{"issues":[{"id":"quizzes","name":"Quizzes","slug":"quizzes","description":"","page_title":"","icons":{"black":"/assets/images/icons/default-black-issue-icon.svg","grey":"/assets/images/icons/default-grey-issue-icon.svg","white":"/assets/images/icons/default-white-issue-icon.svg"},"cover_image_url":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/m8q3wkaM/66e6ac/explore.jpg","is_following":false},{"id":"news","name":"News","slug":"news","description":null,"page_title":null,"icons":{"black":"/assets/images/icons/default-black-issue-icon.svg","grey":"/assets/images/icons/default-grey-issue-icon.svg","white":"/assets/images/icons/default-white-issue-icon.svg"},"cover_image_url":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/m8q3wkaM/66e6ac/explore.jpg","is_following":false},{"id":"legislation","name":"Legislation","slug":"legislation","description":null,"page_title":null,"icons":{"black":"/assets/images/icons/default-black-issue-icon.svg","grey":"/assets/images/icons/default-grey-issue-icon.svg","white":"/assets/images/icons/default-white-issue-icon.svg"},"cover_image_url":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/m8q3wkaM/66e6ac/explore.jpg","is_following":false}],"legislators":[],"articles":[{"title":"One Big Thing: Do you trust the media to uphold American democracy?","id":291,"slug":"291-big-thing-do-trust-media-uphold-american-democracy","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/291-big-thing-do-trust-media-uphold-american-democracy","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=291","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/291/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

What is it?

A recent poll conducted by the Knight Foundation and Gallup found that Americans have lost confidence in the media’s ability to report without bias. A majority of respondents reported experiencing “a great deal” of political bias in the news.
The poll also found that local news continues to play a crucial role in civic engagement. People who follow local news are more likely to vote in local elections and often feel more attached to their communities.

Why is it important?

The results of this poll are important in the context of democracy, especially three months before a critical Presidential election. The media should provide citizens with the objective information they need to form their own opinions but this cannot happen if people think news outlets are biased.
The poll also noted that Americans’ perception of the news is largely formed from their political party affiliation. This form of identity politics stems from deep political divisions and threatens the democratic process.
Most Americans also blame the news for creating political division but they also believe that the media can play a role in bridging the gap.

What can you do?

Read the poll for yourself from the Knight Foundation and Gallup

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"Comment","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"8.4.20","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/196e7c/meaning-of-media-homepage.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/196e7c/meaning-of-media-homepage.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/196e7c/meaning-of-media-homepage.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/196e7c/meaning-of-media-homepage.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/196e7c/meaning-of-media-homepage.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":81,"html_content":"

What is it?

A recent poll conducted by the Knight Foundation and Gallup found that Americans have lost confidence in the media’s ability to report without bias. A majority of respondents reported experiencing “a great deal” of political bias in the news.
The poll also found that local news continues to play a crucial role in civic engagement. People who follow local news are more likely to vote in local elections and often feel more attached to their communities.

Why is it important?

The results of this poll are important in the context of democracy, especially three months before a critical Presidential election. The media should provide citizens with the objective information they need to form their own opinions but this cannot happen if people think news outlets are biased.
The poll also noted that Americans’ perception of the news is largely formed from their political party affiliation. This form of identity politics stems from deep political divisions and threatens the democratic process.
Most Americans also blame the news for creating political division but they also believe that the media can play a role in bridging the gap.

What can you do?

Read the poll for yourself from the Knight Foundation and Gallup\n

","comment_count":16,"issue_slugs":["quizzes"],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-08-04T20:50:27.536Z","status":"published","snippet":"What is it? A recent poll conducted by the Knight Foundation and Gallup found that Americans have lost confidence in the media’s","share_count":4,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-08-04T20:59:56.229Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["quizzes"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"One Big Thing: Do you think peace is achievable in Afghanistan? ","id":267,"slug":"267-big-thing-do-think-peace-achievable-afghanistan","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/267-big-thing-do-think-peace-achievable-afghanistan","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=267","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/267/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

What is it?

