{"issues":[{"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,"follower_count":47},{"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,"follower_count":49}],"legislators":[{"id":3,"chamber":"house","country":null,"first_name":"Pete","last_name":"Aguilar","nickname":null,"party":"D","gender":"M","district":"31","state":"CA","state_name":"California","state_rank":"","birthday":"1979-06-19","senate_class":null,"term_start":"2021-01-03","term_end":"2023-01-03","title":"Rep","twitter_id":"reppeteaguilar","facebook_id":"reppeteaguilar","youtube_id":null,"website":"https://aguilar.house.gov","phone":"+1-202-225-3201","fax":null,"photos":{"small":"https://assets.hosted-assets.com/public/legislator/photo/A000371/small_rep_aguilar_1558565219.jpg","medium":"https://assets.hosted-assets.com/public/legislator/photo/A000371/medium_rep_aguilar_1558565219.jpg"},"represented_district_name":"California 31st Congressional District","ocd_id":"ocd-division/country:us/state:ca/cd:31","upper":false,"lower":true,"legislative_body_id":3}],"legislative_bodies":[{"name":"United States House","id":3,"district_id":"us"}],"districts":[{"name":"United States","ocd_id":"ocd-division/country:us","state":null,"cover_images":{"large":"https://countable-us.s3.amazonaws.com/district/cover_image/default.png"},"released":false,"id":"us"}],"articles":[{"title":"What are ballot marking devices?","id":655,"slug":"655-ballot-marking-devices","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/655-ballot-marking-devices","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=655","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/655/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":3229,"cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"8.3.22","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/ZnnrPbqJ/6262b3/6262b3-vote-3569999_1920.jpg","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/ZnnrPbqJ/6262b3/6262b3-vote-3569999_1920.jpg","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/ZnnrPbqJ/6262b3/6262b3-vote-3569999_1920.jpg","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/ZnnrPbqJ/6262b3/6262b3-vote-3569999_1920.jpg","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/ZnnrPbqJ/6262b3/6262b3-vote-3569999_1920.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":11,"html_content":"

What is it?

The 2020 Presidential election was accompanied by conspiracy theories and false accusations targeting the U.S. electoral system. Almost all aspects of the process have been subject to disinformation, from collecting and counting the votes to the physical election machinery itself.
Voting machines – known as a ballot marking devices (BMDs) – use touchscreen computers to print out a paper ballot for every in-person voter and are widely used across the country.
BMDs ensure that people can vote independently and privately. They allow voters to modify font size, the interface, or change the displayed language. They also decrease the likelihood of a ballot being uncounted or counted incorrectly by eliminating stray pen marks and the possibility of voting for too many candidates in a race.
\nOn the other hand, BMDs are criticized for their potential risks to election integrity and security and emerging vulnerabilities. \n

Why is it important?

BMDs will likely serve a more significant role in election infrastructure in the U.S. for the foreseeable future.
\nThey have been the subject of misinformation that can be used to undermine trust in elections. \n
\nThe false allegations against Georgia for supposedly changing Trump votes to Biden votes cause legitimate concerns about BMD security to be challenging to discern from the outlandish claims about election machinery. \n

What can you do?

Read more about BMD security.
Read about BMD alternatives.

Authored by Sarah Nishioka

","comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2022-08-03T16:55:18.421Z","status":"published","snippet":"What is it? The 2020 Presidential election was accompanied by conspiracy theories and false accusations targeting the U.S.","share_count":7,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2022-08-03T16:55:18.327Z","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,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"What are ballot marking devices?","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","html_content":"

What is it?

The 2020 Presidential election was accompanied by conspiracy theories and false accusations targeting the U.S. electoral system. Almost all aspects of the process have been subject to disinformation, from collecting and counting the votes to the physical election machinery itself.
Voting machines – known as a ballot marking devices (BMDs) – use touchscreen computers to print out a paper ballot for every in-person voter and are widely used across the country.
BMDs ensure that people can vote independently and privately. They allow voters to modify font size, the interface, or change the displayed language. They also decrease the likelihood of a ballot being uncounted or counted incorrectly by eliminating stray pen marks and the possibility of voting for too many candidates in a race.
\nOn the other hand, BMDs are criticized for their potential risks to election integrity and security and emerging vulnerabilities. \n

Why is it important?

BMDs will likely serve a more significant role in election infrastructure in the U.S. for the foreseeable future.
\nThey have been the subject of misinformation that can be used to undermine trust in elections. \n
\nThe false allegations against Georgia for supposedly changing Trump votes to Biden votes cause legitimate concerns about BMD security to be challenging to discern from the outlandish claims about election machinery. \n

What can you do?

Read more about BMD security.
Read about BMD alternatives.

Authored by Sarah Nishioka

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":1,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Assassinated During Campaign Speech","id":646,"slug":"646-japanese-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-assassinated-campaign-speech","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/646-japanese-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-assassinated-campaign-speech","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=646","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/646/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and make your voice heard!","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"7.11.22","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/5a394b/5a394b-7591e9-36478259912_5b0c2122ba_b.jpg","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/5a394b/5a394b-7591e9-36478259912_5b0c2122ba_b.jpg","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/5a394b/5a394b-7591e9-36478259912_5b0c2122ba_b.jpg","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/5a394b/5a394b-7591e9-36478259912_5b0c2122ba_b.jpg","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/5a394b/5a394b-7591e9-36478259912_5b0c2122ba_b.jpg"},"profile_id":11,"action_count":7,"html_content":"

What’s the story?

\nFormer Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe was assassinated on Friday while giving a campaign speech in the western prefecture of Nara by a lone gunman.\n
\nThe gunman used a homemade double-barrelled firearm apparently assembled using pipe, tape, wood, and electrical components. The 41-year-old man fired two shots at Abe from behind ― the first missed and prompted Abe’s security detail to try to shield him using their briefcases, but the second mortally wounded Abe in the chest and neck after he turned around to face his attacker. The gunman was immediately apprehended on the scene.\n
Despite his prompt evacuation to a hospital via helicopter and treatment with multiple blood transfusions, Abe succumbed to his wounds and was pronounced dead Friday at the age of 67.
\nCurrent Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who is from Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party (which is Japan’s largest conservative party), fought back tears during an emotional speech in which he said of Abe:\n

“I was desperately praying for him to survive but unfortunately that prayer was not answered, and we now face this sad news. I have no words. I would like to express my deep condolences… In the midst of an election, which is the root of democracy, this dastardly event took place. I would like to use the harshest words to condemn this unforgivable act.”

