snippet":"What is it? As Coronavirus (COVID-19) looms over all aspects of society, state and national election officials must still","share_count":0,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-04-23T14:54:33.314Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Denver Police Agree to First Amendment Training ","id":96,"slug":"96-denver-police-agree-amendment-training","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/96-denver-police-agree-amendment-training","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=96","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/96/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

In July of 2018, investigative reporter Susan Greene filmed an interaction between Denver police and a naked, handcuffed man. Police asked Greene to stop recording, and when she refused, they seized her phone, handcuffed her, and pushed her into a police car. The interaction was captured on police body cam footage.

Article: Denver Police Agree to First Amendment Training After Unlawful Arrest of Journalist

The right to record police officers have been repeatedly upheld by the courts as an essential element of free speech and free press.

After a 7 month internal investigation, the Denver Police Department agreed to provide First Amendment training for their officers, specifically conceding the right to photograph and record in public.

Is this a win for free speech? Let us know in the comments below.

","user_id":27,"cta_prompt":"Should recording police count as free speech?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"10.15.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/f749d3/WHTT_DenverPoliceFirstAmendmentTraining-_Explore_20191014.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/f749d3/WHTT_DenverPoliceFirstAmendmentTraining-_Explore_20191014.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/f749d3/WHTT_DenverPoliceFirstAmendmentTraining-_Explore_20191014.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/f749d3/WHTT_DenverPoliceFirstAmendmentTraining-_Explore_20191014.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/f749d3/WHTT_DenverPoliceFirstAmendmentTraining-_Explore_20191014.jpg"},"profile_id":6,"action_count":10,"html_content":"

\nArticle: Denver Police Agree to First Amendment Training After Unlawful Arrest of Journalist\n

The right to record police officers have been repeatedly upheld by the courts as an essential element of free speech and free press.

Is this a win for free speech? Let us know in the comments below.

","comment_count":1,"issue_slugs":["legislation","news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-10-15T14:12:16.231Z","status":"published","snippet":"In July of 2018, investigative reporter Susan Greene filmed an interaction between Denver police and a naked, handcuffed man.","share_count":2,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-10-15T14:16:52.981Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["legislation","news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"One Year After Jamal Khashoggi’s Death, Many Questions Remain","id":85,"slug":"85-year-jamal-khashoggi-s-death-questions-remain","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/85-year-jamal-khashoggi-s-death-questions-remain","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=85","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/85/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

Wednesday, October 2nd marks one year since journalist Jamal Khashoggi died inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. Khashoggi was a known political dissident, and many of his articles were critical of the Saudi government. The exact circumstances of his murder remain suspicious and largely unverified, and one year later, there are still many questions surrounding his death.

Here’s what you need to know about Khashoggi:

Jamal Ahmad Khashoggi was a Saudi born author, journalist and political dissident.
He was assassinated on October 2nd, 2018 inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
Khashoggi was a legal resident of the United States, and a columnist for the Washington Post at the time of his death.
Saudi Arabia initially denied any knowledge of Khashoggi's death.
Later, the Saudi government claimed his death was the result of rogue actors.
By November, the CIA had concluded Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman ordered Khashoggi's assassination.
A United Nation’s Report concluded that he was killed and dismembered by Saudi state actors.
His remains have never been found.
Initially, President Trump promised “severe punishment” if it became clear that the Saudi government had assassinated Khashoggi. One month later, he backpedaled on this claim, citing his reluctance to “destroy the economy” by straining Saudi-U.S. relations.
A trial for 11 men accused of killing Khashoggi began in January, 2019 but has taken place in Saudi Arabia, mostly outside of public view.
Last week, Saudi Crown Prince admitted that Khashoggi’s death “happened under my watch.”
Mohammed bin Salman still denies ordering the killing of Khashoggi.

Article: Khashoggi's murder: One year on, here's what we know

Even after multiple investigations and a Saudi trial, the exact details of the murder are still unknown. Khashoggi’s murder is a brutal blow to global press freedoms and an alarming strain to U.S.-Saudi relations. People deserve to know the truth about what happened to Jamal Khashoggi, and as long as the Saudi government and the White House continue to shroud this event in secrecy, people will continue to harbor suspicions about our government’s willingness to pursue justice and our democratic commitment to a free press.

Do you think Congress should demand an investigation into Khashoggi’s death? If so, let your Representative know.

