#characteristicsoffascism — Public Fediverse posts

[Alleged] #Christian Employers Can Now Discriminate Against #TransPeople

A settlement with the Christian Employers Alliance blocks the EEOC from ever investigating the group’s members for gender identity discrimination.

Bryce Covert
September 1 2026

Excerpt: "The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the federal agency tasked with protecting workers from illegal discrimination, inked an unprecedented settlement with a conservative Christian employer association that could have long-term, wide-ranging consequences.

"The lawsuit that led to the settlement was in reaction to #EEOC guidance issued under the Biden administration and after a 2020 Supreme Court ruling that Title VII protects against gender identity discrimination.
In the settlement, reached on August 18, the EEOC pledged to not pursue any claims of gender identity-based discrimination against the #ChristianEmployersAlliance — and made the pledge in perpetuity.

"The EEOC provides free investigation into complaints of discrimination and, in some cases, will bring lawsuits on behalf of employees at no cost to the plaintiffs.

"Now, however, anyone who works for a company with membership in the Christian Employers Alliance who believes they suffered gender identity-based discrimination won’t be able to avail themselves of the EEOC’s process.

"The settlement also contains an unusual provision: It applies not just to the more than 20,000 employers that are already members in the Christian Employers Alliance, but also to any future members, so long as they are members at the time that any claimed discrimination occurred.

"That means that any employer that decides to sign up for Christian Employers Alliance membership will get the benefit of blanket protection from the EEOC against all claims of #GenderIdentity discrimination, such as harassing someone for being #nonbinary or firing them for coming out as #trans .

" 'I am not aware of any settlement that just creates in perpetuity a freedom from investigation, 'said Karla Gilbride, a former EEOC general counsel under President Joe Biden who is now at the American Civil Liberties Union. 'I’ve never seen an organization get a settlement that allows protection to future members in this way.'

"The settlement will stay in place even if #AndreaLucas, the current Republican chair of the EEOC, is replaced with a Democratic chair under a future Democratic president. (The Christian Employers Alliance declined to comment, and the EEOC did not respond to an inquiry.)"

Read more:
https://theintercept.com/2026/09/01/christian-employers-settlement-gender-discrimination-eeoc/

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/FnMei

#WWJD #LoveOneAnother #USPol #GBLTQRights #HumanRights #TransRightsAreHumanRights #HumanRightsViolations #ChristoFascism #Fascism #CharacteristicsOfFascism

Older #StudentLoan borrowers are at risk of losing a chunk of their #SocialSecurity. There's a new bill to prevent that.

Story by Ayelet Sheffey, August 17, 2026

"Student-loan borrowers could lose their Social Security checks if they fall behind on their loan payments. Democratic lawmakers want to put an end to that practice.

"On Monday, Sens. #BernieSanders, #ElizabethWarren, and #EdMarkey introduced a bill to prevent older student-loan borrowers and borrowers with disabilities from facing Social Security garnishment if they default on their payments.

"A fact sheet of the legislation reviewed by Business Insider said that the bill would prohibit the Treasury from seizing Social Security payments, including Social Security Disability Insurance, and protect those borrowers from 'unnecessary forced collections.'

"Sanders said in a statement that 'in the richest country in the history of the world, no senior should have their Social Security payments taken away from them to pay back student debt.'

" 'This is especially true when seniors throughout the country already cannot afford the skyrocketing price of healthcare, prescription drugs, groceries and housing,' Sanders said. "Congress must pass this legislation.'

"The legislation comes as student-loan defaults are at a record high. Over 9 million borrowers were in default as of March, according to the latest Education Department data, which happens when a borrower has missed payments for 270 days.

"The New York Federal Reserve's latest household debt report showed that student-loan delinquencies stood at 10.6% in the second quarter of 2026 — up from 10.3% in the first quarter. Pre-pandemic delinquency rates were around 11%, and researchers said the latest data showed that delinquency is stabilizing. Yet researchers said that number could rise again due to the elimination of the Biden-era SAVE repayment plan, which gave borrowers affordable payments and a shorter timeline to debt relief."

Read more:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/older-student-loan-borrowers-are-at-risk-of-losing-a-chunk-of-their-social-security-there-s-a-new-bill-to-prevent-that/ar-AA2ahcsA?

#SAVEPlan #StudentLoans #USPol #TrumpSucks #CharacteristicsOfFascism

#ICE Is Expanding Across the US at Breakneck Speed. Here’s Where It’s Going Next

ICE plans to lease offices throughout the US as part of a secret, monthslong expansion campaign. WIRED is publishing dozens of these locations.

February 10, 2026

Excerpt: "As of January, ICE’s expansion is heavily concentrated in a few key states. #Texas has at least 9 leasing projects underway. In #Harlingen, located near the US border with Mexico, a lease has been awarded at 222 East Van Buren, in the same building as the city’s Department of Labor–aligned outpost. (ICE has already detained dozens of Harlingen-area residents.) In the #Woodlands, a district near #Houston, ICE appears poised to move into an office building at 1780 Hughes Landing Boulevard, blocks away from a Primrose preschool. In #ElPaso, ICE is moving into the Epicenter Office Community, a large campus of buildings right off Interstate 10 near many local health providers and other businesses. In #SanAntonio, ICE is considering a move into a building located at 15727 Anthem Parkway, near apartment buildings, dozens of restaurants, and the Methodist Hospital Landmark. In #EaglePass, ICE appears to be looking at a move into a building at 3381 US Highway 277, where at least one government office—the Drug Enforcement Administration—is already located.

"A Trump administration official recently told WIRED that #California and #NewYork are 'next' for the type of fraud investigation that culminated in 3,000 ICE agents in Minneapolis. At least seven leasing projects are underway in California. In #Sacramento, ICE has installed security features at the John E. Moss building ahead of further expansion. The location is already the site of a Justice Department immigration court. In Irvine, a city in Orange County located an hour’s drive from #LosAngeles, ICE is moving into offices on 2020 Main Street, located right next to the airport and a childcare agency. In #VanNuys, a neighborhood of Los Angeles, ICE is expanding its offices at the James C. Corman federal building that also has offices for the IRS and Health and Human Services. Further expansion of ICE offices is also underway throughout the state, in federal buildings in Los Angeles, at San Diego’s Edward J. Schwartz Courthouse and federal building, and in Santa Ana’s federal building. The #SantaAna federal building is located within blocks of a church, the stadium for one of the nation's top high school football programs, and many government services.

"In New York and #NewJersey, ICE is expanding its physical footprint rapidly. In #RoselandNJ, less than an hour’s drive from New York City, ICE is moving into a building at 5 Becker Farm Road. The building is located near the Roseland Child Development Center. In #WoodburyNY, a hamlet in #LongIsland, ICE is moving into offices located at 88 Froehlich Farm Boulevard, near an expedited passport center. In #NewWindsor, New York, a town within driving distance of New York City along the Hudson River known for the Storm King Art Center, ICE is moving into offices at 843 Union Avenue. All three of these locations are within an hour and a half from a warehouse in #ChesterNY, that DHS is pursuing as an immigrant detention center.