Shinzo Abe’s legacy

Abe was the longest-serving prime minister in Japanese history, as he was in office from September 2006 to September 2007, and served a second term from December 2012 to September 2020. He stepped down in 2007 due to complications from ulcerative colitis and mounted a surprise comeback, then resigned as prime minister again due to the chronic illness in 2020.
Despite stepping down as prime minister, Abe continued to serve in Japan’s House of Representatives and led the largest faction of the Liberal Democratic Party, which has held governing coalition majorities in Japan’s legislature ― known as the National Diet ― since he started his second stint as prime minister.
\nAbe’s contributions in terms of foreign policy were substantial and visionary. He was the originator of the phrase “free and open Indo-Pacific” which has been widely adopted by the U.S., Australia, South Korea, India, and other like-minded countries in that vast and consequential region. Its intent has become an integral part of America’s Indo-Pacific strategy and the phrase itself is used with regularity by U.S. policymakers across the political spectrum.\n
\nAbe can also be considered the godfather of what has become known as “the Quad” ― a strategic security dialogue between Japan, the U.S., India, and Australia that aims to serve as a diplomatic and military bulwark against China’s efforts to exert influence over the Indo-Pacific region. The Quad evolved out of Abe’s calls for a “security diamond” between those countries.\n
\nDuring his time in office, Abe was a steadfast proponent of the alliance between the U.S. and Japan as the cornerstone of stability in the Pacific. He pushed for reforms to Japan’s Constitution to allow his country’s self-defense forces to modernize and more actively counteract the threats Japan faces from China’s belligerence in the region and North Korea’s nuclear threats.\n
\nAbe also advocated for Taiwan’s freedom and continued self-governance as a democracy in the face of China’s threat of forcible reunification, and his party continues to emphasize the vital importance of Taiwan’s stability to Japan’s national security. Earlier this year, he urged the U.S. to depart from its policy of “strategic ambiguity” regarding America’s intent (or lack thereof) to defend Taiwan from invasion and instead move to explicitly guarantee Taiwan’s security. Abe also sought to support Taiwan economically, even posing for a picture with Taiwanese pineapples after China imposed an import ban.\n
\nAbe’s leadership also played an important role in shoring up Japan’s economic vitality through his promotion of free trade, reversal of the damaging deflation the country faced, shoring up Japan’s social security systems, and economic inclusion of women through his “womenomics” policy. He also helped accelerate reconstruction in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake.\n

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Dominique Pineiro via Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Flickr / Public Domain)

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2022-07-11T14:52:52.294Z","status":"published","snippet":"What’s the story? Former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe was assassinated on Friday while giving a campaign speech in the","share_count":7,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2022-07-11T14:52:52.263Z","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,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Assassinated During Campaign Speech","cta_prompt":"Join us and make your voice heard!","html_content":"

What’s the story?

\nFormer Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe was assassinated on Friday while giving a campaign speech in the western prefecture of Nara by a lone gunman.\n
\nThe gunman used a homemade double-barrelled firearm apparently assembled using pipe, tape, wood, and electrical components. The 41-year-old man fired two shots at Abe from behind ― the first missed and prompted Abe’s security detail to try to shield him using their briefcases, but the second mortally wounded Abe in the chest and neck after he turned around to face his attacker. The gunman was immediately apprehended on the scene.\n
Despite his prompt evacuation to a hospital via helicopter and treatment with multiple blood transfusions, Abe succumbed to his wounds and was pronounced dead Friday at the age of 67.
\nCurrent Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who is from Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party (which is Japan’s largest conservative party), fought back tears during an emotional speech in which he said of Abe:\n

“I was desperately praying for him to survive but unfortunately that prayer was not answered, and we now face this sad news. I have no words. I would like to express my deep condolences… In the midst of an election, which is the root of democracy, this dastardly event took place. I would like to use the harshest words to condemn this unforgivable act.”

Shinzo Abe’s legacy

Abe was the longest-serving prime minister in Japanese history, as he was in office from September 2006 to September 2007, and served a second term from December 2012 to September 2020. He stepped down in 2007 due to complications from ulcerative colitis and mounted a surprise comeback, then resigned as prime minister again due to the chronic illness in 2020.
Despite stepping down as prime minister, Abe continued to serve in Japan’s House of Representatives and led the largest faction of the Liberal Democratic Party, which has held governing coalition majorities in Japan’s legislature ― known as the National Diet ― since he started his second stint as prime minister.
\nAbe’s contributions in terms of foreign policy were substantial and visionary. He was the originator of the phrase “free and open Indo-Pacific” which has been widely adopted by the U.S., Australia, South Korea, India, and other like-minded countries in that vast and consequential region. Its intent has become an integral part of America’s Indo-Pacific strategy and the phrase itself is used with regularity by U.S. policymakers across the political spectrum.\n
\nAbe can also be considered the godfather of what has become known as “the Quad” ― a strategic security dialogue between Japan, the U.S., India, and Australia that aims to serve as a diplomatic and military bulwark against China’s efforts to exert influence over the Indo-Pacific region. The Quad evolved out of Abe’s calls for a “security diamond” between those countries.\n
\nDuring his time in office, Abe was a steadfast proponent of the alliance between the U.S. and Japan as the cornerstone of stability in the Pacific. He pushed for reforms to Japan’s Constitution to allow his country’s self-defense forces to modernize and more actively counteract the threats Japan faces from China’s belligerence in the region and North Korea’s nuclear threats.\n
\nAbe also advocated for Taiwan’s freedom and continued self-governance as a democracy in the face of China’s threat of forcible reunification, and his party continues to emphasize the vital importance of Taiwan’s stability to Japan’s national security. Earlier this year, he urged the U.S. to depart from its policy of “strategic ambiguity” regarding America’s intent (or lack thereof) to defend Taiwan from invasion and instead move to explicitly guarantee Taiwan’s security. Abe also sought to support Taiwan economically, even posing for a picture with Taiwanese pineapples after China imposed an import ban.\n
\nAbe’s leadership also played an important role in shoring up Japan’s economic vitality through his promotion of free trade, reversal of the damaging deflation the country faced, shoring up Japan’s social security systems, and economic inclusion of women through his “womenomics” policy. He also helped accelerate reconstruction in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake.\n