You can also sound off on twitter using the hashtags #JusticeforKhashoggi and #RememberKhashoggi

Or, you can reach out to the 2020 Presidential candidates below using #JusticeforKhashoggi and #RememberKhashoggi

","user_id":27,"cta_prompt":"Do you think Congress Should Reopen an Investigation?","cta_type":"contact_reps","cta_text":"Contact Reps","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"10.2.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/d363a5/WHTT_CountablePetition_20190926.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/d363a5/WHTT_CountablePetition_20190926.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/d363a5/WHTT_CountablePetition_20190926.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/d363a5/WHTT_CountablePetition_20190926.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/d363a5/WHTT_CountablePetition_20190926.jpg"},"profile_id":5,"action_count":15,"html_content":"

Here’s what you need to know about Khashoggi:

Jamal Ahmad Khashoggi was a Saudi born author, journalist and political dissident.
He was assassinated on October 2nd, 2018 inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
Khashoggi was a legal resident of the United States, and a columnist for the Washington Post at the time of his death.
Saudi Arabia initially denied any knowledge of Khashoggi's death.
Later, the Saudi government claimed his death was the result of rogue actors.
\nBy November, the CIA had concluded Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman ordered Khashoggi's assassination.\n
A United Nation’s Report concluded that he was killed and dismembered by Saudi state actors.
His remains have never been found.
\nInitially, President Trump promised “severe punishment” if it became clear that the Saudi government had assassinated Khashoggi. One month later, he backpedaled on this claim, citing his reluctance to “destroy the economy” by straining Saudi-U.S. relations.\n
\nA trial for 11 men accused of killing Khashoggi began in January, 2019 but has taken place in Saudi Arabia, mostly outside of public view.\n
\nLast week, Saudi Crown Prince admitted that Khashoggi’s death “happened under my watch.”\n
\nMohammed bin Salman still denies ordering the killing of Khashoggi.\n

Article: Khashoggi's murder: One year on, here's what we know

Do you think Congress should demand an investigation into Khashoggi’s death? If so, let your Representative know.

You can also sound off on twitter using the hashtags #JusticeforKhashoggi and #RememberKhashoggi

Or, you can reach out to the 2020 Presidential candidates below using #JusticeforKhashoggi and #RememberKhashoggi

","comment_count":1,"issue_slugs":["news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-10-02T15:59:54.482Z","status":"published","snippet":"Wednesday, October 2nd marks one year since journalist Jamal Khashoggi died inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey.","share_count":5,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-10-02T16:04:51.013Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"One Big Thing: Do you think religious freedom is under attack around the world and in the United States?","id":231,"slug":"231-big-thing-do-think-religious-freedom-attack-world-united-states","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/231-big-thing-do-think-religious-freedom-attack-world-united-states","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=231","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/231/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

What is it?

The State Department’s Report on Religious Freedom showed that 80 percent of people live in places where religious freedom is under attack.
Around the world, religious freedoms are under attack as people of all religions face persecution for the faith they practice. Some examples include China’s persecution of Uighurs, clashes between Muslims and Hindus in India, Christians in Iraq and Burma’s persecution of the Rohingya.
The United States, where religious freedom is enshrined in the First Amendment, has seen an increase of acts of prejudice, hate speech, and violent extremism, particularly aimed at the Jewish community as was witnessed with the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre.

Why is it important?

Religious freedom is important because it protects each citizens’ right to live, speak, and act according to their beliefs peacefully and publicly. This fundamental freedom has also been frequently attributed to why the U.S. has managed to avoid many of the religious conflicts that have torn other nations apart.
Today, many issues of religious freedom manifest on social media platforms. Many companies have begun to institute oversight committees for content moderation in response to the new trend.
The trends are not promising, particularly when looking at the United States and the rise of anti-Semitism. According to the Anti-Defamation League, 2019 recorded the most incidents since 1979.

What can you do?

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"5.20.20","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/cfb3fe/12042744014_37c47371a4_b.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/cfb3fe/12042744014_37c47371a4_b.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/cfb3fe/12042744014_37c47371a4_b.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/cfb3fe/12042744014_37c47371a4_b.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/cfb3fe/12042744014_37c47371a4_b.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":147,"html_content":"

What is it?

\nThe State Department’s Report on Religious Freedom showed that 80 percent of people live in places where religious freedom is under attack.
Around the world, religious freedoms are under attack as people of all religions face persecution for the faith they practice. Some examples include China’s persecution of Uighurs, clashes between Muslims and Hindus in India, Christians in Iraq and Burma’s persecution of the Rohingya.
The United States, where religious freedom is enshrined in the First Amendment, has seen an increase of acts of prejudice, hate speech, and violent extremism, particularly aimed at the Jewish community as was witnessed with the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre.

Why is it important?

