{"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},{"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":"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":[{"id":3,"chamber":"house","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.weholdthesetruths.org/legislator/photo/A000371/small_rep_aguilar_1558565219.jpg","medium":"https://assets.weholdthesetruths.org/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":"One Big Thing: The Inauguration of President Joe Biden","id":371,"slug":"371-big-thing-inauguration-president-joe-biden","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/371-big-thing-inauguration-president-joe-biden","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=371","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/371/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

This morning, President Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States of America. Kamala Harris also took the oath of office and is the first woman, African American, and Asian American to become the Vice President. During his inaugural address, President Biden spoke about the importance of unity, truth and justice for all. He also used the speech as an opportunity to send a message to international community and pledged to “repair our alliances and engage with the world once again”. Finally, President Biden addressed the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and asked Americans to work together to defeat the virus. Check out more about the inauguration HERE and make sure to read the McCain Institute’s Statement on the Inauguration.

","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":"1.20.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/c556de/AP21020607164641.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/c556de/AP21020607164641.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/c556de/AP21020607164641.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/c556de/AP21020607164641.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/c556de/AP21020607164641.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":5,"html_content":"

","comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["news"],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-01-20T18:06:03.102Z","status":"published","snippet":"This morning, President Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States of America. Kamala Harris also took","share_count":1,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2021-01-20T18:06:03.098Z","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":"Ask the Expert - Episode 6: When can you expect to know the election result?","id":359,"slug":"359-ask-expert-episode-6-expect-know-election-result","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/359-ask-expert-episode-6-expect-know-election-result","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=359","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/359/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

As a part of the We Hold These Truths 2020 Election Center, the Ask the Expert Series with Trevor Potter will provide you with important voter information and answer all your questions about the upcoming 2020 election. For more, check out Campaign Legal Center's State and Locally Focused Resources for Supporting Voting Rights.

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Watch the Video Here","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"12.4.20","image_urls":{"small":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QPdVFA0dxMg/0.jpg","medium":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QPdVFA0dxMg/0.jpg","large":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QPdVFA0dxMg/0.jpg","thumb":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QPdVFA0dxMg/0.jpg","xsmall":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QPdVFA0dxMg/0.jpg"},"profile_id":9,"action_count":4,"html_content":"

","comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["short-video"],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-12-04T20:56:04.486Z","status":"published","snippet":"As a part of the We Hold These Truths 2020 Election Center , the Ask the Expert Series with Trevor Potter will provide you with","share_count":0,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-12-04T20:56:04.483Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/QPdVFA0dxMg","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":"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":14,"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

","comments_count":2,"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":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":[3]},{"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"},"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/.

","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":19,"html_content":"

","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":2,"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,"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":7,"html_content":"

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,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"The Inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris: How to Watch","id":370,"slug":"370-inauguration-joe-biden-kamala-harris-watch","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/370-inauguration-joe-biden-kamala-harris-watch","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=370","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/370/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

Tomorrow, January 20, 2021, Joe Biden will be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States. Kamala Harris will also be sworn in as the first female, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American Vice President. Washington D.C. has enacted strict security measures and people are encouraged to watch the event from home to prevent further spreading of COVID-19.

Make sure to tune in to live coverage of the inauguration HERE.

Inauguration Day Schedule:

11 a.m. – Joe Biden arrives at the U.S. Capitol.
11:15 a.m. – The inauguration program begins.
Invocation – Father Leo J. O’Donovan
Pledge of Allegiance – Andrea Hall
National Anthem – Lady Gaga
Poetry Reading – Amanda Gorman
Musical Performance – Jennifer Lopez
12 p.m. – Biden is sworn in as 46th president.
2:30 to 3p.m. – Biden lays a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff, President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, President George W. Bush and Laura Bush and President Bill Clinton and Secretary Hillary Clinton.
3:15 to 3:30 p.m. – Joe and Jill Biden receive presidential military escort to the White House.
TBD – The virtual “Parade Across America” begins once the Bidens enter the White House and will feature communities around the country.
8:30 p.m. – Actor Tom Hanks hosts a 90-minute special featuring remarks by Biden and Harris and performances by Demi Lovato, Justin Timberlake, Ant Clemons, Jon Bon Jovi and others.