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Dominique Pineiro via Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Flickr / Public Domain)

Tune in to hear Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, Bill Gates, discuss the infamous Eastman Memos and how they were used by President Donald Trump to attempt to seize election materials and tools following the 2020 election. Bill was re-elected to another four-year term on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in 2020. Maricopa County is the fourth largest county in the United States with a population of over 4.5 million people. Bill represents over 900,000 residents as a Maricopa County Supervisor. He was first elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2016. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Board, a position he held in 2019 when, among other things, Bill negotiated a re-organization of the Maricopa County Elections Department with then-Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes. Prior to joining the Board of Supervisors, Bill served on the Phoenix City Council from 2009-2016, including a stint as Vice Mayor in 2013.

We Hold These Truth’s Ask the Expert Series brings you answers from a diverse group of leaders in their fields of study and practice on issues affecting American democracy. These short videos are part of a broader panel conversation which are hosted by the McCain Institute’s Defending American Democracy Series – an event series focused on restoring faith in fact-based journalism and countering mis- and disinformation.

This panel is part of the Defending American Democracy series with support from The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2022-06-21T13:35:01.128Z","status":"published","snippet":"Tune in to hear Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, Bill Gates, discuss the infamous Eastman Memos and how","share_count":11,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2022-06-21T13:35:01.115Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/D0PIgeTFE_Y","video_dimensions":"200,113","video_aspect_ratio":"16x9","og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Ask the Experts: What were the Eastman Memos?","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","html_content":"

This panel is part of the Defending American Democracy series with support from The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"How do you plan on practicing Maverick voting?","id":219,"slug":"219-do-plan-practicing-maverick-voting","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/219-do-plan-practicing-maverick-voting","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=219","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/219/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":641,"cta_prompt":"Will your vote challenge the status quo; defend the dignity of all people; and support causes greater than one’s self?","cta_type":"record_video","cta_text":"Record Video","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"5.4.20","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg","xsmall":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg","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"},"profile_id":8,"action_count":38,"html_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.

As the 2020 Election approaches, we need mavericks more than ever before. Like the original maverick, Senator John McCain, we ask you to use your vote to challenge the status quo, defend the dignity of all people and support causes greater than one’s self.

Watch the video and let us know how you plan on Maverick Voting. 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/.

","comments_count":3,"comments_enabled":true,"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":21,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"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,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"How do you plan on practicing Maverick voting?","cta_prompt":"Will your vote challenge the status quo; defend the dignity of all people; and support causes greater than one’s self?","html_content":"

","custom_cta_text":"Record Video","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":3,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Local News Source Guide - Western Region","id":395,"slug":"395-local-news-source-guide-western-region","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/395-local-news-source-guide-western-region","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=395","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/395/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"3.4.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e0773c/West%20region.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e0773c/West%20region.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e0773c/West%20region.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e0773c/West%20region.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e0773c/West%20region.jpg"},"profile_id":10,"action_count":24,"html_content":"

Arizona - AZ AZCentral

New Mexico - NM Albuquerque Journal

Oregon - OR The Oregonian

Nevada - NV Las Vegas Review Journal

California – CA Los Angeles Times

Washington - WA The Seattle Times

Utah - UT Deseret News

Colorado - CO The Denver Post

Hawaii - HI Honolulu Star Advertiser

Alaska - AK Anchorage Daily News

","comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-03-04T18:07:43.123Z","status":"published","snippet":"Arizona - AZ AZCentral New Mexico - NM Albuquerque Journal Oregon - OR The Oregonian Nevada - NV Las Vegas Review Journal","share_count":23,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2021-03-04T18:07:43.121Z","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,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Local News Source Guide - Western Region","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","html_content":"

Arizona - AZ AZCentral

New Mexico - NM Albuquerque Journal

Oregon - OR The Oregonian

Nevada - NV Las Vegas Review Journal

California – CA Los Angeles Times

Washington - WA The Seattle Times

Utah - UT Deseret News

Colorado - CO The Denver Post

Hawaii - HI Honolulu Star Advertiser

Alaska - AK Anchorage Daily News

","custom_cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":1,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":[],"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"},"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":15,"html_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

","comments_count":3,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["news"],"private":false,"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":3,"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":"This issue is important to me.","chosen_legislators":["3"],"lower_chamber_name":"House","upper_chamber_name":"Senate"},"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-11-25T15:26:21.846Z","allow_advocacy":false,"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,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"People of Hong Kong Receive Leadership Award","cta_prompt":"Second annual John McCain Prize for Leadership and Public Service awarded to people of Hong Kong","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

","custom_cta_text":"Contact Reps","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":3,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[3]},{"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"},"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":7,"html_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

","comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"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":3,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"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,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Introducing the Diplomacy Caucus","cta_prompt":"A bipartisan group of lawmakers are banding together to support America's diplomats","html_content":"

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

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":1,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Do you think Congress should disclose election spending? ","id":654,"slug":"654-do-think-congress-disclose-election-spending","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/654-do-think-congress-disclose-election-spending","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=654","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/654/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":3229,"cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"8.2.22","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/ZnnrPbqJ/51eb53/51eb53-sharon-mccutcheon-8lnbXtxFGZw-unsplash.jpg","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/ZnnrPbqJ/51eb53/51eb53-sharon-mccutcheon-8lnbXtxFGZw-unsplash.jpg","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/ZnnrPbqJ/51eb53/51eb53-sharon-mccutcheon-8lnbXtxFGZw-unsplash.jpg","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/ZnnrPbqJ/51eb53/51eb53-sharon-mccutcheon-8lnbXtxFGZw-unsplash.jpg","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/ZnnrPbqJ/51eb53/51eb53-sharon-mccutcheon-8lnbXtxFGZw-unsplash.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":77,"html_content":"

What is it?

