{"issues":[{"id":"quizzes","name":"Quizzes","slug":"quizzes","description":"","page_title":"","icons":{"black":"/assets/images/icons/default-black-issue-icon.svg","grey":"/assets/images/icons/default-grey-issue-icon.svg","white":"/assets/images/icons/default-white-issue-icon.svg"},"cover_image_url":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/m8q3wkaM/66e6ac/explore.jpg","is_following":false},{"id":"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":"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},{"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}],"legislators":[],"articles":[{"title":"One Big Thing: Should journalists be afforded more protections when reporting on protests?","id":243,"slug":"243-big-thing-journalists-afforded-protections-reporting-protests","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/243-big-thing-journalists-afforded-protections-reporting-protests","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=243","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/243/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

Reporting on protests has become the most dangerous assignment for journalists in America. Historically, the U.S. has some of the strongest legal free speech protections in the world and has been an example for the rest of the world to follow. Despite these protections, since the beginning of the protests surrounding the death of George Floyd, reporters around the country have faced physical assault, unwarranted arrests, and illegal seizure of their journalistic tools:

On May 27, a CNN news crew was arrested on live television while reporting on the Minneapolis protests
On June 2, the Australian government began an investigation on U.S. law enforcement following an incident of violence against an Australian news crew near the White House in Washington DC.
Multiple first hand reports from journalists (Adolfo Guzman-Lopez, Michael George) of police firing rubber bullets

Journalists must be afforded the highest standard of protection when reporting as they serve as the first line of information that the public receives. If journalists cannot do their job, the public cannot be informed.

Monitor press freedom from the Press Freedom Tracker and check out what other press freedom organizations are saying on the subject:

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"6.2.20","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/7d1a84/02bf19de-8d09-4ec3-9581-fa0f34fa5bb8.png","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/7d1a84/02bf19de-8d09-4ec3-9581-fa0f34fa5bb8.png","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/7d1a84/02bf19de-8d09-4ec3-9581-fa0f34fa5bb8.png","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/7d1a84/02bf19de-8d09-4ec3-9581-fa0f34fa5bb8.png","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/7d1a84/02bf19de-8d09-4ec3-9581-fa0f34fa5bb8.png"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":148,"html_content":"

On May 27, a CNN news crew was arrested on live television while reporting on the Minneapolis protests
On June 2, the Australian government began an investigation on U.S. law enforcement following an incident of violence against an Australian news crew near the White House in Washington DC.
Multiple first hand reports from journalists (Adolfo Guzman-Lopez, Michael George) of police firing rubber bullets

Monitor press freedom from the Press Freedom Tracker and check out what other press freedom organizations are saying on the subject:

","comment_count":30,"issue_slugs":["quizzes"],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-06-03T13:22:17.538Z","status":"published","snippet":"Reporting on protests has become the most dangerous assignment for journalists in America. Historically, the U.S. has some of","share_count":10,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":4,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-06-02T20:20:00.000Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["quizzes"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"One Big Thing: Do you support global worker protections and rights as COVID-19 impacts livelihoods?","id":236,"slug":"236-big-thing-do-support-global-worker-protections-rights-covid-19-impacts-livelihoods","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/236-big-thing-do-support-global-worker-protections-rights-covid-19-impacts-livelihoods","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=236","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/236/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

What is it?

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect everyday life across the globe, workers’ rights have come under fire. With stores, shops, and malls closing their doors to practice social distancing, there has been a global drop in demand for many everyday items. Down the supply chain, many of the workers who produce these items are being laid off, often without pay or compensation for the goods they already produced.
In Bangladesh, many garment manufacturers were not paid for the work they had already completed because of lower global demand. This has led to the firing or furlough of more than one million Bangladeshi garment workers since the start of COVID-19.
The Chinese government also forcibly relocated over 30,000 Muslim Uighurs to keep factories open in COVID-19 affected areas which reflects China’s complete disregard for worker’s rights.
Migrant workers have particularly been impacted by COVID-19. In India, an estimated 139 million internal migrant workers have been impacted. And cross-border migrants, numbering more than 160 million worldwide, have suffered as host countries have not provided adequate protections or deported them. This has been an acute problem in Middle Eastern countries.

Why is it important?