Earlier this week, new intelligence surfaced that Russia issued bounties to the Taliban to kill American soldiers in Afghanistan. Republicans and Democrats alike have demanded answers from the Trump Administration.
The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan continues to be plagued by insecurity, violence and restrictions of personal freedom. Citizens and activist are frequently the victims of continued terrorism in some of the country’s most populated cities.
Coronavirus has also hit Afghanistan whose healthcare system was not prepared to deal with the pandemic. Even in Kabul, hospital beds are in short supply and medical resources are scarce – largely weakened by decades of conflict.

Why is it important?

Nearly two decades ago, the United States invaded Afghanistan to put an end to the Taliban insurgency and has led to the United States’ longest war.
In February 2020, the U.S. agreed to a peace deal with the Taliban in Doha, Qatar. Unfortunately, many parts of this deal have not been upheld as Taliban violence has persisted.
Afghan women have gained many rights since the United States and coalition forces deposed the Taliban, but many worry that women’s rights will be eroded with the possible return of the Taliban to Afghan politics.
Recently, the U.S. has made plans to withdraw all military presence from the country by election day.

What can you do?

Understand the Afghanistan war timeline from the Council on Foreign Relations.
Learn more about human rights in Afghanistan from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International.

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"7.1.20","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/2ff890/Screen%20Shot%202020-07-01%20at%2010.01.15%20AM.png","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/2ff890/Screen%20Shot%202020-07-01%20at%2010.01.15%20AM.png","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/2ff890/Screen%20Shot%202020-07-01%20at%2010.01.15%20AM.png","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/2ff890/Screen%20Shot%202020-07-01%20at%2010.01.15%20AM.png","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/2ff890/Screen%20Shot%202020-07-01%20at%2010.01.15%20AM.png"},"profile_id":7,"action_count":106,"html_content":"

What is it?

Earlier this week, new intelligence surfaced that Russia issued bounties to the Taliban to kill American soldiers in Afghanistan. Republicans and Democrats alike have demanded answers from the Trump Administration.
The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan continues to be plagued by insecurity, violence and restrictions of personal freedom. Citizens and activist are frequently the victims of continued terrorism in some of the country’s most populated cities.
\nCoronavirus has also hit Afghanistan whose healthcare system was not prepared to deal with the pandemic. Even in Kabul, hospital beds are in short supply and medical resources are scarce – largely weakened by decades of conflict.

Why is it important?

Nearly two decades ago, the United States invaded Afghanistan to put an end to the Taliban insurgency and has led to the United States’ longest war.
In February 2020, the U.S. agreed to a peace deal with the Taliban in Doha, Qatar. Unfortunately, many parts of this deal have not been upheld as Taliban violence has persisted.
\nAfghan women have gained many rights since the United States and coalition forces deposed the Taliban, but many worry that women’s rights will be eroded with the possible return of the Taliban to Afghan politics.
Recently, the U.S. has made plans to withdraw all military presence from the country by election day.

What can you do?

Understand the Afghanistan war timeline from the Council on Foreign Relations.
Learn more about human rights in Afghanistan from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International.\n

","comment_count":17,"issue_slugs":["quizzes"],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-07-01T14:05:29.970Z","status":"published","snippet":"What is it? Earlier this week, new intelligence surfaced that Russia issued bounties to the Taliban to kill American soldiers in","share_count":6,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-07-01T14:36:52.817Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["quizzes"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"FLASHBACK: Mavericks Needed","id":219,"slug":"219-flashback-mavericks-needed","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/219-flashback-mavericks-needed","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=219","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/219/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

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

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

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

","user_id":641,"cta_prompt":"Who are the Mavericks in your community?","cta_type":"record_video","cta_text":"Record Video","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"5.4.20","image_urls":{"small":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg","medium":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg","large":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg","thumb":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg","xsmall":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg"},"profile_id":8,"action_count":5,"html_content":"

