{"issues":[{"id":"news","name":"News","slug":"news","description":null,"page_title":null,"icons":{"black":"/assets/images/icons/default-black-issue-icon.svg","grey":"/assets/images/icons/default-grey-issue-icon.svg","white":"/assets/images/icons/default-white-issue-icon.svg"},"cover_image_url":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/m8q3wkaM/66e6ac/explore.jpg","is_following":false,"follower_count":46},{"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,"follower_count":36},{"id":"legislation","name":"Legislation","slug":"legislation","description":null,"page_title":null,"icons":{"black":"/assets/images/icons/default-black-issue-icon.svg","grey":"/assets/images/icons/default-grey-issue-icon.svg","white":"/assets/images/icons/default-white-issue-icon.svg"},"cover_image_url":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/m8q3wkaM/66e6ac/explore.jpg","is_following":false,"follower_count":48}],"legislators":[{"id":3,"chamber":"house","country":null,"first_name":"Pete","last_name":"Aguilar","nickname":null,"party":"D","gender":"M","district":"31","state":"CA","state_name":"California","state_rank":"","birthday":"1979-06-19","senate_class":null,"term_start":"2021-01-03","term_end":"2023-01-03","title":"Rep","twitter_id":"reppeteaguilar","facebook_id":"reppeteaguilar","youtube_id":null,"website":"https://aguilar.house.gov","phone":"+1-202-225-3201","fax":null,"photos":{"small":"https://assets.hosted-assets.com/public/legislator/photo/A000371/small_rep_aguilar_1558565219.jpg","medium":"https://assets.hosted-assets.com/public/legislator/photo/A000371/medium_rep_aguilar_1558565219.jpg"},"represented_district_name":"California 31st Congressional District","ocd_id":"ocd-division/country:us/state:ca/cd:31","upper":false,"lower":true,"legislative_body_id":3}],"legislative_bodies":[{"name":"United States House","id":3,"district_id":"us"}],"districts":[{"name":"United States","ocd_id":"ocd-division/country:us","state":null,"cover_images":{"large":"https://countable-us.s3.amazonaws.com/district/cover_image/default.png"},"released":false,"id":"us"}],"articles":[{"title":"Russian Anti-Satellite Missile Test Prompts Emergency Procedures on International Space Station","id":504,"slug":"504-russian-anti-satellite-missile-test-prompts-emergency-procedures-international-space-station","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/504-russian-anti-satellite-missile-test-prompts-emergency-procedures-international-space-station","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=504","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/504/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":3108,"cta_prompt":"Are you concerned about Russia’s anti-satellite missile test?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"11.22.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/4e88d3/4e88d3-RussiaTestsAnti-SatelliteMissile.png","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/4e88d3/4e88d3-RussiaTestsAnti-SatelliteMissile.png","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/4e88d3/4e88d3-RussiaTestsAnti-SatelliteMissile.png","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/4e88d3/4e88d3-RussiaTestsAnti-SatelliteMissile.png","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/4e88d3/4e88d3-RussiaTestsAnti-SatelliteMissile.png"},"profile_id":11,"action_count":2,"html_content":"

What’s the story?

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that in response to Russia’s test of an anti-satellite missile (ASAT) on a Russian satellite, astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) were directed to temporarily shelter in their spacecraft as precaution while they passed through the destroyed satellite’s debris field. There are currently four American astronauts, two Russian cosmonauts, and one German astronaut aboard the ISS.
NASA explained in a statement that the ISS is passing through or near the debris field every 90 minutes, but that the need to shelter was only in place during the second and third passes based on a risk assessment by debris and ballistics specialists at the Johnson Space Center. NASA added that it will continue to monitor the debris going forward.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in a statement that he is “outraged by this irresponsible and destabilizing action.” Nelson added:

“With its long and storied history in human spaceflight, it is unthinkable that Russia would endanger not only the American and international partner astronauts on the ISS, but also their own cosmonauts. Their actions are reckless and dangerous, threatening as well the Chinese space station and the taikonauts on board. All nations have a responsibility to prevent the purposeful creation of space debris from ASATs and to foster a safe, sustainable space environment.”

For its part, Russia admitted to testing a direct ascent ASAT on one of its satellites but denied that the test endangered any astronauts in space.
U.S. Space Command stated that 1,500 pieces of trackable orbital debris (roughly the size of a softball) were initially created by the satellite’s destruction and that it “will likely generate hundreds of thousands of pieces of smaller orbital debris.” Army General James Dickinson, commander of Space Command, said:

“The debris created by Russia’s DA-ASAT will continue to pose a threat to activities in outer space for years to come, putting satellites and space missions at risk, as well as forcing more collision avoidance maneuvers. Space activities underpin our way of life and this kind of behavior is simply irresponsible.”

Anti-satellite missiles are a technology that has become part of an arms race between the world’s militaries in the space domain. That’s due to the importance of satellite communications for militaries’ command-and-control capabilities, which are a key target in either a conventional or nuclear war. The arms race in space has also extended to laser weapons and satellites that can move other satellites out of orbit.
Several countries have developed ASAT systems and successfully shot down their own satellites, including India, Russia, China, and the U.S. The first successful destruction of a satellite by an ASAT was done in 1968 by the Soviet Union. The U.S. conducted its first successful ASAT test in 1985, and also destroyed a malfunctioning spy satellite in 2008. China conducted its first ASAT test in 2007, while India followed suit in 2019.
Such tests leave large amounts of debris, some which eventually burns up in the atmosphere, but other uncontrolled can debris remain in those orbital “lanes” for years to come, posing a risk of destroying or disabling a satellite.

