🇺🇸 A Public Statement Urging the Preservation of American Democracy 🇺🇸  To Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama,  We, the People of the United States, respectfully and urgently ask that you come together and speak out—to defend our democracy, uphold the rule of law, and denounce the dangerous rhetoric and actions of Donald J. Trump.   ⚠️ America Faces a Historic Crisis  Your leadership, though no longer in office, is needed now more than ever. As former Presidents who upheld the Constitution and honored peaceful transitions of power, your collective voice can reaffirm our nation's core values.  Donald Trump has repeatedly undermined our democracy and global standing. Below are key examples of the damage:   🔒 Attack on Constitutional Rights  • Attempt to end birthright citizenship, violating the 14th Amendment. • Threat to suspend habeas corpus, endangering basic civil liberties. 🖊️ Executive Overreach   • Over 140 executive orders in 100 days—far surpassing predecessors. • Bypassed Congress, ignoring legal processes. ⚖️ Disregard for Judicial Authority   • Defied court rulings, insulted judges, and arrested a sitting judge to "send a message." • Over 70 rulings ignored or challenged by his administration. 🇨🇦 Damage to Global Alliances   • Alienated Canada with hostile remarks and tariff threats. • Publicly shamed Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy; cut military aid, provoking global backlash. 🌍 Erratic Foreign Policy   • Launched unpredictable trade wars, cut aid, and undermined NATO. • Allies now question U.S. reliability and leadership.   💸 Economic Consequences Despite promises to “end inflation,” Trump’s actions have weakened the economy:   • Tariffs caused a 4,000+ point market drop in 48 hours. • Projected 6% GDP loss and $22K lifetime income hit for middle-class households. • 3.5% drop in small business employment (Q1 2025). • Inflation, rising prices, and low consumer confidence.   This Is Not About Left vs. Right This is about right vs. wrong, democracy vs. authoritarianism, and truth vs. fear. We call on you—Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama—to stand before the American people and: ✅ Defend our Constitution ✅ Reaffirm democratic principles ✅ Reject division, dishonesty, and unchecked power 📢 We Are One Nation We plead with you to speak now—to say, loudly and clearly, that:   “UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL.” You answered the call before.  We need you to answer it again—for the People, for the Truth, and for our Future. Signed, We, the Undersigned Americans  

Dear President Ono,    I am profoundly disappointed and concerned about your and other of the top officials at the University of Michigan's recent decision to close its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offices and discontinue the DEI 2.0 Strategic Plan. This action, which has been taken in response to federal threats to withdraw funding from the University, represents a significant retreat from the university's longstanding commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable academic environment. The University of Michigan’s commitment to DEI was something I was not only proud of as a student and alum, but also a factor that contributed to my decision to attend the University of Michigan. Now, I am extremely embarrassed to be an alum of the University of Michigan.    I reject the bullying and authoritarian tactics of the current presidential administration. By giving in to these kinds of demands made by the current federal administration, the University of Michigan is not just sacrificing its own integrity—it is granting more power to those who seek to dismantle the very principles of academic freedom and inclusivity. History has shown us the dire consequences of such compliance. In 1933, academics and universities were among the first targets of the Nazi Party’s oppressive policies. Is the University of Michigan prepared to repeat that history by allowing an extremist government to dictate its values and policies?    The timing of this announcement, coming just days after Giving Blueday on March 19, 2025—a campaign that saw over 11,000 donors contribute more than $4.6 million—is particularly troubling. Many alumni participated in this fundraising campaign this year under the belief that our contributions would continue to support initiatives aligned with the university's core values, including diversity and inclusion. To learn exactly one week later that the administration has chosen to dismantle vital DEI programs feels sneaky and deceptive, and it undermines the trust that donors place in the University of Michigan.    As an alum, I have always taken pride in the University of Michigan's role as leaders and the best. The university has reliably promoted diversity and fostered a welcoming environment for all students, faculty, and staff. The decision to eliminate these offices not only destroys that legacy but also raises concerns about the university's future direction and its commitment to supporting underrepresented communities in all positions on campus.    I urge you and the university's leadership to reverse this course of action. It is not too late. At this juncture, I, along with countless alumni, students, staff, and faculty, would still be willing to engage in transparent dialogue with the university about how we can collectively uphold the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion that have long been central to the University of Michigan's mission. 

