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Please join us for two panels covering the investigators who are working to hold Russian individuals accountable for their atrocities

About this event:

As the illegal invasion of Ukraine grinds on into its seventh month, atrocity crimes have been reportedly committed by the Russian forces. Ukrainian officials suspect that the number of war crimes rises to more than 15,000.

On May 25, 2022, three months and one day after the invasion, the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom established the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group (ACA) as the agreed trans-Atlantic community mechanism for addressing atrocity crimes in Ukraine.

The ACA is led by Georgetown University’s Ambassador Clint Williamson (formerly a Senior Director, Fellow, and Professor at the McCain Institute and the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law).

Join this panel to hear from Amb. Van Schaack, Amb. Williamson, lawyers, reporters, prosecutors, and investigators making sure that the Ukrainians and the International Community hold Russian individuals accountable for the atrocity crimes they have committed.

Opening Remarks:

Beth Van Schaack, Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice

First Panel:

Amb. Clint Williamson, Lead Advisor of the EU-UK-US Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group

Moderator:

Dr. Evelyn Farkas, Executive Director, McCain Institute for International Leadership

Second Panel:

Roman Avramenko, Truth Hounds Executive Director

Nataliya Zubar, Maidan Monitoring Information Center, Chair

Scott Martin, Global Justice Advisors Founder

Andrea Cayley, Director, Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, DC; formerly Office of the Prosecutor of the ICTY, ECCC.

Moderator:

Pedro Pizano, Human Rights and Democracy Program Manager, McCain Institute for International Leadership

Biographies:

Beth Van Schaack, Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice

Dr. Beth Van Schaack was sworn in as the Department’s sixth Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice (GCJ) on March 17, 2022. In this role, she advises the Secretary of State and other Department leadership on issues related to the prevention of and response to atrocity crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.

Ambassador Van Schaack served as Deputy to the Ambassador-at-Large in GCJ from 2012 to 2013. Prior to returning to public service in 2022, Ambassador Van Schaack was the Leah Kaplan Visiting Professor in Human Rights at Stanford Law School, where she taught international criminal law, human rights, human trafficking, and a policy lab on Legal & Policy Tools for Preventing Atrocities. In addition, she directed Stanford’s International Human Rights & Conflict Resolution Clinic. Ambassador Van Schaack began her academic career at Santa Clara University School of Law, where, in addition to teaching and writing on international human rights issues, she served as the Academic Adviser to the United States interagency delegation to the International Criminal Court Review Conference in Kampala, Uganda. Earlier in her career, she was a practicing lawyer at Morrison & Foerster, LLP; the Center for Justice & Accountability, a human rights law firm; and the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunals for Rwanda and the Former Yugoslavia in The Hague.

Ambassador Van Schaack has published numerous articles and papers on international human rights and justice issues, including her 2020 thesis, Imagining Justice for Syria (Oxford University Press). From 2014 to 2022, she served as Executive Editor for Just Security, an online forum for the analysis of national security, foreign policy, and rights. She is a graduate of Stanford (BA), Yale (JD) and Leiden (PhD) Universities.

Amb. Clint Williamson, Lead Advisor of the EU-UK-US Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group

Ambassador Clint Williamson (Ret), currently serves as the Lead Advisor, heading the joint EU-UK-US Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group (ACA) for Ukraine. He is the Senior Coordinator for International Justice at Georgetown University, affiliated with the Center on National Security at Georgetown Law. Previously, he served as European Union Special Prosecutor (2011-2014), as a United Nations Special Envoy (2010-2011), as U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues (2006-2009), and at the White House on the National Security Council as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Relief, Stabilization and Development and as Director for Stability Operations (2003-2006). Prior to his White House posting, he served as Senior Adviser to the Ministry of Justice in Iraq (2003) and as Director of Justice in the UN Mission in Kosovo (2001-2002). He also served at the International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia as a Trial Attorney (1994-2001) and before that as a federal prosecutor for the U.S Department of Justice and a state prosecutor in New Orleans. He is a graduate of the Tulane University School of Law and Louisiana Tech University.

Dr. Evelyn N. Farkas, Executive Director, McCain Institute

Dr. Evelyn N. Farkas has three decades of experience working on national security and foreign policy in the U.S. executive, legislative branch, private sector and for international organizations overseas. In 2019-2020 she ran to represent New York’s 17th Congressional District in the House of Representatives. She is currently the executive director of the McCain Institute at Arizona State University. Prior to that, she was president of Farkas Global Strategies and a senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United State and the Atlantic Council and national security contributor for NBC/MSNBC.

She served from 2012 to 2015 as deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia/Ukraine/Eurasia, Balkans, Caucasus and conventional arms control. From 2010 to 2012, she was the senior advisor to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe and special advisor to the Secretary of Defense for the NATO Summit. Prior to that, she was the executive director of the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism and senior fellow at the American Security Project. From 2001 to 2008, she served as a professional staff member of the Senate Armed Services Committee responsible for Asia Pacific, Western Hemisphere, Special Operations Command, and policy issues including combatting terrorism and export control.

From 1997-2001, Dr. Farkas was a professor of international relations at the U.S. Marine Corps Command and Staff College. She served 1996-97 in Bosnia with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). She has published numerous journal articles and opinion pieces and “Fractured States and U.S. Foreign Policy: Iraq, Ethiopia, and Bosnia in the 1990s “(Palgrave/St. Martin’s Press). She speaks Hungarian and German and has studied French, Spanish, Serbo-Croatian, Russian and Hindi.

Dr. Farkas obtained her M.A. and Ph.D. from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. She serves as a D.C. family court-appointed special advocate. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the Board of Directors for the Project 2049 Institute, Supporters of Civil Society in Russia, Leadership Council-Women in National Security, and the Board of Trustees of her alma mater, Franklin & Marshall College.

Roman Avramenko, Truth Hounds Executive Director

Roman Avramenko is executive director of NGO Truth Hounds, has been documenting war crimes, crimes against humanity and other grave human rights violations since 2014. Seeking justice for the victims of grave human rights violations he has completed more than 50 field missions to Eastern Ukraine, Crimea, Armenia and Palestine. Roman also investigates the perpetrators of international crimes by means of collecting and analyzing evidence for the purposes of ICC and other domestic and international justice mechanisms.

Nataliya Zubar, Maidan Monitoring Information Center, Chair

Nataliya Zubar is chair of Maidan Monitoring Information Center, a pro-direct democracy nongovernmental organization that strives to protect societal security in Ukraine. The Center’s work prioritizes reducing the level of violence in society, improving the culture of communication, and public dialogue. In her work, Nataliya focuses on monitoring and promoting civil freedoms in Ukraine. Since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine on February 24th, Nataliya has become known for her work in collecting visual evidence of possible war crimes committed by Russia.

Throughout her career, Nataliya has worked in journalism, civic activism, information security, peacebuilding, adult education, and, most recently, war reporting arenas.

Nataliya is from Kharkiv, Ukraine and studied Physics Engineering at the National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute.”

Scott Martin, Global Justice Advisors Founder

Active in Ukraine since 2015 and recognized by the Ukrainian Government through his cabinet-level appointment to the International Humanitarian Law Commission for the Government of Ukraine, Mr. Martin has long been a leading voice in Ukraine on a range of matters relating to international humanitarian law, international criminal law, international human rights law, and environmental law.