Low wage workers around the world in many sectors have been severely impacted by the sudden impact of COVID-19. Government and company responses have been varied depending on the country, but the most vulnerable of workers in the developing world fear not only for their jobs, but for food security and health.
During a public health crisis, maintaining workers’ rights is just as much the task of the government as it is the companies themselves. When demand unexpectedly drops, both parties should work together to find solutions which value their employees’ rights and compensates them fairly for work already completed.
Consumers should have an awareness of where and how their goods and services come from and adapt purchasing practices to fully respect understand workers’ rights.
Authoritarian regimes are using coronavirus as a means to limit basic rights – freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of the press. In places like Burma (Myanmar) and Cambodia, the governments and local industries are taking advantage of the crisis to suppress unions and workers.

What can you do?

Check out some of the companies with the best business practices and some companies with the worst.
Learn more on workers’ rights from Solidarity Center and the United Nations Global Compact

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"5.28.20","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/1d5f6d/protecting_migrants_welfare1.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/1d5f6d/protecting_migrants_welfare1.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/1d5f6d/protecting_migrants_welfare1.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/1d5f6d/protecting_migrants_welfare1.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/1d5f6d/protecting_migrants_welfare1.jpg"},"profile_id":7,"action_count":104,"html_content":"

What is it?

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect everyday life across the globe, workers’ rights have come under fire. With stores, shops, and malls closing their doors to practice social distancing, there has been a global drop in demand for many everyday items. Down the supply chain, many of the workers who produce these items are being laid off, often without pay or compensation for the goods they already produced.
In Bangladesh, many garment manufacturers were not paid for the work they had already completed because of lower global demand. This has led to the firing or furlough of more than one million Bangladeshi garment workers since the start of COVID-19.
The Chinese government also forcibly relocated over 30,000 Muslim Uighurs to keep factories open in COVID-19 affected areas which reflects China’s complete disregard for worker’s rights.
Migrant workers have particularly been impacted by COVID-19. In India, an estimated 139 million internal migrant workers have been impacted. And cross-border migrants, numbering more than 160 million worldwide, have suffered as host countries have not provided adequate protections or deported them. This has been an acute problem in Middle Eastern countries.

Why is it important?

Low wage workers around the world in many sectors have been severely impacted by the sudden impact of COVID-19. Government and company responses have been varied depending on the country, but the most vulnerable of workers in the developing world fear not only for their jobs, but for food security and health.
During a public health crisis, maintaining workers’ rights is just as much the task of the government as it is the companies themselves. When demand unexpectedly drops, both parties should work together to find solutions which value their employees’ rights and compensates them fairly for work already completed.
Consumers should have an awareness of where and how their goods and services come from and adapt purchasing practices to fully respect understand workers’ rights.
Authoritarian regimes are using coronavirus as a means to limit basic rights – freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of the press. In places like Burma (Myanmar) and Cambodia, the governments and local industries are taking advantage of the crisis to suppress unions and workers.

What can you do?

Check out some of the companies with the best business practices and some companies with the worst.
Learn more on workers’ rights from Solidarity Center and the United Nations Global Compact\n

","comment_count":14,"issue_slugs":["quizzes"],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-05-28T13:38:34.314Z","status":"published","snippet":"What is it? As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect everyday life across the globe, workers’ rights have come under fire.","share_count":6,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":4,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-05-28T13:56:57.802Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["quizzes"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"FLASHBACK: Mavericks Needed","id":219,"slug":"219-flashback-mavericks-needed","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/219-flashback-mavericks-needed","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=219","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/219/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

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

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

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

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

","comment_count":0,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-05-04T17:58:39.126Z","status":"published","snippet":"Almost two years ago, we made the call for Mavericks – people who challenge the status quo; people who defend the dignity of","share_count":0,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-05-04T17:58:39.123Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/QlNPLoI-F1o","video_dimensions":[480,270],"video_aspect_ratio":"16x9","og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Introducing the Diplomacy Caucus","id":119,"slug":"119-introducing-diplomacy-caucus","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/119-introducing-diplomacy-caucus","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=119","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/119/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

","comment_count":0,"issue_slugs":["news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-11-25T15:26:21.848Z","status":"published","snippet":"The second annual John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service has been awarded to the people of Hong Kong in recognition","share_count":2,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":{"state":"","region":"country","geolocate":true,"select_path":"Contact Reps : Federal : Geolocate","lower_chamber":"house","upper_chamber":"senate","chamber_choice":"all","state_required":false,"default_message":"","chosen_legislators":[],"lower_chamber_name":"House","upper_chamber_name":"Senate"},"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-11-25T15:26:21.846Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"One Big Thing: America struggles with death of George Floyd, inequality and injustice","id":241,"slug":"241-big-thing-america-struggles-death-george-floyd-inequality-injustice","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/241-big-thing-america-struggles-death-george-floyd-inequality-injustice","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=241","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/241/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

What is it?