","comment_count":2,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-05-04T17:58:39.126Z","status":"published","snippet":"Almost two years ago, we made the call for Mavericks – people who challenge the status quo; people who defend the dignity of","share_count":0,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-05-04T17:58:39.123Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/QlNPLoI-F1o","video_dimensions":[480,270],"video_aspect_ratio":"16x9","og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Introducing the Diplomacy Caucus","id":119,"slug":"119-introducing-diplomacy-caucus","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/119-introducing-diplomacy-caucus","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=119","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/119/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

","user_id":898,"cta_prompt":"Second annual John McCain Prize for Leadership and Public Service awarded to people of Hong Kong","cta_type":"contact_reps","cta_text":"Contact Reps","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"11.25.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/84e01a/Screen%20Shot%202019-11-25%20at%2010.25.39%20AM.png","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/84e01a/Screen%20Shot%202019-11-25%20at%2010.25.39%20AM.png","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/84e01a/Screen%20Shot%202019-11-25%20at%2010.25.39%20AM.png","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/84e01a/Screen%20Shot%202019-11-25%20at%2010.25.39%20AM.png","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/84e01a/Screen%20Shot%202019-11-25%20at%2010.25.39%20AM.png"},"profile_id":5,"action_count":3,"html_content":"

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

","comment_count":1,"issue_slugs":["news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-11-25T15:26:21.848Z","status":"published","snippet":"The second annual John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service has been awarded to the people of Hong Kong in recognition","share_count":2,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":{"state":"","region":"country","geolocate":true,"select_path":"Contact Reps : Federal : Geolocate","lower_chamber":"house","upper_chamber":"senate","chamber_choice":"all","state_required":false,"default_message":"","chosen_legislators":[],"lower_chamber_name":"House","upper_chamber_name":"Senate"},"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-11-25T15:26:21.846Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"One Big Thing: Do you think Protests in Russia’s Far East will spread to other parts of the country?","id":290,"slug":"290-big-thing-do-think-protests-russia-s-far-east-spread-parts-country","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/290-big-thing-do-think-protests-russia-s-far-east-spread-parts-country","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=290","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/290/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

What is it?

For the past three weeks Russians in the city of Khabarovsk in the Far East have protested the firing and imprisonment of their democratically elected governor. At first the protests called for the reinstatement of Governor Sergei Furgal but have changed their focus to anti-Putin and pro-democracy.
Governor Furgal was flown to Moscow where he was arrested and accused of crimes from 2004 and 2005. Immediately after his arrest, thousands of protesters took to the street to show their support for the popular opposition figure.

Why is it important?

This is indicative of how Vladimir Putin and his cronies in Moscow will act in the upcoming regional legislature elections in September and next year’s parliamentary election. They have been accused of barring opposition candidates and otherwise rigging the election.
Despite COVID-19, mass protests continue to be important as people around the world look for leadership, good governance, and fundamental human rights. NPR has a set of recommendations for how to safely protest during a pandemic.
The Kremlin chose the replacement governor from the same opposition party as Furgal in an attempt to persuade people to stop protesting.
This all comes only weeks after Putin’s national referendum to make himself “President for life”. According to a poll from last week, public confidence in Putin has plummeted to 23 percent, the lowest ever recorded and about a third of Russians say they would take part in similar protests in their own regions.

What can you do?

Check out up to date Russian public opinion polling data from Leveda Analytical Center
For more on Russia check out the Free Russia Foundation

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"8.3.20","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e74e6f/5cbb73d2ad1fe89ff32c18860c1eee3a3306cbe4.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e74e6f/5cbb73d2ad1fe89ff32c18860c1eee3a3306cbe4.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e74e6f/5cbb73d2ad1fe89ff32c18860c1eee3a3306cbe4.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e74e6f/5cbb73d2ad1fe89ff32c18860c1eee3a3306cbe4.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e74e6f/5cbb73d2ad1fe89ff32c18860c1eee3a3306cbe4.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":35,"html_content":"

What is it?