\nOn July 19, 2022, Congress held a hearing on the Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections (DISCLOSE) Act which was created to improve transparency around American elections. \n
\nElection spending has increased dramatically as corporations and wealthy individuals contribute billions to campaigns, but a substantial portion of that spending remains deliberately hidden from the public. \n
\nThe result is that campaigns become guilty in secret spending, also known as “dark money,” which creates a political atmosphere only responsive to the priorities of wealthy special interests. \n
If passed, the DISCLOSE Act would dramatically curtail secret spending in elections by requiring groups to disclose donors that have given over $10,000 during an election cycle, thus stopping the use of intermediary groups.

Why is it important?

Dark money can prevent voters from weighing campaign messages’ content, credibility, and reliability.
\nDark money can leave elections vulnerable to corruption and foreign influence. In elections, transparency is imperative to an accessible and inclusive democracy. \n
\nVoters have a fundamental right to know who is spending money to influence their vote. This information is imperative for citizens to participate in the democratic process meaningfully and cast an informed vote. \n

What can you do?

Learn more about dark money.
Learn more about ways to combat dark money.

Authored by Sarah Nishioka

","comments_count":13,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2022-08-02T17:05:32.111Z","status":"published","snippet":"What is it? On July 19, 2022, Congress held a hearing on the Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections","share_count":18,"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_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2022-08-02T17:05:32.050Z","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,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Do you think Congress should disclose election spending? ","cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","html_content":"

What is it?

\nOn July 19, 2022, Congress held a hearing on the Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections (DISCLOSE) Act which was created to improve transparency around American elections. \n
\nElection spending has increased dramatically as corporations and wealthy individuals contribute billions to campaigns, but a substantial portion of that spending remains deliberately hidden from the public. \n
\nThe result is that campaigns become guilty in secret spending, also known as “dark money,” which creates a political atmosphere only responsive to the priorities of wealthy special interests. \n
If passed, the DISCLOSE Act would dramatically curtail secret spending in elections by requiring groups to disclose donors that have given over $10,000 during an election cycle, thus stopping the use of intermediary groups.

Why is it important?

Dark money can prevent voters from weighing campaign messages’ content, credibility, and reliability.
\nDark money can leave elections vulnerable to corruption and foreign influence. In elections, transparency is imperative to an accessible and inclusive democracy. \n
\nVoters have a fundamental right to know who is spending money to influence their vote. This information is imperative for citizens to participate in the democratic process meaningfully and cast an informed vote. \n

What can you do?

Learn more about dark money.
Learn more about ways to combat dark money.

Authored by Sarah Nishioka

","custom_cta_text":"React","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":11,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"U.S. Announces $820M in Additional Military Aid for Ukraine, Including Long-Range Artillery & Air Defense","id":642,"slug":"642-u-s-announces-820m-additional-military-aid-ukraine-including-long-range-artillery-air-defense","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/642-u-s-announces-820m-additional-military-aid-ukraine-including-long-range-artillery-air-defense","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=642","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/642/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Are you in favor of the new aid package for Ukraine?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"7.6.22","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/77ddfe/77ddfe-69dc44-himarsfireusmclejeune.jpg","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/77ddfe/77ddfe-69dc44-himarsfireusmclejeune.jpg","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/77ddfe/77ddfe-69dc44-himarsfireusmclejeune.jpg","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/77ddfe/77ddfe-69dc44-himarsfireusmclejeune.jpg","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/77ddfe/77ddfe-69dc44-himarsfireusmclejeune.jpg"},"profile_id":11,"action_count":0,"html_content":"

What’s the story?

The U.S. on Friday announced a new $820 million package in military aid for Ukraine as the fighting continues amid Russia’s offensive in the eastern Donbas region and Ukrainian forces seek to take back its territory in the south and east.
\nThe new package includes more advanced air defense systems and long-range guided artillery. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement:\n

“Ukrainians continue to face a brutality highlighted once again this week by an attack that struck a shopping mall filled with civilians. They continue to fight for their country, and the United States continues to stand by them and their just cause. As the United States prepares to commemorate our independence, we remain committed to the independence, security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine.”

What’s in the package?

\nThe new $820 million package includes $770 million in funding for military aid under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) and $50 million under the presidential drawdown authority (PDA) from Dept. of Defense inventories and stockpiles. \n

The USAI funding will fund:

Two National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS), which is a ground-based short- to medium-range air defense system jointly developed by companies from Norway (Kongsberg) and the U.S. (Raytheon). It can defend against drones, cruise missiles, helicopters, and aircraft. The U.S. will buy the NASAMS for Ukraine and help provide training for Ukrainian operators.
Up to 150,000 rounds of 155mm artillery ammunition. Prior tranches of military aid from the U.S., NATO, and other allies have provided Ukraine with 155mm howitzers (both towed and self-propelled) that have longer ranges (up to 25 miles) than most Russian artillery and can utilize GPS-guided precision munitions, which have been provided previously and may be in the latest tranche. Ukraine is depleting what remains of its Soviet-era 152mm artillery ammunition, so it has to switch over to NATO standard 155mm systems that will allow its forces to access the stockpiles needed to support various artillery missions called in.
Four additional counter-battery artillery radars, which are used by Ukrainian forces to detect the firing locations of Russian artillery units bombarding Ukrainian positions and then promptly returning fire.

The PDA funding will provide:

Additional ammunition for the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) that have been provided to Ukraine under prior tranches of military aid. Depending on the type of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) munition used, these systems have ranges of up to 43 miles or 80 miles and can operate beyond the range of Russian counter-battery artillery fire, meaning the primary threat they face is aircraft.
\nHIMARS has reportedly been used to significant effect by Ukraine in targeting Russian command posts, ammunition and fuel depots, and other targets.\n

RELATED READING

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Megan Ozaki via DVIDSHUB / Public Domain)

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2022-07-06T13:13:43.459Z","status":"published","snippet":"What’s the story? The U.S. on Friday announced a new $820 million package in military aid for Ukraine as the fighting continues","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_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2022-07-06T13:13:43.390Z","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,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"U.S. Announces $820M in Additional Military Aid for Ukraine, Including Long-Range Artillery & Air Defense","cta_prompt":"Are you in favor of the new aid package for Ukraine?","html_content":"

What’s the story?