Scott has provided many years of assistance to the State Security Services of Ukraine, the Prosecutor General's Office, Armed Forces of Ukraine, the military police of Ukraine, and others to prevent, identify, investigate, and prosecute international crimes. He has also conducted many independent investigations into human rights violations and presented such information to various institutions, including the International Criminal Court, OSCE, Council of Europe, UN bodies, and other regional and international remedial mechanisms. He has spoken at countless events about Ukraine, both in-country and at the International Criminal Court. Concerning legal reform, he has worked as the principal international contributor to amend the Criminal Code of Ukraine in an effort to conform it to international standards. He has also worked to revise the Ukrainian IHL military manual and field manual concerning international humanitarian law.

Andrea Cayley, Director, Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, DC; formerly Office of the Prosecutor of the ICTY, ECCC

Andrea Matačić Cayley is the Director of The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law's Washington D.C. Programs. The Washington D.C. Programs include: Antitrust Law, International Rule of Law and Security, and the Indian Law Program.

Andrea worked for two decades as a lawyer with the United Nations. She began her career as a UN liaison officer to the US Congress, then spent 15 years in the Hague working in the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and 4 years in Cambodia working on prosecutions of the Khmer Rouge.

Andrea was the Director of the Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law at the University of Pennsylvania Law School and Director of International Projects. She worked on domestic prosecutions of war crimes as a Senior Legal Fellow for the Center of Justice and Accountability and as the US Country Coordinator of Civitas Maxima.

Andrea is the Co-Founder and Executive Vice-President of EOS Tech Trust, where she serves as the Director of Human Rights and Rule of Law projects.

She has taught International Human Rights at the University of Pennsylvania and Villanova Law School. As part of a US-Russia foundation grant awarded to the McCain Institute and the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, Andrea has trained Russian civil society on legal venues to prosecute human rights violations. Andrea is part of the Atrocity Crimes Advisory group for Ukraine. She has published numerous articles concerning the prosecution of war crimes and human rights violations.

Andrea is one of the founders of the Indradevi Hope Award, established to honor individuals working to strengthen women's rights in Cambodia. She worked with Jesuit Refugee Services to provide pro bono legal advice on land rights to Cambodians and was a member of the board of Family Promise, a non-profit working to help families out of homelessness in the Philadelphia area.

Andrea has a BA from Columbia University, an MA from the University of Zagreb, a JD from Temple University, and a PhD from Leiden University.

Pedro Pizano, Human Rights and Democracy Program Manager, McCain Institute for International Leadership

Pedro Pizano is a Program Manager for the Democracy & Human Rights Programs at the McCain Institute for International Leadership in Washington D.C. He previously served as the Northwestern-McCain Public Interest Legal Award Fellow and the International Criminal Law Fellow and Human Rights Journalism Fellow at the McCain Institute and ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law’s International Rule of Law and Security (IRLS) Program, under Amb. Clint Williamson.

In 2018, Pizano graduated cum laude and with honors with a dual J.D./LL.M. in international human rights law from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in Chicago, Ill. He was the executive editor of the Journal of Human Rights and the co-founder of a debate club: The Speakers Union. He was jointly appointed by the presidents of both the Northwestern Federalist Society and the Northwestern American Constitution Society, as the co-chair of the Civic Education Committee, as Northwestern Law was one of the law schools, if not the first, to cancel classes on election day so students, faculty, and staff could volunteer as poll watchers and officials, and reinforce our shared common civic liberal democratic responsibilities.

Before law school, Pizano earned a joint certificate in international human rights law from Oxford University and George Washington University’s law school. Prior to that, he worked for three years as the global media liaison and strategy and development associate at the Human Rights Foundation and Oslo Freedom Forum in New York City. In 2013, he was recognized as one of the 99 under 33 most promising young professionals in foreign policy by the Diplomatic Courier. His opinions and byline have appeared in, among others, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Economist, Foreign Policy, The New Republic, Slate, Forbes, El Tiempo, El Mundo and the BBC. He was born in Bogotá, Colombia and is also a native Spanish speaker, fluent in French, and knows basic Arabic.

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Please join us for two panels covering the investigators who are working to hold Russian individuals accountable for their atrocities

About this event:

The ACA is led by Georgetown University’s Ambassador Clint Williamson (formerly a Senior Director, Fellow, and Professor at the McCain Institute and the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law).

Opening Remarks:

Beth Van Schaack, Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice

First Panel:

Amb. Clint Williamson, Lead Advisor of the EU-UK-US Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group

Moderator:

Dr. Evelyn Farkas, Executive Director, McCain Institute for International Leadership

Second Panel:

Roman Avramenko, Truth Hounds Executive Director

Nataliya Zubar, Maidan Monitoring Information Center, Chair

Scott Martin, Global Justice Advisors Founder

Andrea Cayley, Director, Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, DC; formerly Office of the Prosecutor of the ICTY, ECCC.

Moderator:

Pedro Pizano, Human Rights and Democracy Program Manager, McCain Institute for International Leadership

Biographies:

Beth Van Schaack, Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice

Amb. Clint Williamson, Lead Advisor of the EU-UK-US Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group

Dr. Evelyn N. Farkas, Executive Director, McCain Institute

Roman Avramenko, Truth Hounds Executive Director

Nataliya Zubar, Maidan Monitoring Information Center, Chair

Throughout her career, Nataliya has worked in journalism, civic activism, information security, peacebuilding, adult education, and, most recently, war reporting arenas.

Nataliya is from Kharkiv, Ukraine and studied Physics Engineering at the National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute.”

Scott Martin, Global Justice Advisors Founder

Andrea Cayley, Director, Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, DC; formerly Office of the Prosecutor of the ICTY, ECCC

Andrea is the Co-Founder and Executive Vice-President of EOS Tech Trust, where she serves as the Director of Human Rights and Rule of Law projects.

Andrea has a BA from Columbia University, an MA from the University of Zagreb, a JD from Temple University, and a PhD from Leiden University.

Pedro Pizano, Human Rights and Democracy Program Manager, McCain Institute for International Leadership

","custom_cta_text":"REGISTER HERE","cta_url":"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meet-the-people-helping-prosecute-war-crimes-in-ukraine-tickets-422631110027"}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":1,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Assassinated During Campaign Speech","id":646,"slug":"646-japanese-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-assassinated-campaign-speech","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/646-japanese-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-assassinated-campaign-speech","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=646","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/646/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and make your voice heard!","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"7.11.22","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/5a394b/5a394b-7591e9-36478259912_5b0c2122ba_b.jpg","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/5a394b/5a394b-7591e9-36478259912_5b0c2122ba_b.jpg","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/5a394b/5a394b-7591e9-36478259912_5b0c2122ba_b.jpg","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/5a394b/5a394b-7591e9-36478259912_5b0c2122ba_b.jpg","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/5a394b/5a394b-7591e9-36478259912_5b0c2122ba_b.jpg"},"profile_id":11,"action_count":19,"html_content":"

What’s the story?