  Secretary Dixon, we are calling on you to immediately reverse the unlawful Close Management Level 1 placement of Jose Jaime Tirado III (DC# 132634), investigate the retaliatory actions taken against him, and hold those responsible accountable.  On June 7, 2025, DOC accused Jose of assault. The alleged victim told the classification team (ICT) he was not in fear of anyone. That victim and another man were released from confinement — until families began demanding answers. Suddenly, both men were thrown back in confinement, an obvious attempt to justify holding Jose for over two months without due process.  Jose’s CM1 placement was never disclosed to him. The truth only came out after his father called and demanded answers. He still has:  • No disciplinary report • No written notice of CM status or justification • No access to rights guaranteed under CM rules • Multiple public records requests ignored — the only reply violated Florida law Florida DOC has violated:   • Rule 33-601.800 – Requires timely CM decisions, written notice, and justification. • Rule 33-601.731 & 33-601.800(7)(b) – Any restriction of communication privileges must be documented and shared with the inmate and family. • Rule 33-602.221 – CM1 inmates should be single-celled for safety; Jose was housed with another inmate. • Rule 33-602.205 – Facilities must provide reasonable access to communication/grievance systems; DOC failed when systems were “down.” • Florida Statute Chapter 119 – Requires timely access to public records; DOC refused. • Florida Statute § 945.10(1)(d) – Status classifications are not exempt from release to legal family representatives. • Fourteenth Amendment – Indefinite isolation without timely decision or notice violates due process. • Eighth Amendment – Prolonged isolation without cause is cruel and unusual punishment. Jose entered prison at 18 years old. In nearly 15 years, he has worked to better himself, mentor others, and avoid trouble. This CM1 placement is not about safety — it is targeted retaliation for asserting his rights and for his family demanding transparency.   We demand:   1. Immediate written notice to Jose of his CM status and the justification for it. 2. His release from unlawful CM isolation. 3. Full compliance with Florida’s Public Records Act in this case. 4. An investigation into the retaliatory re-confinement of witnesses. 5. Enforcement of Florida DOC’s own rules and administrative codes. The public is watching. We will not allow retaliation, cover-ups, and abuse of Close Management to continue unchecked.  

To: Governor Ron DeSantis Email: [email protected] Dear Governor DeSantis, I am writing to express deep concern over a recent decision by the Lee County Commission that threatens long-standing public beach access in Boca Grande, Florida. On August 5, 2025, the Commission unanimously approved a new parking ordinance that: • Eliminates public parking access from 1st Street to 19th Street in Boca Grande, restricting it solely to permit holders—residents, hotel guests, employees, and approved nonprofit volunteers. • Limits downtown parking to just three hours for all others, effectively deterring longer recreational visits and harming local businesses. • Imposes steep fines—up to $300 for parking in residential zones and $500 for blocking driveways. These changes jeopardize public access to one of Florida’s most treasured beach communities and contradict the values of open coastline enjoyment that so many Florida families and visitors hold dear. Importantly, this surge in visitation to Boca Grande may be largely temporary. Following recent devastating hurricanes, several beaches throughout Southwest Florida have been closed for repairs. This likely displaced many beachgoers to Boca Grande, artificially inflating traffic and parking needs. As other beaches reopen, pressure on Boca Grande will naturally decline, making these drastic long-term restrictions appear disproportionate and premature. Additionally, there are concerns that reduced public access and parking availability may disqualify Boca Grande from future state and federal beach renourishment funding, which often hinges on demonstrable public accessibility. I respectfully urge your leadership and review on the following: 1. Reconsider the removal of public parking between 1st and 19th Streets, preserving equitable beach access for all Floridians—not just permit holders. 2. Reevaluate the three-hour downtown parking restriction, allowing flexibility for families, tourists, and local commerce. 3. Assess the ordinance's impact on future coastal funding eligibility, and share findings transparently with the public. 4. Encourage a collaborative advisory process involving residents, business owners, visitors, and county officials to find a fairer, less exclusionary solution. Governor DeSantis, your continued commitment to protecting Floridians' rights and natural resources is vital. This issue is about more than just parking—it’s about preserving the public's access to Florida’s beaches, a core part of our identity, economy, and freedom. Thank you for your time, leadership, and attention to this matter.