The U.S. on Friday announced a new $820 million package in military aid for Ukraine as the fighting continues amid Russia’s offensive in the eastern Donbas region and Ukrainian forces seek to take back its territory in the south and east.
\nThe new package includes more advanced air defense systems and long-range guided artillery. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement:\n

“Ukrainians continue to face a brutality highlighted once again this week by an attack that struck a shopping mall filled with civilians. They continue to fight for their country, and the United States continues to stand by them and their just cause. As the United States prepares to commemorate our independence, we remain committed to the independence, security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine.”

What’s in the package?

\nThe new $820 million package includes $770 million in funding for military aid under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) and $50 million under the presidential drawdown authority (PDA) from Dept. of Defense inventories and stockpiles. \n

The USAI funding will fund:

Two National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS), which is a ground-based short- to medium-range air defense system jointly developed by companies from Norway (Kongsberg) and the U.S. (Raytheon). It can defend against drones, cruise missiles, helicopters, and aircraft. The U.S. will buy the NASAMS for Ukraine and help provide training for Ukrainian operators.
Up to 150,000 rounds of 155mm artillery ammunition. Prior tranches of military aid from the U.S., NATO, and other allies have provided Ukraine with 155mm howitzers (both towed and self-propelled) that have longer ranges (up to 25 miles) than most Russian artillery and can utilize GPS-guided precision munitions, which have been provided previously and may be in the latest tranche. Ukraine is depleting what remains of its Soviet-era 152mm artillery ammunition, so it has to switch over to NATO standard 155mm systems that will allow its forces to access the stockpiles needed to support various artillery missions called in.
Four additional counter-battery artillery radars, which are used by Ukrainian forces to detect the firing locations of Russian artillery units bombarding Ukrainian positions and then promptly returning fire.

The PDA funding will provide:

Additional ammunition for the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) that have been provided to Ukraine under prior tranches of military aid. Depending on the type of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) munition used, these systems have ranges of up to 43 miles or 80 miles and can operate beyond the range of Russian counter-battery artillery fire, meaning the primary threat they face is aircraft.
\nHIMARS has reportedly been used to significant effect by Ukraine in targeting Russian command posts, ammunition and fuel depots, and other targets.\n

RELATED READING

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Megan Ozaki via DVIDSHUB / Public Domain)

","custom_cta_text":"React","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Ask the Experts: 2016 Russian election interference vs. 2020 electoral disinformation","id":631,"slug":"631-ask-experts-2016-russian-election-interference-vs-2020-electoral-disinformation","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/631-ask-experts-2016-russian-election-interference-vs-2020-electoral-disinformation","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=631","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/631/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":3229,"cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"6.16.22","image_urls":{"small":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/GVxPcldEhyE/0.jpg","medium":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/GVxPcldEhyE/0.jpg","large":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/GVxPcldEhyE/0.jpg","thumb":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/GVxPcldEhyE/0.jpg","xsmall":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/GVxPcldEhyE/0.jpg"},"profile_id":9,"action_count":0,"html_content":"

Tune in to hear Brian Corley discuss the difference between Russia’s attempts to manipulate the 2016 Presidential election and mis-, dis-, and mal-information (\"MDM\") used in the 2020 election. Corley has served as the Supervisor of Elections for Pasco County, FL since 2007 and in that time has presided over 70 elections with more than 2 million votes cast. During his tenure, the Pasco County Election’s office continues to be recognized for innovation, efficiency, and transparency in serving the voters. He previously served in senior managerial positions with the Pasco County Clerk of the Circuit Court, as well as the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

He is a state-certified election administrator by the Florida Department of State and is the past president of the Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections. He has testified numerous times before Florida Legislative Senate and House committees on election and voting related issues.

Nationally, Corley has been a featured speaker and panelist with such organizations as The Bi-Partisan Policy Center, The Elections Assistance Commission, The International Association of Government Officials, The Center for Internet Security, The Pew Charitable Trusts “Voting Information Project” Committee, The National Election Center (Election Cybersecurity Taskforce), the “Vote at Home” Advisory Council, the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Government Operations and is an instructor with the Florida Certified Election Professional Program.

This panel is part of the Defending American Democracy series with support from The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2022-06-16T13:26:18.198Z","status":"published","snippet":"Tune in to hear Brian Corley discuss the difference between Russia’s attempts to manipulate the 2016 Presidential election and","share_count":0,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2022-06-16T13:26:18.186Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/GVxPcldEhyE","video_dimensions":[200,113],"video_aspect_ratio":"16x9","og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Ask the Experts: 2016 Russian election interference vs. 2020 electoral disinformation","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","html_content":"

This panel is part of the Defending American Democracy series with support from The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":[],"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"},"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

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?

","comments_count":4,"comments_enabled":true,"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_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-10-08T17:09:45.576Z","allow_advocacy":false,"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,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Congressman Introduces Bill Requiring Arrested Protesters to Pay for Police Overtime","cta_prompt":"Should protesters have to pay for police? Tell your Rep. how you feel.","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?

","custom_cta_text":"Contact Reps","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":4,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":["legislation","news"],"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"},"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":15,"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”

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.

","comments_count":3,"comments_enabled":true,"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_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,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"New California Law Prohibits Political Deepfakes","cta_prompt":"Should deepfake videos be considered protected speech?","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.

","custom_cta_text":"React","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":3,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":["legislation","news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Local News Source Guide - Midwest Region","id":394,"slug":"394-local-news-source-guide-midwest-region","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/394-local-news-source-guide-midwest-region","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=394","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/394/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"3.4.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/4c91d0/Midwest%20region.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/4c91d0/Midwest%20region.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/4c91d0/Midwest%20region.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/4c91d0/Midwest%20region.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/4c91d0/Midwest%20region.jpg"},"profile_id":10,"action_count":1,"html_content":"

Illinois - IL Chicago Tribune

Idaho - ID Idaho Statesman

Indiana - IN Indianapolis Star

Iowa - IA The Des Moines Register

Kansas - KS Wichita Eagle

Michigan - MI Detroit News

Minnesota - MN Duluth News Tribune

Montana - MT Billings Gazette

Missouri - MO St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Nebraska - NE Lincoln Journal Star

Wyoming - WY Casper Star-Tribune

Ohio - OH Cincinnati Enquirer

Wisconsin - WI Wisconsin State Journal

North Dakota - ND Bismarck Tribune

South Dakota - SD Rapid City Journal

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-03-04T18:07:00.175Z","status":"published","snippet":"Illinois - IL Chicago Tribune Idaho - ID Idaho Statesman Indiana - IN Indianapolis Star Iowa - IA The Des Moines Register Kansas","share_count":1,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2021-03-04T18:07:00.169Z","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,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Local News Source Guide - Midwest Region","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","html_content":"