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: iStock.com / Inok)

","comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["news"],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-11-22T14:31:44.992Z","status":"published","snippet":"What’s the story? The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that in response to Russia’s test of an","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":"2021-11-22T14:31:44.893Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Russian Anti-Satellite Missile Test Prompts Emergency Procedures on International Space Station","cta_prompt":"Are you concerned about Russia’s anti-satellite missile test?","html_content":"

What’s the story?

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that in response to Russia’s test of an anti-satellite missile (ASAT) on a Russian satellite, astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) were directed to temporarily shelter in their spacecraft as precaution while they passed through the destroyed satellite’s debris field. There are currently four American astronauts, two Russian cosmonauts, and one German astronaut aboard the ISS.
NASA explained in a statement that the ISS is passing through or near the debris field every 90 minutes, but that the need to shelter was only in place during the second and third passes based on a risk assessment by debris and ballistics specialists at the Johnson Space Center. NASA added that it will continue to monitor the debris going forward.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in a statement that he is “outraged by this irresponsible and destabilizing action.” Nelson added:

“With its long and storied history in human spaceflight, it is unthinkable that Russia would endanger not only the American and international partner astronauts on the ISS, but also their own cosmonauts. Their actions are reckless and dangerous, threatening as well the Chinese space station and the taikonauts on board. All nations have a responsibility to prevent the purposeful creation of space debris from ASATs and to foster a safe, sustainable space environment.”

For its part, Russia admitted to testing a direct ascent ASAT on one of its satellites but denied that the test endangered any astronauts in space.
U.S. Space Command stated that 1,500 pieces of trackable orbital debris (roughly the size of a softball) were initially created by the satellite’s destruction and that it “will likely generate hundreds of thousands of pieces of smaller orbital debris.” Army General James Dickinson, commander of Space Command, said:

“The debris created by Russia’s DA-ASAT will continue to pose a threat to activities in outer space for years to come, putting satellites and space missions at risk, as well as forcing more collision avoidance maneuvers. Space activities underpin our way of life and this kind of behavior is simply irresponsible.”

Anti-satellite missiles are a technology that has become part of an arms race between the world’s militaries in the space domain. That’s due to the importance of satellite communications for militaries’ command-and-control capabilities, which are a key target in either a conventional or nuclear war. The arms race in space has also extended to laser weapons and satellites that can move other satellites out of orbit.
Several countries have developed ASAT systems and successfully shot down their own satellites, including India, Russia, China, and the U.S. The first successful destruction of a satellite by an ASAT was done in 1968 by the Soviet Union. The U.S. conducted its first successful ASAT test in 1985, and also destroyed a malfunctioning spy satellite in 2008. China conducted its first ASAT test in 2007, while India followed suit in 2019.
Such tests leave large amounts of debris, some which eventually burns up in the atmosphere, but other uncontrolled can debris remain in those orbital “lanes” for years to come, posing a risk of destroying or disabling a satellite.

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: iStock.com / Inok)

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Disinformation is not a new problem, but it has become more prominent with the speed and reach of social media platforms. Widespread use of social media as a primary source of news has given those seeking to destabilize American National Security an opportunity to publicize false narratives and facts to weaken the US and its allies.

At the policymaking level, decision making is hinged on the ability of an individual to analyze the facts at hand and come to a rational conclusion about the best course of action on any given issue of US National Security. If policymakers’ choices are based on disinformation narratives, then their decisions could be contrary to US interests.

At the public level, disinformation seeks to exacerbate partisan divides and erodes public faith in American institutions, thus threatening the core of American democracy. It must be addressed using society-wide solutions with the goal of training Americans to instinctively engage in a process to determine whether the information they are being exposed to is legitimate. Collective education on misinformation will result in information inoculation – a necessary element for modern American democracy which includes critical thinking skills and media literacy. Additionally, early education is important for increasing long-term societal resilience to disinformation.

Read about how gendered disinformation is a threat to national security HERE

Check out content moderation solutions from the Carnegie Endowment HERE

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Read about how gendered disinformation is a threat to national security HERE

Check out content moderation solutions from the Carnegie Endowment HERE

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":2,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"How do you plan on practicing Maverick voting?","id":219,"slug":"219-do-plan-practicing-maverick-voting","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/219-do-plan-practicing-maverick-voting","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=219","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/219/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":641,"cta_prompt":"Will your vote challenge the status quo; defend the dignity of all people; and support causes greater than one’s self?","cta_type":"record_video","cta_text":"Record Video","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"5.4.20","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg","xsmall":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg","small":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg","medium":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg","large":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg"},"profile_id":8,"action_count":19,"html_content":"

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

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

Watch the video and let us know how you plan on Maverick Voting. Post your responses and videos here and/or on Twitter and Facebook pages and take the pledge if you haven’t already at https://www.mavericksneeded.org/.

