Last week, Frances Haugen, former Facebook employee turned whistleblower, confirmed for members of Congress what nearly all of us know by now: Facebook threatens democracies, Black and brown people, youth, and vulnerable communities around the world.¹ Every time Facebook chooses money over morality that decision is made by CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his executive team. Zuckerberg may be the public face of the company, but his choices and decisions are enabled by the yes-people around him. We deserve answers and Congress needs to get on the record explanations from Facebook’s leadership team about the harm the company has caused.² Zuckerberg has testified in front of Congress before, but it’s different now. The Wall Street Journal investigation coupled with Haugen's damning testimony shows that Zuckerberg and the executive leadership team fully understood how they were fueling QAnon conspiracists, bolstering The Proud Boys, and damaging the mental health of teens — all to line the pockets of one of the wealthiest men in the world.² Tell Congress to subpoena Mark Zuckerberg and all of Facebook’s leadership and get them on the record in a congressional hearing by signing this petition. Frances Haugen’s testimony before the Senate Commerce subcommittee meticulously and clearly documented the ongoing harms and threats Facebook causes with its regular practices. One such practice is Facebook’s continued use of algorithms that lift up content that makes people engage emotionally — specifically angrily. This is what allows white supremacist groups and anti-vaxxer disinformation to thrive on Facebook.³ We demand that Zuckerberg and the entire executive team answer to the charges that time and time again, Facebook knowingly put profit over threats to our democracy, our lives, and our children’s well-being. Sign the petition to Congress: Subpoena Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook’s whole executive team. Sources: 1. “Facebook’s whistleblower tells Congress how to regulate tech,” Vox, Recode, Oct. 5, 2021. https://www.vox.com/recode/22711551/facebook-whistleblower-congress-hearing-regulation-mark-zuckerberg-frances-haugen-senator-blumenthal 2. “Facebook whistleblower testifies before Senate committee,” CNBC, Oct. 5, 2021. https://www.cnbc.com/2021/10/05/facebook-whistleblower-testifies-before-senate-committee.html 3. “Facebook Whistleblower to Congress: Regulate Big Tech. Silicon Valley Can’t Be Trusted to Police Itself,” Democracy Now!, Oct. 6, 2021. https://www.democracynow.org/2021/10/6/facebook_hearing

The politicians who tried hardest to undermine Americans’ faith in our elections may soon be the ones running them. You read that right: Republicans who are pushing Trump’s Big Lie and still question our nation’s election integrity -- despite countless audits and evaluations -- are running for Secretary of State in swing states like Arizona, Georgia, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Nevada. This could have a devastating impact on our freedom to vote. Secretaries of State have an enormous amount of power over state elections -- and if they start to put Trump’s conspiracy theories at the center of their policymaking, they’ll churn out harmful, far-reaching rules that silence eligible voters, especially Black and Brown voters. They’ll come after mail-in voting, ballot drop boxes, and more. They could give Republican state legislatures the power to override the will of the people if they’re unhappy with an election result. Their intentions are clear: Republicans are furious that they couldn’t rig our democracy to keep Trump in office -- and now, they’re trying to seize enough power in swing states to make sure they get their way next time. That’s why we’re demanding that Secretaries of State nationwide recommit to putting voters’ rights first, not Trump’s whims. We believe that the top voting official in every state should run elections that are accessible to all eligible voters, should speak out against voter suppression -- and should work hard to pass proven pro-voter reforms that make our democracy more representative. If you agree and want to join the nationwide outcry, add your name today.

Imagine this: you arrive at the polls on Election Day, ready to do your civic duty and vote for your member of Congress -- but as soon as you try to cast your ballot, a stranger who has been watching you from the moment you walked in reports you to a poll worker, wrongly claiming you have no right to vote there. No eligible voter should have to face this needless obstruction and intimidation. But right now, the Republican Party is building a network of partisan “poll watchers” who could do just that. That’s right: Republican efforts to keep Donald Trump in office through voter intimidation, groundless lawsuits, and rampant disinformation failed -- so now, they’re setting their sights on the 2022 midterms. And according to a top GOP official, the Republican National Committee has already appointed staff in at least nine states who will recruit and train poll watchers to send to polling places across the state next fall. [1] We’ve seen what these GOP-backed poll watchers do on Election Day: intimidate eligible voters, make unsubstantiated accusations, and help fuel frivolous lawsuits that seek to overturn the will of the people. Voters shouldn’t have to get through partisan vigilantes who have been trained to perpetuate harmful disinformation just to cast a ballot. And those hardworking volunteers and election workers who run the polls, assist voters, and tally votes should be able to do their jobs without interference. Here’s what we can do about it: The Freedom to Vote Act -- a modified version of the For the People Act -- includes several new and strengthened protections for voters, poll workers, and vote tabulators. If Congress passes it immediately, states can implement these vital protections ahead of the 2022 midterms. But Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell -- who is committed to putting the Republican Party’s interests before free and fair elections -- has made it clear that he’ll do everything in his power to shut this bill down. We need to make sure our senators respond by doing whatever it takes to pass the Freedom to Vote Act -- or voters’ and poll workers’ safety could be at risk. Please help us pressure the Senate by adding your name today. 1) https://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/elections/2021/09/24/republican-poll-watching-election-integrity-mackinac/5849414001/