"The same pattern plays out in dozens of other cities across the US. ICE’s expansion includes not just its own preexisting space—or sharing an office with other government agencies—but also situates its agents near sensitive civilian locations.

"That often includes places of worship. In #Hyattsville, Maryland, ICE is expanding its offices at the Metro 1 building on 6505 Belcrest Road, which sits a few blocks from a Lutheran church. In #Tennessee, OPLA is planning to move into the #Nashville House office building, a business center in the city near multiple churches. The #OneCityCenter building in #PortlandME, where ICE plans to expand its offices, is within walking distance to at least six churches, a mosque, one synagogue, and a Salvation Army adult rehab center. [Good to know. We'll be there protesting!]

"Several planned ICE office spaces are located near schools and early-childhood care centers. ICE is poised to move into a building on 1000 Westlakes Drive in the #Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, suburb of #Berwyn; the Hillside Elementary School is about a mile away. In #Hartford, Connecticut, OPLA is poised to expand existing ICE office space in the Abraham A. Ribicoff federal building, which sits two blocks from the Betances elementary school. Back in Tennessee, ICE is ready to move into offices at 5904 Ridgeway Center Parkway in Memphis, in a building near the private all-girls Hutchison School. In the #ColumbusOH, suburb of #Westerville, OPLA appears ready to move into a small office building at 774 Park Meadow, near the Oakstone Academy High School. In #MeridianID ICE is moving into the Portico at Meridian Center, which is located near the Spalding STEM Academy high school. And in #OakbrookIL, a suburb of #Chicago, ICE is moving into the Oakbrook Gateway, an office building located near both a Bright Horizons daycare center and a hospice center.

"Many other planned locations are near hospitals and medical offices. In #YorkPA, ICE’s OPLA division has leased space at Yorktowne Medical, a facility with multiple medical offices. In #ColumbiaSC, ICE is poised to move into offices at 1441 Main Street, which sits blocks away from the Prisma Health Baptist Hospital. In #NaplesFL, ICE is poised to move into offices at 75 Vineyards Boulevard, close to Physicians Regional Pine Ridge campus hospital.

"Other locations appear to be strategically situated near buildings that ICE either currently uses or could use to detain immigrants. The #Hyattsville location is about an hour and a half from a warehouse DHS recently purchased that ICE has said will be used to detain immigrants, as is a second office marked for OPLA use in #CockeysvilleMD.

"Among the many ICE leasing projects underway in Florida is Research Commons, a building located in #Orlando at 12249 Science Drive that’s less than 25 minutes away from another warehouse identified by the Post as a potential large-scale detention center. The York, #Pennsylvania, location is also an hour and 20 minutes away from a warehouse recently purchased by ICE for nearly $90 million that a Republican congressman said will be used as a processing and immigrant detention facility.

"In Alexandria, Louisiana, ICE is moving into a building on 1201 3rd Street, located right in the city’s historic downtown center and a 16-minute drive from the Alexandria Staging Facility, where immigrants have been detained, transferred, and then deported.

"#AlexandriaLA has emerged as a key location for ICE’s activities in the state and around the country, and an investigation from The Guardian alleged a pattern of abuse and alleged due process violations at the Alexandria facility that’s operated as a deportation 'hub.'

"This is just a sampling of the dozens and dozens of lease locations in the process of being awarded to ICE in every single GSA leasing region, which spans the entire country and US territories. ICE agents and officers will share buildings with doctors, restaurants, and businesses. They’ll expand existing offices and move in with unrelated government agencies—at 801 Arch Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for example, they’ll share space with the DMV."

Read more:
https://www.wired.com/story/ice-expansion-across-us-at-heres-where-its-going-next/

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/BQfRW

#USPol #DefundICE #DefundDHS #BorderPatrol #MurderPatrol #DetentionCenters #ICERaids #Terrorism #ICESucks #TrumpSucks #CharacteristicsOfFascism

#OglalaLakota President Refuses #ICE Manipulation and Deal -- as Three #Lakota Remain #Disappeared at #FortSnelling

By #BrendaNorrell, #CensoredNews, Jan. 15, 2026

MINNEAPOLIS -- "ICE's violence continued on Wednesday night with another #ICEShooting. Three #Lakotas arrested by ICE remain disappeared at Fort Snelling, the long time site of the genocide of #Dakota people.

"In the search for the three disappeared Lakotas, Oglala Lakota President #FrankStarComesOut says he refuses to cut a deal with ICE, which ICE is demanding to release more information.

"Meanwhile, a whistleblower has leaked the secret ICE operations underway -- including the targeting of #activists, recruiting informants in jail, and 'Operation A' exploiting migrants for intelligence.

"Both the #TohonoOodham Nation government, and #Navajo President #BuuNygren, play roles by recruiting and promoting ICE agents."

Read more:
https://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2026/01/oglala-lakota-president-refuses-ice.html

#ICESucks #ReadersupportedNews #ResistICE #Authoritarianism #CharacteristicsOfFascism

#OglalaLakota President Refuses #ICE Manipulation and Deal -- as Three #Lakota Remain #Disappeared at #FortSnelling

By #BrendaNorrell, #CensoredNews, Jan. 15, 2026

MINNEAPOLIS -- "ICE's violence continued on Wednesday night with another #ICEShooting. Three #Lakotas arrested by ICE remain disappeared at Fort Snelling, the long time site of the genocide of #Dakota people.

"In the search for the three disappeared Lakotas, Oglala Lakota President #FrankStarComesOut says he refuses to cut a deal with ICE, which ICE is demanding to release more information.

"Meanwhile, a whistleblower has leaked the secret ICE operations underway -- including the targeting of #activists, recruiting informants in jail, and 'Operation A' exploiting migrants for intelligence.

"Both the #TohonoOodham Nation government, and #Navajo President #BuuNygren, play roles by recruiting and promoting ICE agents."

Read more:
https://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2026/01/oglala-lakota-president-refuses-ice.html

#ICESucks #ReadersupportedNews #ResistICE #Authoritarianism #CharacteristicsOfFascism

#OglalaLakota President Refuses #ICE Manipulation and Deal -- as Three #Lakota Remain #Disappeared at #FortSnelling

By #BrendaNorrell, #CensoredNews, Jan. 15, 2026

MINNEAPOLIS -- "ICE's violence continued on Wednesday night with another #ICEShooting. Three #Lakotas arrested by ICE remain disappeared at Fort Snelling, the long time site of the genocide of #Dakota people.

"In the search for the three disappeared Lakotas, Oglala Lakota President #FrankStarComesOut says he refuses to cut a deal with ICE, which ICE is demanding to release more information.

"Meanwhile, a whistleblower has leaked the secret ICE operations underway -- including the targeting of #activists, recruiting informants in jail, and 'Operation A' exploiting migrants for intelligence.

"Both the #TohonoOodham Nation government, and #Navajo President #BuuNygren, play roles by recruiting and promoting ICE agents."