\nFormer Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe was assassinated on Friday while giving a campaign speech in the western prefecture of Nara by a lone gunman.\n
\nThe gunman used a homemade double-barrelled firearm apparently assembled using pipe, tape, wood, and electrical components. The 41-year-old man fired two shots at Abe from behind ― the first missed and prompted Abe’s security detail to try to shield him using their briefcases, but the second mortally wounded Abe in the chest and neck after he turned around to face his attacker. The gunman was immediately apprehended on the scene.\n
Despite his prompt evacuation to a hospital via helicopter and treatment with multiple blood transfusions, Abe succumbed to his wounds and was pronounced dead Friday at the age of 67.
\nCurrent Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who is from Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party (which is Japan’s largest conservative party), fought back tears during an emotional speech in which he said of Abe:\n

“I was desperately praying for him to survive but unfortunately that prayer was not answered, and we now face this sad news. I have no words. I would like to express my deep condolences… In the midst of an election, which is the root of democracy, this dastardly event took place. I would like to use the harshest words to condemn this unforgivable act.”

Shinzo Abe’s legacy

Abe was the longest-serving prime minister in Japanese history, as he was in office from September 2006 to September 2007, and served a second term from December 2012 to September 2020. He stepped down in 2007 due to complications from ulcerative colitis and mounted a surprise comeback, then resigned as prime minister again due to the chronic illness in 2020.
Despite stepping down as prime minister, Abe continued to serve in Japan’s House of Representatives and led the largest faction of the Liberal Democratic Party, which has held governing coalition majorities in Japan’s legislature ― known as the National Diet ― since he started his second stint as prime minister.
\nAbe’s contributions in terms of foreign policy were substantial and visionary. He was the originator of the phrase “free and open Indo-Pacific” which has been widely adopted by the U.S., Australia, South Korea, India, and other like-minded countries in that vast and consequential region. Its intent has become an integral part of America’s Indo-Pacific strategy and the phrase itself is used with regularity by U.S. policymakers across the political spectrum.\n
\nAbe can also be considered the godfather of what has become known as “the Quad” ― a strategic security dialogue between Japan, the U.S., India, and Australia that aims to serve as a diplomatic and military bulwark against China’s efforts to exert influence over the Indo-Pacific region. The Quad evolved out of Abe’s calls for a “security diamond” between those countries.\n
\nDuring his time in office, Abe was a steadfast proponent of the alliance between the U.S. and Japan as the cornerstone of stability in the Pacific. He pushed for reforms to Japan’s Constitution to allow his country’s self-defense forces to modernize and more actively counteract the threats Japan faces from China’s belligerence in the region and North Korea’s nuclear threats.\n
\nAbe also advocated for Taiwan’s freedom and continued self-governance as a democracy in the face of China’s threat of forcible reunification, and his party continues to emphasize the vital importance of Taiwan’s stability to Japan’s national security. Earlier this year, he urged the U.S. to depart from its policy of “strategic ambiguity” regarding America’s intent (or lack thereof) to defend Taiwan from invasion and instead move to explicitly guarantee Taiwan’s security. Abe also sought to support Taiwan economically, even posing for a picture with Taiwanese pineapples after China imposed an import ban.\n
\nAbe’s leadership also played an important role in shoring up Japan’s economic vitality through his promotion of free trade, reversal of the damaging deflation the country faced, shoring up Japan’s social security systems, and economic inclusion of women through his “womenomics” policy. He also helped accelerate reconstruction in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake.\n

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Dominique Pineiro via Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Flickr / Public Domain)

","comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2022-07-11T14:52:52.294Z","status":"published","snippet":"What’s the story? Former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe was assassinated on Friday while giving a campaign speech in the","share_count":15,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2022-07-11T14:52:52.263Z","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":"Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Assassinated During Campaign Speech","cta_prompt":"Join us and make your voice heard!","html_content":"

What’s the story?

\nFormer Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe was assassinated on Friday while giving a campaign speech in the western prefecture of Nara by a lone gunman.\n
\nThe gunman used a homemade double-barrelled firearm apparently assembled using pipe, tape, wood, and electrical components. The 41-year-old man fired two shots at Abe from behind ― the first missed and prompted Abe’s security detail to try to shield him using their briefcases, but the second mortally wounded Abe in the chest and neck after he turned around to face his attacker. The gunman was immediately apprehended on the scene.\n
Despite his prompt evacuation to a hospital via helicopter and treatment with multiple blood transfusions, Abe succumbed to his wounds and was pronounced dead Friday at the age of 67.
\nCurrent Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who is from Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party (which is Japan’s largest conservative party), fought back tears during an emotional speech in which he said of Abe:\n

“I was desperately praying for him to survive but unfortunately that prayer was not answered, and we now face this sad news. I have no words. I would like to express my deep condolences… In the midst of an election, which is the root of democracy, this dastardly event took place. I would like to use the harshest words to condemn this unforgivable act.”

Shinzo Abe’s legacy

Abe was the longest-serving prime minister in Japanese history, as he was in office from September 2006 to September 2007, and served a second term from December 2012 to September 2020. He stepped down in 2007 due to complications from ulcerative colitis and mounted a surprise comeback, then resigned as prime minister again due to the chronic illness in 2020.
Despite stepping down as prime minister, Abe continued to serve in Japan’s House of Representatives and led the largest faction of the Liberal Democratic Party, which has held governing coalition majorities in Japan’s legislature ― known as the National Diet ― since he started his second stint as prime minister.
\nAbe’s contributions in terms of foreign policy were substantial and visionary. He was the originator of the phrase “free and open Indo-Pacific” which has been widely adopted by the U.S., Australia, South Korea, India, and other like-minded countries in that vast and consequential region. Its intent has become an integral part of America’s Indo-Pacific strategy and the phrase itself is used with regularity by U.S. policymakers across the political spectrum.\n
\nAbe can also be considered the godfather of what has become known as “the Quad” ― a strategic security dialogue between Japan, the U.S., India, and Australia that aims to serve as a diplomatic and military bulwark against China’s efforts to exert influence over the Indo-Pacific region. The Quad evolved out of Abe’s calls for a “security diamond” between those countries.\n
\nDuring his time in office, Abe was a steadfast proponent of the alliance between the U.S. and Japan as the cornerstone of stability in the Pacific. He pushed for reforms to Japan’s Constitution to allow his country’s self-defense forces to modernize and more actively counteract the threats Japan faces from China’s belligerence in the region and North Korea’s nuclear threats.\n
\nAbe also advocated for Taiwan’s freedom and continued self-governance as a democracy in the face of China’s threat of forcible reunification, and his party continues to emphasize the vital importance of Taiwan’s stability to Japan’s national security. Earlier this year, he urged the U.S. to depart from its policy of “strategic ambiguity” regarding America’s intent (or lack thereof) to defend Taiwan from invasion and instead move to explicitly guarantee Taiwan’s security. Abe also sought to support Taiwan economically, even posing for a picture with Taiwanese pineapples after China imposed an import ban.\n
\nAbe’s leadership also played an important role in shoring up Japan’s economic vitality through his promotion of free trade, reversal of the damaging deflation the country faced, shoring up Japan’s social security systems, and economic inclusion of women through his “womenomics” policy. He also helped accelerate reconstruction in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake.\n

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Dominique Pineiro via Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Flickr / Public Domain)

Tune in to hear Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, Bill Gates, discuss the infamous Eastman Memos and how they were used by President Donald Trump to attempt to seize election materials and tools following the 2020 election. Bill was re-elected to another four-year term on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in 2020. Maricopa County is the fourth largest county in the United States with a population of over 4.5 million people. Bill represents over 900,000 residents as a Maricopa County Supervisor. He was first elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2016. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Board, a position he held in 2019 when, among other things, Bill negotiated a re-organization of the Maricopa County Elections Department with then-Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes. Prior to joining the Board of Supervisors, Bill served on the Phoenix City Council from 2009-2016, including a stint as Vice Mayor in 2013.