For the past three weeks Russians in the city of Khabarovsk in the Far East have protested the firing and imprisonment of their democratically elected governor. At first the protests called for the reinstatement of Governor Sergei Furgal but have changed their focus to anti-Putin and pro-democracy.
\nGovernor Furgal was flown to Moscow where he was arrested and accused of crimes from 2004 and 2005. Immediately after his arrest, thousands of protesters took to the street to show their support for the popular opposition figure.

Why is it important?

This is indicative of how Vladimir Putin and his cronies in Moscow will act in the upcoming regional legislature elections in September and next year’s parliamentary election. They have been accused of barring opposition candidates and otherwise rigging the election.
Despite COVID-19, mass protests continue to be important as people around the world look for leadership, good governance, and fundamental human rights. NPR has a set of recommendations for how to safely protest during a pandemic.
The Kremlin chose the replacement governor from the same opposition party as Furgal in an attempt to persuade people to stop protesting.
This all comes only weeks after Putin’s national referendum to make himself “President for life”. According to a poll from last week, public confidence in Putin has plummeted to 23 percent, the lowest ever recorded and about a third of Russians say they would take part in similar protests in their own regions.

What can you do?

Check out up to date Russian public opinion polling data from Leveda Analytical Center\n
For more on Russia check out the Free Russia Foundation\n

","comment_count":4,"issue_slugs":["quizzes"],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-08-03T18:32:16.295Z","status":"published","snippet":"What is it? For the past three weeks Russians in the city of Khabarovsk in the Far East have protested the firing and","share_count":0,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-08-03T19:32:40.427Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["quizzes"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"One Big Thing: Do you support global worker protections and rights as COVID-19 impacts livelihoods?","id":236,"slug":"236-big-thing-do-support-global-worker-protections-rights-covid-19-impacts-livelihoods","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/236-big-thing-do-support-global-worker-protections-rights-covid-19-impacts-livelihoods","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=236","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/236/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

What is it?

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

Why is it important?

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

What can you do?

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

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"5.28.20","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/1d5f6d/protecting_migrants_welfare1.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/1d5f6d/protecting_migrants_welfare1.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/1d5f6d/protecting_migrants_welfare1.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/1d5f6d/protecting_migrants_welfare1.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/1d5f6d/protecting_migrants_welfare1.jpg"},"profile_id":7,"action_count":114,"html_content":"

What is it?

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

Why is it important?

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

What can you do?

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

","comment_count":15,"issue_slugs":["quizzes"],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-05-28T13:38:34.314Z","status":"published","snippet":"What is it? As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect everyday life across the globe, workers’ rights have come under fire.","share_count":7,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":4,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-05-28T13:56:57.802Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["quizzes"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"New California Law Prohibits Political Deepfakes","id":100,"slug":"100-new-california-law-prohibits-political-deepfakes","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/100-new-california-law-prohibits-political-deepfakes","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=100","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/100/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

","comment_count":4,"issue_slugs":["legislation","news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-10-08T16:57:59.427Z","status":"published","snippet":"Republican Representative Jim Banks responded to September’s climate protests by introducing a bill that would force arrested","share_count":13,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-10-08T17:09:45.576Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["news","legislation"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"One Big Thing: Do you think the November Presidential election date should be honored?","id":289,"slug":"289-big-thing-do-think-november-presidential-election-date-honored","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/289-big-thing-do-think-november-presidential-election-date-honored","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=289","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/289/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

What is it?

Recently, President Trump proposed postponing the November election date claiming that universal mail-in voting will lead to inaccurate results and voter fraud.
Many Republicans and Democrats have come out against this idea, maintaining that the election must be held as scheduled.
So far, there have been no cases of voter fraud in Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington and Utah who employ in-person voting and ballot drop-off sites.

Why is it important?

Elections are essential to the democratic process and the U.S. constitution only allows them to be changed by majority support of both houses of Congress.
Many have called for law makers to allocate more funding for mail in voting to prepare to the election. Mail in ballot printers have also increased their production to account for the surge in demand.
Despite the efforts to prepare to host nationwide election amid a pandemic, 2/3 of Americans believe that it will be disrupted by the virus.