Illinois - IL Chicago Tribune

Idaho - ID Idaho Statesman

Indiana - IN Indianapolis Star

Iowa - IA The Des Moines Register

Kansas - KS Wichita Eagle

Michigan - MI Detroit News

Minnesota - MN Duluth News Tribune

Montana - MT Billings Gazette

Missouri - MO St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Nebraska - NE Lincoln Journal Star

Wyoming - WY Casper Star-Tribune

Ohio - OH Cincinnati Enquirer

Wisconsin - WI Wisconsin State Journal

North Dakota - ND Bismarck Tribune

South Dakota - SD Rapid City Journal

","custom_cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"How Does Disinformation Impact Communities of Color?","id":653,"slug":"653-does-disinformation-impact-communities-color","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/653-does-disinformation-impact-communities-color","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=653","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/653/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":3229,"cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"8.1.22","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/ZnnrPbqJ/d0c7c8/d0c7c8-fake-news-6038455_1920.png","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/ZnnrPbqJ/d0c7c8/d0c7c8-fake-news-6038455_1920.png","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/ZnnrPbqJ/d0c7c8/d0c7c8-fake-news-6038455_1920.png","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/ZnnrPbqJ/d0c7c8/d0c7c8-fake-news-6038455_1920.png","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/ZnnrPbqJ/d0c7c8/d0c7c8-fake-news-6038455_1920.png"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":10,"html_content":"

Disinformation targeted at communities of color represents a growing threat, as found by the Propaganda Research Lab at UT Austin’s Center for Media Engagement. Studies by the Propaganda Research Lab yield four key findings:

1.) Encrypted messaging apps are critical vectors for false and misleading information

Certain encrypted messaging apps such as WhatsApp are used disproportionately more by people of color as a platform for political discussion. Nefarious actors may take advantage of these civic spaces -- which are defined by trust, close relationships, and authenticity -- to promote false and misleading information.
Information circulating in these encrypted messaging apps is often characterized by a cascade logic. That is, information is either “trafficked upstream” (from private conversations into the mainstream) or “downstream” (allowing information to withdraw from the public eye). As information moves through these channels, it is easily distorted and decontextualized.

2.) Minority groups are targeted by unique strains of propaganda

Specific tactics and themes of misinformation are tailored towards minority groups. This risks disenfranchisement of these populations and undermines their trust in the democratic system.

3.) COVID-19 dis- and misinformation affecting communities of color

Dis- and misinformation about COVID-19 disproportionately affects communities of color. One key reason is the historical injustices that minority groups have faced in the medical system, which foment skepticism and distrust.

4.) Structural factors of our information environment inhibit the democratic inclusion of communities of color

Communities of color are vulnerable to structural issues relating to long-term efforts to control minority groups’ access to, and understandings of, the country’s electoral and media systems.
Disinformation is a social and cultural problem first rather than just a technological one. False information targeting communities of color is often circulated through offline channels such as mailers and print advertising.
Online attempts to undermine minority groups’ participation in our democracy are worsened by structural disadvantages related to the broader information environment.

The Propaganda Research Lab also highlights solutions to mitigate the damaging effect of disinformation on communities of color:

Real-time fact-checking

These efforts should be supported by bottom-up, community-centric, and regionally and linguistically specific programs

Understand the significance of electoral propaganda for minorities and communities of color in order to create more inclusive democracies

Discussions must include equitable representation from minority groups

Read the full report and testimony HERE

Learn more HERE

Authored by Gabriela Paz-Soldan

","comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2022-08-01T16:32:44.432Z","status":"published","snippet":"Disinformation targeted at communities of color represents a growing threat, as found by the Propaganda Research Lab at UT","share_count":6,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2022-08-01T16:32:44.372Z","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,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"How Does Disinformation Impact Communities of Color?","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","html_content":"

1.) Encrypted messaging apps are critical vectors for false and misleading information

Certain encrypted messaging apps such as WhatsApp are used disproportionately more by people of color as a platform for political discussion. Nefarious actors may take advantage of these civic spaces -- which are defined by trust, close relationships, and authenticity -- to promote false and misleading information.
Information circulating in these encrypted messaging apps is often characterized by a cascade logic. That is, information is either “trafficked upstream” (from private conversations into the mainstream) or “downstream” (allowing information to withdraw from the public eye). As information moves through these channels, it is easily distorted and decontextualized.

2.) Minority groups are targeted by unique strains of propaganda

Specific tactics and themes of misinformation are tailored towards minority groups. This risks disenfranchisement of these populations and undermines their trust in the democratic system.

3.) COVID-19 dis- and misinformation affecting communities of color

Dis- and misinformation about COVID-19 disproportionately affects communities of color. One key reason is the historical injustices that minority groups have faced in the medical system, which foment skepticism and distrust.

4.) Structural factors of our information environment inhibit the democratic inclusion of communities of color

Communities of color are vulnerable to structural issues relating to long-term efforts to control minority groups’ access to, and understandings of, the country’s electoral and media systems.
Disinformation is a social and cultural problem first rather than just a technological one. False information targeting communities of color is often circulated through offline channels such as mailers and print advertising.
Online attempts to undermine minority groups’ participation in our democracy are worsened by structural disadvantages related to the broader information environment.

The Propaganda Research Lab also highlights solutions to mitigate the damaging effect of disinformation on communities of color:

Real-time fact-checking

These efforts should be supported by bottom-up, community-centric, and regionally and linguistically specific programs

Understand the significance of electoral propaganda for minorities and communities of color in order to create more inclusive democracies

Discussions must include equitable representation from minority groups

Read the full report and testimony HERE

Learn more HERE

Authored by Gabriela Paz-Soldan

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":1,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"NATO Officially Invites Finland & Sweden to Join Alliance After Deal Struck With Turkey","id":641,"slug":"641-nato-officially-invites-finland-sweden-join-alliance-deal-struck-turkey","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/641-nato-officially-invites-finland-sweden-join-alliance-deal-struck-turkey","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=641","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/641/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Do you support or oppose Finland and Sweden joining NATO?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"7.6.22","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/eed19c/eed19c-bf06ad-iStock-1366886397.jpg","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/eed19c/eed19c-bf06ad-iStock-1366886397.jpg","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/eed19c/eed19c-bf06ad-iStock-1366886397.jpg","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/eed19c/eed19c-bf06ad-iStock-1366886397.jpg","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/eed19c/eed19c-bf06ad-iStock-1366886397.jpg"},"profile_id":11,"action_count":0,"html_content":"

What’s the story?