We Hold These Truth’s Ask the Expert Series brings you answers from a diverse group of leaders in their fields of study and practice on issues affecting American democracy. These short videos are part of a broader panel conversation which are hosted by the McCain Institute’s Defending American Democracy Series – an event series focused on restoring faith in fact-based journalism and countering mis- and disinformation.

This panel is part of the Defending American Democracy series with support from The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2022-06-21T13:35:01.128Z","status":"published","snippet":"Tune in to hear Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, Bill Gates, discuss the infamous Eastman Memos and how","share_count":14,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2022-06-21T13:35:01.115Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/D0PIgeTFE_Y","video_dimensions":"200,113","video_aspect_ratio":"16x9","og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Ask the Experts: What were the Eastman Memos?","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","html_content":"

This panel is part of the Defending American Democracy series with support from The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"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":42,"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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","custom_cta_text":"Record Video","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":3,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Local News Source Guide - Western Region","id":395,"slug":"395-local-news-source-guide-western-region","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/395-local-news-source-guide-western-region","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=395","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/395/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/e0773c/West%20region.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e0773c/West%20region.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e0773c/West%20region.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e0773c/West%20region.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e0773c/West%20region.jpg"},"profile_id":10,"action_count":27,"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

","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":26,"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,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":[],"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"},"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":15,"html_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

","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":false,"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,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"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

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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":0,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Should the U.S. stop negotiating with Iran over its human rights violations?","id":667,"slug":"667-u-s-stop-negotiating-iran-human-rights-violations","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/667-u-s-stop-negotiating-iran-human-rights-violations","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=667","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/667/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":3271,"cta_prompt":"Join us and take the poll!","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"9.23.22","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mywqgG6n/965f42/965f42-01223a-FdE4vedWIAEfTxt.jpeg","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mywqgG6n/965f42/965f42-01223a-FdE4vedWIAEfTxt.jpeg","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mywqgG6n/965f42/965f42-01223a-FdE4vedWIAEfTxt.jpeg","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mywqgG6n/965f42/965f42-01223a-FdE4vedWIAEfTxt.jpeg","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mywqgG6n/965f42/965f42-01223a-FdE4vedWIAEfTxt.jpeg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":1,"html_content":"

Written by Jamie Epstein and & Josh Herman, Countable News

What’s the story?

Iranians continue to take to the streets to protest the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who had been detained by the country's \"morality police\" for violating Tehran's strict dress code.
Amini was arrested last Tuesday for not properly covering her hair with a head scarf, or hijab, that is mandatory for Iranian women. While in the custody, she fell into a coma and died three days later. Activists say she was beaten by police; state media claim she suffered a heart attack.

Thousands of protesters have since poured into the streets of Iran demanding justice and accountability for Amini, and an end to the mandated hijab. Tehran has responded with a \"lethal\" crackdown against demonstrators.
\nFive people were killed by law enforcement during protest marches, according to various human rights organizations. The Norway-based Hengaw said 38 people were injured as security forces open-fired live ammunition, rubber bullets, and tear gas at men, women, and children during Kurdistans’ fourth day of protest.\n
\nThe UN expressed alarm at the response from Iranian authorities, calling for an investigation, and urging the country's leaders to allow the peaceful protests. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Nada Al-Nashif, condemned \"the reported unnecessary or disproportionate use of force\" against the thousands who have taken to the streets in protest since Amini's death. \n
Major cities across the globe have held solidarity rallies.

Mahsa Amini’s death

\nAmini was arrested after being accused of breaking the law requiring women to cover their hair with a hijab and their arms and legs with loose, long clothing. After collapsing at the detention center, which was captured on closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, she fell into a coma for three days and died in a hospital on Friday. \n
Amjad Amini, her father, told an Iranian news source that witnesses saw her being shoved into a police car and that he was not allowed to see the camera recordings of her arrest, detainment, transfer to the hospital, or her body. He reported that he managed to get a glimpse of bruising on her foot.
Amini was buried on Saturday morning, in her home city of Saqez. Protests erupted after her funeral.
The UN's Al-Nashif said there were reports that mortality police officers beat Amini on the head with a baton and banged her head against one of their vehicles. The police denied that she was mistreated and said she had “sudden heart failure” after being taken to the station to be “convinced and educated.\" Her family said she was healthy before detainment and denied any heart conditions.
Al-Nashif said in a statement:

“Mahsa Amini’s tragic death and allegations of torture and ill-treatment must be promptly, impartially and effectively investigated by an independent competent authority, that ensures, in particular, that her family has access to justice and truth.”

Al-Nashif noted that the UN has received “numerous, and verified, videos of violent treatment of women” in the hands of mortality police as their street patrol has expanded in recent months to crack down on women's dress code. Similar videos have been posted on social media.
An aide to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei visited the Amini family on Monday, state media reported, and told them that “all institutions will take action to defend the rights that were violated.”
President Ebrahim Raisi - who departed for New York Monday to address the UN General Assembly - has allegedly ordered an investigation into Amini's death.

Iranian hijab laws

\nIran created a mandatory dress code requiring all women to wear a headscarf and loose-fitting clothing in public following the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The revolution caused the end of the monarchy and led to the establishment of the Islamic republic. \n
The morality police - formally known as Gasht-e Ershad, or Guidance Patrols - ensure that women conform to the authorities’ interpretation of “proper” clothing. Officers stop and assess women for how much hair is showing, how close-fitting or short their clothing is, and their use of make-up. If an officer believes a woman is violating the rule, the punishment can include a fine, prison, or flogging.
\nIranians have protested hijab laws and the morality police on a number of occasions in recent years, giving rise to movements including My Stealthy Freedom, White Wednesdays, and Girls of Revolution Street.

Share, donate, and speak up to support women's rights in Iran.

(Photo credit: Twitter/#Mahsa_Amini)

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2022-09-23T13:03:13.395Z","status":"published","snippet":"Written by Jamie Epstein and & Josh Herman, Countable News What’s the story? Iranians continue to take to the streets to","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":"2022-09-23T13:03:13.344Z","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. stop negotiating with Iran over its human rights violations?","cta_prompt":"Join us and take the poll!","html_content":"

Written by Jamie Epstein and & Josh Herman, Countable News

What’s the story?

Iranians continue to take to the streets to protest the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who had been detained by the country's \"morality police\" for violating Tehran's strict dress code.
Amini was arrested last Tuesday for not properly covering her hair with a head scarf, or hijab, that is mandatory for Iranian women. While in the custody, she fell into a coma and died three days later. Activists say she was beaten by police; state media claim she suffered a heart attack.