What can you do?

For more on how mail in voting works, check out Brookings Institute
Read more about who can postpone an election from The National Constitution Center

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"7.30.20","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/6a8290/im-174157.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/6a8290/im-174157.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/6a8290/im-174157.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/6a8290/im-174157.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/6a8290/im-174157.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":357,"html_content":"

What is it?

Recently, President Trump proposed postponing the November election date claiming that universal mail-in voting will lead to inaccurate results and voter fraud.
Many Republicans and Democrats have come out against this idea, maintaining that the election must be held as scheduled.
So far, there have been no cases of voter fraud in Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington and Utah who employ in-person voting and ballot drop-off sites.

Why is it important?

Elections are essential to the democratic process and the U.S. constitution only allows them to be changed by majority support of both houses of Congress.
Many have called for law makers to allocate more funding for mail in voting to prepare to the election. Mail in ballot printers have also increased their production to account for the surge in demand.
Despite the efforts to prepare to host nationwide election amid a pandemic, 2/3 of Americans believe that it will be disrupted by the virus.

What can you do?

For more on how mail in voting works, check out Brookings Institute
Read more about who can postpone an election from The National Constitution Center

","comment_count":72,"issue_slugs":["quizzes"],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-07-30T17:11:19.978Z","status":"published","snippet":"What is it? Recently, President Trump proposed postponing the November election date claiming that universal mail-in voting will","share_count":18,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-07-30T17:11:19.975Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["quizzes"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Can South Korea serve as an example to the United States on how to run an election during COVID-19?","id":208,"slug":"208-south-korea-serve-example-united-states-run-election-covid-19","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/208-south-korea-serve-example-united-states-run-election-covid-19","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=208","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/208/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

What is it?

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

Why is it important?

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

What can you do?

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

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

What is it?

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

Why is it important?

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

What can you do?

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

","comment_count":5,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-04-23T15:09:39.631Z","status":"published","snippet":"What is it? On April 15, South Korea will go ahead with its parliamentary election despite the global COVID-19 outbreak. In","share_count":0,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-04-23T15:09:39.627Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Denver Police Agree to First Amendment Training ","id":96,"slug":"96-denver-police-agree-amendment-training","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/96-denver-police-agree-amendment-training","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=96","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/96/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

In July of 2018, investigative reporter Susan Greene filmed an interaction between Denver police and a naked, handcuffed man. Police asked Greene to stop recording, and when she refused, they seized her phone, handcuffed her, and pushed her into a police car. The interaction was captured on police body cam footage.

Article: Denver Police Agree to First Amendment Training After Unlawful Arrest of Journalist

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

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

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

","user_id":27,"cta_prompt":"Should recording police count as free speech?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"10.15.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/f749d3/WHTT_DenverPoliceFirstAmendmentTraining-_Explore_20191014.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/f749d3/WHTT_DenverPoliceFirstAmendmentTraining-_Explore_20191014.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/f749d3/WHTT_DenverPoliceFirstAmendmentTraining-_Explore_20191014.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/f749d3/WHTT_DenverPoliceFirstAmendmentTraining-_Explore_20191014.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/f749d3/WHTT_DenverPoliceFirstAmendmentTraining-_Explore_20191014.jpg"},"profile_id":6,"action_count":11,"html_content":"

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s what you need to know about Khashoggi:

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

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

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

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

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

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

","user_id":27,"cta_prompt":"Do you think Congress Should Reopen an Investigation?","cta_type":"contact_reps","cta_text":"Contact Reps","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"10.2.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/d363a5/WHTT_CountablePetition_20190926.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/d363a5/WHTT_CountablePetition_20190926.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/d363a5/WHTT_CountablePetition_20190926.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/d363a5/WHTT_CountablePetition_20190926.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/d363a5/WHTT_CountablePetition_20190926.jpg"},"profile_id":5,"action_count":18,"html_content":"

Here’s what you need to know about Khashoggi:

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

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

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

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

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

","comment_count":1,"issue_slugs":["news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-10-02T15:59:54.482Z","status":"published","snippet":"Wednesday, October 2nd marks one year since journalist Jamal Khashoggi died inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey.","share_count":5,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-10-02T16:04:51.013Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Should more be done to protect Cubans' rights?","id":288,"slug":"288-done-protect-cubans-rights","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/288-done-protect-cubans-rights","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=288","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/288/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

What is it?