Read more:
https://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2026/01/oglala-lakota-president-refuses-ice.html

#ICESucks #ReadersupportedNews #ResistICE #Authoritarianism #CharacteristicsOfFascism

#OglalaLakota President Refuses #ICE Manipulation and Deal -- as Three #Lakota Remain #Disappeared at #FortSnelling

By #BrendaNorrell, #CensoredNews, Jan. 15, 2026

MINNEAPOLIS -- "ICE's violence continued on Wednesday night with another #ICEShooting. Three #Lakotas arrested by ICE remain disappeared at Fort Snelling, the long time site of the genocide of #Dakota people.

"In the search for the three disappeared Lakotas, Oglala Lakota President #FrankStarComesOut says he refuses to cut a deal with ICE, which ICE is demanding to release more information.

"Meanwhile, a whistleblower has leaked the secret ICE operations underway -- including the targeting of #activists, recruiting informants in jail, and 'Operation A' exploiting migrants for intelligence.

"Both the #TohonoOodham Nation government, and #Navajo President #BuuNygren, play roles by recruiting and promoting ICE agents."

Read more:
https://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2026/01/oglala-lakota-president-refuses-ice.html

#ICESucks #ReadersupportedNews #ResistICE #Authoritarianism #CharacteristicsOfFascism

#OglalaLakota President Refuses #ICE Manipulation and Deal -- as Three #Lakota Remain #Disappeared at #FortSnelling

By #BrendaNorrell, #CensoredNews, Jan. 15, 2026

MINNEAPOLIS -- "ICE's violence continued on Wednesday night with another #ICEShooting. Three #Lakotas arrested by ICE remain disappeared at Fort Snelling, the long time site of the genocide of #Dakota people.

"In the search for the three disappeared Lakotas, Oglala Lakota President #FrankStarComesOut says he refuses to cut a deal with ICE, which ICE is demanding to release more information.

"Meanwhile, a whistleblower has leaked the secret ICE operations underway -- including the targeting of #activists, recruiting informants in jail, and 'Operation A' exploiting migrants for intelligence.

"Both the #TohonoOodham Nation government, and #Navajo President #BuuNygren, play roles by recruiting and promoting ICE agents."

Read more:
https://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2026/01/oglala-lakota-president-refuses-ice.html

#ICESucks #ReadersupportedNews #ResistICE #Authoritarianism #CharacteristicsOfFascism

WTF!!! #Immigration Agents Deploy to #NewOrleans and #TwinCities, Seeking to Arrest Thousands

#DemocracyNow, Dec 04, 2025

"The Trump administration deployed federal Border Patrol agents across immigrant communities in the New Orleans area Wednesday, calling it '#OperationCatahoulaCrunch.' Gregory Bovino, a senior #BorderPatrol official who has been the face of President Trump’s #MassDeportation campaign, was seen patrolling the city’s #FrenchQuarter. A New Orleans resident told the Associated Press he watched agents arresting men outside a #HomeImprovementStore. The Trump administration says it’s seeking to arrest 5,000 people during the surge. It comes as Immigration and Customs agents have begun a mass arrest campaign in #Minnesota targeting #SomaliAmerican communities in the Minneapolis- #SaintPaul region. The raids follow a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday in which Trump called Somalis 'garbage.' Trump then doubled down on his racist rhetoric Wednesday."

https://www.democracynow.org/2025/12/4/headlines/immigration_agents_deploy_to_new_orleans_and_twin_cities_seeking_to_arrest_thousands

#USPol #ViewerSupportedNews #ICESucks #ICERaids #MurderPatrol #Fascism #CharacteristicsOfFascism

#Protesters in #SouthFlorida to fight back against state orders to remove #RainbowCrosswalks

Walter Murphy, August 25, 2025

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — "Protesters are expected to hit the streets of South Florida Monday to fight back against state orders to remove rainbow crosswalks in places like #FortLauderdale, #MiamiBeach and #KeyWest.

"Four crosswalks in Fort Lauderdale are in the crosshairs of the Florida Department of Transportation.

"The state recently sent the city a non-compliance letter, demanding the different designs and murals be removed.

" 'It’s an attempt to try to erase the presence of anything to do with the #LGBTQCommunity,' Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis said.

"The state sent similar letters to Miami Beach, Key West and #DelrayBeach, citing safety issues, but Trantalis says it has nothing to do with safety.

" 'It could be the gay community this year -- who knows what’s going to be next year,' he said. 'We don’t know where they are going to keep trying to eliminate the diversity of what represents Florida.'

"Two of the crosswalks in Fort Lauderdale on the state’s list are along Breakers Avenue at Terramar and Riomar streets.

"Another one is at East Las Olas Boulevard and Almond Avenue, and the final one is at Sebastian Street along A1A.

"That will be the site of one of two demonstrations against #FDOT’s order set for Monday night.

"Both protests were organized by #EricSwanson, who is better known as #MissBouvèé.

" 'A crosswalk doesn’t define us,' Miss. Bouvèé said. 'It’s the principle of the fact (that) it symbolizes a safe space for us.'

" 'I am outraged by the State of Florida’s decision to forcefully remove #PrideCrosswalks — symbols of love, support, and unity in our communities,' Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said Thursday.

" 'These vibrant installations are more than paint on pavement. They reflect the values we hold dear in Miami-Dade: respect, appreciation of fellow neighbors, and the fundamental right to live and love openly,' she said in a statement.

"The warnings to communities across Florida come after last week’s removal of a rainbow-colored crossing marking the 2016 massacre outside the #PulseNightclub in #Orlando, where 49 people were gunned down. It was painted over in the middle of the night by work crews, but has since been restored by a group of demonstrators."

"The issue has been simmering since a July 1 directive from U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who gave U.S. governors 60 days to identify what he called safety improvements.

" 'Roads are for safety, not political messages or artwork,' Duffy said in a statement at the time.

"The Federal Highway Administration said in a statement Friday to The Associated Press that Duffy 'has made every state receiving federal dollars responsible for identifying hazards on their roads.'

:Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday amplified those comments, saying on X: 'We will not allow our state roads to be commandeered for political purposes.'

"A statement from FDOT said the agency has a duty 'to ensure the safety and consistency of public roadways and transportation systems.'

" 'That means ensuring our roadways are not utilized for social, political, or ideological interests,' it said.

Efforts to remove the crosswalks are 'clearly an #AntiLGBTQ push on behalf of both the federal government and the copycat version from the state government,' said Rand Hoch, founder of the Palm Beach County #HumanRights Council.

" 'They’re basically blackmailing municipalities, counties and states by saying if you don’t do this, we’re going to withhold funding,' Hoch said. 'It’s absolutely ridiculous.'

"It is unclear whether other states and communities outside Florida are being ordered to remove rainbow crossings, but Florida is often the vanguard nationwide in fights over what some call the culture wars of politics. Those include battles over the removal of #LibraryBooks deemed inappropriate by #DeSantis and other Republicans.

