Democracy Spring April 2016
“Now is the time to take mass nonviolent action on a historic scale to save our democracy. Following a ten-day, 140 mile march from Philadelphia to Washington DC, thousands are gathering this week in our nation’s Capital to demand Congress take immediate action to end the corruption of big money in our politics and ensure free and fair elections in which every American has an equal voice.”
“Every American deserves an equal voice in government. This is our birthright of freedom, won through generations of struggle. But today our democracy is in crisis. American elections are dominated by billionaires and big interests who can spend unlimited sums of money on political campaigns to protect the special interests at the general expense. Meanwhile, as the super-rich dominate the “money primary” that decides who can run for office, almost half of the states in the union have passed new laws that disenfranchise everyday voters, especially people of color and the poor.
“There are real and immediate solutions—supported by Democrats and Republicans alike—that would reduce the corruption of BIG in politics and protect Free and Fair Elections for all.”
1. Pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act (H.R. 2867.S. 1659)
http://vrafortoday.org/current-legislation/
“This would restore the protections against voting discrimination that were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in its Shelby County v. Holder decision and make additional, critical updates to the Voting Rights Act of 1965.”
2. Pass the Voter Empowerment Act (H.R. 12)
https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/114/hr12/summary
“This would modernize voter registration, prevent deceptive practices that keep people from the ballot box and ensure equal access to voting for all.”
3. Pass the Democracy For All Amendment (H.J.RES.22.S.J.RES.5)
http://freespeechforpeople.org/the-amendment/democracy-for-all amendment/
“This would overturn U.S. Supreme Court decisions like Citizens United and allow elected representatives to set common sense limits on money in elections
4. Pass the Government By The People & Fair Elections Now Acts (H.R. 20 and
S.1538)
http://www.demos.org/publication/government-people-act
“This would encourage and amplify small contributions from everyday Americans by matching small donors with limited public funds.”
5. Confirm a Supreme Court Nominee who will ensure political equality by voting to protect voting rights and end the corruption of big money in politics.
6. Put an end to gerrymandered districts that protect incumbent lawmakers.
Using the theme of Reclaiming Democracy, each day focused on a different issue.
Monday, April 11— Kai Newkirk, the director of Democracy Spring, stated in front of the Capital: “we send a message—to everyone in our country who needs a government that represents us—that this House is your House too, and now is the time to stand up and take it back.” Democracy Spring is a coalition of over 100 progressive groups.
Tuesday, April 12 — Elders
Wednesday, 13 — Black Lives and Racial Justice
Thursday, April 14 –Labor and the Worker
Friday, April 15 — Youth, students, and the struggle for equal representation in DC.
Saturday, April 16 — Climate and the Environment
Sunday, April 17 — Democracy Spring was joined by the Democracy Awakening Coalition, with over 250 organizations listed, for a teach-in, speakers, and sit-down demonstrations.
Here are things you can do:
***Join and support a grassroots group.
***Vote and assist others with the voting process.
***Be an informed voter
***Turn off the misleading ads.
***Continue to contact legislators. (Yes, it is frustrating when they don’t listen to us.)
We can no longer sit on the sidelines. It is time for all to get involved.