The far right continues push this country towards more acts of violence, bigotry, and hatred. They want to keep this country divided for their own sick, and perverse need for money and power. I, myself, am not a part of the LGBTQ community, but my children all have friends, or others they know that have suffered from parents, and other children, all due to their minds being poisoned by falsehoods, and hatred towards something they often know little about. I don't need to be someone in the LGBTQ community to care about their suffering. I only wish that those that are hateful, and bigoted in this country would educate themselves, and look inward as to why they are so afraid of something that does not directly affect them. Our children need to be taught understanding, and that everyone deserves the right to live their lives free of fear. Teaching children that everyone should be treated with respect, and dignity shouldn't ever be a question. We may have come a long way towards the treatment of the LGBTQ community, but we still have so many miles to go.

Why This Matters    In a nation built on the ideals of equality and shared freedom, Día de los Muertos offers an opportunity to emphasize unity in our shared fate. It serves as a reminder that no matter who we are, where we come from, or how we live, we all face the same human experience.    By officially recognizing this holiday, the U.S. would:    • Honor the legacy of diverse communities, especially those of Hispanic and Latin American descent, whose traditions enrich our nation.  • Create a space for all Americans to reflect on the fragility of life, the importance of remembrance, and the need for compassion and equality.  • Promote healing and unity, helping us look beyond our differences and focus on our shared existence.    The message of Día de los Muertos is particularly poignant in these times of division. It reminds us that, in the end, we are all bound by the same human experience, an experience that calls for unity, understanding, and mutual respect.  Call to Action    We, the undersigned, urge Congress and the President to formally recognize Día de los Muertos as a national holiday to be observed annually on November 2nd. By doing so, we will create a day for all Americans to honor their ancestors and reflect on the values of equality, family, and our shared humanity.    On November 2nd, 2024, we will gather at the National Mall to celebrate Día de los Muertos with cultural performances, live music, art, activities, speeches, and more, all emphasizing the importance of unity in life and death. Joined by advocates, community leaders, and citizens from across the nation, this event will serve as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and the values of remembrance and togetherness.     This petition serves as a call for all Americans to embrace the values of Día de los Muertos, recognizing that in death we are all the same, and that in life, we must strive for the same equality, respect, and compassion for all.     By establishing Día de los Muertos as a national holiday, we honor not just a tradition, but the universal human experience. We affirm that our shared mortality should lead to shared humanity in life, an understanding that transcends divisions and brings us closer together.    Last year, we were proud to receive the official "Celebration of the Day" from the Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs in Washington, D.C.  This year, we have made history by receiving the "Proclamation of the Day"  from DC's Mayor Muriel Bowser, herself.  These acknowledgments mark significant milestones in celebrating the cultural and spiritual importance of the holiday within the nation's capital. The support from local government not only highlights the growing influence of the Latino community but also demonstrates a collective commitment to honoring traditions that bring people together in unity and remembrance. This recognition has further inspired us to advocate for making Día de los Muertos a national holiday, so its message of shared humanity can resonate across the country.    The time has come for us to recognize this day, not only as a cultural celebration but as a reminder of our common destiny and the dignity we all share. Let us take this opportunity to embrace our shared past, present, and future.    Sincerely,  La Familia DDLMDC      Please sign this petition to support the recognition of Día de los Muertos as a national holiday and to honor our shared mortality, humanity, and community.  #DDLM4ALL

Because too many innocent children continue to lose their lives because of overlooked negligence and abuse!

Small Business owners and White Center organizers ask for your support by signing below and CALLING: Joe McDermott, King County Councilmember: 206-477-1008 Dow Constantine, King County Executive: 206-263-9600 Senator Joe Nguyen, 360-786-7667 John Taylor, Department of Local Services Director: 206-477-3800 Phone Script - “Hello my name is ______ and I am a resident/supporter of White Center. I am calling because I am concerned about the recent rash of fires in White Center and your lack of action. I support the White Center Business Petition and I urge you to take action now.”