Over the weekend demonstrators across the United States protested the tragic death of George Floyd and police brutality. In some unfortunate cases, protesters clashed with law enforcement officers while other law enforcement officers were seen marching side by side with the protesters.
In some cities, stores, government building and monuments were vandalized and looted, leading to over 4,000 arrests nationwide. This has led to many impromptu city-wide or regional lockdowns as over 45 million Americans were forced to stay at home on Sunday night.
While these protests are occurring, many have continued to encourage demonstrators to wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines as the COVID-19 pandemic remains prevalent around the country.
On Friday, May 29, a CNN news crew was arrested on live TV, drawing attention to some law enforcements’ unjust treatment of journalists covering the protests. Since, multiple reports of journalists facing tear gas, rubber bullets and pepper spray have surfaced.

Why is it important?

Freedom of assembly and the right to protest are both protected for all citizens by the Constitution and are vital tool of democracy. When a society does not see eye to eye with its officials, non-violent civic protest is an effective instrument to bring these issues to the forefront of the conversation.
Police brutality is a human rights violation and should be condemned whenever it occurs. The death of George Floyd highlights this issue but it must be addressed in the same universal lens with which we regard police brutality around the world.
Many political and thought leaders have spoken out against violent protest. President Obama reminded Americans to “not excuse violence, or rationalize it, or participate in it”.
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan said, \"I think one of the most important things that a leader can do right now, and I went through this in 2015 during the riots in Baltimore. One of my primary focuses was to try to lower the temperature,\"
Throughout history, non-violent protest has been proven to affect societal-wide sustainable change. Looking back at the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, amongst others has demonstrated the effectiveness and universality of encouraging peaceful change.

What can you do?

Learn more about past non-violent revolutions from the Martin Luther King Jr. Center and Amnesty International
Check out some tips for addressing this sensitive issue with your family and kids.

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Do you support the rights of peaceful protesters?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"6.1.20","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/f69d3c/73b94c9f-1e1d-4406-974c-72734a2421f8-AFP_AFP_1SI5BD.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/f69d3c/73b94c9f-1e1d-4406-974c-72734a2421f8-AFP_AFP_1SI5BD.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/f69d3c/73b94c9f-1e1d-4406-974c-72734a2421f8-AFP_AFP_1SI5BD.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/f69d3c/73b94c9f-1e1d-4406-974c-72734a2421f8-AFP_AFP_1SI5BD.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/f69d3c/73b94c9f-1e1d-4406-974c-72734a2421f8-AFP_AFP_1SI5BD.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":199,"html_content":"

What is it?

Over the weekend demonstrators across the United States protested the tragic death of George Floyd and police brutality. In some unfortunate cases, protesters clashed with law enforcement officers while other law enforcement officers were seen marching side by side with the protesters.
In some cities, stores, government building and monuments were vandalized and looted, leading to over 4,000 arrests nationwide. This has led to many impromptu city-wide or regional lockdowns as over 45 million Americans were forced to stay at home on Sunday night.
While these protests are occurring, many have continued to encourage demonstrators to wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines as the COVID-19 pandemic remains prevalent around the country.
On Friday, May 29, a CNN news crew was arrested on live TV, drawing attention to some law enforcements’ unjust treatment of journalists covering the protests. Since, multiple reports of journalists facing tear gas, rubber bullets and pepper spray have surfaced.

Why is it important?

Freedom of assembly and the right to protest are both protected for all citizens by the Constitution and are vital tool of democracy. When a society does not see eye to eye with its officials, non-violent civic protest is an effective instrument to bring these issues to the forefront of the conversation.
Police brutality is a human rights violation and should be condemned whenever it occurs. The death of George Floyd highlights this issue but it must be addressed in the same universal lens with which we regard police brutality around the world.\n
Many political and thought leaders have spoken out against violent protest. President Obama reminded Americans to “not excuse violence, or rationalize it, or participate in it”.
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan said, \"I think one of the most important things that a leader can do right now, and I went through this in 2015 during the riots in Baltimore. One of my primary focuses was to try to lower the temperature,\"
Throughout history, non-violent protest has been proven to affect societal-wide sustainable change. Looking back at the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, amongst others has demonstrated the effectiveness and universality of encouraging peaceful change.

