The fundamental values of Constitutional free speech guaranteed by the First Amendment have been stabbed in the heart by this illegal and false attack censoring Jimmy Kimmel.  He told the truth about the dishonest misconduct of the Trump administration in their entirely false and misleading propaganda about the death of Charlie Kirk. Having the federal government threaten a network to censor speech is precisely what the First Amendment prohibits and this action threatens the very nature of our American Democracy. 

If you agree with this, please sign to make a change!!!

The fight for D.C.'s right to govern itself is not just a local issue—it is a fight for democracy, equality, and justice. The residents of Washington, D.C. are being denied the fundamental right that every American citizen deserves: self-determination. By signing this petition, you are standing up for: 1. Democracy: Every citizen should have a voice in how they are governed. But residents of D.C. pay federal taxes, serve in the military, and contribute to society in countless ways—yet they are denied voting representation in Congress. This is a direct attack on the democratic principles our nation was built on. The fight for D.C. is the fight for true democracy. 2. Equality: D.C. residents deserve the same rights as those in any state. No community should be denied a voice in its own government, especially when its people have been consistently contributing to the nation’s well-being. When Congress continues to impose laws that strip away D.C.’s autonomy, it is a violation of the very principle of equal treatment under the law. The rights of D.C. residents should not be second-class. 3. Justice: The people of D.C. have fought tirelessly for the right to govern themselves, yet Congress continues to impose policies that diminish their power. By signing this petition, you’re standing up for justice—and fighting back against the federal overreach that strips the people of D.C. of their voice, their power, and their right to create laws that best serve their community. This fight isn’t just about D.C.; it’s about sending a clear message: We will not stand by as Congress continues to infringe upon the rights of any group of Americans to have a say in their future. D.C. should be able to make decisions for its residents without unnecessary federal interference. Now is the time for action. The people of Washington, D.C. are counting on your support to protect their autonomy and preserve their voice. Add your name, make your voice heard, and join the movement to demand justice, equality, and democracy for all.

Hundreds of thousands of people WILL be impacted if these programs do not receive funding, leaving clients and students with less ability to pursue education and program staff without jobs!  I used Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) when I left the service to go back to school. Without the resources and guidance of Education Specialists with VUB, my transition would have been unimaginably difficult and I may not be where I'm at today, about to graduate and applying for my Master's degree. There are countless stories like mine, and many more who have faced even greater obstacles to try to create a better life for themselves and their families. As Upward Bound programs, including Veterans Upward Bound, near the FY deadline for the programs to continue, advocacy is needed to disburse funds to the programs. Upward Bound programs provide needed support to people from first-generation and low-income backgrounds to pursue higher education. Specific programs are tailored for high school students, veterans, and other adult learners who would other lack the opportunity to start or complete their education. The Grant Award Notices (GANs) have allocated the funding for the new fiscal year, but the funds still have not been released. If the funding is not released by September 30th, Upward Bound programs will not be able to continue providing services and the programs will end. The populations served by these programs often lack realistic opportunities to pursue or complete higher education. Having worked directly with these people, your friends, family, and coworkers, I can attest to their work ethic and passion. And that carries beyond the classroom. That same work ethic and passion will feed back into their careers and communities, making them better and stronger!

Since he was confirmed in February 2025, RFK Jr. has put the health of Americans at risk. Under his direction, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director, Dr. Susan Monarez, was fired—leading to the mass exodus of other top CDC officials.  Secretary Kennedy also fired every single member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and, in their place, appointed a panel of vaccine skeptics, including individuals who opposed mRNA vaccines, spread misinformation on COVID-19 and measles, and espoused debunked theories on vaccines and autism.  Under Secretary Kennedy, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rescinded its emergency use authorizations for COVID-19 vaccines and has approved the latest version of the vaccine only for people 65 or older or who have unspecified high-risk medical conditions—against the recommendations of most major medical organizations. He has stripped funding for mRNA vaccine research, spread misinformation, and undermined the CDC by calling it a “cesspool of corruption.” It’s not just COVID-19 that’s on the line. Secretary Kennedy is coming for hepatitis B vaccine—an effective vaccine given to newborns that has reduced infection rates by 99% over the past two decades. And recommendations for a combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and chickenpox vaccine could also be on the line.  ACIP recommendations are often adopted by the CDC and used to inform state vaccination mandates, insurance coverage, and liability. By appointing extremist vaccine skeptics, Secretary Kennedy is wreaking havoc to our vaccine infrastructure and undermining Americans' trust in our health leaders.  Instead of putting science and health above all else, Secretary Kennedy is prioritizing partisanship and putting lives at risk. We are not exaggerating: People will die because of RFK Jr.'s reckless, ill-informed, and dangerous leadership. He must be removed now before he completely erodes our health infrastructure. 

 Our Call to Action  We call upon the African Union Commission, the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, and all Africans who believe in genuine Pan-Africanism to:  1. Launch an independent review of the AU’s headquarters location with input from member states, civil society, and security experts. 2. Select a new host city that reflects African values of unity, peace, and sovereignty, free from ongoing civil conflict or historical domination of other African peoples. 3. Reaffirm the AU’s founding mission: to stand against all forms of oppression—colonial or internal—and to promote genuine solidarity among African nations. This is not a rejection of Ethiopia’s people, whose cultures and histories are an integral part of Africa’s fabric. Rather, it is a call for the AU to align its symbolism and operations with its principles. Africa deserves a headquarters in a place where peace, inclusivity, and mutual respect are more than words—they are lived realities.   The time has come to relocate the African Union to a city that embodies the Africa we aspire to build: stable, forward-looking, and truly united.  