\nReligious freedom is important because it protects each citizens’ right to live, speak, and act according to their beliefs peacefully and publicly. This fundamental freedom has also been frequently attributed to why the U.S. has managed to avoid many of the religious conflicts that have torn other nations apart.
Today, many issues of religious freedom manifest on social media platforms. Many companies have begun to institute oversight committees for content moderation in response to the new trend.
The trends are not promising, particularly when looking at the United States and the rise of anti-Semitism. According to the Anti-Defamation League, 2019 recorded the most incidents since 1979.

What can you do?

Learn more from:
\nUnited States Commission on International Religious Freedom.\n
Anti-Defamation League’s 2019 Year in Review
Religious Freedom Institute

","comment_count":28,"issue_slugs":["quizzes"],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-05-20T12:29:39.916Z","status":"published","snippet":"What is it? The State Department’s Report on Religious Freedom showed that 80 percent of people live in places where religious","share_count":4,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-05-20T13:34:19.046Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["quizzes"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"One Big Thing: The Economic Implications of Coronavirus","id":205,"slug":"205-big-thing-economic-implications-coronavirus","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/205-big-thing-economic-implications-coronavirus","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=205","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/205/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

What is it?

As the Coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, its economic implications have been felt here in the United States and around the world. Many standard economic indicators including the Dow Jones Industrial Average faced their worst quarter ever, dipping up to 25% (over 800 points) since the outbreak began while other gauges like unemployment have risen sharply.

Why is important?

The United Nations’ conservatively estimated that the Coronavirus’s economic implications will reach $1 trillion during only 2020. The UN also pointed out that developing economies will be hit the hardest and have less resources to deal with the effects.
Many experts believe that the sharp economic contractions that the U.S. faced in March will continuing through the second quarter of 2020. Aside from the record setting $2 trillion economic-rescure package passed last week, Congress has also voted three other stimulus packages into law
While the United States government needs to protect Americans, many believe the only way out of this global pandemic, is a global response. Børge Brende, President of the World Economic Forum writes in USA Today, “…Recovery is only possible through coordinated global action.” Learn more about how governments, central banks, and international financial institutions like the World Bank and IMF have begun to mitigate the anticipated economic impact of the virus from the Atlantic Council.

What can you do?

Continue to follow the CDC and WHO’s recommendations to minimize the spread of Coronavirus. The sooner the pandemic is over, the sooner the economy can return to normal.
Check out Amnesty International’s assessment of the global coronavirus response and learn more from Brookings about what we can do in the U.S. to mitigate the economic effects of coronavirus.

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Should the US government coordinate a global response to address the economic implications of COVID-19?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"4.23.20","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/bb4218/Coronavirus-Stores-SD-031220-3.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/bb4218/Coronavirus-Stores-SD-031220-3.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/bb4218/Coronavirus-Stores-SD-031220-3.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/bb4218/Coronavirus-Stores-SD-031220-3.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/bb4218/Coronavirus-Stores-SD-031220-3.jpg"},"profile_id":7,"action_count":0,"html_content":"

What is it?

As the Coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, its economic implications have been felt here in the United States and around the world. Many standard economic indicators including the Dow Jones Industrial Average faced their worst quarter ever, dipping up to 25% (over 800 points) since the outbreak began while other gauges like unemployment have risen sharply.

Why is important?

\nThe United Nations’ conservatively estimated that the Coronavirus’s economic implications will reach $1 trillion during only 2020. The UN also pointed out that developing economies will be hit the hardest and have less resources to deal with the effects.
Many experts believe that the sharp economic contractions that the U.S. faced in March will continuing through the second quarter of 2020. Aside from the record setting $2 trillion economic-rescure package passed last week, Congress has also voted three other stimulus packages into law\n
While the United States government needs to protect Americans, many believe the only way out of this global pandemic, is a global response. Børge Brende, President of the World Economic Forum writes in USA Today, “…Recovery is only possible through coordinated global action.” Learn more about how governments, central banks, and international financial institutions like the World Bank and IMF have begun to mitigate the anticipated economic impact of the virus from the Atlantic Council.

What can you do?

Continue to follow the CDC and WHO’s recommendations to minimize the spread of Coronavirus. The sooner the pandemic is over, the sooner the economy can return to normal.
Check out Amnesty International’s assessment of the global coronavirus response and learn more from Brookings about what we can do in the U.S. to mitigate the economic effects of coronavirus.

","comment_count":0,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-04-23T14:53:16.131Z","status":"published","snippet":"What is it? As the Coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, its economic implications have been felt here in the United States","share_count":0,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-04-23T14:53:16.129Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Should Political Robo Calls Be Protected Under the First Amendment?","id":84,"slug":"84-political-robo-calls-protected-amendment","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/84-political-robo-calls-protected-amendment","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=84","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/84/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

Spam calls are annoying, but they may be an important part of a functioning democracy, at least according to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. A Montana judge recently ruled that part of an old Montana law is unconstitutional for banning robo calls that are \"promoting a political campaign or any use related to a political campaign.”