"In Key West, state transportation officials said that if pavement markings in its historic downtown aren’t removed by Sept. 3, 'the Florida Department of Transportation will remove them by any appropriate method necessary without further notice.' In a letter to Key West’s city manager, federal authorities also threatened the 'immediate withholding' of state funds if it finds 'additional violations.'

"The Aug. 15 letter to Key West leaders said that many local communities in Florida 'immediately began undertaking actions to ensure compliance.' It did not specify how many communities have cooperated or what steps they have taken.

"Miami Beach has also been ordered to remove its rainbow crosswalk on Ocean Drive by the first week of September."

Source:
https://www.local10.com/news/local/2025/08/25/protesters-in-south-florida-to-fight-back-against-state-orders-to-remove-rainbow-crosswalks/

#DeSantisSucks #GBLTQIntolerance #GBLTQErasure #CharacteristicsOfFascism #FascismInTheUSA #USPol #FloridaPol #TrumpIsAFascist #TrumpIsABully

On today's episode of #FascismInTheUSA...

#Cornyn Says #FBI Will Help Find #Texas Lawmakers Who Left State

The senator said the agency had agreed to help locate Democratic state legislators who departed to try to block a vote on congressional maps. Democrats said #FederalLawEnforcement was being misused.

By J. David Goodman and Julie Bosman
Aug. 7, 2025

"Senator John Cornyn, Republican of Texas, said on Thursday that the F.B.I. had agreed to his request to help track down dozens of Democratic Texas state lawmakers who left the state to prevent a vote on a redistricting plan.

"The activation of federal agents could create a standoff between the Trump administration and state leaders in Illinois, where many of the absent #Democrats have taken refuge.

"It was not clear on Thursday morning whether federal agents had actually taken action in the case, or what role they might eventually play.

"Gov. JB Pritzker of Illinois scoffed at the idea that federal agents could be deployed against the Texas lawmakers present in his state, calling it 'a lot of grandstanding.'

" 'The reality is that all that he has said is that the F.B.I. has been authorized to locate the House Democrats — nothing more,' Mr. Pritzker told reporters at the Illinois State Fair on Thursday. 'I welcome the F.B.I. coming to the state,' he added. 'But they won’t be arresting anyone because there is no federal law that prohibits those Texas House Democrats from being here.'

"Mr. Pritzker has previously said that federal law enforcement agents might be used in an attempt to #intimidate lawmakers, even if the agents did not have cause to make arrests.

"Several of the #TexasDemocrats in Illinois said that as of Thursday morning, no federal agents had been seen or reported at the lawmakers’ hotel in St. Charles, about 25 miles west of Chicago.

"The whereabouts of the Texas lawmakers are widely known, but until now at least, they had considered themselves safe from arrest because they were far from the jurisdiction of Texas law enforcement agencies.

" 'I am proud to announce that Director #KashPatel has approved my request for the F.B.I. to assist state and local law enforcement in locating runaway Texas House Democrats,' Mr. Cornyn said in a statement.

"In his letter on Tuesday requesting the bureau’s assistance, Mr. Cornyn argued that the Democratic lawmakers might have violated state bribery laws by accepting money from outside groups to support their efforts to prevent a vote in the Texas House on a redrawn political map.

"No criminal warrants have actually been filed against the lawmakers in Texas. The speaker of the Texas House has issued civil warrants, saying that the Democrats violated rules of attendance for that chamber,but those warrants have not been considered enforceable outside the state during previous legislative walkouts."

Read more:
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/07/us/politics/texas-redistricting-cornyn-fbi.html

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/qLpkc

#FashPatel #Fascism #ACAB #Overreach #CharacteristicsOfFascism

#SupremeCourt Lets #Trump Enact His #Authoritarian Agenda on Its ‘#ShadowDocket’

The right-wing-dominated Supreme Court keeps greenlighting Trump’s most authoritarian actions without even bothering to give us an explanation

By Mike Sacks, July 27, 2025

https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/political-commentary/trump-supreme-court-shadow-docket-emergency-agenda-1235394694/

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/xAZk2

#USPol #Trump #Authoritarianism #Fascism #NaziRegime #ResistTheRegime #SCOTUS #SCOTUSIsCompromised #ImpeachClarenceThomas #ImpeachBrettKavanaugh #ErikPrince #OligarchCamp #TrumpIsAFascistDictator #CharacteristicsOfFascism

Congressional Analysis: #GOP Tax Gifts to #Rich Would Explode Deficit They Always Complain About

"This bill gives enormous additional tax cuts to wealthy people and corporations, spikes the deficit, and strips healthcare from millions of Americans," said one critic.

Jessica Corbett
May 13, 2025

Excerpt: " 'Reckless tax cuts for the top and new corporate loopholes appear to be the big features of this bill, and they're paid for by cutting our healthcare and making American communities more vulnerable to floods, fires, and storms,' she stressed. 'The revenue raisers—which don't stop this from being extremely expensive—seem to be about picking winners and losers, rather than passing rational, consistent policies.' "

https://www.commondreams.org/news/gop-reconciliation-package

#BigUglyBill #Environment #Ethics #TaxBreaksForTheRich #CorporatePolluters #AirIsLife
#WaterIsLife #LandIsLife
#TrumpHatesTheEnvironment
#TrumpHatesThePoor #Corporatocracy #CharacteristicsOfFascism
#SilencingDissent #USPol #HR9495 #StopHR9495 #TaxPackage #Authoritarianism #AuthoritarianRule
#FightForTheFuture

What’s in Trump’s big bill? Trillions in tax cuts, changes to Medicaid and more

By KEVIN FREKING and LISA MASCARO
Updated 8:21 PM EDT, May 13, 2025

WASHINGTON (AP) — "#Republicans in Congress are moving with rapid speed to advance President Donald Trump’s big bill of #TaxBreaks, #SpendingCuts and beefed-up border security funding as leaders work to enact many of his campaign promises.

"House committees have been laboring for months to draft the legislation, which Republicans have labeled 'THE ONE, BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL,' a nod to Trump himself. Speaker Mike Johnson is pushing to approve the package and send it to the Senate by Memorial Day.

"Democrats say they will fight what House party leader #HakeemJeffries calls 'this extreme and toxic bill.' "
https://apnews.com/article/trump-tax-cuts-bill-medicaid-work-requirements-17cbde167f3b434e925a199c3253b8e1

#BigUglyBill #Environment #Ethics #StudentLoans #Medicaid #TaxBreaksForTheRich
#CorporatePolluters #AirIsLife
#WaterIsLife #LandIsLife
#MAGADeathCult #TrumpHatesTheEnvironment
#TrumpHatesThePoor
#AntiLife #Greenpeace
#Indivisible #FreePalestine
#CREW #PeaceAndJustice
#Corporatocracy #CharacteristicsOfFascism
#SilencingDissent
#USPol #HR9495 #StopHR9495
#TaxPackage #Authoritarianism
#AuthoritarianRule
#FightForTheFuture
#Section112209

This is what I sent to Maine Senators Susan Collins and Angus King...