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","cta_type":"custom","cta_text":"Tune in here","cta_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-qYgs_yOXA&list=PLU12uITxBEPERbMFp4VDRkvuagBD_iwr4&index=1","formatted_publish_date":"1.19.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/903fd0/2021-01-18T172225Z_1937215181_RC2HAL9NHU1M_RTRMADP_3_USA-BIDEN-INAUGURATION-2-1200x748.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/903fd0/2021-01-18T172225Z_1937215181_RC2HAL9NHU1M_RTRMADP_3_USA-BIDEN-INAUGURATION-2-1200x748.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/903fd0/2021-01-18T172225Z_1937215181_RC2HAL9NHU1M_RTRMADP_3_USA-BIDEN-INAUGURATION-2-1200x748.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/903fd0/2021-01-18T172225Z_1937215181_RC2HAL9NHU1M_RTRMADP_3_USA-BIDEN-INAUGURATION-2-1200x748.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/903fd0/2021-01-18T172225Z_1937215181_RC2HAL9NHU1M_RTRMADP_3_USA-BIDEN-INAUGURATION-2-1200x748.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":1,"html_content":"

Make sure to tune in to live coverage of the inauguration HERE.

Inauguration Day Schedule:

\n11 a.m. – Joe Biden arrives at the U.S. Capitol.
\n11:15 a.m. – The inauguration program begins.
\nInvocation – Father Leo J. O’Donovan
\nPledge of Allegiance – Andrea Hall
\nNational Anthem – Lady Gaga
\nPoetry Reading – Amanda Gorman
\nMusical Performance – Jennifer Lopez
12 p.m. – Biden is sworn in as 46th president.
\n2:30 to 3p.m. – Biden lays a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff, President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, President George W. Bush and Laura Bush and President Bill Clinton and Secretary Hillary Clinton.
\n3:15 to 3:30 p.m. – Joe and Jill Biden receive presidential military escort to the White House.
\nTBD – The virtual “Parade Across America” begins once the Bidens enter the White House and will feature communities around the country.
\n8:30 p.m. – Actor Tom Hanks hosts a 90-minute special featuring remarks by Biden and Harris and performances by Demi Lovato, Justin Timberlake, Ant Clemons, Jon Bon Jovi and others.

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["news"],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-01-19T17:59:52.896Z","status":"published","snippet":"Tomorrow, January 20, 2021, Joe Biden will be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States. Kamala Harris will also be","share_count":0,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2021-01-19T17:59:52.893Z","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":"Ask the Expert - Episode 5: What is \"Ballot Harvesting\" or \"Ballot Assistance\"?","id":358,"slug":"358-ask-expert-episode-5-ballot-harvesting-ballot-assistance","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/358-ask-expert-episode-5-ballot-harvesting-ballot-assistance","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=358","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/358/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Watch the Video Here","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"12.4.20","image_urls":{"small":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/aajlcjVZyVo/0.jpg","medium":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/aajlcjVZyVo/0.jpg","large":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/aajlcjVZyVo/0.jpg","thumb":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/aajlcjVZyVo/0.jpg","xsmall":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/aajlcjVZyVo/0.jpg"},"profile_id":9,"action_count":0,"html_content":"

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-12-04T20:55:31.252Z","status":"published","snippet":"As a part of the We Hold These Truths 2020 Election Center , the Ask the Expert Series with Trevor Potter will provide you with","share_count":0,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-12-04T20:55:31.250Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/aajlcjVZyVo","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":"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?

","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":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":"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":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”

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,"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 public trust in institutions is important to democracy?","id":369,"slug":"369-big-thing-do-think-public-trust-institutions-important-democracy","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/369-big-thing-do-think-public-trust-institutions-important-democracy","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=369","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/369/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

Last week insurgents forced themselves onto the floor of the U.S. Capitol and American democratic institutions faced unprecedented pressure as fraud claims were manifested into violent insurrection. Over the past four years, the institutions that normally sustain public trust and institutional legitimacy have been systematically under attack. This scenario is not unique to American politics. Modern authoritarianism is rarely the result of coups but a consequence of a gradual process of institutional erosion.