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Arizona - AZ AZCentral

New Mexico - NM Albuquerque Journal

Oregon - OR The Oregonian

Nevada - NV Las Vegas Review Journal

California – CA Los Angeles Times

Washington - WA The Seattle Times

Utah - UT Deseret News

Colorado - CO The Denver Post

Hawaii - HI Honolulu Star Advertiser

Alaska - AK Anchorage Daily News

","comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-03-04T18:07:43.123Z","status":"published","snippet":"Arizona - AZ AZCentral New Mexico - NM Albuquerque Journal Oregon - OR The Oregonian Nevada - NV Las Vegas Review Journal","share_count":1,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2021-03-04T18:07:43.121Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Local News Source Guide - Western Region","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","html_content":"

Arizona - AZ AZCentral

New Mexico - NM Albuquerque Journal

Oregon - OR The Oregonian

Nevada - NV Las Vegas Review Journal

California – CA Los Angeles Times

Washington - WA The Seattle Times

Utah - UT Deseret News

Colorado - CO The Denver Post

Hawaii - HI Honolulu Star Advertiser

Alaska - AK Anchorage Daily News

","custom_cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":1,"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"},"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":"

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.

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

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

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

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

","comments_count":3,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["news"],"private":false,"created_at":"2019-11-25T15:26:21.848Z","status":"published","snippet":"The second annual John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service has been awarded to the people of Hong Kong in recognition","share_count":3,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":{"state":"","region":"country","geolocate":true,"select_path":"Contact Reps : Federal : Geolocate","lower_chamber":"house","upper_chamber":"senate","chamber_choice":"all","state_required":false,"default_message":"This issue is important to me.","chosen_legislators":["3"],"lower_chamber_name":"House","upper_chamber_name":"Senate"},"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-11-25T15:26:21.846Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"People of Hong Kong Receive Leadership Award","cta_prompt":"Second annual John McCain Prize for Leadership and Public Service awarded to people of Hong Kong","html_content":"

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

","custom_cta_text":"Contact Reps","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":3,"issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[3]},{"title":"Introducing the Diplomacy Caucus","id":119,"slug":"119-introducing-diplomacy-caucus","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/119-introducing-diplomacy-caucus","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=119","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/119/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":898,"cta_prompt":"A bipartisan group of lawmakers are banding together to support America's diplomats","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"12.4.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg"},"profile_id":6,"action_count":7,"html_content":"

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

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

","comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-12-04T19:22:29.919Z","status":"published","snippet":"The ongoing impeachment hearings in Washington, DC have had the unintended consequence of dragging down the morale of America’s","share_count":3,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-12-04T19:22:29.917Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Introducing the Diplomacy Caucus","cta_prompt":"A bipartisan group of lawmakers are banding together to support America's diplomats","html_content":"

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

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":1,"issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"What is the Over-the-Horizon Counterterrorism Strategy for Afghanistan?","id":501,"slug":"501-horizon-counterterrorism-strategy-afghanistan","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/501-horizon-counterterrorism-strategy-afghanistan","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=501","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/501/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":3108,"cta_prompt":"Do you support or oppose the counterterrorism strategy for Afghanistan?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"11.15.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/1600ec/1600ec-AfghanistanOver-the-HorizonCounterterrorism.png","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/1600ec/1600ec-AfghanistanOver-the-HorizonCounterterrorism.png","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/1600ec/1600ec-AfghanistanOver-the-HorizonCounterterrorism.png","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/1600ec/1600ec-AfghanistanOver-the-HorizonCounterterrorism.png","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/1600ec/1600ec-AfghanistanOver-the-HorizonCounterterrorism.png"},"profile_id":11,"action_count":0,"html_content":"

What’s the story?

In the aftermath of the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Taliban’s takeover, the Biden administration has been pursuing an “over-the-horizon” counterterrorism strategy relying on airpower rather than troops on the ground in an effort to prevent the rise of ISIS-Khorasan and the resurgence of al Qaeda.
The U.S. carried out a pair of drone strikes in Afghanistan following the deadly terror attack at the Kabul airport that killed 13 American servicemembers and at least 169 Afghans. Due to the U.S. withdrawal and the collapse of the Afghan military, the aircraft used were launched from bases in the Persian Gulf and had little on-the-ground intelligence to rely upon with the Taliban unwilling to aid U.S. counterterrorism efforts.
The first, on August 28th, was carried out in Nangarhar Province east of Kabul using an unmanned Reaper drone and killed a planner and a facilitator for ISIS-K while wounding another with no civilian casualties reported. The ISIS-K personnel weren’t directly linked to the terror attack at the Kabul airport but were suspected of planning future operations against targets in Afghanistan.
That was followed by a second drone strike on August 29th against a suspected suicide vehicle in the city of Kabul that the Dept. of Defense believed posed an imminent threat to U.S. personnel and evacuees at the airport. However, following it was later revealed that the strike killed 10 Afghan civilians, including seven children.
A DOD investigation found no violations of law but concluded that execution errors, confirmation bias, and communication breakdowns that led to the civilian casualties. The DOD has stated that it plans to offer condolence payments to the relatives of those killed by the errant strike.
Going forward, the U.S. is negotiating with Pakistan on a formal agreement to use Pakistani airspace for American aircraft flying to Afghanistan for over-the-horizon counterterrorism missions. It’s unclear whether U.S. aircraft have conducted over-the-horizon missions since the August 29th strike.
The distance involved with flying from the Persian Gulf around Iranian airspace to Pakistani territory and on into Afghanistan reduces the amount of time those aircraft can be used to track or target suspected terrorists in Afghanistan without aerial refueling. That has led the Biden administration to seek an alternative basing arrangement, potentially in Uzbekistan or Tajikistan to the north of Afghanistan where the U.S. has operated airbases in the past, although thus far no deals have been reached.