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Wednesday officially invited Finland and Sweden to join the alliance during the annual NATO Summit in Madrid, Spain.
\nNATO’s formal invitation for Finland and Sweden to join comes after the two Nordic countries reached an agreement to assuage concerns raised by Turkey. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan previously threatened to effectively veto the countries’ bids to join NATO unless they provide assurances on counterterrorism efforts, particularly as they relate to Kurdish separatist groups like the PKK.\n
\nNATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said at a press conference:\n

“I am pleased to announce that we now have an agreement that paves the way for Finland and Sweden to join NATO. Turkey, Finland, and Sweden have signed a memorandum that addresses Turkey’s concerns, including around arms exports and the fight against terrorism. No ally has suffered more brutal terrorist attacks than Turkey, including from the terrorist group PKK. The governments of Turkey, Finland, and Sweden have agreed to enhance their cooperation on counterterrorism. As NATO allies, Finland and Sweden commit to fully support Turkey against threats to its national security. This includes further amending their domestic legislation, cracking down on PKK activities, and entering into an agreement with Turkey on extradition.”

\nFinnish President Sauli Niinsto said in a statement:\n

\n“Our joint memorandum underscores the commitment of Finland, Sweden and Türkiye to extend their full support against threats to each other’s security. Us becoming NATO Allies will further strengthen this commitment. Over the past weeks, Türkiye has raised its concerns over the threat of terrorism. Finland has constantly taken these concerns seriously. Finland condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. As a NATO member, Finland will commit fully to the counterterrorism documents and policies of NATO. As we enhance our cooperation on counterterrorism, arms exports, and extraditions, Finland naturally continues to operate according to its national legislation.”\n

Finland and Sweden were officially non-aligned between the West and Russia for decades despite being NATO partners in many security initiatives. The countries opted to use NATO's \"open door\" policy to join the alliance following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
\nRussian President Vladimir Putin said he doesn't have the same problems with Finland and Sweden joining NATO that he does with Ukraine's potential membership. However, Putin warned that Russia \"will respond in kind\" to threats if military contingents and infrastructure are deployed in those countries given their proximity to Russia.\n
\nWith NATO's formal invitation now extended, the formal accession process will begin and all 30 members of the alliance will go through their internal ratification processes to admit Finland and Sweden as members which are now expected to be a formality. Given their long history as NATO partners, the militaries of Finland and Sweden already meet NATO standards and have a high degree of interoperability with members of the alliance.\n

How do countries join NATO?

NATO has gone through eight rounds of enlargement since its formation, growing from 12 founding member states in 1949 to its current 30 members. Applicant countries must adhere to the principles of “democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law”, in addition to being able to contribute to the security of the alliance. At this time, only European countries may apply to join.
NATO members must unanimously agree to invite any new country into the alliance. Once invited, applicant countries receive a membership action plan with steps to take to join the alliance. Then an accession protocol to the North Atlantic Treaty must be signed unanimously by NATO members to allow the country to join the alliance.
The accession process may require ratification by a member country’s legislative body, as is the case in the U.S. where a two-thirds majority vote is required in the Senate to ratify the change to the treaty. Once all NATO countries have completed their ratification processes, the applicant country can formally join.

RELATED READING

\nTurkey's Erdogan Threatens to Block Finland & Sweden From Joining NATO (5/21/22)\n
\nSweden’s Government Decides to Apply for NATO Membership (5/16/22)\n
\nFinland's Leaders Announce Support for Joining NATO Alliance (5/13/22)\n
\nFinland & Sweden Move Towards NATO Membership Despite Russia’s Threats (4/13/22)\n
\nNATO Activates Response Force for First Time, U.S. & Allies Increase Defense Aid to Ukraine Amid Russia’s Invasion (2/28/22)\n
\nNATO Increases Readiness of Multinational Response Force - What Is It? (1/28/22)\n
\nArctic Plays Increasingly Significant Role in National Security Amid Climate Change (11/24/21)\n

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: iStock.com / Diy13)

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2022-07-06T13:12:56.941Z","status":"published","snippet":"What’s the story? The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Wednesday officially invited Finland and Sweden to join the","share_count":0,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Support","color":"#333373","stance":"support"},{"text":"Oppose","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"oppose"}],"reaction_config_id":7,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2022-07-06T13:12:56.748Z","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,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"NATO Officially Invites Finland & Sweden to Join Alliance After Deal Struck With Turkey","cta_prompt":"Do you support or oppose Finland and Sweden joining NATO?","html_content":"

What’s the story?

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Wednesday officially invited Finland and Sweden to join the alliance during the annual NATO Summit in Madrid, Spain.
\nNATO’s formal invitation for Finland and Sweden to join comes after the two Nordic countries reached an agreement to assuage concerns raised by Turkey. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan previously threatened to effectively veto the countries’ bids to join NATO unless they provide assurances on counterterrorism efforts, particularly as they relate to Kurdish separatist groups like the PKK.\n
\nNATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said at a press conference:\n

“I am pleased to announce that we now have an agreement that paves the way for Finland and Sweden to join NATO. Turkey, Finland, and Sweden have signed a memorandum that addresses Turkey’s concerns, including around arms exports and the fight against terrorism. No ally has suffered more brutal terrorist attacks than Turkey, including from the terrorist group PKK. The governments of Turkey, Finland, and Sweden have agreed to enhance their cooperation on counterterrorism. As NATO allies, Finland and Sweden commit to fully support Turkey against threats to its national security. This includes further amending their domestic legislation, cracking down on PKK activities, and entering into an agreement with Turkey on extradition.”