Dear Senator Collins / King, I beg you to vote "no" on Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill." The passing of this will hurt many Mainers, and could impact Maine non-profits (Section 112209). Many Mainers are already struggling to pay their bills, and putting more of a burden on them, while giving tax breaks to the rich is unfair to working and disabled Mainers. Thank you.

#HR9495 #BigBeautifulBill #BigUglyTaxBill #ToxicBill #Environment #Ethics #AirIsLife #WaterIsLife #LandIsLife #TrumpHatesTheEnvironment
#TrumpHatesThePoor #CorporatePolluters #Corporatocracy
#CharacteristicsOfFascism
#SilencingDissent #USPol
#HR9495 #TaxPackage
#Authoritarianism #AuthoritarianRule #StopHR9495 #FightForTheFuture
#Section112209

House Republicans look to help Trump strip tax-exempt status of nonprofits he says support terrorism

By ALEXA ST. JOHN and MATTHEW DALY
Updated 1:37 PM EDT, May 13, 2025

WASHINGTON (AP) — "A proposal by Republicans in Congress would allow President Donald Trump’s administration to remove the tax-exempt status of nonprofits that it says support #terrorism, creating what some #nonprofits say is an arbitrary standard to financially punish #charities that advocate for issues that don’t align with his agenda.

"Unusual language added Monday to a reconciliation bill from the House Ways and Means Committee — the tax-writing committee — would allow for terminating the tax-exempt status of groups the administration deems 'terrorist supporting organizations.' The language mirrors a bill from the last Congress that passed in the House but did not pass the Senate.

"The definition and criteria for determining whether or how an organization supports terrorism are unclear. The bill also targets nonprofits in other ways, echoing complaints by Trump, who has called the tax-exempt status a 'privilege' that has been 'abused.' Trump has threatened to revoke tax-exempt status for groups that don’t abide by his directives or agree with his views."

[...]

"Michelle Roos, executive director of the Environmental Protection Network, which represents hundreds of former scientists and regulators, said last month 'we all pay the price' when charitable organizations are silenced based on politics.

"For example, the move to revoke #TaxExempt status could choke off funding for groups that urge greater action to promote clean air, water and land, work to help communities most affected by industrial pollution and advocate for projects and policies to combat #ClimateChange — among other issues.

" 'It threatens the rights, health, and future of every community,' Roos said in a statement.

Last month, Trump said he could target environmental groups and the ethics watchdog organization Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington."

Read more:
https://apnews.com/article/congress-nonprofits-tax-exempt-terrorism-trump-f9f5cfad4ea64c0745313a0b8a84fccf

#Environment #Ethics #AirIsLife #WaterIsLife #LandIsLife #MAGADeathCult #TrumpHatesTheEnvironment #TrumpHatesThePoor #AntiLife #Greenpeace #Indivisible #FreePalestine #CREW #PeaceAndJustice #CorporatePolluters #Corporatocracy #CharacteristicsOfFascism #SilencingDissent #USPol #HR9495 #TaxPackage #Authoritarianism #AuthoritarianRule #StopHR9495 #FightForTheFuture #Section112209

#SanctuaryCities List

#SancutaryStates

California
Colorado
Connecticut
Illinois
Massachusetts
New Jersey
New York
North Dakota
Oregon
Rhode Island
Utah
Vermont
Washington

Cities and Counties

District of Columbia:
Washington

Georgia:
Athens-Clarke County
Atlanta
Columbia County
DeKalb County
Douglas County

Idaho:
Power County

Indiana:
Lake County
Monroe County
St. Joseph County

Kansas:
Douglas County

Kentucky:
Campbell County
Franklin County
Jefferson County
Louisville

Louisiana:
New Orleans

Maine:
Cumberland County
Hancock County

Maryland:
Baltimore
Baltimore County
Charles County
Howard County
Hyattsville
Montgomery County
Prince George's County
Queen Anne's County
Rockville
St. Mary's County

Michigan:
Kalamazoo County
Lansing
Leelanau County
Muskegon County
Oakland County
Washtenaw County
Wayne County

Minnesota:
Anoka County
Cottonwood County
Dakota County
Hennepin County
Jackson County
Kandiyohi County
Lincoln County
Lyon County
Nobles County
Pipestone County
Ramsey County
Watonwan County

Nebraska:
Banner County
Blaine County
Douglas County
Gosper County
Greeley County
Howard County
McPherson County
Platte County
Sioux County

New Hampshire:
Hillsborough County

New Mexico:
Bernalillo County
Chaves County
Colfax County
De Baca County
Dona Ana County
Eddy County
Grant County
Hidalgo County
Las Cruces
Lincoln County
Los Alamos County
Luna County
McKinley County
Otero County
Quay County
Rio Arriba County
Roosevelt County
San Juan County
San Miguel County
Sandoval County
Santa Fe
Santa Fe County
Sierra County
Socorro County
Taos County

New York:
Albany
Albany County
Dutchess County
Monroe County
Nassau County
New York City
Orange County
Putnam County
Rockland County
Saratoga County
Suffolk County
Sullivan County
Tompkins County
Ulster County
Warren County
Westchester County
Yates County

North Carolina:
Buncombe County
Chatham County
Durham County
Forsyth County
Guilford County
Mecklenburg County
Orange County
Wake County
Watauga County

Ohio:
Franklin County
Hamilton County
Lorain County
Mahoning County

Pennsylvania:
Allegheny County
Bucks County
Chester County
Delaware County
Lancaster
Lehigh County
Montgomery County
Northampton County
Philadelphia
Washington County
York

Tennessee:
Shelby County

Virginia:
Albemarle County *
Alexandria
Alleghany County *
Amherst County *
Appomattox County *
Ashland *
Arlington County
Augusta County *
Bath County *
Bedford *
Bedford County *
Brunswick County *
Buchanan County *
Campbell County *
Caroline County
Charles City County *
Charlotte County
Charlottesville *
Chesapeake *
Chesterfield County *
Colonial Heights *
Covington *
Dickenson County *
Dinwiddie County *
Dumfries *
Emporia *
Essex County *
Fairfax County
Franklin *
Gloucester County
Greensville County *
Halifax County *
Hampton *
Hanover County *
Harrisonburg *
Haymarket *
Hopewell *
Isle of Wight County *
James City County *
King and Queen County *
King William County *
Lee County *
Loudoun County
Lynchburg *
Manassas *
Manassas Park *
Martinsville
Mathews County *
Mecklenburg County *
Middlesex County *
Nelson County *
Newport News
Norfolk *
Northumberland County *
Norton *
Occoquan *
Petersburg *
Poquoson *
Portsmouth City *
Prince George County *
Prince William County *
Quantico *
Rappahannock County *
Richmond
Richmond County *
Rockingham County *
Russell County *
Scott County *
Shenandoah County *
Smyth County *
Staunton *
Suffolk *
Surry County *
Tazewell County *
Virginia Beach *
Warren County *
Warsaw *
Washington County *
Waynesborough *
Westmoreland County *
Williamsburg *
Wise County *
York County *

* Denotes the jurisdiction is part of a regional jail system. Please click on map point for further information.