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Ri

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What’s the story?

In the aftermath of the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Taliban’s takeover, the Biden administration has been pursuing an “over-the-horizon” counterterrorism strategy relying on airpower rather than troops on the ground in an effort to prevent the rise of ISIS-Khorasan and the resurgence of al Qaeda.
The U.S. carried out a pair of drone strikes in Afghanistan following the deadly terror attack at the Kabul airport that killed 13 American servicemembers and at least 169 Afghans. Due to the U.S. withdrawal and the collapse of the Afghan military, the aircraft used were launched from bases in the Persian Gulf and had little on-the-ground intelligence to rely upon with the Taliban unwilling to aid U.S. counterterrorism efforts.
The first, on August 28th, was carried out in Nangarhar Province east of Kabul using an unmanned Reaper drone and killed a planner and a facilitator for ISIS-K while wounding another with no civilian casualties reported. The ISIS-K personnel weren’t directly linked to the terror attack at the Kabul airport but were suspected of planning future operations against targets in Afghanistan.
That was followed by a second drone strike on August 29th against a suspected suicide vehicle in the city of Kabul that the Dept. of Defense believed posed an imminent threat to U.S. personnel and evacuees at the airport. However, following it was later revealed that the strike killed 10 Afghan civilians, including seven children.
A DOD investigation found no violations of law but concluded that execution errors, confirmation bias, and communication breakdowns that led to the civilian casualties. The DOD has stated that it plans to offer condolence payments to the relatives of those killed by the errant strike.
Going forward, the U.S. is negotiating with Pakistan on a formal agreement to use Pakistani airspace for American aircraft flying to Afghanistan for over-the-horizon counterterrorism missions. It’s unclear whether U.S. aircraft have conducted over-the-horizon missions since the August 29th strike.
The distance involved with flying from the Persian Gulf around Iranian airspace to Pakistani territory and on into Afghanistan reduces the amount of time those aircraft can be used to track or target suspected terrorists in Afghanistan without aerial refueling. That has led the Biden administration to seek an alternative basing arrangement, potentially in Uzbekistan or Tajikistan to the north of Afghanistan where the U.S. has operated airbases in the past, although thus far no deals have been reached.

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Ri

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"The Facebook Files and #StopHateForProfit","id":497,"slug":"497-facebook-files-stophateforprofit","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/497-facebook-files-stophateforprofit","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=497","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/497/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","cta_type":"comment","cta_text":"Comment","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"11.10.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/_Lx5VmAdZSI/0.jpg","xsmall":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/_Lx5VmAdZSI/0.jpg","small":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/_Lx5VmAdZSI/0.jpg","medium":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/_Lx5VmAdZSI/0.jpg","large":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/_Lx5VmAdZSI/0.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":6,"html_content":"

Following last month’s release of the Facebook Files, Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert on Thursday called for more companies to pressure Facebook to fix its platforms. The Facebook Files refer to a set of internal documents which demonstrate that the social media giant has tracked real-world harms exacerbated by its platforms, ignored warnings from its employees about the risks of their decisions, and knowingly exposed vulnerable communities around the world to dangerous content.

Last year, over than 1,200 businesses and non-profits including Patagonia, the North Face, and REI paused advertising on Facebook in a collective effort to force the tech giant to improve its policies regarding online hate, bigotry, racism, antisemitism, and disinformation. During their September Week of Action, the group reached over 1 billion social media users by collaborating with celebrity names including Leonardo DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian West, Dwayne Wade, and Madonna. The #StopHateForProfit campaign was convened by six key organizing groups: the Anti-Defamation League, the NAACP, Sleeping Giants, Color of Change, Free Press and Common Sense.

#StopHateForProfit was established because of “Facebook’s long history of allowing racist, violent and verifiably false content to run rampant on its platform.” The participating companies and non-profits have each agreed to pull all ads on Facebook and Instagram, pending meaningful action from the social media giant. Ad revenue is Facebook and Instagram’s most profitable source of revenue, generating $69.7 billion in 2019.

Facebook claims that it has more than 40,000 people \"working on safety and security, including global content review teams in over 20 sites around the world reviewing content in over 70 languages.\" Facebook published a blog titled, Actions We’re Taking to Advance Racial Justice in Our Company and on Our Platform to discuss the steps the company says it’s taking to “build a more inclusive platform.”