Thousands of protesters have since poured into the streets of Iran demanding justice and accountability for Amini, and an end to the mandated hijab. Tehran has responded with a \"lethal\" crackdown against demonstrators.
\nFive people were killed by law enforcement during protest marches, according to various human rights organizations. The Norway-based Hengaw said 38 people were injured as security forces open-fired live ammunition, rubber bullets, and tear gas at men, women, and children during Kurdistans’ fourth day of protest.\n
\nThe UN expressed alarm at the response from Iranian authorities, calling for an investigation, and urging the country's leaders to allow the peaceful protests. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Nada Al-Nashif, condemned \"the reported unnecessary or disproportionate use of force\" against the thousands who have taken to the streets in protest since Amini's death. \n
Major cities across the globe have held solidarity rallies.

Mahsa Amini’s death

\nAmini was arrested after being accused of breaking the law requiring women to cover their hair with a hijab and their arms and legs with loose, long clothing. After collapsing at the detention center, which was captured on closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, she fell into a coma for three days and died in a hospital on Friday. \n
Amjad Amini, her father, told an Iranian news source that witnesses saw her being shoved into a police car and that he was not allowed to see the camera recordings of her arrest, detainment, transfer to the hospital, or her body. He reported that he managed to get a glimpse of bruising on her foot.
Amini was buried on Saturday morning, in her home city of Saqez. Protests erupted after her funeral.
The UN's Al-Nashif said there were reports that mortality police officers beat Amini on the head with a baton and banged her head against one of their vehicles. The police denied that she was mistreated and said she had “sudden heart failure” after being taken to the station to be “convinced and educated.\" Her family said she was healthy before detainment and denied any heart conditions.
Al-Nashif said in a statement:

“Mahsa Amini’s tragic death and allegations of torture and ill-treatment must be promptly, impartially and effectively investigated by an independent competent authority, that ensures, in particular, that her family has access to justice and truth.”

Al-Nashif noted that the UN has received “numerous, and verified, videos of violent treatment of women” in the hands of mortality police as their street patrol has expanded in recent months to crack down on women's dress code. Similar videos have been posted on social media.
An aide to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei visited the Amini family on Monday, state media reported, and told them that “all institutions will take action to defend the rights that were violated.”
President Ebrahim Raisi - who departed for New York Monday to address the UN General Assembly - has allegedly ordered an investigation into Amini's death.

Iranian hijab laws

\nIran created a mandatory dress code requiring all women to wear a headscarf and loose-fitting clothing in public following the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The revolution caused the end of the monarchy and led to the establishment of the Islamic republic. \n
The morality police - formally known as Gasht-e Ershad, or Guidance Patrols - ensure that women conform to the authorities’ interpretation of “proper” clothing. Officers stop and assess women for how much hair is showing, how close-fitting or short their clothing is, and their use of make-up. If an officer believes a woman is violating the rule, the punishment can include a fine, prison, or flogging.
\nIranians have protested hijab laws and the morality police on a number of occasions in recent years, giving rise to movements including My Stealthy Freedom, White Wednesdays, and Girls of Revolution Street.

Share, donate, and speak up to support women's rights in Iran.

(Photo credit: Twitter/#Mahsa_Amini)

","custom_cta_text":"React","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"U.S. Announces $820M in Additional Military Aid for Ukraine, Including Long-Range Artillery & Air Defense","id":642,"slug":"642-u-s-announces-820m-additional-military-aid-ukraine-including-long-range-artillery-air-defense","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/642-u-s-announces-820m-additional-military-aid-ukraine-including-long-range-artillery-air-defense","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=642","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/642/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Are you in favor of the new aid package for Ukraine?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"7.6.22","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/77ddfe/77ddfe-69dc44-himarsfireusmclejeune.jpg","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/77ddfe/77ddfe-69dc44-himarsfireusmclejeune.jpg","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/77ddfe/77ddfe-69dc44-himarsfireusmclejeune.jpg","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/77ddfe/77ddfe-69dc44-himarsfireusmclejeune.jpg","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/77ddfe/77ddfe-69dc44-himarsfireusmclejeune.jpg"},"profile_id":11,"action_count":0,"html_content":"

What’s the story?

The U.S. on Friday announced a new $820 million package in military aid for Ukraine as the fighting continues amid Russia’s offensive in the eastern Donbas region and Ukrainian forces seek to take back its territory in the south and east.
\nThe new package includes more advanced air defense systems and long-range guided artillery. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement:\n

“Ukrainians continue to face a brutality highlighted once again this week by an attack that struck a shopping mall filled with civilians. They continue to fight for their country, and the United States continues to stand by them and their just cause. As the United States prepares to commemorate our independence, we remain committed to the independence, security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine.”

What’s in the package?

\nThe new $820 million package includes $770 million in funding for military aid under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) and $50 million under the presidential drawdown authority (PDA) from Dept. of Defense inventories and stockpiles. \n

The USAI funding will fund:

Two National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS), which is a ground-based short- to medium-range air defense system jointly developed by companies from Norway (Kongsberg) and the U.S. (Raytheon). It can defend against drones, cruise missiles, helicopters, and aircraft. The U.S. will buy the NASAMS for Ukraine and help provide training for Ukrainian operators.
Up to 150,000 rounds of 155mm artillery ammunition. Prior tranches of military aid from the U.S., NATO, and other allies have provided Ukraine with 155mm howitzers (both towed and self-propelled) that have longer ranges (up to 25 miles) than most Russian artillery and can utilize GPS-guided precision munitions, which have been provided previously and may be in the latest tranche. Ukraine is depleting what remains of its Soviet-era 152mm artillery ammunition, so it has to switch over to NATO standard 155mm systems that will allow its forces to access the stockpiles needed to support various artillery missions called in.
Four additional counter-battery artillery radars, which are used by Ukrainian forces to detect the firing locations of Russian artillery units bombarding Ukrainian positions and then promptly returning fire.

The PDA funding will provide:

Additional ammunition for the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) that have been provided to Ukraine under prior tranches of military aid. Depending on the type of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) munition used, these systems have ranges of up to 43 miles or 80 miles and can operate beyond the range of Russian counter-battery artillery fire, meaning the primary threat they face is aircraft.
\nHIMARS has reportedly been used to significant effect by Ukraine in targeting Russian command posts, ammunition and fuel depots, and other targets.\n

RELATED READING

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Megan Ozaki via DVIDSHUB / Public Domain)

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2022-07-06T13:13:43.459Z","status":"published","snippet":"What’s the story? The U.S. on Friday announced a new $820 million package in military aid for Ukraine as the fighting continues","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":"2022-07-06T13:13:43.390Z","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":"U.S. Announces $820M in Additional Military Aid for Ukraine, Including Long-Range Artillery & Air Defense","cta_prompt":"Are you in favor of the new aid package for Ukraine?","html_content":"

What’s the story?

The U.S. on Friday announced a new $820 million package in military aid for Ukraine as the fighting continues amid Russia’s offensive in the eastern Donbas region and Ukrainian forces seek to take back its territory in the south and east.
\nThe new package includes more advanced air defense systems and long-range guided artillery. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement:\n

“Ukrainians continue to face a brutality highlighted once again this week by an attack that struck a shopping mall filled with civilians. They continue to fight for their country, and the United States continues to stand by them and their just cause. As the United States prepares to commemorate our independence, we remain committed to the independence, security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine.”

What’s in the package?