Wisconsin:
Dane County
Milwaukee County
Winnebago Correctional Center (state facility)

Source (includes map):
https://cis.org/Map-Sanctuary-Cities-Counties-and-States

#ResistICE #Fascism #TrumpIsABully #USPol #SanctuaryStates #SanctuaryCities #CharacteristicsOfFascism
#ResistAuthoritarianism

#Trump Signs Order Requiring Nationwide List of #Sanctuary Cities and States

Story by Michelle Hackman, Tarini Parti, April 28, 2025

WASHINGTON — "President Trump signed an executive order on Monday escalating his battle against Democratic-led states and cities that don’t fully cooperate with federal immigration authorities, a key barrier to the mass deportations he has promised.

"The order directs the attorney general and the secretary of Homeland Security to identify within a month cities and states that aren’t complying with federal immigration laws, designating them as 'sanctuary jurisdictions.'

"The cities and states on the list could face a cutoff in federal funding and possible criminal and civil suits if they refuse to change their laws or practices.

" 'It’s quite simple: obey the law, respect the law [sez the lawless #FascistRegime], and don’t obstruct federal immigration officials and law-enforcement officials when they are simply trying to remove public safety threats from our nation’s communities,' White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday at a briefing alongside Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar.

"Trump also directs the Justice Department to pursue civil-rights cases against cities or states that, in its view, favor immigrants in the country illegally over U.S. citizens. The order cites policies that treat immigrants more leniently in criminal cases or sentencing and state laws that provide immigrants in-state tuition rates at public universities but deny the lower rates to out-of-state U.S. citizens. At least 25 states have adopted such laws in some fashion.

"Sanctuary cities and states have become a major obstacle for Trump as he has sought to drive up deportations in line with his campaign pledge. Most immigrants in the country tend to cluster in large cities such as New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, and the administration has a tougher time arresting those here illegally if local police refuse to assist."

Read more:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/trump-to-sign-order-requiring-nationwide-list-of-sanctuary-cities-and-states/ar-AA1DKBK7?ocid=winp2fptaskbarhoverent&cvid=914e0765d8ce4e5bfaa5b9a4e9b0c997&ei=20

#ResistICE #Fascism #USPol #SanctuaryStates #SanctuaryCities #CharacteristicsOfFascism #ResistAuthoritarianism

#PortlandME #ChildrensMuseum loses federal grant intended for #WabanakiHistory programs

by Gillian Graham, Portland Press Herald, Maine
Sat, April 12, 2025 at 4:06 AM EDT

"The Trump administration has terminated a nearly $250,000 grant the Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine was using for programs about #Wabanaki culture and history.

"The Portland museum was awarded the money last year from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and was already deep in the process of developing a project that includes programs for schoolchildren and other visitors, curriculum support for teachers and a play adapted from a children's book.

"Then an email arrived late Wednesday night notifying Executive Director Julie Butcher Pezzino that the grant has been terminated, casting uncertainty on how the nonprofit organization will pay for the project.

" 'It sort of feels like the rug was pulled out from under us in the middle of an important project,' she said. 'It's pretty brutal. It's a big loss in promised funds for an organization like ours.'

"The children's museum is among the many #museums, #libraries and other organizations across the country that are now scrambling to deal with the loss of funding they depended on to operate.

"President Donald #Trump signed an executive order declaring the Institute of Museum and Library Services [#IMLS], the primary federal support for U.S. libraries and museums, 'unnecessary' and vowing to eliminate or nearly eliminate it. Weeks later, he placed the federal agency's entire staff on a 90-day leave.

"This week, the #MaineStateLibrary laid off 13 staff members — nearly one-third of its staff — and closed for two weeks to restructure its operations because its funding from #IMLS is indefinitely suspended, according to State Librarian #LoriFisher.

"Maine is among more than 20 states suing the federal government over its attempt to shutter IMLS. That suit also challenges Trump's targeting of the Minority Business Development Agency and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.

"The IMLS last year awarded $266.7 million in grants, research and policy development to museums, libraries and related organizations.

"The children's museum was awarded the $224,143 Museums for America grant in August, the first time in two decades it had received a grant from the IMLS.

"The museum had already received a $40,000 reimbursement from the grant funding and had requested another $15,000 reimbursement. But that second reimbursement never came and with Trump's comments about eliminating the agency, the museum staff and board were worried about the funding even before it was canceled.

" 'We had some concerns and suspicions, given the news and the termination of all the staff members at IMLS,' Butcher Pezzino said. 'That didn't feel like it would bode well.'"

Source:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/childrens-museum-loses-federal-grant-080600799.html

#CulturalErasure #TrumpIsABully #USPol #NativeAmericanCulture #WabanakiConfederacy #MaineFirstNations #History #ErasingHistory
#CharacteristicsOfFascism #IndigenousPeoplesDay

#RESIST! #NAACP Sues #DepartmentOfEducation Over #DEI Rollbacks: Here's What To Know

The nation's oldest #CivilRights group says the Trump administration’s rollback of diversity and inclusion programs is unconstitutional and disproportionately harms #BlackStudents.

April 19, 2025

"The NAACP is suing the U.S. Department of Education over recent efforts to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in schools. In a federal complaint filed in Washington, D.C., the organization alleges that the Department of Education’s recent directives are unconstitutional and discriminatory—particularly for Black students.

"The complaint faults the administration for targeting programs that offer '#truthful, #inclusive curricula,' as well as policies that expand access to selective educational opportunities for #BlackAmericans and foster belonging while addressing #racism in schools.

"The NAACP argues that the Department’s recent actions 'advance a misinterpretation' of federal civil rights laws and Supreme Court precedent—actions that, according to the group, violate its members’ rights to equal protection and to be free from viewpoint discrimination under the #USConstitution.

"NAACP President Derrick Johnson criticized the move, stating that the administration is 'effectively sanctioning' the very discrimination that U.S. civil rights laws were designed to prevent

" 'The Department of Education, tasked with a responsibility to protect the civil rights of all children, has instead claimed #SystemicRacism doesn’t exist — effectively sanctioning the very discrimination that our civil rights laws were designed to prevent while children of color consistently attend #segregated, chronically underfunded schools where they receive less educational opportunities and more discipline,' said Johnson."

Read more:
https://www.essence.com/news/naacp-sues-department-of-education-over-dei/?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us

#BlackLivesMatter #USPol #Resistance #TrumpIsARacist #CharacteristicsOfFascism

From 2024: #HumanRightsWatch - #Venezuela: Brutal #Crackdown on #Protesters, Voters

Killings, #MassArrests Following Elections

(Bogota) – "Venezuelan authorities are committing widespread #HumanRights violations against #protesters, #bystanders, #opposition leaders, and critics following the July 28, 2024, presidential election, Human Rights Watch said today. Concerned governments should push for independent verification of the electoral results and support international efforts to ensure accountability.