Recently, the Cuban government harassed and detained multiple activists ahead of a planned protest after police killed a black man. The government accused many of the activists of “spreading an epidemic” in order to stifle their voices.
Cuba has been one of Latin America’s success stories in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week Cubans celebrated four months without any local transmission of the virus.

Why is it important?

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights requires that governments respect their citizens' freedom of speech and assembly. The most recent protest is just the latest incident in the country’s history of citizen repression.
The Cuban government has been repeatedly accused of arbitrarily detaining critics in an effort to subdue opposition voices. Cuba also maintains a tight control on the information space by strictly regulating press freedom and frequently shutting down the internet.

What can you do?

For more, check out Inter-American Commission on Human Right’s report on Cuba

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"7.30.20","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/efacb3/202007Amer_Cuba_protests_0.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/efacb3/202007Amer_Cuba_protests_0.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/efacb3/202007Amer_Cuba_protests_0.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/efacb3/202007Amer_Cuba_protests_0.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/efacb3/202007Amer_Cuba_protests_0.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":13,"html_content":"

What is it?

Recently, the Cuban government harassed and detained multiple activists ahead of a planned protest after police killed a black man. The government accused many of the activists of “spreading an epidemic” in order to stifle their voices.
Cuba has been one of Latin America’s success stories in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week Cubans celebrated four months without any local transmission of the virus.

Why is it important?

\nThe Universal Declaration of Human Rights requires that governments respect their citizens' freedom of speech and assembly. The most recent protest is just the latest incident in the country’s history of citizen repression.
The Cuban government has been repeatedly accused of arbitrarily detaining critics in an effort to subdue opposition voices. Cuba also maintains a tight control on the information space by strictly regulating press freedom and frequently shutting down the internet.

What can you do?

For more, check out Inter-American Commission on Human Right’s report on Cuba\n

","comment_count":1,"issue_slugs":["quizzes"],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-07-30T13:55:24.959Z","status":"published","snippet":"What is it? Recently, the Cuban government harassed and detained multiple activists ahead of a planned protest after police","share_count":9,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-07-30T13:55:24.956Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["quizzes"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Should the World Health Organization be criticized for its response to coronavirus and its relationship with China and Taiwan?","id":207,"slug":"207-world-health-organization-criticized-response-coronavirus-relationship-china-taiwan","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/207-world-health-organization-criticized-response-coronavirus-relationship-china-taiwan","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=207","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/207/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

What is it?

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

Why is it important?

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

What can you do?

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

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

What is it?

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

Why is it important?

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

What can you do?

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

","comment_count":2,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-04-23T14:56:35.406Z","status":"published","snippet":"What is it? On Tuesday, April 7, President Trump attacked the World Health Organization (WHO) for its late response to the","share_count":0,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-04-23T14:56:35.404Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Should Political Robo Calls Be Protected Under the First Amendment?","id":84,"slug":"84-political-robo-calls-protected-amendment","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/84-political-robo-calls-protected-amendment","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=84","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/84/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

Spam calls are annoying, but they may be an important part of a functioning democracy, at least according to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. A Montana judge recently ruled that part of an old Montana law is unconstitutional for banning robo calls that are \"promoting a political campaign or any use related to a political campaign.”

The court reasoned that banning robo calls might severely damage campaigns with low funding and therefore posed a dangerous restriction on free speech.

Article: Are Political Robocalls Protected Under the First Amendment?

It’s nice to see a court stick up for campaigns that don’t have access to Super PACs, even if it comes at the expense of a minor annoyance.

What do you think? Is this a win for free speech or a loss for privacy? Can it be both?