\nFinnish President Sauli Niinsto said in a statement:\n

\n“Our joint memorandum underscores the commitment of Finland, Sweden and Türkiye to extend their full support against threats to each other’s security. Us becoming NATO Allies will further strengthen this commitment. Over the past weeks, Türkiye has raised its concerns over the threat of terrorism. Finland has constantly taken these concerns seriously. Finland condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. As a NATO member, Finland will commit fully to the counterterrorism documents and policies of NATO. As we enhance our cooperation on counterterrorism, arms exports, and extraditions, Finland naturally continues to operate according to its national legislation.”\n

Finland and Sweden were officially non-aligned between the West and Russia for decades despite being NATO partners in many security initiatives. The countries opted to use NATO's \"open door\" policy to join the alliance following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
\nRussian President Vladimir Putin said he doesn't have the same problems with Finland and Sweden joining NATO that he does with Ukraine's potential membership. However, Putin warned that Russia \"will respond in kind\" to threats if military contingents and infrastructure are deployed in those countries given their proximity to Russia.\n
\nWith NATO's formal invitation now extended, the formal accession process will begin and all 30 members of the alliance will go through their internal ratification processes to admit Finland and Sweden as members which are now expected to be a formality. Given their long history as NATO partners, the militaries of Finland and Sweden already meet NATO standards and have a high degree of interoperability with members of the alliance.\n

How do countries join NATO?

NATO has gone through eight rounds of enlargement since its formation, growing from 12 founding member states in 1949 to its current 30 members. Applicant countries must adhere to the principles of “democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law”, in addition to being able to contribute to the security of the alliance. At this time, only European countries may apply to join.
NATO members must unanimously agree to invite any new country into the alliance. Once invited, applicant countries receive a membership action plan with steps to take to join the alliance. Then an accession protocol to the North Atlantic Treaty must be signed unanimously by NATO members to allow the country to join the alliance.
The accession process may require ratification by a member country’s legislative body, as is the case in the U.S. where a two-thirds majority vote is required in the Senate to ratify the change to the treaty. Once all NATO countries have completed their ratification processes, the applicant country can formally join.

RELATED READING

\nTurkey's Erdogan Threatens to Block Finland & Sweden From Joining NATO (5/21/22)\n
\nSweden’s Government Decides to Apply for NATO Membership (5/16/22)\n
\nFinland's Leaders Announce Support for Joining NATO Alliance (5/13/22)\n
\nFinland & Sweden Move Towards NATO Membership Despite Russia’s Threats (4/13/22)\n
\nNATO Activates Response Force for First Time, U.S. & Allies Increase Defense Aid to Ukraine Amid Russia’s Invasion (2/28/22)\n
\nNATO Increases Readiness of Multinational Response Force - What Is It? (1/28/22)\n
\nArctic Plays Increasingly Significant Role in National Security Amid Climate Change (11/24/21)\n

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: iStock.com / Diy13)

Tune in to hear Secretary of State of Michigan Jocelyn Benson discuss the ways to combat electoral Mis-, Dis-, and Mal-information (\"MDM\"). Secretary Benson is Michigan’s 43rd Secretary of State. In this role, she is focused on ensuring elections are secure and accessible and dramatically improving customer experiences for all who interact with her offices. A graduate of Harvard Law School and expert on civil rights law, education law and election law, Benson served as dean of Wayne State University Law School in Detroit. When she was appointed dean at age 36, she became the youngest woman in U.S. history to lead a top-100, accredited law school. She continues to serve as vice chair of the advisory board for the Levin Center at Wayne Law, which she founded with former U.S. Sen. Carl Levin. Previously, Benson was an associate professor and associate director of Wayne Law’s Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights.

\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.

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.

","comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"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_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,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Denver Police Agree to First Amendment Training ","cta_prompt":"Should recording police count as free speech?","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.

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Region: North East

New Hampshire - NH Concord Monitor

New York - NY New York Times

Massachusetts - MA Boston Globe

Connecticut - CT Hartford Courant

Delaware - DE The News Journal

Maine - ME Portland Press Herald

Maryland - MD Maryland Independent

Pennsylvania - PA York Dispatch

Rhode Island - RI The Providence Journal

Vermont - VT Burlington Free Press

West Virginia - WV The Herald-Dispatch

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-03-04T18:06:21.302Z","status":"published","snippet":"Region: North East New Hampshire - NH Concord Monitor New York - NY New York Times Massachusetts - MA Boston Globe Connecticut -","share_count":0,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2021-03-04T18:06:21.300Z","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,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Local News Source Guide - North East Region","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","html_content":"

Region: North East

New Hampshire - NH Concord Monitor

New York - NY New York Times

Massachusetts - MA Boston Globe

Connecticut - CT Hartford Courant

Delaware - DE The News Journal

Maine - ME Portland Press Herald

Maryland - MD Maryland Independent

Pennsylvania - PA York Dispatch

Rhode Island - RI The Providence Journal

Vermont - VT Burlington Free Press

West Virginia - WV The Herald-Dispatch

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The Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School hosted a panel discussion to highlight innovation in the digital and local news industry. Key takeaways from the discussion included:

People turn to local news sites for actionable information which they can use to make change in their own lives
SMS-based reporting platforms may fill a vacuum among populations with limited access to internet and/or computers
Communities of color have long been left behind by traditional media and their voices are underrepresented
Traditional media may spark fear and leave these communities feeling like victims without any resources at their disposal
Inverse model for local news outlets starts with identifying the audience/community and developing relationships with community leaders
There is a need for diverse journalists who are better able to serve underrepresented populations
More resources and funding must be channeled to sustain journalists working in news vacuums
Disinformation may travel more easily than fact checks, particularly on social media platforms

Learn more HERE

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People turn to local news sites for actionable information which they can use to make change in their own lives
SMS-based reporting platforms may fill a vacuum among populations with limited access to internet and/or computers
Communities of color have long been left behind by traditional media and their voices are underrepresented
Traditional media may spark fear and leave these communities feeling like victims without any resources at their disposal
Inverse model for local news outlets starts with identifying the audience/community and developing relationships with community leaders
There is a need for diverse journalists who are better able to serve underrepresented populations
More resources and funding must be channeled to sustain journalists working in news vacuums
Disinformation may travel more easily than fact checks, particularly on social media platforms

Learn more HERE

Weekly Round Up - August 21, 2020

Join us and spread the word to your community