Immigrants are a vital part of our community. They work as home health aides, hospitality workers, cashiers, educators, and everything in between. The term immigrant includes lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), people with J-1 visas to work seasonal jobs, refugees who have fled from war, and immediate relatives of US citizens. Regardless of a person’s immigration status, they have come to our community to make a better life for themselves. They pay taxes on their income and purchases like any other resident of our village. In a time when the population of our village is declining (approximately 5,400 in 2010 to around 4,700 in 2025) we need workers to support the businesses residents rely on, as well as those businesses that support the increasing volume of tourists.  With federal immigration enforcement increasing in our communities, all of our residents: immigrants and non-immigrants, documented and undocumented folks feel less safe. There are larger checkpoints and agents dressed in plain clothes. Members of our community and nearby communities have been taken into custody, including the nine workers from the Tupper Lake paper mill who had valid US work authorizations. ICE is not following due process for enforcing immigration laws. This is what is especially concerning to members of our community. School children are fearful that their friends and classmates are not going to show up to school; a family who had “Temporary Protected Status” was given notice to leave the country within 7 days; a college student is afraid to leave campus. Local businesses that perform vital services in our community are being forced to reduce operations due to workers’ fear of ICE, regardless of the employees’ immigration status.  This fear of being discriminated against on the basis of perceived immigration status extends to residents reporting real crimes in our community. People are unlikely to report something illegal or dangerous that they are witnessing if they are afraid they will be arrested for their immigration status. This makes our community a less safe place for everyone. Giving the residents and visitors of Saranac Lake the reassurance that our police department will not discriminate on the basis of perceived immigration status and will not collaborate with ICE would be a weight off the shoulders of many. The Saranac Lake Police Department and Village Board have worked hard to build a positive relationship with the community, and this is being fractured by the refusal to give residents this simple reassurance. The Village Board has the power to pass a bill stating what the Saranac Lake Police Department “shall” or “shall not” do, and it feels intuitive to do this in a context that is already supported by the police department’s handbook.  Please Pass the “Safeguarding our Residents and Financial Resources” bill. Sincerely,  Residents of Saranac Lake

The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) has recommended increased fees to cover their staff and program costs for administering the required operating permit program for polluting industries.  The Clean Air Act requires ACHD to charge fees that are sufficient to cover the cost of administering the program. The fee increase transfers the burden of covering these costs to the industries that profit from harming our health. It will cost taxpayers nothing. Please sign the petition asking that County Leadership Vote YES on operating permit fee increase.  Why is this important? As Allegheny County Council prepares to vote on the fee increase, U.S. Steel lobbyists are claiming that it is unfair for the company to have to pay $55,000 per year for each of its three major polluting facilities in Mon Valley. However, U.S. Steel earned $2.14 Billion in 2023, spent $1.65 Million on lobbying this year, and pays each of its 13 board members at least $175,000 annually.  The fee increase would amount to a fraction of the millions in fines the company pays each year for air pollution violations in what amounts to a “pay to pollute” arrangement. It’s facilities habitually violate air pollution laws, and ACHD needs sufficient funds to ensure compliance and protect our health. Please sign the petition asking that County Leadership Vote YES on operating permit fee increase.