The court reasoned that banning robo calls might severely damage campaigns with low funding and therefore posed a dangerous restriction on free speech.

Article: Are Political Robocalls Protected Under the First Amendment?

It’s nice to see a court stick up for campaigns that don’t have access to Super PACs, even if it comes at the expense of a minor annoyance.

What do you think? Is this a win for free speech or a loss for privacy? Can it be both?

","user_id":27,"cta_prompt":"Do you think auto calls should be classified as protected speech?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"10.1.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/91ecff/WHTT_PoliticalRoboCall_Explore_20190930.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/91ecff/WHTT_PoliticalRoboCall_Explore_20190930.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/91ecff/WHTT_PoliticalRoboCall_Explore_20190930.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/91ecff/WHTT_PoliticalRoboCall_Explore_20190930.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/91ecff/WHTT_PoliticalRoboCall_Explore_20190930.jpg"},"profile_id":6,"action_count":8,"html_content":"

The court reasoned that banning robo calls might severely damage campaigns with low funding and therefore posed a dangerous restriction on free speech.

\nArticle: Are Political Robocalls Protected Under the First Amendment?\n

It’s nice to see a court stick up for campaigns that don’t have access to Super PACs, even if it comes at the expense of a minor annoyance.

What do you think? Is this a win for free speech or a loss for privacy? Can it be both?

","comment_count":1,"issue_slugs":["news","legislation"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-10-01T16:41:52.041Z","status":"published","snippet":"Spam calls are annoying, but they may be an important part of a functioning democracy, at least according to the 9th Circuit","share_count":0,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-10-01T16:41:52.037Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["legislation","news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"How big was the global climate strike?","id":81,"slug":"81-big-global-climate-strike","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/81-big-global-climate-strike","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=81","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/81/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

The numbers are in from what was likely the largest climate strike in history. On Friday, September 20th, an estimated 4 million activists gathered in over 160 countries to protest a lack of corporate and government action on climate change. The exact numbers have not yet been confirmed, but current estimates place over 250,000 protestors at the main strike in New York City, as well as over 300,000 protestors in London and 1.4 million protestors across Germany.

Article: How big was the global climate strike? 4 million people, activists estimate.

The New York demonstration was a powerful reminder of the importance of our right to gather, speak out, and hold our elected officials accountable.

Do you agree with the protest? If so, how would you like to see Congress address our changing climate? Reach out to your Rep. by clicking the link above or let us know how you feel in the comments below.

","user_id":27,"cta_prompt":"Do you want to see more government action to address climate change? Tell your Representatives how you feel.","cta_type":"contact_reps","cta_text":"Contact Reps","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"10.1.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/f76edb/WHTT_GlobalClimateStrike_TakeAction_20190930.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/f76edb/WHTT_GlobalClimateStrike_TakeAction_20190930.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/f76edb/WHTT_GlobalClimateStrike_TakeAction_20190930.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/f76edb/WHTT_GlobalClimateStrike_TakeAction_20190930.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/f76edb/WHTT_GlobalClimateStrike_TakeAction_20190930.jpg"},"profile_id":5,"action_count":5,"html_content":"

\nArticle: How big was the global climate strike? 4 million people, activists estimate.\n

The New York demonstration was a powerful reminder of the importance of our right to gather, speak out, and hold our elected officials accountable.

","comment_count":2,"issue_slugs":["news","legislation"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-09-26T01:30:41.261Z","status":"published","snippet":"The numbers are in from what was likely the largest climate strike in history. On Friday, September 20th, an estimated 4 million","share_count":0,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-10-01T16:49:48.439Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["legislation","news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"One Big Thing: Do you think there’s enough transparency in government and oversight of government officials?","id":230,"slug":"230-big-thing-do-think-s-transparency-government-oversight-government-officials","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/230-big-thing-do-think-s-transparency-government-oversight-government-officials","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=230","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/230/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

What is it?

On Friday, May 15, President Donald Trump fired State Department Inspector General Steve Linick. Despite contrary reactions from both parties, Lawfare maintains that Trump’s firing of Linick is almost certainly within his constitutional powers.
It remains unclear whether Trump can replace Linick immediately. It is very important that each agency or department has an acting inspector general as they will spearhead any and all oversight conducted within their jurisdiction.

Why is it important?