President Biden has the tools to create healthy communities, millions of good-paying jobs, and a better life for people on the frontlines of fossil fuel extraction, toxic pollution, and the climate crisis. Indigenous leaders and environmental justice activists have appealed to the White House to reject pipelines, drilling on federal lands, and other fossil fuel projects. We need to raise our voices and urge President Biden to keep his promises to take bold climate action and build back fossil free.

Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen told 60 Minutes what we already know: that Facebook is misleading the public about hate speech, violence and disinformation on its platform. Zuckerberg proudly decided to let politicians and "VIPs" lie on Facebook without any consequences, which undermined trust in the democratic process. He let political and military leaders use Facebook to encourage hatred against women, people of color and religious minorities, which resulted in real-life harms and human rights violations. He allowed right-wing extremists to use Facebook to organize violent protests like the January 6th assault on the US capitol. He let conspiracy theories about COVID-19 vaccines spread so quickly on Facebook that they outpace true health information that could save people's lives. He doesn't even seem to care that the Instagram business model is seriously jeopardizing teenage girls' mental health. It's time to get the Zuck out.

All child care workers are among our communities’ most valuable assets. They should, and must, be recognized equally for the herculean task of caring for children during the pandemic. Every child care slot has equal value in moving our economy forward. Larger providers should not be penalized because they are meeting the charge to open their doors to more children and families. The DCYF draft literature makes it clear that funds are available are for stabilizing child care businesses. An equitable distribution of all funds available will stabilize both small and large sites.

This country cannot move forward while Blue and Red continue infighting. Something must be done. Republican Senate leaders have been known to say they will not vote for anything just because the Democrats put it forth. This, coming from a man as old as Mitch McConnell, and being agreed to by the others in the same party, is ludicrous. We did not elect them to play games. The censuring of senators for not voting the way they want them to (for having minds of their own) is also a very telling indicator that the Republican party is more concerned that their members play "follow the leader" than think for themselves. The people who voted for each senator did so for the purpose of looking out for their interest... Not so they can sit around, smoking cigars, drinking whiskey, and thinking about how they can get back at the unpopular members of their group, or play tit-for-tat with the Dems. Pointing fingers, blaming each other, and threatening "if you do that, we'll do this" makes every single one of you look like a playground bully!

Amazon’s Ring and police across the country would like us to buy into the idea that more surveillance equals more safety. But domestic violence advocates argue that police interventions often escalate violence rather than stop it, and that families in danger need emergency housing, support, and resources – not video doorbells. Tell Jamie Siminoff, CEO Ring, Amazon, to stop partnering with police and start working with experts in domestic violence to help victims and families. Amazon markets Ring heavily even without evidence it can help victims of domestic violence. Since its creation Ring has pursued police partnerships to sell their concept of surveillance as safety. Now Ring is adding domestic violence partnerships with more than 1,800 law enforcement agencies and 360 fire departments across the U.S., providing free doorbell cameras in exchange for promoting Ring and the Neighbors app. But police intervention often escalates domestic violence, rather than stops it. [1] In 2008 Derek Chauvin, the racist officer who murdered George Floyd, responded to a domestic violence call by busting down the door of Ira Toles’s bathroom and shooting him at close range. The police violence left the household traumatized. [2] Amazon’s Ring may very well make violent police escalation easier and more frequent. And the impact will be felt more harshly in Black and brown communities. Domestic violence has spiked under COVID-19 conditions, disproportionately affecting Black and brown households with less money, since economic independence is a critical factor in violence prevention. [3] If Amazon wants to make a positive contribution to preventing domestic violence and supporting its victims, the company should work with experts rather than the police. Sources: 1. “Police Are Giving Amazon Ring Cameras to Survivors of Domestic Violence. Is It Helping?” Type Investigations, September 20, 2021. https://www.typeinvestigations.org/investigation/2021/09/20/police-are-giving-amazon-ring-cameras-to-survivors-of-domestic-violence-is-it-helping/ 2. “Minneapolis Man: Cop Who Kneeled on George Floyd ‘Tried to Kill Me’ in 2008.” The Daily Beast, May 29, 2020. https://www.thedailybeast.com/minneapolis-man-alleges-derek-chauvin-tried-to-kill-him-before-he-kneeled-on-george-floyd 3. “A Pandemic Within a Pandemic — Intimate Partner Violence during Covid-19.” The New England Journal of Medicine, December 10, 2020. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2024046