Recently, over 30 undocumented families sued the State of Texas because they have been unable to obtain birth certificates for their American born children. In recent years, some Texas counties, for instance Hidalgo and Cameron counties, have stopped accepting the Mexican consulate issued “matricula” IDs as proof of identity, leaving parents unable to prove relationship to their own children. While many would have Texans believe that this is an immigration issue, it must be reiterated that it is not. It is an issue of children, born here in Texas, left with no homeland and no ability to prove their own identity. Without birth certificates these children cannot enroll in school, have no access to medical care, and have no protection from child labor or exploitation. On October 16, 2015, a federal judge ruled that Texas officials can continue to refuse foreign consular cards as a form of identification to obtain birth certificates for U.S.-born children, stripping them of any rights and protections guaranteed as citizens or nationals of any nation. Without a birth certificate, these children are essentially "nonexistent" in the eyes of government. We must remember that the "anti-immigrant" climate in our nation is making children born to undocumented parents at risk of child maltreatment, including sexual and labor exploitation, abuse and neglect. Without the principle form of identification provided to all their fellow Americans, these children are unable to establish a legal identity. Texas has always accepted consular ID until recent years. Many of the families in the suit have been able to obtain birth certificates for their other children. In fact, the Texas Department of State Health Services began auditing ID issuing offices and sanctioning those who accepted the consular ID starting in 2013. Those opposing the issuance of birth certificates claim that hospitals provide the necessary documentation to guarantee a child's identity; unfortunately, birth certificates are required to obtain all secondary forms of identification (i.e. driver's license, passport, social security, etc.) necessary to guarantee protections and rights in any country. IDTexas' purpose is to inform the general public of the children ignored in our nation. Join us as we pressure our legislature to recognize that these children DO EXIST and are entitled to their RIGHT TO IDENTITY, EDUCATION and HEALTH services. It is imperative that Texas Legislators begin work on a policy that would allow undocumented parents to receive birth certificates for their children who were born in the United States, because Texas cannot be a place that leaves children in an identity limbo. WHAT CAN YOU DO: 1. We want to tell legislators that they need to listen to their constituents. We want some of them to author or sponsor a bill and introduce it during the upcoming session to ensure movement in time for 2016 and all of them to vote in support of the bill. 2. As a supporting US citizen, undocumented parent and/or American-born child of an undocumented parent, you can: a. Join our Letter Writing Campaign to put pressure on legislators. Write to your legislator, share your story and/or concern and urge him/her to support and/or sponsor a bill that includes the consular matricula as an accepted form of identity for the issuance of birth certificates. b. Follow us on Facebook at IDoExist: Right to Identity and on Instagram @IDTX to follow our campaign’s progress and other developments. c. Share your story on social media using #IDoExist and #RighttoIdentity @IDTX d. AND FINALLY, sign our petition to include these parent's consular matricula cards as an acceptable form of identification on the list required for issuance of birth certificates. We must ban together EVEN NOW to stop the harmful effects of the climate of our nation. This is not an immigrant issue but an American one. Kimberly M. Lauriston, Graduate Student References: Passel, Jeffrey, and D'Vera Cohn. "Number of Babies Born in U.S. to Unauthorized Immigrants Declines." Pew Research Center RSS. September 10, 2015. Accessed October 17, 2015. http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/09/11/number-of-babies-born-in-u-s-to-unauthorized-immigrants-declines/ Krogstad, Jen, and Jeffrey Passel. “5 Facts About Illegal Immigrants in the U.S.” Pew Research Center RSS. July 24, 2015. Accessed October 20, 2015. http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/07/24/5-facts-about-illegal-immigration-in-the-u-s/ Wright, Brittany and Jason Ramirez. “Enrollment in Texas Public Schools 2013-2014” Division of Research and Analysis, Department of Assessment and Accountability. Texas Education Agency. November 2014. Texas Department of State Health Services, Birth Registration Handbook Retrieved from: https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/vs/faq/birth.shtm#3 Texas denies American-born children of immigrants citizenship. The Texas Observer. Retrieved from: http://www.mintpressnews.com/texas-denies-amer...

