Good people,
As we learn more and more about the machinations to overturn the legitimate results of the last presidential election, it is important to remember that there are deep pockets behind the schemers, and they have not exhausted all of the avenues to undermine representative democracy.
I recognize that I sound a bit unhinged, but I assure you that I am standing in democracy’s doorway, hinges in place, bracing for a very real quake.
The folks at Common Cause have produced some explainers about the little known Constitutional provision: Article V allows two-thirds of state legislatures to vote to call a Constitutional Convention.
At least two-thirds of states must pass a call to force a convention; so far, 15 states have passed the model legislation proposed by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). . . .Bills have passed at least one legislative chamber in another nine states, and bills have been introduced in 17 more states.
The 27 Amendments to the US Constitution were all added using the Congressional process. There has never been a convention called under Article V, which represents a dangerous threat:
There are no rules or guidelines to help keep a convention in check if one were to be called and without these crucial guardrails in place to help protect our civil rights and liberties, the constitution as we know it could come under crossfire from wealthy special interest groups trying to leave their mark on our founding document.
Sign the petition to stop an Article V convention. This is a ready-made action with additional steps from Common Cause.
The impact of gerrymandering, which is unchecked in Republican-controlled states, cannot be overstated.
Contact Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell today to urge them to set aside the filibuster to pass voting rights legislation. The actions are ready-made.
Here in NYC, we now have a lot of Black leadership. Adrienne Adams, councilwoman from Queens, has assembled a coalition that includes pro-union and progressive Democrats to win the race for Council Speaker. Adams is not a relative of mayor-elect Eric Adams, though they were high school classmates.
It is good news that Francisco Moya, the mayor-elect’s choice, will not be speaker, as the mayor will need to respond to pressure from the left. I couldn’t save all the good news for tomorrow, or you might think I don’t care about your mental health.
We have a chance to make some good news, in Texas, no less. It’s time to free Rodney Reed from death row; he has served more than two decades for a crime he did not commit.
In July, Reed’s lawyers presented compelling evidence that Reed did not commit the crimes for which he was convicted: kidnapping, sexually assaulting, and murdering a white woman. Reed, a Black man, was convicted by an all-white jury.
Over the weekend, the Innocence Project petitioned the Court to allow Rodney Reed to file a new Habeus Corpus petition based on newly discovered evidence that demonstrates the prosecutorial misconduct that sent an innocent man to death row.
Sign the petition to demand Rodney Reed’s freedom.
I spent a lovely few hours yesterday with the Brownies of Troop 2063, who are working toward their Philanthropy Badge. They loaded up the pantry and then crossed the street to clean the KWT Fridge, which they did with gusto.
We had some good conversation about how cooperative and caring relationships within families and communities make life better.
Take good care of each other. Be like the Brownies and wear your masks!
with love,
L