In the 21st century, authoritarian leaders in Venezuela and Hungary have used their power and popular support to delegitimize checks and balances and gradually tighten their grip on power, despite being initially democratically elected. If left unchecked, attacks on political institutions can consolidate a president’s authoritarian leadership:

In 1999, Venezuelans democratically chose Hugo Chavez, an anti-establishment candidate, to the country’s highest office. However, during his presidency, he destroyed the Venezuelan democratic liberties that allowed his rise to power. As soon as he faced intense opposition from the population, he began to attack the media outlets, abusing his power to close TV and radio stations that posed a challenge to his increasingly undemocratic government. Chavez then used government resources to fund parallel media outlets that could serve his interests. The church, NGOs, and Academia came under scrutiny under his government, delegitimizing the civil institutions that maintained Venezuelan civil society. The South American caudillo attacked student protesters and ordered repression while supporting paramilitary attacks on media outlets and student protesters. Chavez used his popular support to build patronage networks while using both his rhetoric and state power to destroy civil society. His undemocratic practices (and a weakened civil society) paved the way for Maduro’s repressive authoritarian regime.
Similarly, in Hungary, Viktor Orban challenged the 2002 election results that removed him from power and blamed the media for his electoral loss. Since he regained the premier position in 2010, Orban has used executive power to undermine the confidence in the media and portray media outlets as subjects foreign control. Hungary’s prime minister has closed academic departments, attacked NGOs through politically-motivated tax investigations, and posed strong challenges to his country’s civil organizations. Although Hungary is not a dictatorship, the country’s democracy has declined into a “hybrid regime” in the past few years according to Freedom House.

Both Hungary and Venezuela’s authoritarianism relies on a gradual crackdown on civil society and the leadership’s use of rhetoric to undermine trust in the country’s institutions and democratic processes. In the U.S., media outlets, NGOs, democratic elections, and academia have all fallen victim to President Trump’s continuous attacks, effectively undermining public trust in the American institutions. If steps are not taken to restore the public’s confidence, the U.S. could be in danger of facing a similar and dangerous path.

The damages from the recent attacks on this country’s fabric can be amended with joint bipartisan efforts to restore the confidence in American democracy, its constitution, our electoral system, and the importance of check and balances. Americans should be weary of undemocratic populism and violent rhetoric that can lead to greater polarization and gradually chip away America’s government system. Although it will be easier to replace the broken glasses from last Wednesday’s attacks, we must bring back rationality, restore bipartisanship, and reject populism to preserve American democracy.

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"1.14.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/7118c1/way%20forward.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/7118c1/way%20forward.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/7118c1/way%20forward.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/7118c1/way%20forward.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/7118c1/way%20forward.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":96,"html_content":"

\nIn 1999, Venezuelans democratically chose Hugo Chavez, an anti-establishment candidate, to the country’s highest office. However, during his presidency, he destroyed the Venezuelan democratic liberties that allowed his rise to power. As soon as he faced intense opposition from the population, he began to attack the media outlets, abusing his power to close TV and radio stations that posed a challenge to his increasingly undemocratic government. Chavez then used government resources to fund parallel media outlets that could serve his interests. The church, NGOs, and Academia came under scrutiny under his government, delegitimizing the civil institutions that maintained Venezuelan civil society. The South American caudillo attacked student protesters and ordered repression while supporting paramilitary attacks on media outlets and student protesters. Chavez used his popular support to build patronage networks while using both his rhetoric and state power to destroy civil society. His undemocratic practices (and a weakened civil society) paved the way for Maduro’s repressive authoritarian regime.\n
\nSimilarly, in Hungary, Viktor Orban challenged the 2002 election results that removed him from power and blamed the media for his electoral loss. Since he regained the premier position in 2010, Orban has used executive power to undermine the confidence in the media and portray media outlets as subjects foreign control. Hungary’s prime minister has closed academic departments, attacked NGOs through politically-motivated tax investigations, and posed strong challenges to his country’s civil organizations. Although Hungary is not a dictatorship, the country’s democracy has declined into a “hybrid regime” in the past few years according to Freedom House.\n