\nThe new $820 million package includes $770 million in funding for military aid under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) and $50 million under the presidential drawdown authority (PDA) from Dept. of Defense inventories and stockpiles. \n

The USAI funding will fund:

Two National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS), which is a ground-based short- to medium-range air defense system jointly developed by companies from Norway (Kongsberg) and the U.S. (Raytheon). It can defend against drones, cruise missiles, helicopters, and aircraft. The U.S. will buy the NASAMS for Ukraine and help provide training for Ukrainian operators.
Up to 150,000 rounds of 155mm artillery ammunition. Prior tranches of military aid from the U.S., NATO, and other allies have provided Ukraine with 155mm howitzers (both towed and self-propelled) that have longer ranges (up to 25 miles) than most Russian artillery and can utilize GPS-guided precision munitions, which have been provided previously and may be in the latest tranche. Ukraine is depleting what remains of its Soviet-era 152mm artillery ammunition, so it has to switch over to NATO standard 155mm systems that will allow its forces to access the stockpiles needed to support various artillery missions called in.
Four additional counter-battery artillery radars, which are used by Ukrainian forces to detect the firing locations of Russian artillery units bombarding Ukrainian positions and then promptly returning fire.

The PDA funding will provide:

Additional ammunition for the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) that have been provided to Ukraine under prior tranches of military aid. Depending on the type of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) munition used, these systems have ranges of up to 43 miles or 80 miles and can operate beyond the range of Russian counter-battery artillery fire, meaning the primary threat they face is aircraft.
\nHIMARS has reportedly been used to significant effect by Ukraine in targeting Russian command posts, ammunition and fuel depots, and other targets.\n

RELATED READING

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Megan Ozaki via DVIDSHUB / Public Domain)

","custom_cta_text":"React","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Ask the Experts: 2016 Russian election interference vs. 2020 electoral disinformation","id":631,"slug":"631-ask-experts-2016-russian-election-interference-vs-2020-electoral-disinformation","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/631-ask-experts-2016-russian-election-interference-vs-2020-electoral-disinformation","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=631","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/631/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":3229,"cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"6.16.22","image_urls":{"small":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/GVxPcldEhyE/0.jpg","medium":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/GVxPcldEhyE/0.jpg","large":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/GVxPcldEhyE/0.jpg","thumb":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/GVxPcldEhyE/0.jpg","xsmall":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/GVxPcldEhyE/0.jpg"},"profile_id":9,"action_count":0,"html_content":"

Tune in to hear Brian Corley discuss the difference between Russia’s attempts to manipulate the 2016 Presidential election and mis-, dis-, and mal-information (\"MDM\") used in the 2020 election. Corley has served as the Supervisor of Elections for Pasco County, FL since 2007 and in that time has presided over 70 elections with more than 2 million votes cast. During his tenure, the Pasco County Election’s office continues to be recognized for innovation, efficiency, and transparency in serving the voters. He previously served in senior managerial positions with the Pasco County Clerk of the Circuit Court, as well as the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

He is a state-certified election administrator by the Florida Department of State and is the past president of the Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections. He has testified numerous times before Florida Legislative Senate and House committees on election and voting related issues.

Nationally, Corley has been a featured speaker and panelist with such organizations as The Bi-Partisan Policy Center, The Elections Assistance Commission, The International Association of Government Officials, The Center for Internet Security, The Pew Charitable Trusts “Voting Information Project” Committee, The National Election Center (Election Cybersecurity Taskforce), the “Vote at Home” Advisory Council, the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Government Operations and is an instructor with the Florida Certified Election Professional Program.

This panel is part of the Defending American Democracy series with support from The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2022-06-16T13:26:18.198Z","status":"published","snippet":"Tune in to hear Brian Corley discuss the difference between Russia’s attempts to manipulate the 2016 Presidential election and","share_count":0,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2022-06-16T13:26:18.186Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/GVxPcldEhyE","video_dimensions":[200,113],"video_aspect_ratio":"16x9","og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Ask the Experts: 2016 Russian election interference vs. 2020 electoral disinformation","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","html_content":"

This panel is part of the Defending American Democracy series with support from The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Congressman Introduces Bill Requiring Arrested Protesters to Pay for Police Overtime","id":89,"slug":"89-congressman-introduces-bill-requiring-arrested-protesters-pay-police-overtime","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/89-congressman-introduces-bill-requiring-arrested-protesters-pay-police-overtime","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=89","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/89/signatures?include=user"},"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

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":false,"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":false,"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,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":["legislation","news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"New California Law Prohibits Political Deepfakes","id":100,"slug":"100-new-california-law-prohibits-political-deepfakes","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/100-new-california-law-prohibits-political-deepfakes","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=100","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/100/signatures?include=user"},"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":false,"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":3,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"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

","custom_cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Are you concerned about the impact of online algorithms on the accuracy of your news?","id":666,"slug":"666-concerned-impact-online-algorithms-accuracy-news","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/666-concerned-impact-online-algorithms-accuracy-news","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=666","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/666/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":3264,"cta_prompt":"Take the poll!","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"9.22.22","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9Xla8g07/7bf055/7bf055-pexels-freestocksorg-34407.jpg","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9Xla8g07/7bf055/7bf055-pexels-freestocksorg-34407.jpg","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9Xla8g07/7bf055/7bf055-pexels-freestocksorg-34407.jpg","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9Xla8g07/7bf055/7bf055-pexels-freestocksorg-34407.jpg","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9Xla8g07/7bf055/7bf055-pexels-freestocksorg-34407.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":15,"html_content":"

What is it?

\nYouTube was more likely to show video content about election fraud in the 2020 presidential elections to viewers who had already demonstrated skepticism, reveals a new study by NYU's Center for Social Media and Politics. The most skeptical viewers had three times as many videos populated for them on election fraud as the least skeptical viewers, leading to online echo chambers. \n
The YouTube algorithm is designed to show viewers more of the content they have already demonstrated interest in. In the case of the 2020 elections, the algorithm promoted mis-, dis-, and mal-information (MDM) to users who were skeptical of the election's integrity.

Why is it important?

Across the country, many Americans believe that the 2020 presidential election was not free and fair. Automated recommendation algorithms, like YouTube's, play a large role in the perpetuation of these beliefs.
MDM surrounding the 2020 US presidential election has already led to violence, as seen on January 6th, 2021, when the US Capitol was stormed. The perpetuation of election MDM can lead to more calls to acts of violence, threatening democracy.

What can you do?

Use platforms like YouTube while not logged into an account to prevent your viewing history from influencing your video recommendations.
\nReport the MDM that you see on your online platforms. This World Health Organization guide shows how to do this on some of the most popular online, social, and news platforms. \n

Authored by Anna Cohen

","comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2022-09-23T01:25:52.978Z","status":"published","snippet":"What is it? YouTube was more likely to show video content about election fraud in the 2020 presidential elections to viewers who","share_count":10,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2022-09-23T01:25:52.945Z","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":"Are you concerned about the impact of online algorithms on the accuracy of your news?","cta_prompt":"Take the poll!","html_content":"

What is it?

\nYouTube was more likely to show video content about election fraud in the 2020 presidential elections to viewers who had already demonstrated skepticism, reveals a new study by NYU's Center for Social Media and Politics. The most skeptical viewers had three times as many videos populated for them on election fraud as the least skeptical viewers, leading to online echo chambers. \n
The YouTube algorithm is designed to show viewers more of the content they have already demonstrated interest in. In the case of the 2020 elections, the algorithm promoted mis-, dis-, and mal-information (MDM) to users who were skeptical of the election's integrity.