Less than 24 hours after lending his voice and sharing his story to act against the deportations of Central American immigrants in Los Angeles, the young Guatemalan Henry Sanchez Carias, 18, was arrested by agents of the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). His arrest has prompted a campaign for his release. Sanchez arrived in the United States in 2015 to join his parents, who have lived in this country since 2001, and to escape the gang activities in his neighborhood, which had already affected his brother. On Tuesday, he agreed to be featured in a media event organized by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights in Los Angeles (CHIRLA) where he posed with a sign that read "Stop Separating Families". Henry attended with the intent of putting a face to the people who are being affected by these deportation orders. This Wednesday, shortly before 6 in the morning, an ICE van pulled up outside of his house in the San Fernando Valley to pick him up. According to Jorge-Mario Cabrera, director of communications at CHIRLA, Henry was an active member of their organization. The young man was arrested when he left his home on his bicycle to find work as a day laborer. According to Cabrera, ICE warned parents of the incident. ICE has confirmed that Sanchez was arrested because of a deportation order issued by a judge in June 2015. "Mr. Sanchez, who is an adult, is among the priorities of ICE, which include individuals apprehended crossing the border illegally after January 1, 2014. At the time of his arrest Mr. Sanchez had an expulsion order and had no pending appeals, "ICE said. The young man has been transferred to the Adelanto Detention Center in San Bernardino County. "Henry deserves the opportunity to be represented and present his asylum case for which he left his native country, Guatemala. The gangs, violence, and drugs threaten their life," says CHIRLA. Henry Sanchez's arrest is part of the new phase of arrests targeting undocumented Central American immigrants in the US - ICE confirmed last week and this will continue between May and June. Please sign below to join UndocuMedia / CHIRLA in urging DHS Director Jonson and ICE director Saldaña to release Henry Sanches and to offer TPS protection to Central American mothers and children fleeing violence.

Boozhoo Superintendent Bangoura, I am writing you today about the homeless humanitarian crisis we continue to face in the Minneapolis indigenous community. A crisis that has been going on for years with no solid plans or solutions from elected officials. The only solution they have come up with seems to be a continuation of the “Indian removal act” where my relatives are traumatized over and over again with the encampment sweeps. Where at times they may lose everything they own. Not to mention the many many deaths we have had to suffer. The indigenous homeless crisis we find ourselves in has little to do with lack of affordable housing and more to do with addiction and the mental health issues caused by historical trauma and from living under foreign occupation for several generations. I would love to give you a tour of the homeless encampment and under the bridges for you to see the awe full and inhuman conditions my relatives are living under. I have a tentative meeting set up with Parkboard members Becky Alper, Tom Olsen and Jason Chavez (9 ward city council) in early September to discuss the transfer of East Phillips park back to Minneapolis’ indigenous community. We already know there is no lawful mechanism to return stolen Indian land. But it continues to happen more and more frequently these days. We all know Minneapolis is located on stolen Indian land (Dakota territory) and we also agree that my relatives should never be homeless in their homelands. Once this historic decision is reached the eyes of the world will once again be on Minneapolis, but this time for doing the right thing and returning stolen Indian land to help eliminate our homeless crisis with a culturally specific and culturally sensitive tiny home healing village. Everything we need is right here in the community. The Native American Community Clinic (NACC), Indian Health Board (IHB) and the Takoda Institute are only blocks away. The village would have 24/7 security and daily neighborhood safety and street cleanup patrols. We have an award winning indigenous architect currently working on the plans for the tiny home village. We have the community support and also have funders ready to fund the construction of the tiny homes and ceremonial lodges of the Dakota and the Anishinabe. I would appreciate a meeting with you to continue the conversation on Land back and eliminating the indigenous encampments permanently.

We, the Undersigned, do here by openly petition the Governor and State Legislature for the State of Ohio to read, pass, and sign into Law the Ohio Cannabis Rights Amendment (OCRA), as Proposed by the Ohio Rights Group (ORG), to the State's Constitution for the purposes of regulating, taxing, fairly monitoring, and controlling Cannabis, be it Medical or Otherwise, throughout the State. The Buckeye State NEEDS and WANTS Cannabis! Thank you, and we await your response in action.