Learn more about the Facebook Files HERE

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

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

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

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

","comments_count":4,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["legislation","news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-10-08T16:57:59.427Z","status":"published","snippet":"Republican Representative Jim Banks responded to September’s climate protests by introducing a bill that would force arrested","share_count":13,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-10-08T17:09:45.576Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Congressman Introduces Bill Requiring Arrested Protesters to Pay for Police Overtime","cta_prompt":"Should protesters have to pay for police? Tell your Rep. how you feel.","html_content":"

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

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

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

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

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

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

","custom_cta_text":"Contact Reps","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":4,"issue_ids":["legislation","news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Ask the Expert - Episode 5: What is \"Ballot Harvesting\" or \"Ballot Assistance\"?","id":358,"slug":"358-ask-expert-episode-5-ballot-harvesting-ballot-assistance","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/358-ask-expert-episode-5-ballot-harvesting-ballot-assistance","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=358","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/358/signatures?include=user"},"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,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Ask the Expert - Episode 5: What is \"Ballot Harvesting\" or \"Ballot Assistance\"?","cta_prompt":"Watch the Video Here","html_content":"

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":1,"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"},"user_id":27,"cta_prompt":"Should deepfake videos be considered protected speech?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"10.22.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/843872/WHTT_PoliticalDeepFake_Explore_20191021.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/843872/WHTT_PoliticalDeepFake_Explore_20191021.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/843872/WHTT_PoliticalDeepFake_Explore_20191021.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/843872/WHTT_PoliticalDeepFake_Explore_20191021.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/843872/WHTT_PoliticalDeepFake_Explore_20191021.jpg"},"profile_id":6,"action_count":15,"html_content":"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

","comments_count":3,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["legislation","news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-10-22T14:57:04.556Z","status":"published","snippet":"California recently became the second state to pass a bill restricting the use of “deepfake” technology to spread false","share_count":2,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-10-22T15:29:37.361Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"New California Law Prohibits Political Deepfakes","cta_prompt":"Should deepfake videos be considered protected speech?","html_content":"

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

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

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

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

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

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

","custom_cta_text":"React","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"issue_ids":["legislation","news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Local News Source Guide - Midwest Region","id":394,"slug":"394-local-news-source-guide-midwest-region","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/394-local-news-source-guide-midwest-region","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=394","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/394/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"3.4.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/4c91d0/Midwest%20region.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/4c91d0/Midwest%20region.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/4c91d0/Midwest%20region.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/4c91d0/Midwest%20region.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/4c91d0/Midwest%20region.jpg"},"profile_id":10,"action_count":1,"html_content":"

Illinois - IL Chicago Tribune

Idaho - ID Idaho Statesman

Indiana - IN Indianapolis Star

Iowa - IA The Des Moines Register

Kansas - KS Wichita Eagle

Michigan - MI Detroit News

Minnesota - MN Duluth News Tribune

Montana - MT Billings Gazette

Missouri - MO St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Nebraska - NE Lincoln Journal Star

Wyoming - WY Casper Star-Tribune

Ohio - OH Cincinnati Enquirer

Wisconsin - WI Wisconsin State Journal

North Dakota - ND Bismarck Tribune

South Dakota - SD Rapid City Journal

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-03-04T18:07:00.175Z","status":"published","snippet":"Illinois - IL Chicago Tribune Idaho - ID Idaho Statesman Indiana - IN Indianapolis Star Iowa - IA The Des Moines Register Kansas","share_count":1,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2021-03-04T18:07:00.169Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Local News Source Guide - Midwest Region","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","html_content":"

Illinois - IL Chicago Tribune

Idaho - ID Idaho Statesman

Indiana - IN Indianapolis Star

Iowa - IA The Des Moines Register

Kansas - KS Wichita Eagle

Michigan - MI Detroit News

Minnesota - MN Duluth News Tribune

Montana - MT Billings Gazette

Missouri - MO St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Nebraska - NE Lincoln Journal Star

Wyoming - WY Casper Star-Tribune

Ohio - OH Cincinnati Enquirer

Wisconsin - WI Wisconsin State Journal

North Dakota - ND Bismarck Tribune

South Dakota - SD Rapid City Journal

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What’s the story?

Congress is weighing legislation that would ban solar panels made with forced labor in Xinjiang, China, by Uyghur Muslim minorities who have faced persecution and genocide at the hands of the Chinese Communist Party. That legislation has put the Biden administration in a bind as it attempts to reconcile its climate goals and China’s hold over the solar panel supply chain with commitments to support human rights.
Earlier this year, the Commerce Dept. announced that it would ban imports of solar panels and related materials from several Chinese companies linked to forced labor in Xinjiang, including the Hoshine Silicon Industry Co. Ltd. and its subsidiaries, which reportedly intimidated, threatened, and restricted the movement of its Uyghur workers. Customs and Border Protection announced that it began detaining such shipments in June.
Members of Congress have signaled a willingness to go further on the matter. The Senate unanimously passed the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act in July. If enacted, the bill would sanction companies and individuals involved with the use of forced labor in Xinjiang under authorities created by the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020, which became law last year. The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act would also bar the importation of goods presumed to have been made with forced labor in Xinjiang or by entities affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party.
President Joe Biden said in October that he has been taking “concrete steps to put human rights back at the center of our foreign policy.” However, the Biden administration is reportedly concerned that the enactment of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act would ban all of the polysilicon ― the material inside most solar panels ― that comes from Xinjiang, which could make it more difficult to meet climate goals. The bill has been stalled in the House since it passed the Senate unanimously over three months ago.
China controls a significant share of the solar panel market with many suppliers sourcing materials from Hoshine, so blocking more imports over forced labor ties could continue to increase costs, making solar energy less financially viable until the supply chain eventually stabilizes. The Washington Post reported that a key deputy of Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry has told lawmakers the U.S. will need five to 10 years to move the global supply chain for solar panels away from Xinjiang and needs flexibility in the transition.
Biden administration National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was asked by RealClearPolitics’ Phil Wegmann about a statement by Chinese officials that there is a contradiction between the U.S. urging China to reduce emissions while also sanctioning their solar panel companies over forced labor concerns, and Sullivan responded:

“The president strongly believes that we can both take a strong stand against forced labor and against slave labor anywhere it occurs, including in Xinjiang, and at the same time cultivate and develop a robust and effective solar power supply chain. There is no reason that the U.S. or any other country should be forced to choose between these two issues.”