","user_id":27,"cta_prompt":"Do you think auto calls should be classified as protected speech?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"10.1.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/91ecff/WHTT_PoliticalRoboCall_Explore_20190930.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/91ecff/WHTT_PoliticalRoboCall_Explore_20190930.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/91ecff/WHTT_PoliticalRoboCall_Explore_20190930.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/91ecff/WHTT_PoliticalRoboCall_Explore_20190930.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/91ecff/WHTT_PoliticalRoboCall_Explore_20190930.jpg"},"profile_id":6,"action_count":9,"html_content":"

The court reasoned that banning robo calls might severely damage campaigns with low funding and therefore posed a dangerous restriction on free speech.

\nArticle: Are Political Robocalls Protected Under the First Amendment?\n

It’s nice to see a court stick up for campaigns that don’t have access to Super PACs, even if it comes at the expense of a minor annoyance.

What do you think? Is this a win for free speech or a loss for privacy? Can it be both?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

","comment_count":2,"issue_slugs":["news","legislation"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-09-26T01:30:41.261Z","status":"published","snippet":"The numbers are in from what was likely the largest climate strike in history. On Friday, September 20th, an estimated 4 million","share_count":0,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-10-01T16:49:48.439Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"issue_ids":["news","legislation"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"One Big Thing: Can the United States lead on human rights again?","id":287,"slug":"287-big-thing-united-states-lead-human-rights","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/287-big-thing-united-states-lead-human-rights","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=287","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/287/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

What is it?

On July 16, the State Department’s Commission on Unalienable Rights released a report which assesses of the role of human rights in American foreign policy.
Many human rights experts believe that the report will limit the scope of what is considered a human right but others have argued that the commission’s report is timely and sets a high bar which will hopefully lead to real change in how human rights are promoted.

Why is it important?

The United States has historically been a leader promoting global human rights and with human rights in decline around the world, a renewed emphasis is needed on human rights in American foreign policy.
The Commission on Unalienable Rights already faced criticism from the human rights community for unfairly prioritizing certain rights above others. In May 2020, over 167 rights-focused organizations signed an open letter in opposition to the commission.
Despite criticism of the commission, the report comes at a time when China and Russia’s authoritarian influence is spreading across the globe.

What can you do?

Check out the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights

","user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"7.28.20","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/5cc1f0/timthumbcn56.png","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/5cc1f0/timthumbcn56.png","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/5cc1f0/timthumbcn56.png","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/5cc1f0/timthumbcn56.png","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/5cc1f0/timthumbcn56.png"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":113,"html_content":"

What is it?

On July 16, the State Department’s Commission on Unalienable Rights released a report which assesses of the role of human rights in American foreign policy.
Many human rights experts believe that the report will limit the scope of what is considered a human right but others have argued that the commission’s report is timely and sets a high bar which will hopefully lead to real change in how human rights are promoted.

Why is it important?

The United States has historically been a leader promoting global human rights and with human rights in decline around the world, a renewed emphasis is needed on human rights in American foreign policy.
The Commission on Unalienable Rights already faced criticism from the human rights community for unfairly prioritizing certain rights above others. In May 2020, over 167 rights-focused organizations signed an open letter in opposition to the commission.
Despite criticism of the commission, the report comes at a time when China and Russia’s authoritarian influence is spreading across the globe.

What can you do?

Check out the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights\n

","comment_count":22,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-07-28T21:55:19.686Z","status":"published","snippet":"What is it? On July 16, the State Department’s Commission on Unalienable Rights released a report which assesses of the role of","share_count":6,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_newsletter_signup":false,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-07-28T23:14:03.213Z","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":"One Big Thing: America Votes in the Shadow of Coronavirus","id":206,"slug":"206-big-thing-america-votes-shadow-coronavirus","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/206-big-thing-america-votes-shadow-coronavirus","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=206","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/206/signatures?include=user"},"content":"

What is it?

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

Why is it important?

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

What can you do?

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

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

What is it?

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

Why is it important?

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

What can you do?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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