"International observers have raised serious concerns about the July 29 announcement by Venezuela’s National Electoral Council (CNE) that #NicolásMaduro had been re-elected president. Following the announcement, thousands of protesters have taken to the streets, in largely peaceful protests, to demand a fair counting of the votes. Human Rights Watch has documented that Venezuelan authorities and #ProGovernment armed groups known as '#colectivos' have committed widespread abuses, including killings, arbitrary detention and prosecution, and harassment of critics. On September 2, a judge issued an arrest warrant against opposition candidate #EdmundoGonzález for '#conspiracy,' 'incitement to #disobedience' and other crimes.

" 'The repression we are seeing in Venezuela is shockingly brutal,' said Juanita Goebertus, Americas director at Human Rights Watch. 'Concerned governments need to take urgent steps to ensure that people are able to peacefully protest and that their vote is respected.'

"Venezuelans voted in the presidential election in large numbers, despite irregular government actions and human rights violations in the lead-up to the election, including arrests of opposition members, arbitrary disqualifications of opposition candidates, and restrictions on Venezuelans #voting abroad. Several hours after polls closed, Venezuela’s electoral council declared that Maduro had won the election with over 51 percent of the vote. The Electoral Council has not released the tally sheets from the election, nor conducted the audits and citizen verification processes required by law.

"The United Nations Electoral Technical Team and the #CarterCenter, which observed the elections, said the process lacked transparency and integrity, and questioned the declared result. They indicated that, instead, the precinct-level tally sheets that the opposition made public were reliable. The Carter Center noted that the tally sheets showed, with 81 percent of the votes counted, that #González had won the election by a significant margin.

"Venezuelans have taken to the streets across the country, particularly in low-income areas traditionally supportive of the Chavismo movement, where many incidents of #repression have taken place.

"Human Rights Watch received credible reports of 24 killings in the context of #protests from independent local groups, including Foro Penal, Justicia Encuentro y Perdón, Monitor de Víctimas, and Provea, or discovered them on social media. Human Rights Watch independently documented 11 of these cases, including by reviewing death certificates, verifying videos and photographs, and interviewing 20 people, including witnesses and other local sources. Many relatives, witnesses, and others were not willing to be interviewed because they feared #GovernmentRetaliation.

"Human Rights Watch analyzed and verified 39 videos and 2 photographs of protests found on social media platforms or sent directly to researchers by people close to the victims, and by local organizations and journalists.

"Researchers confirmed the exact locations where these videos were filmed; used information such as shadows, weather patterns, and upload dates to determine the time of day; and consulted with forensic pathologists and arms experts, who analyzed the injuries and weapons that were seen and heard.

"According to Venezuelan authorities, they arrested over 2,400 people in connection with protests. The local pro bono group #ForoPenal recorded over 1,580 '#PoliticalPrisoners' who have been arrested since July 29, including 114 children. Prosecutors have charged hundreds with sometimes broadly defined crimes carrying harsh sentences, such as '#incitement to hatred,' '#resistance to #authority,' and 'terrorism.'

"The government has also intensified its broader repressive tactics, cancelling passports of critics to prevent them from leaving the country, encouraging citizens to report on #demonstrators, and conducting abusive #raids, especially in low-income communities. On August 15, Maduro’s supporters in the National Assembly passed a law that grants the government #BroadPowers to control and shut down nongovernmental organizations [#NGOs]."

Read more:
https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/09/04/venezuela-brutal-crackdown-protesters-voters

#ElectionFraud #CharacteristicsOfFascism #Fascism #Authoritarianism #Crackdown #CriminalizingDissent #protesters #Protesting #BogusCharges #Murder

State by State Pending and recently passed #AntiProtestLaws: #Montana

HB 481: New penalties for protests near gas and oil #pipelines

Heightens penalties for protests near oil pipelines and other "critical infrastructure facilities," including those under construction. The law creates an offense of trespassing on critical infrastructure, defined as willfully and knowingly entering property containing a critical infrastructure facility that is posted or fenced. The offense is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail or a $1,500 fine. If a person trespasses with the intent to willfully impede the facility's operations, or damage, deface, or tamper with facility equipment, the offense is a felony punishable by up to eighteen months in prison or a $4,500 fine. An organization that is found to be a conspirator in trespass on critical infrastructure is liable for fines that are ten times the amount authorized for the crime. A person who trespasses can be held civilly liable for damages to property while trespassing, and an entity or person that compensates or provides consideration to someone for trespass may be held vicariously liable for damages committed by that person. "Critical infrastructure facility" is broadly defined and among many other things includes oil and gas pipelines, refineries, water treatment plants, railroad tracks, and #TelephonePoles.
Bill text: https://bills.legmt.gov/

Status: enacted

Introduced 18 Feb 2021; Approved by House 2 March 2021; Approved by Senate 16 April 2021; Governor Signed 14 May 2021

Issue(s): Civil Liability, Protest Supporters or Funders, Infrastructure, Trespass

#FirstAmendment #CriminalizingDissent
#Authoritarianism #Fascism #Clampdown #CriminalizingProtest
#CharacteristicsOfFascism #USPol #AntiProtestLaws #PipelineProtests

So yeah. This REALLY pisses me off! I have friends who work for the #MaineStateLibrary. Grrrrr....

Maine State Library issues layoffs, cites inability to access federal funding
The Maine State Library announced Wednesday 13 staff members, whose positions are supported by federal funding, were laid off.

April 9, 2025

"The Maine State Library announced layoffs on Wednesday, citing an ongoing inability to access federal funding.

"The announcement comes after President Donald #Trump signed an executive order in March deeming the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) 'unnecessary' and slated to be dismantled, later placing the entire agency's staff on administrative leave.

"The Maine State Library said in a news release that IMLS funding represents 30 percent of its annual budget and has not received any communication from IMLS on if or when funding might be restored.

"The state library said it last received funds from its 2025 federal award advance through the IMLS on March 24.

"Thirteen employees whose positions are supported by federal funding have been laid off, the state library said. Those employees represent approximately 30 percent of Maine State Library staff.

"The Maine State Library said the layoffs could be rescinded if funding is restored.

"Starting on Thursday, the Maine State Library will close for a two-week reorganization period where its location at 242 State St. in Augusta will not be open to the public.

"'Losing access to this Federal funding harms Maine residents and will have negative consequences in communities across the state," Maine State Librarian #LoriFisher said in the release. 'Despite these significant cuts, the Maine State Library remains committed to advancing the mission of libraries in Maine and to serving every library patron to the best of our ability.'

"In 2024, the Maine State Library says it received $1,526,754 from the #IMLS Library Services and Technology Act Grants to States program which supports services including #HighSpeedInternet for public libraries; #InterlibraryLoans, #EBooks, and #audiobooks; services for #VisuallyImpaired patrons; and professional development for library staff.

"The library says it is continuing to evaluate the range of impacts on library services from the funding cuts and hopes to provide further updates as they become available.