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: Uyghur Concentration Camp: Radio Free Asia / Fair Use | iStock.com / Smitt)

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["news"],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-11-04T20:08:39.106Z","status":"published","snippet":"What’s the story? Congress is weighing legislation that would ban solar panels made with forced labor in Xinjiang, China, by","share_count":0,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Support","color":"#333373","stance":"support"},{"text":"Oppose","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"oppose"}],"reaction_config_id":7,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2021-11-04T20:08:39.080Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Should the U.S. Ban All Solar Panels Made in China With Forced Labor From Uyghur Muslims?","cta_prompt":"Do you support or oppose banning solar panels made in China with forced labor from Uyghurs?","html_content":"

What’s the story?

Congress is weighing legislation that would ban solar panels made with forced labor in Xinjiang, China, by Uyghur Muslim minorities who have faced persecution and genocide at the hands of the Chinese Communist Party. That legislation has put the Biden administration in a bind as it attempts to reconcile its climate goals and China’s hold over the solar panel supply chain with commitments to support human rights.
Earlier this year, the Commerce Dept. announced that it would ban imports of solar panels and related materials from several Chinese companies linked to forced labor in Xinjiang, including the Hoshine Silicon Industry Co. Ltd. and its subsidiaries, which reportedly intimidated, threatened, and restricted the movement of its Uyghur workers. Customs and Border Protection announced that it began detaining such shipments in June.
Members of Congress have signaled a willingness to go further on the matter. The Senate unanimously passed the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act in July. If enacted, the bill would sanction companies and individuals involved with the use of forced labor in Xinjiang under authorities created by the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020, which became law last year. The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act would also bar the importation of goods presumed to have been made with forced labor in Xinjiang or by entities affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party.
President Joe Biden said in October that he has been taking “concrete steps to put human rights back at the center of our foreign policy.” However, the Biden administration is reportedly concerned that the enactment of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act would ban all of the polysilicon ― the material inside most solar panels ― that comes from Xinjiang, which could make it more difficult to meet climate goals. The bill has been stalled in the House since it passed the Senate unanimously over three months ago.
China controls a significant share of the solar panel market with many suppliers sourcing materials from Hoshine, so blocking more imports over forced labor ties could continue to increase costs, making solar energy less financially viable until the supply chain eventually stabilizes. The Washington Post reported that a key deputy of Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry has told lawmakers the U.S. will need five to 10 years to move the global supply chain for solar panels away from Xinjiang and needs flexibility in the transition.
Biden administration National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was asked by RealClearPolitics’ Phil Wegmann about a statement by Chinese officials that there is a contradiction between the U.S. urging China to reduce emissions while also sanctioning their solar panel companies over forced labor concerns, and Sullivan responded:

“The president strongly believes that we can both take a strong stand against forced labor and against slave labor anywhere it occurs, including in Xinjiang, and at the same time cultivate and develop a robust and effective solar power supply chain. There is no reason that the U.S. or any other country should be forced to choose between these two issues.”

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: Uyghur Concentration Camp: Radio Free Asia / Fair Use | iStock.com / Smitt)

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Yesterday was the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. It is an opportunity to recognize the crucial work journalists do in support of democracy, freedom of expression and information, and human rights around the world. Unfortunately, according to the UNESCO observatory, since the beginning of 2021, over 100 journalists have been killed and many more were attacked, harassed or unlawfully imprisoned. Furthermore, woman journalists have been disproportionately impacted by this trend, as 73 percent of the women journalists surveyed, said they had been threatened, intimidated, and insulted online in connection with their work. Finally, the United Nations has emphasized the important role of prosecutorial services, not only in bringing killers to justice, but also prosecuting threats of violence.

Read the US State Department’s statement HERE

Check out from the United Nations HERE

Read the UN report on violence against women journalists HERE

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Read the US State Department’s statement HERE

Check out from the United Nations HERE

Read the UN report on violence against women journalists HERE

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

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.
\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

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

","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,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"One Year After Jamal Khashoggi’s Death, Many Questions Remain","cta_prompt":"Do you think Congress Should Reopen an Investigation?","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

","custom_cta_text":"Contact Reps","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":1,"issue_ids":["news"],"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"},"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":"

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","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":2,"issue_ids":["short-video"],"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"},"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":"

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.

