Legislative Action: Outlaw masks by ICE
The Legislative session in Montpelier has begun and there are some bills that might really make a difference in protecting us from the awful abuse we saw in Minneapolis when a masked ICE agent shot Renee Good, an unarmed, nonviolent US citizen. The first one up is S.208 which proposes that all local, state, and federal law enforcement officers clearly identify themselves by name or badge number. It also prohibits masks or personal disguises (with certain exceptions). It would limit law enforcement from acting without personal responsibility, and prevent kidnappers from masquerading as legitimate law enforcement. You can see the whole bill (3 pages) and follow its progress here. Reach out to these key decision-makers::
Subject: "I support S.208"
I'm writing to ask your support for S.208 to require all law enforcement officers to identify themselves. Please protect Vermonters from abusive tactics meant to intimidate law-abiding residents.
Thanks for all your good work.
Name
Town
More action in the Legislature: Protect the Supreme Court
Next up is the nomination of Michael Drescher for a lifetime appointment to our Vermont Supreme Court. He is the U.S. Attorney who defended the kidnapping, transportation and detention of both Rumeysa Ozturk and Mohsen Mahdawi. The decision makers are as above (except that the Governor already nominated Drescher, so not so useful).
Subject: "Oppose Michael Drescher for the Vermont Supreme Court"
I urge you to oppose the nomination of Michael Drescher for a lifetime appointment to the Vermont Supreme Court. As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Drescher defended the kidnapping, transportation, and detention of Rumeysa Ozturk and Mohsen Mahdawi — actions that represent some of the most serious abuses of civil liberties to occur within our borders. A nominee who justified such conduct should not be entrusted with lifelong authority over constitutional rights. Please reject this appointment.
Thank you for your service to the state.
Name
Town
Recruit a friend, family member or neighbor to reach out also!
An Evening with Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark
Tuesday, January 20 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM (doors open at 5:30 PM)
Phoenix Books | 89 Church Street
Join us as we hear from Vermont's Attorney General. Clark has filed multiple lawsuits to block the federal destruction of constitutional rights with some notable successes. We'll hear what she has planned next and how to support her work. The event is nearly full, but you can request a spot on the waiting list (and suggest some questions for the AG) here.
Get Out The Vote: Saving Our Country Starts in the States
Wednesday, January 21 | 10:30 am
South Burlington Public Library | 180 Market Street, South Burlington
Our friends at Champlain Valley Indivisible’s Get out the Vote action team will hold its inaugural meeting. LeanLeftVT’s seasoned election activists will explain how national voting systems work and then focus on how your involvement can rebuild democracy through effective, ground-up efforts. This meeting will also be live-streamed and a recording will be available ONLY for registrants. Register via email to GOTVCVI@gmail.com.
Hearts and Drums - General Membership Meeting
Tuesday, February 3 | 5:30-7:30 PM
Queen City Brewery | 703 Pine Street
Our first-Tuesday-of-the-month meeting for February will feature two ways to make a difference. Join us in sending Valentines to our state officials (sponsored by ACLU). We'll supply the materials for you to send notes of appreciation for helping to defend Democracy. Plus, we'll make a racket with a build-a-rally-drum workshop. We'll have fun as a Citizen Drumming Group and get instruction from real-deal drummers. Bring your kids and some 3 gallon buckets (5 if you're tall), and something to hit them with. Want to go local? Try City Hardware on College street. We'll have the rest of the materials and tools.