The firings of Linick and several other Inspectors General, bring to light the issues of independent government oversight and the overall system of checks and balances.
Government oversight is the foundation of how our constitutional system of checks and balances functions because without it, elected officials and public servants would not be held accountable. An educated constituency is vital to upholding democratic norms and a huge part of that is being informed.
Various Congressional committees have been set up in the past to investigate government actions including the recent Bengazi hearings, Whitewater investigation and the Iran-Contra scandal.
The media also plays an important enforcer of government oversight and accountability. When trustworthy information about election officials and government is made available, citizens are able to engage more frequently and effectively.
The cases of Julian Assange and Edward Snowden are examples of whether these men are criminals by exposing classified government documents or were providing a public service as a journalist (Assange) or government whistleblower (Snowden).

What can you do?

Learn more about Presidential powers in relation to the termination of government oversight officials and the long-term effects these actions may have on democracy.
Learn more about government oversight and whistleblowers from The Government Accountability Project.

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"5.18.20","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e4ba80/Untitled-design-2-3.png","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e4ba80/Untitled-design-2-3.png","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e4ba80/Untitled-design-2-3.png","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e4ba80/Untitled-design-2-3.png","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e4ba80/Untitled-design-2-3.png"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":161,"html_content":"

What is it?

On Friday, May 15, President Donald Trump fired State Department Inspector General Steve Linick. Despite contrary reactions from both parties, Lawfare maintains that Trump’s firing of Linick is almost certainly within his constitutional powers.
It remains unclear whether Trump can replace Linick immediately. It is very important that each agency or department has an acting inspector general as they will spearhead any and all oversight conducted within their jurisdiction.

Why is it important?

The firings of Linick and several other Inspectors General, bring to light the issues of independent government oversight and the overall system of checks and balances.
Government oversight is the foundation of how our constitutional system of checks and balances functions because without it, elected officials and public servants would not be held accountable. An educated constituency is vital to upholding democratic norms and a huge part of that is being informed.
Various Congressional committees have been set up in the past to investigate government actions including the recent Bengazi hearings, Whitewater investigation and the Iran-Contra scandal.
The media also plays an important enforcer of government oversight and accountability. When trustworthy information about election officials and government is made available, citizens are able to engage more frequently and effectively.
The cases of Julian Assange and Edward Snowden are examples of whether these men are criminals by exposing classified government documents or were providing a public service as a journalist (Assange) or government whistleblower (Snowden).

What can you do?

Learn more about Presidential powers in relation to the termination of government oversight officials and the long-term effects these actions may have on democracy.
\nLearn more about government oversight and whistleblowers from The Government Accountability Project.\n

","comment_count":30,"issue_slugs":["quizzes"],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-05-18T21:25:50.750Z","status":"published","snippet":"What is it? On Friday, May 15, President Donald Trump fired State Department Inspector General Steve Linick . Despite contrary","share_count":9,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-05-18T22:21:38.882Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["quizzes"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Coronavirus and the 2020 Election","id":204,"slug":"204-coronavirus-2020-election","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/204-coronavirus-2020-election","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=204","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/204/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

The coronavirus outbreak continues to shut down businesses and stop people’s everyday lives which has raised a host of questions about how to proceed with the 2020 elections. With social distancing in effect throughout the country, some states have already postponed their primary elections but many are still unsure how to proceed. If COVID-19 continues to prohibit movement in the fall, experts across the political spectrum have offered their opinions and suggestions ranging from only voting via mail-in ballot to postponing the 2020 November election.

Answer the short quiz above to share your thoughts and check out some ideas on ways the electoral process can move forward in a timely manner:

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Answer the short quiz above to share your thoughts and check out some ideas on ways the electoral process can move forward in a timely manner:

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For many Americans, trust in American Institutions and with one-another is at an all time low. This lack of trust is one of our nation’s most pressing national security crises. Bishop Garrison and Mary Beth Bruggeman of Thrive Global believe that universal national service is critical to the future and security of our country.

Article: How to solve America’s biggest national security threat

Studies have shown that service can increase empathy as well as build teamwork skills and foster a sense of community. By serving side-by-side in the military, civilian corps, or in public works projects, Americans may be able to start rebuilding trust in each other and in our nation.

Do you think we can rebuild faith in our institutions and each other through increased national service? Why or why not? How would you like to see our nation focus on service?

This article is based on a piece originally published in Thrive Global.

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Article: How to solve America’s biggest national security threat

Do you think we can rebuild faith in our institutions and each other through increased national service? Why or why not? How would you like to see our nation focus on service?

This article is based on a piece originally published in Thrive Global.

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Weekly Roundup: April 16, 2020

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