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

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

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

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

","comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["legislation","news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-10-15T14:12:16.231Z","status":"published","snippet":"In July of 2018, investigative reporter Susan Greene filmed an interaction between Denver police and a naked, handcuffed man.","share_count":2,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-10-15T14:16:52.981Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Denver Police Agree to First Amendment Training ","cta_prompt":"Should recording police count as free speech?","html_content":"

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

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

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

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Region: North East

New Hampshire - NH Concord Monitor

New York - NY New York Times

Massachusetts - MA Boston Globe

Connecticut - CT Hartford Courant

Delaware - DE The News Journal

Maine - ME Portland Press Herald

Maryland - MD Maryland Independent

Pennsylvania - PA York Dispatch

Rhode Island - RI The Providence Journal

Vermont - VT Burlington Free Press

West Virginia - WV The Herald-Dispatch

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-03-04T18:06:21.302Z","status":"published","snippet":"Region: North East New Hampshire - NH Concord Monitor New York - NY New York Times Massachusetts - MA Boston Globe Connecticut -","share_count":0,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2021-03-04T18:06:21.300Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Local News Source Guide - North East Region","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","html_content":"

Region: North East

New Hampshire - NH Concord Monitor

New York - NY New York Times

Massachusetts - MA Boston Globe

Connecticut - CT Hartford Courant

Delaware - DE The News Journal

Maine - ME Portland Press Herald

Maryland - MD Maryland Independent

Pennsylvania - PA York Dispatch

Rhode Island - RI The Providence Journal

Vermont - VT Burlington Free Press

West Virginia - WV The Herald-Dispatch

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What’s the story?

Roughly 124,000 people were evacuated from Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, by the U.S. and its coalition partners between August 14th when the Taliban completed its bid to topple the Afghan government and August 30th when the U.S. concluded its military evacuation from Kabul. About half were evacuated by the U.S. while the rest were evacuated by coalition partner nations.
A substantial number of American citizens, legal residents, and Afghan allies at risk of reprisals from the Taliban were left behind when the Afghanistan evacuation ended despite President Joe Biden’s August 19th promise that “if there’s American citizens left, we’re gonna stay to get them all out.” That occurred in spite of the herculean efforts of the military and diplomatic personnel involved with the evacuation, in addition to private groups of veterans on the ground in Afghanistan or in the U.S. providing coordination assistance.
While some of those who were left behind have since escaped on flights to Qatar arranged by the State Dept. and private groups, or by taking overland routes into countries bordering Afghanistan, a significant number are still stuck in Taliban territory. The most recent public estimates of how many Americans and Afghan allies are still in Afghanistan are tracked below, along with the Biden administration’s shifting estimates of how many remain. (This post will be updated periodically as more information becomes available.)

American Citizens

The Biden administration’s tally of U.S. citizens in Afghanistan has fluctuated significantly since August, and officials haven’t offered a precise number for the number of citizens who were in the country when Kabul fell to the Taliban or have been evacuated.
Initially, Biden administration officials estimated that as few as 5,000 or as many as 10,000 to 15,000 American citizens were in Afghanistan when Kabul fell. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said on August 17th that there were about 11,000 self-identified Americans in Afghanistan and later said on August 30th that of the Americans in Afghanistan when Kabul fell about 6,000 “wanted to get out.” Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said that 6,000 American citizens were evacuated during the August 14th-30th evacuation.
On August 31st, Biden said in his speech about the end of the evacuation that “about 100 to 200 Americans remain in Afghanistan with some intention to leave.” Other Biden administration officials repeated that there were roughly 100 U.S. citizens “who want to leave” in the weeks following the president’s remarks, including in Senate testimony by Secretary of State Antony Blinken on September 14th.
However, more recent figures show those numbers were significantly understated. On October 22nd, State Dept. officials told congressional staff that there were still 363 American citizens in Afghanistan, including 176 who want to leave.
Under Secretary of Defense Colin Kahl told the Senate Armed Services Committee on October 26th that there are 196 American citizens who want to leave Afghanistan and another 243 who have been contacted but aren’t ready to leave. Kahl added that 314 American citizens have been evacuated since September 1st through arrangements made by the State Dept. or private groups after roughly 5,500 American citizens were evacuated in August.
Additionally, there is one American who is being held hostage by the Haqqani network, which is closely aligned with the Taliban. Mark Frerichs, age 59, is a civil engineer and U.S. Navy veteran who was kidnapped by the Haqqani network in Khost Province on January 31, 2020. The Biden administration has discussed the release of Frerichs with Anas Haqqani, who is a leader of the Haqqani network and in the Taliban.

U.S. Legal Permanent Residents

There are a significant number of Afghans who, by virtue of their work for the U.S. or relationship to someone who worked with the U.S., have been granted legal permanent resident (LPR) status but remain stranded in Afghanistan. As a group, LPRs are also known as “green card holders.”
The Biden administration hasn’t offered an estimate for the number of legal permanent residents who remain, but Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Congress on September 13th that “several thousand” U.S. legal permanent residents were still in Afghanistan.
In his October 26th testimony, Under Secretary for Defense Policy Colin Kahl told the Senate Armed Services Committee that 266 LPRs have been evacuated since September 1st in efforts arranged by the U.S. government or private groups.