What can you do?

Learn more about past non-violent revolutions from the Martin Luther King Jr. Center and Amnesty International\n
Check out some tips for addressing this sensitive issue with your family and kids.\n

","comment_count":43,"issue_slugs":["quizzes","news"],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-06-01T23:48:45.090Z","status":"published","snippet":"What is it? Over the weekend demonstrators across the United States protested the tragic death of George Floyd and police","share_count":13,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Support","color":"#333373","stance":"support"},{"text":"Oppose","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"oppose"}],"reaction_config_id":7,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-06-02T00:06:45.270Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["quizzes","news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Can South Korea serve as an example to the United States on how to run an election during COVID-19?","id":208,"slug":"208-south-korea-serve-example-united-states-run-election-covid-19","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/208-south-korea-serve-example-united-states-run-election-covid-19","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=208","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/208/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

What is it?

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

Why is it important?

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

What can you do?

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

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

What is it?

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

Why is it important?

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

What can you do?

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

","comment_count":5,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-04-23T15:09:39.631Z","status":"published","snippet":"What is it? On April 15, South Korea will go ahead with its parliamentary election despite the global COVID-19 outbreak. In","share_count":0,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-04-23T15:09:39.627Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

","comment_count":4,"issue_slugs":["legislation","news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-10-08T16:57:59.427Z","status":"published","snippet":"Republican Representative Jim Banks responded to September’s climate protests by introducing a bill that would force arrested","share_count":13,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-10-08T17:09:45.576Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["legislation","news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Weekly Round up - 5/29/2020","id":239,"slug":"239-weekly-round-5-29-2020","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/239-weekly-round-5-29-2020","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=239","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/239/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

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

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Comment at the bottom to share which topic speaks to you the most!","cta_type":"comment","cta_text":"Comment","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"5.28.20","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/fQoO4BycTCw/0.jpg","xsmall":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/fQoO4BycTCw/0.jpg","small":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/fQoO4BycTCw/0.jpg","medium":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/fQoO4BycTCw/0.jpg","large":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/fQoO4BycTCw/0.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":0,"html_content":"

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

","comment_count":0,"issue_slugs":["short-video"],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-05-29T14:28:40.046Z","status":"published","snippet":"For updates on global human rights issues and ways that you can make a difference, make sure to explore WHTT's social media on","share_count":0,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-05-29T03:28:00.000Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/fQoO4BycTCw","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":"Should the World Health Organization be criticized for its response to coronavirus and its relationship with China and Taiwan?","id":207,"slug":"207-world-health-organization-criticized-response-coronavirus-relationship-china-taiwan","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/207-world-health-organization-criticized-response-coronavirus-relationship-china-taiwan","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=207","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/207/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

What is it?

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

Why is it important?

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

What can you do?

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

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

What is it?

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

Why is it important?

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

What can you do?

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

","comment_count":2,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-04-23T14:56:35.406Z","status":"published","snippet":"What is it? On Tuesday, April 7, President Trump attacked the World Health Organization (WHO) for its late response to the","share_count":0,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-04-23T14:56:35.404Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"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.

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

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

Here’s what you need to know about Khashoggi:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

","comment_count":1,"issue_slugs":["news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-10-02T15:59:54.482Z","status":"published","snippet":"Wednesday, October 2nd marks one year since journalist Jamal Khashoggi died inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey.","share_count":5,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-10-02T16:04:51.013Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"One Big Thing: Do you think police brutality is an infringement on human rights in the U.S?","id":238,"slug":"238-big-thing-do-think-police-brutality-infringement-human-rights-u-s","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/238-big-thing-do-think-police-brutality-infringement-human-rights-u-s","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=238","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/238/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

What is it?