"Following Trump's executive order, Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey joined 20 other attorneys general in a lawsuit to stop the Trump administration from dismantling a handful of agencies, including the IMLS."

Read more:
https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/maine-state-library-issues-layoffs-inability-access-federal-funding/97-3adb5f7f-a6c1-42fe-a519-dc849384dd99

#Libraries #LibrariesRule #LibraryOfThings #BannedBooks #CommunitySpaces #CentersOfLearning #SeedLibraries #Knowledge #CharacteristicsOfFascism #TrumpIsABully #FundLibrariesNotSpaceX

#Florida officials report hundreds of books removed from schools

#Beloved by #ToniMorrison, #NormalPeople by #SallyRooney and #SlaughterhouseFive by #KurtVonnegut, among books pulled

by Coral Murphy Marcos
Tue 12 Nov 2024 23.10 EST

"Florida’s department of education has released a list of more than 700 books that were 'removed or discontinued' from schools across the state after changes to a state law last year that allows parents and residents to challenge the content of #LibraryBooks.

"This year’s list, which has doubled in size from last year, includes titles such as Beloved by Toni Morrison, Normal People by Sally Rooney, and Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut.

"The list comes after #HouseBill1069 went into effect last July, requiring school districts to set up a mechanism for parents to object to anything they consider pornographic or inappropriate.

"Since then hundreds of titles have been removed from elementary, middle and high school libraries. In Florida, 33 out of about 70 school districts #BannedBooks.

"American classics such as #BraveNewWorld by #AldousHuxley, #ForWhomTheBellTolls by #ErnestHemingway and The Adventures of #TomSawyer by #MarkTwain are among those that have been pulled. Contemporary novels by bestselling authors such as #MargaretAtwood and #StephenKing have also been removed.

"Members of the #FloridaFreedomToReadProject, a group comprised of public school parents, said the measure has led to an unprecedented rise in #censorship, mostly driven by conservative interest groups, and has limited students’ access to diverse #literature.

“'We believe in a fair, thorough, and public objection process that ensures decisions reflect the needs of each school community - not the broad, district-wide censorship we see today that’s inspired by the vague language in #HB1069 and ‘bad book’ lists like this one,' the group said in a statement.

“'Censorship is happening right here in Florida. Lists like this that include award-winning, #ClassicLiterature and books about #BanningBooks cannot be spun or shoved into a narrative about extremely targeted removals,' they added.

"#PENAmerica found that Florida and #Iowa recorded the highest number of book bans during the 2023-2024 school year, leading in the country with over 4,500 book bans in Florida and over 3,600 in Iowa. These bans have cost districts about $34,000 to $135,000 a year.

"A study on educational censorship in Florida found a 'climate of compliance, fear and stress' that threatens students’ academic performance and the well-being of both teachers and students'."

Read more:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/nov/13/florida-book-bans-removals-education-department-list?utm_source=pocket-newtab-en-us

#BannedBooks #Censorship #FloridaSchools #Education #CharacteristicsOfFascism #ChristoFascism

House Fast Tracks Bill That Would Give #Trump Power to Target Nonprofits

The legislation would let the Treasury Department revoke tax-exempt status for any “terrorist supporting organization"

November 10, 2024

"The vague language in the bill could be used against nonprofits that support #Palestinian rights, #ReproductiveRights and #EnvironmentalProtections. "

Original article:
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/house-bill-trump-power-target-nonprofits-1235161151/

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/MOe4R

#SilencingDissent #FreePalestine #Activists #NoDAPL #Section25 #Fascism #Greenpeace #Blackwater #ErikPrince #CriminalizingDissent #CrackdownOnProtests #AntiProtestLaws #Genocide #ClimateActivists #ErikPrinceColonialism #CorporateFascism #CorporateColonialism #ClimateProtestors #CharacteristicsOfFascism

House Fast Tracks Bill That Would Give #Trump Power to Target Nonprofits

The legislation would let the Treasury Department revoke tax-exempt status for any “terrorist supporting organization"

November 10, 2024

"The vague language in the bill could be used against nonprofits that support #Palestinian rights, #ReproductiveRights and #EnvironmentalProtections. "

Original article:
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/house-bill-trump-power-target-nonprofits-1235161151/

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/MOe4R

#SilencingDissent #FreePalestine #Activists #NoDAPL #Section25 #Fascism #Greenpeace #Blackwater #ErikPrince #CriminalizingDissent #CrackdownOnProtests #AntiProtestLaws #Genocide #ClimateActivists #ErikPrinceColonialism #CorporateFascism #CorporateColonialism #ClimateProtestors #CharacteristicsOfFascism

House Fast Tracks Bill That Would Give #Trump Power to Target Nonprofits

The legislation would let the Treasury Department revoke tax-exempt status for any “terrorist supporting organization"

November 10, 2024

"The vague language in the bill could be used against nonprofits that support #Palestinian rights, #ReproductiveRights and #EnvironmentalProtections. "

Original article:
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/house-bill-trump-power-target-nonprofits-1235161151/

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/MOe4R

#SilencingDissent #FreePalestine #Activists #NoDAPL #Section25 #Fascism #Greenpeace #Blackwater #ErikPrince #CriminalizingDissent #CrackdownOnProtests #AntiProtestLaws #Genocide #ClimateActivists #ErikPrinceColonialism #CorporateFascism #CorporateColonialism #ClimateProtestors #CharacteristicsOfFascism

House Fast Tracks Bill That Would Give #Trump Power to Target Nonprofits

The legislation would let the Treasury Department revoke tax-exempt status for any “terrorist supporting organization"

November 10, 2024

"The vague language in the bill could be used against nonprofits that support #Palestinian rights, #ReproductiveRights and #EnvironmentalProtections. "

Original article:
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/house-bill-trump-power-target-nonprofits-1235161151/

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/MOe4R

#SilencingDissent #FreePalestine #Activists #NoDAPL #Section25 #Fascism #Greenpeace #Blackwater #ErikPrince #CriminalizingDissent #CrackdownOnProtests #AntiProtestLaws #Genocide #ClimateActivists #ErikPrinceColonialism #CorporateFascism #CorporateColonialism #ClimateProtestors #CharacteristicsOfFascism

House Fast Tracks Bill That Would Give #Trump Power to Target Nonprofits

The legislation would let the Treasury Department revoke tax-exempt status for any “terrorist supporting organization"

November 10, 2024

"The vague language in the bill could be used against nonprofits that support #Palestinian rights, #ReproductiveRights and #EnvironmentalProtections. "

Original article:
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/house-bill-trump-power-target-nonprofits-1235161151/

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/MOe4R

#SilencingDissent #FreePalestine #Activists #NoDAPL #Section25 #Fascism #Greenpeace #Blackwater #ErikPrince #CriminalizingDissent #CrackdownOnProtests #AntiProtestLaws #Genocide #ClimateActivists #ErikPrinceColonialism #CorporateFascism #CorporateColonialism #ClimateProtestors #CharacteristicsOfFascism