{"issues":[{"id":"short-video","name":"Short Video","slug":"short-video","description":null,"page_title":null,"icons":{"black":"/assets/images/icons/default-black-issue-icon.svg","grey":"/assets/images/icons/default-grey-issue-icon.svg","white":"/assets/images/icons/default-white-issue-icon.svg"},"cover_image_url":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/m8q3wkaM/66e6ac/explore.jpg","is_following":false},{"id":"news","name":"News","slug":"news","description":null,"page_title":null,"icons":{"black":"/assets/images/icons/default-black-issue-icon.svg","grey":"/assets/images/icons/default-grey-issue-icon.svg","white":"/assets/images/icons/default-white-issue-icon.svg"},"cover_image_url":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/m8q3wkaM/66e6ac/explore.jpg","is_following":false},{"id":"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: Have you followed local news on the winter storm in Texas? ","id":385,"slug":"385-big-thing-followed-local-news-winter-storm-texas","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/385-big-thing-followed-local-news-winter-storm-texas","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=385","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/385/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

Last week, many cities and towns in Texas were hit with an unprecedented winter storm which left millions without water or electricity. While the entire state scrambled to recover from the damage, local TV, radio and newspapers worked tirelessly to provide crucial information to their communities. While many Texan new outlets have experience covering natural disasters from hurricanes to tornados, this storm caused a major disruption in utility services, thus making the job or disseminating news ever more difficult. Elsewhere, relatives and friends of those experiencing storm-related outages in Texas were forced to rely on local news sources to keep up with the latest headlines. Many of these news outlets saw major spikes in their readership as people from all parts of the U.S. tried to get the latest news on the record setting storm. Read more HERE.

Keep up with some of these local news outlets:

· Dallas Morning News

· San Antonio Express News

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"2.22.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/1aca50/Screen%20Shot%202021-02-22%20at%204.37.04%20PM.png","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/1aca50/Screen%20Shot%202021-02-22%20at%204.37.04%20PM.png","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/1aca50/Screen%20Shot%202021-02-22%20at%204.37.04%20PM.png","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/1aca50/Screen%20Shot%202021-02-22%20at%204.37.04%20PM.png","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/1aca50/Screen%20Shot%202021-02-22%20at%204.37.04%20PM.png"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":48,"html_content":"

Keep up with some of these local news outlets:

· Houston Chronicle

· Dallas Morning News

· San Antonio Express News

","comments_count":6,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-02-22T21:38:48.057Z","status":"published","snippet":"Last week, many cities and towns in Texas were hit with an unprecedented winter storm which left millions without water or","share_count":1,"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":"2021-02-22T21:38:48.054Z","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 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":10,"html_content":"

","comments_count":2,"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":2,"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":"One Big Thing: Is press freedom essential for Hong Kong’s democracy movement?","id":384,"slug":"384-big-thing-press-freedom-essential-hong-kong-s-democracy-movement","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/384-big-thing-press-freedom-essential-hong-kong-s-democracy-movement","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=384","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/384/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

In the United States, freedom of the press is a human right that we often take for granted but in other parts of the world, this is not the case. China has imposed some of the most restrictive media laws and sanctions in the world on Hong Kong and its own media organizations. Earlier today, Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai was denied bail after his arrest in August 2020. He was arrested under the oppressive National Security Law which China imposed on the island democracy and has been deemed by many experts as a violation of the “One Country, Two Systems”. Before this, China has banned BBC newsrooms, legislated a suppressive campaign against independent bloggers and used state-run media to spread misinformation inside and outside China. This is why Hong Kong and China both need press freedom. It is an essential human right and a fundamental tenant of democracy.

Read more about China’s oppression of the media HERE.

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"2.18.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/b25038/a10b09ea-a5ec-11e9-9a3c-98259c87fba2_image_hires_233637.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/b25038/a10b09ea-a5ec-11e9-9a3c-98259c87fba2_image_hires_233637.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/b25038/a10b09ea-a5ec-11e9-9a3c-98259c87fba2_image_hires_233637.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/b25038/a10b09ea-a5ec-11e9-9a3c-98259c87fba2_image_hires_233637.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/b25038/a10b09ea-a5ec-11e9-9a3c-98259c87fba2_image_hires_233637.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":103,"html_content":"

Read more about China’s oppression of the media HERE.