On Monday, March 25, George Floyd died while in the custody of Minneapolis arresting police offices in an incident widely being described as tragic and unnecessary. Mr. Floyd’s death was widely publicized across news outlets and social media, sparking significant public condemnation of police brutality.
Unfortunately, police brutality afflicts people around the world each day and has only been intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. In Kenya, police have cracked down on anyone breaking curfew which has led to the death of several citizens.
Since March 2019, Hong Kong police have violently clashed with pro-democracy protesters, leading to widespread claims of police brutality. Similarly in Russia, police have historically faced accusations of systematic police brutality.

Why is it important?

The death of George Floyd has reignited the issue of police brutality against black Americans and how the U.S. continues to deal with racial inequalities.
Police brutality constitutes a civil and human rights violation, no matter where in the world it occurs. However, in the United States, the fifth and fourteenth amendments to the U.S. Constitution guarantees due process for all people.
Police officers are on the front lines and often confront tense and violent situations which puts their lives in danger and play a critical role in community safety. However, situations like the deaths of George Floyd and Eric Garner raise issues of police response.

What can you do?

Learn more from the United Nations’ Human Rights Standards and Practice for the Police
Visit the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund to learn more about officers who have died on the front lines.
See data from Mapping Police Violence

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"5.28.20","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/6fa4f7/merlin_172910307_4922dda4-9059-4d0a-a7f3-c43990714660-superJumbo.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/6fa4f7/merlin_172910307_4922dda4-9059-4d0a-a7f3-c43990714660-superJumbo.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/6fa4f7/merlin_172910307_4922dda4-9059-4d0a-a7f3-c43990714660-superJumbo.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/6fa4f7/merlin_172910307_4922dda4-9059-4d0a-a7f3-c43990714660-superJumbo.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/6fa4f7/merlin_172910307_4922dda4-9059-4d0a-a7f3-c43990714660-superJumbo.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":272,"html_content":"

What is it?

On Monday, March 25, George Floyd died while in the custody of Minneapolis arresting police offices in an incident widely being described as tragic and unnecessary. Mr. Floyd’s death was widely publicized across news outlets and social media, sparking significant public condemnation of police brutality.
Unfortunately, police brutality afflicts people around the world each day and has only been intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. In Kenya, police have cracked down on anyone breaking curfew which has led to the death of several citizens.
Since March 2019, Hong Kong police have violently clashed with pro-democracy protesters, leading to widespread claims of police brutality. Similarly in Russia, police have historically faced accusations of systematic police brutality.

Why is it important?

The death of George Floyd has reignited the issue of police brutality against black Americans and how the U.S. continues to deal with racial inequalities.\n
Police brutality constitutes a civil and human rights violation, no matter where in the world it occurs. However, in the United States, the fifth and fourteenth amendments to the U.S. Constitution guarantees due process for all people.
Police officers are on the front lines and often confront tense and violent situations which puts their lives in danger and play a critical role in community safety. However, situations like the deaths of George Floyd and Eric Garner raise issues of police response.

What can you do?

Learn more from the United Nations’ Human Rights Standards and Practice for the Police\n
Visit the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund to learn more about officers who have died on the front lines.
See data from Mapping Police Violence\n

","comment_count":54,"issue_slugs":["quizzes"],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-05-29T00:55:33.603Z","status":"published","snippet":"What is it? On Monday, March 25, George Floyd died while in the custody of Minneapolis arresting police offices in an incident","share_count":20,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-05-29T02:00:26.704Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["quizzes"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"One Big Thing: America Votes in the Shadow of Coronavirus","id":206,"slug":"206-big-thing-america-votes-shadow-coronavirus","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/206-big-thing-america-votes-shadow-coronavirus","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=206","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/206/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

What is it?

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

Why is it important?

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

What can you do?

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

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

What is it?

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

Why is it important?

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

What can you do?

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

","comment_count":0,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-04-23T14:54:33.318Z","status":"published","snippet":"What is it? As Coronavirus (COVID-19) looms over all aspects of society, state and national election officials must still","share_count":0,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-04-23T14:54:33.314Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

","comment_count":2,"issue_slugs":["news","legislation"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-09-26T01:30:41.261Z","status":"published","snippet":"The numbers are in from what was likely the largest climate strike in history. On Friday, September 20th, an estimated 4 million","share_count":0,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-10-01T16:49:48.439Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["legislation","news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"One Big Thing: Do you support global worker protections and rights as COVID-19 impacts livelihoods?","id":237,"slug":"237-big-thing-do-support-global-worker-protections-rights-covid-19-impacts-livelihoods","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/237-big-thing-do-support-global-worker-protections-rights-covid-19-impacts-livelihoods","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=237","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/237/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

What is it?

