PEN America, Daily Kos, et al. – 2016-11-30 23:32:33
https://www.signherenow.org/petition/defend-first-amendment/pda/
ACTION ALERT: Sign the Petition to Defend the First Amendment
PEN America, Daily Kos, et al.
(November 29, 2016) — On January 20, Donald J. Trump will take the oath of office and swear to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. During his presidential campaign, his statements and actions called into question his commitment to constitutional principles, including the freedom of expression.
Of specific concern were his threats and insults directed toward journalists, arbitrary limitations on media access and comments in support of potential legal reforms that would weaken First Amendment protections.
Donald Trump’s campaign tone and rhetoric also fostered the rise of threats and actions by many of his supporters directed against people of color, Muslims, Jews, immigrants, the disabled, LGBTQ people, and women.
The United States is recognized globally for having the broadest and most powerful protections for free speech in the world. But those protections are now under attack.
In the face of this very real threat to our most basic rights, we must stand united to defend the First Amendment, the very foundation of our democratic system.
Please join us and become a co-signer of the pledge to:
As American residents, writers, artists, and readers, we will stand united to preserve, protect and defend our right to a free press, to express our opinions, and to engage in dissent, and we will work tirelessly to protect these rights for all. Become a co-signer of the pledge to defend the First Amendment, the very foundation of our democratic system.
Become a co-signer of the pledge to:
* Defend the vital role and the rights of a free press in a democracy and all those performing acts of journalism with the broadest possible access to matters of public interest and without fear of government interference or retaliation;
* Protect our right to peaceful protest and assembly, and not allow the government to criminalize dissent;
* Stand up for religious liberty and pluralism, and against the persecution of religious minorities;
* Safeguard existing laws and court decisions that limit the use of libel and slander defamation lawsuits to intimidate critics of public figures;
Speak out to reject the bigotry and hate that are creating a widespread and alarming chilling effect on freedom of expression for people of color, Muslims, Jews, the disabled, immigrants, LGBTQ, and women.
JOIN THESE SIGNERS, INCLUDING ALL PAST U.S. POETS LAUREATE:
PEN America
Daily Kos
18 Million Rising
American Family Voices
Center for Popular Democracy Action (CPD)
Common Cause
Courage Campaign
Demand Progress
Free Press
People’s Action
People Demanding Action
People For the American Way
Presente.org
The Nation
Rita Dove
Natasha Trethewey
Charles Simic
Kay Ryan
W.S. Merwin
Ted Kooser
Robert Pinsky
Louise Gluck
Robert Hass
Billy Collins
Donald Hall
Charles Wright
Sponsored by PEN America, Daily Kos, 18 Million Rising, American Family Voices, Center for Popular Democracy Action, Common Cause, Courage Campaign, Demand Progress, Free Press, People’s Action, People Demanding Action, People For the American Way, Presente.org, and The Nation.
ACTION ALERT: Tell Your Senators to
Defend Our Science-Based Safeguards
Union of Concerned Scientists
(November 30, 2016) — With the Trump campaign’s policy positions and the transition team’s history of attacks on science, we know you’re concerned about attempts to gut landmark public health and safety protections such as the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. We are with you.


That’s why the Union of Concerned Scientists will not back down — we will use our voice for science to fight for safeguards that protect all of us. The Senate is already hearing from corporations that stand to benefit from rollbacks of science-based protections — we need you to make sure your senators hear loud and clear that this matters to their constituents.


ACTION: Urge your senators to oppose bills that undermine science or attack science-based safeguards. 
Help us send a strong message — add your name today.
As with every administration, UCS is prepared to fight anti-science attacks — and we’ve learned that speaking up and standing firm for science is key to our success. 

We cannot roll back the progress we have made for the health of our families, especially for communities who already face the burden of living in unsafe environments.
As our elected officials gear up for the new session, we must act fast and let our senators know we are holding them accountable for our health, safety, and environment — and will continue to do so.


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