","comments_count":20,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-02-18T18:03:14.652Z","status":"published","snippet":"In the United States, freedom of the press is a human right that we often take for granted but in other parts of the world, this","share_count":7,"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":"2021-02-18T18:03:14.648Z","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 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":4,"html_content":"

","comments_count":1,"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 use local news to get your community's COVID restrictions?","id":383,"slug":"383-big-thing-do-use-local-news-get-community-s-covid-restrictions","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/383-big-thing-do-use-local-news-get-community-s-covid-restrictions","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=383","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/383/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

While many COVID-19 restrictions have been enacted at the state or national level, most counties and towns have enacted their own local-level measures. National news networks are able to mass communicate the CDC and states’ restrictions but most people still rely on local news outlets to get information on their own communities’ COVID-19 measures. This is just the latest example of the importance of local news as it is able to provide its consumers with information that is more specific to their communities. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has forced many local news stations to downsize or close at the moment when we need them the most. Make sure to support your local news sources for the most up to date measures on COVID-19 and happenings in your own communities.

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"2.16.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/032f8b/www.usnews.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/032f8b/www.usnews.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/032f8b/www.usnews.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/032f8b/www.usnews.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/032f8b/www.usnews.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":57,"html_content":"

","comments_count":7,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-02-16T21:02:46.564Z","status":"published","snippet":"While many COVID-19 restrictions have been enacted at the state or national level, most counties and towns have enacted their","share_count":3,"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":"2021-02-16T21:02:46.553Z","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 4: How might China, Russia & Iran meddle with our election?","id":357,"slug":"357-ask-expert-episode-4-china-russia-iran-meddle-election","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/357-ask-expert-episode-4-china-russia-iran-meddle-election","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=357","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/357/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/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: Is it right for the Burmese government to ban Facebook and other social media? ","id":382,"slug":"382-big-thing-right-burmese-government-ban-facebook-social-media","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/382-big-thing-right-burmese-government-ban-facebook-social-media","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=382","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/382/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

Earlier this month, the military in Burma staged a coup following the landslide electoral victory for Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy (NLD). Since forcibly taking back control, the military government has declared a year-long national state of emergency. They have also imposed strict internet bans on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, which have been used by Burmese citizens to follow electoral news and organize protests. These social media platforms have also been used as a means of disseminating public health advice related to COVID-19. Since the ban, other social media and messaging platforms have seen a surge in users in Burma including Twitter and Signal after the military temporarily disrupted internet access. This usage demonstrates the positive effect that social media platforms can have on the distribution of news and democracy movements.

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"2.11.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/462b8e/efdb894a-aa13-412c-91ba-b81e799f572e-FINALS-6.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/462b8e/efdb894a-aa13-412c-91ba-b81e799f572e-FINALS-6.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/462b8e/efdb894a-aa13-412c-91ba-b81e799f572e-FINALS-6.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/462b8e/efdb894a-aa13-412c-91ba-b81e799f572e-FINALS-6.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/462b8e/efdb894a-aa13-412c-91ba-b81e799f572e-FINALS-6.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":115,"html_content":"

","comments_count":21,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-02-11T20:53:47.019Z","status":"published","snippet":"Earlier this month, the military in Burma staged a coup following the landslide electoral victory for Nobel Peace Prize laureate","share_count":10,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2021-02-11T20:53:47.015Z","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 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.

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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?

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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: Do you think the Senate should convict Trump of his second impeachment charge?","id":381,"slug":"381-big-thing-do-think-senate-convict-trump-second-impeachment-charge","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/381-big-thing-do-think-senate-convict-trump-second-impeachment-charge","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=381","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/381/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

Today, the Senate’s impeachment trial of Former President Donald Trump is set to begin. Last month, the house voted to charge him of incitement of insurrection as after a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. As laid out by the constitution, the Senate must reach a two-thirds majority to convict him of the charges. The House appointed nine impeachment managers who will present the case against Trump on the Senate floor. Following their statements, Trump’s defense team will have equal time to argue against conviction. Many experts expect the trial to last more than a week as the prosecution and defense have two days each to give their arguments. After those are presented, Senators will have a period to ask questions of either party.

Watch live on CSPAN HERE

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Watch live on CSPAN HERE

","comments_count":55,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["news"],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-02-09T19:39:29.101Z","status":"published","snippet":"Today, the Senate’s impeachment trial of Former President Donald Trump is set to begin. Last month, the house voted to charge","share_count":28,"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":"2021-02-09T19:39:29.096Z","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 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":16,"total_count":308}}}

One Big Thing: Do you think public trust in institutions is important to democracy?