Afghan SIVs

When the U.S. evacuation began, there were roughly 18,000 to 20,000 Afghans who had applied for a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) due to their work for the American military as interpreters or contractors. SIV status gives a recipient LPR status and access to refugee benefits (read more about the SIV program here). That figure has grown to about 28,000 since the Taliban takeover.
The SIV program also provides visas for an SIV’s spouse and their unmarried children under the age of 21. It has been estimated that there are more than 70,000 spouses and unmarried children of those 28,000 Afghan SIVs.
The Biden administration has not provided an estimate for the number of Afghan SIVs who were evacuated in August, but Politico reported on September 1st that a State Dept. official told reporters that “the majority” were left behind.
Under Secretary of Defense Colin Kahl told the Senate Armed Services Committee on October 26th that about 8,500 SIV applicants were evacuated, leaving about 19,500 SIV applicants and their families still in Afghanistan.

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: Afghan Family: U.S. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Mark Andries via DVIDSHUB / Public Domain)

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What’s the story?

Roughly 124,000 people were evacuated from Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, by the U.S. and its coalition partners between August 14th when the Taliban completed its bid to topple the Afghan government and August 30th when the U.S. concluded its military evacuation from Kabul. About half were evacuated by the U.S. while the rest were evacuated by coalition partner nations.
A substantial number of American citizens, legal residents, and Afghan allies at risk of reprisals from the Taliban were left behind when the Afghanistan evacuation ended despite President Joe Biden’s August 19th promise that “if there’s American citizens left, we’re gonna stay to get them all out.” That occurred in spite of the herculean efforts of the military and diplomatic personnel involved with the evacuation, in addition to private groups of veterans on the ground in Afghanistan or in the U.S. providing coordination assistance.
While some of those who were left behind have since escaped on flights to Qatar arranged by the State Dept. and private groups, or by taking overland routes into countries bordering Afghanistan, a significant number are still stuck in Taliban territory. The most recent public estimates of how many Americans and Afghan allies are still in Afghanistan are tracked below, along with the Biden administration’s shifting estimates of how many remain. (This post will be updated periodically as more information becomes available.)

American Citizens

The Biden administration’s tally of U.S. citizens in Afghanistan has fluctuated significantly since August, and officials haven’t offered a precise number for the number of citizens who were in the country when Kabul fell to the Taliban or have been evacuated.
Initially, Biden administration officials estimated that as few as 5,000 or as many as 10,000 to 15,000 American citizens were in Afghanistan when Kabul fell. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said on August 17th that there were about 11,000 self-identified Americans in Afghanistan and later said on August 30th that of the Americans in Afghanistan when Kabul fell about 6,000 “wanted to get out.” Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said that 6,000 American citizens were evacuated during the August 14th-30th evacuation.
On August 31st, Biden said in his speech about the end of the evacuation that “about 100 to 200 Americans remain in Afghanistan with some intention to leave.” Other Biden administration officials repeated that there were roughly 100 U.S. citizens “who want to leave” in the weeks following the president’s remarks, including in Senate testimony by Secretary of State Antony Blinken on September 14th.
However, more recent figures show those numbers were significantly understated. On October 22nd, State Dept. officials told congressional staff that there were still 363 American citizens in Afghanistan, including 176 who want to leave.
Under Secretary of Defense Colin Kahl told the Senate Armed Services Committee on October 26th that there are 196 American citizens who want to leave Afghanistan and another 243 who have been contacted but aren’t ready to leave. Kahl added that 314 American citizens have been evacuated since September 1st through arrangements made by the State Dept. or private groups after roughly 5,500 American citizens were evacuated in August.
Additionally, there is one American who is being held hostage by the Haqqani network, which is closely aligned with the Taliban. Mark Frerichs, age 59, is a civil engineer and U.S. Navy veteran who was kidnapped by the Haqqani network in Khost Province on January 31, 2020. The Biden administration has discussed the release of Frerichs with Anas Haqqani, who is a leader of the Haqqani network and in the Taliban.

U.S. Legal Permanent Residents

There are a significant number of Afghans who, by virtue of their work for the U.S. or relationship to someone who worked with the U.S., have been granted legal permanent resident (LPR) status but remain stranded in Afghanistan. As a group, LPRs are also known as “green card holders.”
The Biden administration hasn’t offered an estimate for the number of legal permanent residents who remain, but Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Congress on September 13th that “several thousand” U.S. legal permanent residents were still in Afghanistan.
In his October 26th testimony, Under Secretary for Defense Policy Colin Kahl told the Senate Armed Services Committee that 266 LPRs have been evacuated since September 1st in efforts arranged by the U.S. government or private groups.

Afghan SIVs

When the U.S. evacuation began, there were roughly 18,000 to 20,000 Afghans who had applied for a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) due to their work for the American military as interpreters or contractors. SIV status gives a recipient LPR status and access to refugee benefits (read more about the SIV program here). That figure has grown to about 28,000 since the Taliban takeover.
The SIV program also provides visas for an SIV’s spouse and their unmarried children under the age of 21. It has been estimated that there are more than 70,000 spouses and unmarried children of those 28,000 Afghan SIVs.
The Biden administration has not provided an estimate for the number of Afghan SIVs who were evacuated in August, but Politico reported on September 1st that a State Dept. official told reporters that “the majority” were left behind.
Under Secretary of Defense Colin Kahl told the Senate Armed Services Committee on October 26th that about 8,500 SIV applicants were evacuated, leaving about 19,500 SIV applicants and their families still in Afghanistan.

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: Afghan Family: U.S. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Mark Andries via DVIDSHUB / Public Domain)

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