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","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Watch the Video Here","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"12.4.20","image_urls":{"small":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/uy1tqtjjSqk/0.jpg","medium":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/uy1tqtjjSqk/0.jpg","large":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/uy1tqtjjSqk/0.jpg","thumb":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/uy1tqtjjSqk/0.jpg","xsmall":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/uy1tqtjjSqk/0.jpg"},"profile_id":9,"action_count":2,"html_content":"

","comments_count":2,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["short-video"],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-12-04T20:54:40.156Z","status":"published","snippet":"As a part of the We Hold These Truths 2020 Election Center , the Ask the Expert Series with Trevor Potter will provide you with","share_count":0,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-12-04T20:54:40.152Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/uy1tqtjjSqk","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":"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":18,"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

","comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"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_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":"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":11,"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.

","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,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["legislation","news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"One Big Thing: Violence at the Capitol and the Weaponization of Misinformation","id":366,"slug":"366-big-thing-violence-capitol-weaponization-misinformation","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/366-big-thing-violence-capitol-weaponization-misinformation","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=366","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/366/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

Last week, violent insurgents, supporting President Trump, stormed the U.S. Capitol building in an attempt to interfere with Congress’s official counting of the electoral college votes. This unprecedented clash was largely spurred by an extended campaign of misinformation which claimed that the result of the presidential election was fraudulent. Freedom of speech and access to information are fundamental rights of Americans and can be a driver of powerful positive social change, but the events that took place in the Capitol demonstrate how easily misinformation can be weaponized and used to coerce people to take extreme and deadly measures into their own hands.

Today, everyone has instant access to almost unlimited news and sources of information, creating an environment where real news competes with misinformation. This trend needs to be reversed. This starts with rebuilding trust in the media by reinvigorating local news sources which can address the homegrown issues directly affecting people and emphasizing the need to diversify news/information sources. It is more important than ever for each citizen to be able to recognize misinformation when they come across it in their own lives so what happened in the Capitol never happens again. Leadership across the country – political, religious, celebrities, influencers and others in prominent positions – also have a responsibility to promote a more civil discourse, no matter their opinion. To this end, The We Hold These Truths campaign will begin to address issues of misinformation, local journalism and media trust as a core component of our work in 2021.

For more, make sure check out some ways you can recognize misinformation. As always, we welcome your thoughts and comments.

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and share your thoughts below","cta_type":"comment","cta_text":"Comment","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"1.11.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/fe735c/56152350_401.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/fe735c/56152350_401.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/fe735c/56152350_401.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/fe735c/56152350_401.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/fe735c/56152350_401.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":54,"html_content":"

For more, make sure check out some ways you can recognize misinformation. As always, we welcome your thoughts and comments.

","comments_count":18,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["news"],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-01-12T00:03:59.943Z","status":"published","snippet":"Last week, violent insurgents, supporting President Trump, stormed the U.S. Capitol building in an attempt to interfere with","share_count":9,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2021-01-12T00:03:59.940Z","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":"Ask the Expert - Episode 3: Who choses the Vice President if the electoral college cannot decide a winner?","id":356,"slug":"356-ask-expert-episode-3-choses-vice-president-electoral-college-decide-winner","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/356-ask-expert-episode-3-choses-vice-president-electoral-college-decide-winner","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=356","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/356/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Watch the video here","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"12.4.20","image_urls":{"small":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/qMIZVVcubHA/0.jpg","medium":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/qMIZVVcubHA/0.jpg","large":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/qMIZVVcubHA/0.jpg","thumb":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/qMIZVVcubHA/0.jpg","xsmall":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/qMIZVVcubHA/0.jpg"},"profile_id":9,"action_count":0,"html_content":"

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["short-video"],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-12-04T20:54:00.212Z","status":"published","snippet":"As a part of the We Hold These Truths 2020 Election Center , the Ask the Expert Series with Trevor Potter will provide you with","share_count":0,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-12-04T20:54:00.210Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/qMIZVVcubHA","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":"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.

","comments_count":2,"comments_enabled":true,"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_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":"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":9,"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?

","comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"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_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":"One Big Thing: R.E.A.L. Friends Don't","id":365,"slug":"365-big-thing-r-e-l-friends-don-t","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/365-big-thing-r-e-l-friends-don-t","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=365","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/365/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

It’s time to get R.E.A.L. about protecting kids online. Our kids are growing up in a digital world. But all that screen time could be putting any child at risk. Online, it’s harder to tell if people are really who they say they are. It’s our job to help kids recognize who their real friends are – and aren’t.

As we spend more time at home and online, it is more important than ever for parents to be the eyes and ears for their children, helping navigate their online experiences and protect them from potentially harmful relationships.

Talking to children about online safety can – and should – be a regular part of life. Check in with your kids often to see what they are doing online and keep up to date on new apps and games – and how they are using them.

Make sure to check out and follow the campaign's Facebook and Instagram pages!

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","cta_type":"custom","cta_text":"CHECK OUT THE SITE","cta_url":"https://www.realfriendsdont.com/","formatted_publish_date":"12.15.20","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/bc2518/REALFriendsDont-Logo%20%28English%29-hires.png","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/bc2518/REALFriendsDont-Logo%20%28English%29-hires.png","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/bc2518/REALFriendsDont-Logo%20%28English%29-hires.png","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/bc2518/REALFriendsDont-Logo%20%28English%29-hires.png","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/bc2518/REALFriendsDont-Logo%20%28English%29-hires.png"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":12,"html_content":"

Make sure to check out and follow the campaign's Facebook and Instagram pages!

","comments_count":2,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-12-15T19:36:23.727Z","status":"published","snippet":"It’s time to get R.E.A.L. about protecting kids online. Our kids are growing up in a digital world. But all that screen time","share_count":2,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-12-15T19:36:23.725Z","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":"Ask the Expert - Episode 2: Who exactly counts my vote? When will it be counted?","id":355,"slug":"355-ask-expert-episode-2-exactly-counts-vote-counted","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/355-ask-expert-episode-2-exactly-counts-vote-counted","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=355","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/355/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Watch the video here","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"12.4.20","image_urls":{"small":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/r5e914ghZEg/0.jpg","medium":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/r5e914ghZEg/0.jpg","large":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/r5e914ghZEg/0.jpg","thumb":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/r5e914ghZEg/0.jpg","xsmall":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/r5e914ghZEg/0.jpg"},"profile_id":9,"action_count":0,"html_content":"

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["short-video"],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-12-04T20:53:02.051Z","status":"published","snippet":"As a part of the We Hold These Truths 2020 Election Center , the Ask the Expert Series with Trevor Potter will provide you with","share_count":0,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-12-04T20:53:02.048Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/r5e914ghZEg","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":"Exercise Your Right to Assemble With This Live Protest Map","id":80,"slug":"80-exercise-right-assemble-live-protest-map","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/80-exercise-right-assemble-live-protest-map","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=80","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/80/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

The First Amendment guarantees the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Everyday, thousands of Americans exercise this right.

Here you'll find a LIVE MAP featuring news and information about all the current protests taking place throughout the country.

Have you participated in any protests this year? Let us know in the comments.

","user_id":27,"cta_prompt":"There’s strength in numbers. Share this map with your network.","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"9.24.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/fc3f49/WHTT_LiveProtestMap_TakeAction_20190923.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/fc3f49/WHTT_LiveProtestMap_TakeAction_20190923.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/fc3f49/WHTT_LiveProtestMap_TakeAction_20190923.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/fc3f49/WHTT_LiveProtestMap_TakeAction_20190923.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/fc3f49/WHTT_LiveProtestMap_TakeAction_20190923.jpg"},"profile_id":5,"action_count":15,"html_content":"

The First Amendment guarantees the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Everyday, thousands of Americans exercise this right.

Here you'll find a LIVE MAP featuring news and information about all the current protests taking place throughout the country.

Have you participated in any protests this year? Let us know in the comments.

","comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-09-24T05:54:03.136Z","status":"published","snippet":"The First Amendment guarantees the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the Government for a redress of","share_count":11,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-09-24T16:30:17.633Z","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":[]}],"meta":{"pagination":{"current_page":1,"total_pages":15,"total_count":293}}}

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