This kind of behavior needs immediate attention especially with the violence already happening in America.

The unhoused, including 1.5 million women and children, and 33,000 veterans, are some of the most vulnerable citizens in our country. Many have a long history of abuse, trauma, and neglect. They have experienced violence, often from the very system they depend upon for survival and protection. When they are further marginalized by the media, and in this case, violently threatened, it adds fuel to the fire of an already tempestuous relationship the unhoused have with many in society.  Please fire Brian Kilmeade, now. 

Distressing questions continue to emerge amidst a Trump administration strike in the Caribbean that left 11 people dead earlier this month The Venezuelan government has claimed that none of the passengers were gang members. U.S. media reports the attack came after the vessel had turned back upon spotting U.S. forces – trying to avoid, and certainly not attack, them. So far, the Trump administration has been silent in the face of these concerns. But here’s what we know about the strike:   • It was unlawful; Congress has not authorized this or further lethal operations in the Caribbean, and they mark an unconstitutional power grab by the executive branch. • It was unnecessary; military action in the Caribbean will do nothing to help solve the overdose crisis at home. • It may only be the beginning; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has already vowed, “It won't stop with just this strike.” There is no military solution to the overdose crisis, but there is a political solution to a president with authoritarian ambitions. That’s why we need to throw up the roadblocks necessary to prevent further unauthorized, lawless military action immediately. Earlier this week, Senator Kaine led 24 senators in pressing the Trump administration for answers. It’s a critical step, but it’ll take more than that to get the answers we deserve. Can you help increase the pressure for transparency, accountability, and justice by sending your members of Congress an urgent message today? 

Recently, Trump said "Big changes are being made at the Smithsonian" (1) after the White House threatened to strip the Smithsonian’s funding if it didn’t change its museums to fit Trump’s far-right worldview. (2) Trump’s remarks come after the top executive at the Smithsonian said the museum would maintain its independence and authority over exhibits and programming.(3) Clearly, Trump does not want to accept the Smithsonian’s independence. If he succeeds in rewriting history at the museums, it will reach into classrooms and put Trump’s perspective directly in front of students.(4) We must show a mass of opposition to the Trump administration’s campaign to distort the historical record — because the White House has no plans to stop its attacks on the Smithsonian. Sign the petition: Tell the Smithsonian to preserve history and stand up to Trump’s threats! The White House has targeted artists of color and exhibits depicting America’s diversity. Trump even said the Smithsonian focuses too much on "how bad slavery was." (5) Four Democratic Senators sent a letter to the Smithsonian echoing our calls to protect the institution, and the historical record, from Trump’s relentless "bullying." (6) One historian called the White House’s review of the Smithsonian, "a full assault on the autonomy of all the different branches of the institution." (7) Another historian said it’s Trump’s attempt to "put his stamp on the way we tell the story of America." (8) Trump’s war on the Smithsonian is the frontline of his admin’s attacks on America’s institutions. Big law firms, Big Tech companies, media corporations, and universities have folded to Trump’s threats — emboldening him to escalate his authoritarian tactics against any organization, company, and institution he disagrees with. The Smithsonian must stand strong against Trump’s threats. Sign the petition: Save the Smithsonian from Trump’s right-wing attacks! Sources: 1. NBC News, "Trump had a ‘little problem with the Smithsonian’,” September 8, 2025. 2. Reuters, "Trump targets the Smithsonian again, says it focuses too much on how bad slavery was,” August 20, 2025. 3. The New York Times, "Smithsonian Responds to Trump’s Demand for a Review of Its Exhibits,” September 3, 2025. 4. AP, "White House’s review of Smithsonian content could reach into classrooms nationwide,” September 7, 2025. 5. The White House Executive Orders, “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” August 27, 2025. 6. NPR, “Four Democratic senators urge Smithsonian to resist White House attempts to 'bully the institution',” September 5, 2025. 7. The New York Times, "White House Announces Comprehensive Review of Smithsonian Exhibitions,” August 12, 2025. 8. Democracy Now, "“Whitewashing of History”: Harvard Historian on Trump’s Targeting of School Curricula, Smithsonian,” August 18, 2025.

Their futures remain uncertain due to the lack of permanent legal status. Many live in constant fear of deportation and are unable to fully contribute to the country they call home. I urge you to advocate for and implement a permanent legislative solution that grants Dreamers a path to citizenship—not just protection from removal, but full participation in the civic life of our nation. Thousands of eligible young people have been left in limbo, unable to apply for protection due to administrative or legal roadblocks. Restoring this essential program will allow more individuals to come out of the shadows and contribute openly to society. This is not just a political issue—it is a moral one. Dreamers and other undocumented individuals are nurses, teachers, entrepreneurs, and service members. They deserve a chance to live without fear and to pursue the American Dream that has inspired generations.

ICE is increasing its reach throughout the country, and local police forces are being asked to assist in doing the duties of the federal government. Section 287 (g) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act states that collaboration with federal officers is optional, and we do not want our police force to take up this option. Our neighbors are living in fear that they will be arrested by federal immigration officers. Our property taxes should go towards making the Village of Saranac Lake a better place for everyone to live in and visit, not making it worse for a select few. Please only sign if you are a resident of the Village of Saranac Lake.