Why is it important?

Across the country, many Americans believe that the 2020 presidential election was not free and fair. Automated recommendation algorithms, like YouTube's, play a large role in the perpetuation of these beliefs.
MDM surrounding the 2020 US presidential election has already led to violence, as seen on January 6th, 2021, when the US Capitol was stormed. The perpetuation of election MDM can lead to more calls to acts of violence, threatening democracy.

What can you do?

Use platforms like YouTube while not logged into an account to prevent your viewing history from influencing your video recommendations.
\nReport the MDM that you see on your online platforms. This World Health Organization guide shows how to do this on some of the most popular online, social, and news platforms. \n

Authored by Anna Cohen

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What’s the story?

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Wednesday officially invited Finland and Sweden to join the alliance during the annual NATO Summit in Madrid, Spain.
\nNATO’s formal invitation for Finland and Sweden to join comes after the two Nordic countries reached an agreement to assuage concerns raised by Turkey. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan previously threatened to effectively veto the countries’ bids to join NATO unless they provide assurances on counterterrorism efforts, particularly as they relate to Kurdish separatist groups like the PKK.\n
\nNATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said at a press conference:\n

“I am pleased to announce that we now have an agreement that paves the way for Finland and Sweden to join NATO. Turkey, Finland, and Sweden have signed a memorandum that addresses Turkey’s concerns, including around arms exports and the fight against terrorism. No ally has suffered more brutal terrorist attacks than Turkey, including from the terrorist group PKK. The governments of Turkey, Finland, and Sweden have agreed to enhance their cooperation on counterterrorism. As NATO allies, Finland and Sweden commit to fully support Turkey against threats to its national security. This includes further amending their domestic legislation, cracking down on PKK activities, and entering into an agreement with Turkey on extradition.”

\nFinnish President Sauli Niinsto said in a statement:\n

\n“Our joint memorandum underscores the commitment of Finland, Sweden and Türkiye to extend their full support against threats to each other’s security. Us becoming NATO Allies will further strengthen this commitment. Over the past weeks, Türkiye has raised its concerns over the threat of terrorism. Finland has constantly taken these concerns seriously. Finland condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. As a NATO member, Finland will commit fully to the counterterrorism documents and policies of NATO. As we enhance our cooperation on counterterrorism, arms exports, and extraditions, Finland naturally continues to operate according to its national legislation.”\n

Finland and Sweden were officially non-aligned between the West and Russia for decades despite being NATO partners in many security initiatives. The countries opted to use NATO's \"open door\" policy to join the alliance following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
\nRussian President Vladimir Putin said he doesn't have the same problems with Finland and Sweden joining NATO that he does with Ukraine's potential membership. However, Putin warned that Russia \"will respond in kind\" to threats if military contingents and infrastructure are deployed in those countries given their proximity to Russia.\n
\nWith NATO's formal invitation now extended, the formal accession process will begin and all 30 members of the alliance will go through their internal ratification processes to admit Finland and Sweden as members which are now expected to be a formality. Given their long history as NATO partners, the militaries of Finland and Sweden already meet NATO standards and have a high degree of interoperability with members of the alliance.\n

How do countries join NATO?

NATO has gone through eight rounds of enlargement since its formation, growing from 12 founding member states in 1949 to its current 30 members. Applicant countries must adhere to the principles of “democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law”, in addition to being able to contribute to the security of the alliance. At this time, only European countries may apply to join.
NATO members must unanimously agree to invite any new country into the alliance. Once invited, applicant countries receive a membership action plan with steps to take to join the alliance. Then an accession protocol to the North Atlantic Treaty must be signed unanimously by NATO members to allow the country to join the alliance.
The accession process may require ratification by a member country’s legislative body, as is the case in the U.S. where a two-thirds majority vote is required in the Senate to ratify the change to the treaty. Once all NATO countries have completed their ratification processes, the applicant country can formally join.

RELATED READING

\nTurkey's Erdogan Threatens to Block Finland & Sweden From Joining NATO (5/21/22)\n
\nSweden’s Government Decides to Apply for NATO Membership (5/16/22)\n
\nFinland's Leaders Announce Support for Joining NATO Alliance (5/13/22)\n
\nFinland & Sweden Move Towards NATO Membership Despite Russia’s Threats (4/13/22)\n
\nNATO Activates Response Force for First Time, U.S. & Allies Increase Defense Aid to Ukraine Amid Russia’s Invasion (2/28/22)\n
\nNATO Increases Readiness of Multinational Response Force - What Is It? (1/28/22)\n
\nArctic Plays Increasingly Significant Role in National Security Amid Climate Change (11/24/21)\n

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: iStock.com / Diy13)

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2022-07-06T13:12:56.941Z","status":"published","snippet":"What’s the story? The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Wednesday officially invited Finland and Sweden to join the","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":"2022-07-06T13:12:56.748Z","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":"NATO Officially Invites Finland & Sweden to Join Alliance After Deal Struck With Turkey","cta_prompt":"Do you support or oppose Finland and Sweden joining NATO?","html_content":"

What’s the story?

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Wednesday officially invited Finland and Sweden to join the alliance during the annual NATO Summit in Madrid, Spain.
\nNATO’s formal invitation for Finland and Sweden to join comes after the two Nordic countries reached an agreement to assuage concerns raised by Turkey. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan previously threatened to effectively veto the countries’ bids to join NATO unless they provide assurances on counterterrorism efforts, particularly as they relate to Kurdish separatist groups like the PKK.\n
\nNATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said at a press conference:\n

“I am pleased to announce that we now have an agreement that paves the way for Finland and Sweden to join NATO. Turkey, Finland, and Sweden have signed a memorandum that addresses Turkey’s concerns, including around arms exports and the fight against terrorism. No ally has suffered more brutal terrorist attacks than Turkey, including from the terrorist group PKK. The governments of Turkey, Finland, and Sweden have agreed to enhance their cooperation on counterterrorism. As NATO allies, Finland and Sweden commit to fully support Turkey against threats to its national security. This includes further amending their domestic legislation, cracking down on PKK activities, and entering into an agreement with Turkey on extradition.”

\nFinnish President Sauli Niinsto said in a statement:\n

\n“Our joint memorandum underscores the commitment of Finland, Sweden and Türkiye to extend their full support against threats to each other’s security. Us becoming NATO Allies will further strengthen this commitment. Over the past weeks, Türkiye has raised its concerns over the threat of terrorism. Finland has constantly taken these concerns seriously. Finland condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. As a NATO member, Finland will commit fully to the counterterrorism documents and policies of NATO. As we enhance our cooperation on counterterrorism, arms exports, and extraditions, Finland naturally continues to operate according to its national legislation.”\n

Finland and Sweden were officially non-aligned between the West and Russia for decades despite being NATO partners in many security initiatives. The countries opted to use NATO's \"open door\" policy to join the alliance following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
\nRussian President Vladimir Putin said he doesn't have the same problems with Finland and Sweden joining NATO that he does with Ukraine's potential membership. However, Putin warned that Russia \"will respond in kind\" to threats if military contingents and infrastructure are deployed in those countries given their proximity to Russia.\n
\nWith NATO's formal invitation now extended, the formal accession process will begin and all 30 members of the alliance will go through their internal ratification processes to admit Finland and Sweden as members which are now expected to be a formality. Given their long history as NATO partners, the militaries of Finland and Sweden already meet NATO standards and have a high degree of interoperability with members of the alliance.\n

How do countries join NATO?