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect everyday life across the globe, workers’ rights have come under fire. With stores, shops, and malls closing their doors to practice social distancing, there has been a global drop in demand for many everyday items. Down the supply chain, many of the workers who produce these items are being laid off, often without pay or compensation for the goods they already produced.
In Bangladesh, many garment manufacturers were not paid for the work they had already completed because of lower global demand. This has led to the firing or furlough of more than one million Bangladeshi garment workers since the start of COVID-19.
The Chinese government also forcibly relocated over 30,000 Muslim Uighurs to keep factories open in COVID-19 affected areas which reflects China’s complete disregard for worker’s rights.
Migrant workers have particularly been impacted by COVID-19. In India, an estimated 139 million internal migrant workers have been impacted. And cross-border migrants, numbering more than 160 million worldwide, have suffered as host countries have not provided adequate protections or deported them. This has been an acute problem in Middle Eastern countries.

Why is it important?

Low wage workers around the world in many sectors have been severely impacted by the sudden impact of COVID-19. Government and company responses have been varied depending on the country, but the most vulnerable of workers in the developing world fear not only for their jobs, but for food security and health.
During a public health crisis, maintaining workers’ rights is just as much the task of the government as it is the companies themselves. When demand unexpectedly drops, both parties should work together to find solutions which value their employees’ rights and compensates them fairly for work already completed.
Consumers should have an awareness of where and how their goods and services come from and adapt purchasing practices to fully respect understand workers’ rights.
Authoritarian regimes are using coronavirus as a means to limit basic rights – freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of the press. In places like Burma (Myanmar) and Cambodia, the governments and local industries are taking advantage of the crisis to suppress unions and workers.

What can you do?

Check out some of the companies with the best business practices and some companies with the worst.
Learn more on workers’ rights from Solidarity Center and the United Nations Global Compact

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"5.28.20","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/76237c/protecting_migrants_welfare1.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/76237c/protecting_migrants_welfare1.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/76237c/protecting_migrants_welfare1.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/76237c/protecting_migrants_welfare1.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/76237c/protecting_migrants_welfare1.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":6,"html_content":"

What is it?

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect everyday life across the globe, workers’ rights have come under fire. With stores, shops, and malls closing their doors to practice social distancing, there has been a global drop in demand for many everyday items. Down the supply chain, many of the workers who produce these items are being laid off, often without pay or compensation for the goods they already produced.
In Bangladesh, many garment manufacturers were not paid for the work they had already completed because of lower global demand. This has led to the firing or furlough of more than one million Bangladeshi garment workers since the start of COVID-19.
The Chinese government also forcibly relocated over 30,000 Muslim Uighurs to keep factories open in COVID-19 affected areas which reflects China’s complete disregard for worker’s rights.
Migrant workers have particularly been impacted by COVID-19. In India, an estimated 139 million internal migrant workers have been impacted. And cross-border migrants, numbering more than 160 million worldwide, have suffered as host countries have not provided adequate protections or deported them. This has been an acute problem in Middle Eastern countries.

Why is it important?

Low wage workers around the world in many sectors have been severely impacted by the sudden impact of COVID-19. Government and company responses have been varied depending on the country, but the most vulnerable of workers in the developing world fear not only for their jobs, but for food security and health.
During a public health crisis, maintaining workers’ rights is just as much the task of the government as it is the companies themselves. When demand unexpectedly drops, both parties should work together to find solutions which value their employees’ rights and compensates them fairly for work already completed.
Consumers should have an awareness of where and how their goods and services come from and adapt purchasing practices to fully respect understand workers’ rights.
Authoritarian regimes are using coronavirus as a means to limit basic rights – freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of the press. In places like Burma (Myanmar) and Cambodia, the governments and local industries are taking advantage of the crisis to suppress unions and workers.

What can you do?

Check out some of the companies with the best business practices and some companies with the worst.
Learn more on workers’ rights from Solidarity Center and the United Nations Global Compact\n

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What is it?

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

Why is important?

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

What can you do?

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

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What is it?

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

Why is important?

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

What can you do?

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

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$\"\"$

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

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

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

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

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

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$\"\"$

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

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

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

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