NATO has gone through eight rounds of enlargement since its formation, growing from 12 founding member states in 1949 to its current 30 members. Applicant countries must adhere to the principles of “democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law”, in addition to being able to contribute to the security of the alliance. At this time, only European countries may apply to join.
NATO members must unanimously agree to invite any new country into the alliance. Once invited, applicant countries receive a membership action plan with steps to take to join the alliance. Then an accession protocol to the North Atlantic Treaty must be signed unanimously by NATO members to allow the country to join the alliance.
The accession process may require ratification by a member country’s legislative body, as is the case in the U.S. where a two-thirds majority vote is required in the Senate to ratify the change to the treaty. Once all NATO countries have completed their ratification processes, the applicant country can formally join.

RELATED READING

\nTurkey's Erdogan Threatens to Block Finland & Sweden From Joining NATO (5/21/22)\n
\nSweden’s Government Decides to Apply for NATO Membership (5/16/22)\n
\nFinland's Leaders Announce Support for Joining NATO Alliance (5/13/22)\n
\nFinland & Sweden Move Towards NATO Membership Despite Russia’s Threats (4/13/22)\n
\nNATO Activates Response Force for First Time, U.S. & Allies Increase Defense Aid to Ukraine Amid Russia’s Invasion (2/28/22)\n
\nNATO Increases Readiness of Multinational Response Force - What Is It? (1/28/22)\n
\nArctic Plays Increasingly Significant Role in National Security Amid Climate Change (11/24/21)\n

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: iStock.com / Diy13)

Tune in to hear Secretary of State of Michigan Jocelyn Benson discuss the ways to combat electoral Mis-, Dis-, and Mal-information (\"MDM\"). Secretary Benson is Michigan’s 43rd Secretary of State. In this role, she is focused on ensuring elections are secure and accessible and dramatically improving customer experiences for all who interact with her offices. A graduate of Harvard Law School and expert on civil rights law, education law and election law, Benson served as dean of Wayne State University Law School in Detroit. When she was appointed dean at age 36, she became the youngest woman in U.S. history to lead a top-100, accredited law school. She continues to serve as vice chair of the advisory board for the Levin Center at Wayne Law, which she founded with former U.S. Sen. Carl Levin. Previously, Benson was an associate professor and associate director of Wayne Law’s Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights.

\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":false,"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.

","custom_cta_text":"React","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":1,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":["legislation","news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Local News Source Guide - North East Region","id":393,"slug":"393-local-news-source-guide-north-east-region","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/393-local-news-source-guide-north-east-region","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=393","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/393/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/8f6e67/NE%20region.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/8f6e67/NE%20region.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/8f6e67/NE%20region.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/8f6e67/NE%20region.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/8f6e67/NE%20region.jpg"},"profile_id":10,"action_count":0,"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

","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

","custom_cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"lawmaker_default_message":null,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Can journalists increase public trust through using more humanizing language in reporting?","id":664,"slug":"664-journalists-increase-public-trust-using-humanizing-language-reporting","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/664-journalists-increase-public-trust-using-humanizing-language-reporting","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=664","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/664/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":3264,"cta_prompt":"Take the poll!","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"9.19.22","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9Xla8g07/613979/613979-pexels-mike-chai-842339.jpg","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9Xla8g07/613979/613979-pexels-mike-chai-842339.jpg","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9Xla8g07/613979/613979-pexels-mike-chai-842339.jpg","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9Xla8g07/613979/613979-pexels-mike-chai-842339.jpg","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9Xla8g07/613979/613979-pexels-mike-chai-842339.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":44,"html_content":"

What is it?

\nA recent study shows that the language journalists use to describe groups, particularly marginalized ones, impacts how the group feels and the extent to which they trust the news reported. The study, conducted by The Center for Media Engagement (out of the University of Texas at Austin) and Resolve Philly, surveyed 324 participants between December 2021 and June 2022. Individuals included in the study were people with disabilities, people who have experienced homelessness, and people who are in recovery from substance use disorder. \n
Using person-centered language made groups feel more respected, understood, and trustful of journalism that covered their communities.
Person-centered language emphasizes an individual's personhood rather than a specific characteristic. In opposition to person-centered language is stigmatizing language. An example of the difference is \"people with substance use disorder\" (person-centered) as opposed to \"drug abuser.\"

Why does it matter?

The language used in local journalism plays a significant role in determining whether marginalized groups feel welcome in their communities and trustful of their local news and media. Intentional language usage is essential in creating inclusive communities.
With the upcoming midterm elections, news media is essential for sharing information regarding where to vote, how to vote, and election results. Using person-centered language can increase trust in journalism during a period where the media is playing a key role in our democratic process.

What can you do?

When producing content for public consumption, intentionally use people-centered language and engage in conversations with your sources about the language they want used to describe them.
\nUtilize Resolve Philly's resources on human-centered language in reporting, and keep an eye out for their community-informed style guide, planned for release in early 2023, that helps journalists update dehumanizing language with person-centered terms. \n
\n Read more about the Center for Media Engagement's findings on using person-centered language in journalism. \n

Authored by Anna Cohen

","comments_count":5,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2022-09-19T16:35:54.583Z","status":"published","snippet":"What is it? A recent study shows that the language journalists use to describe groups, particularly marginalized ones, impacts","share_count":17,"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":"2022-09-19T16:35:54.559Z","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":"Can journalists increase public trust through using more humanizing language in reporting?","cta_prompt":"Take the poll!","html_content":"

What is it?

\nA recent study shows that the language journalists use to describe groups, particularly marginalized ones, impacts how the group feels and the extent to which they trust the news reported. The study, conducted by The Center for Media Engagement (out of the University of Texas at Austin) and Resolve Philly, surveyed 324 participants between December 2021 and June 2022. Individuals included in the study were people with disabilities, people who have experienced homelessness, and people who are in recovery from substance use disorder. \n
Using person-centered language made groups feel more respected, understood, and trustful of journalism that covered their communities.
Person-centered language emphasizes an individual's personhood rather than a specific characteristic. In opposition to person-centered language is stigmatizing language. An example of the difference is \"people with substance use disorder\" (person-centered) as opposed to \"drug abuser.\"

Why does it matter?

The language used in local journalism plays a significant role in determining whether marginalized groups feel welcome in their communities and trustful of their local news and media. Intentional language usage is essential in creating inclusive communities.
With the upcoming midterm elections, news media is essential for sharing information regarding where to vote, how to vote, and election results. Using person-centered language can increase trust in journalism during a period where the media is playing a key role in our democratic process.

What can you do?

When producing content for public consumption, intentionally use people-centered language and engage in conversations with your sources about the language they want used to describe them.
\nUtilize Resolve Philly's resources on human-centered language in reporting, and keep an eye out for their community-informed style guide, planned for release in early 2023, that helps journalists update dehumanizing language with person-centered terms. \n
\n Read more about the Center for Media Engagement's findings on using person-centered language in journalism. \n

Authored by Anna Cohen

Issues to Follow