Centuries of anti-black racism and white supremacy in America are crystallizing for everyone to see in the form of police brutality during the Black Live Matter protests. To use an analogy, it’s clear that racism is not a bug in the system, it’s a feature. It’s systemic, pervasive throughout American culture stretching back 400 years. Congress must play its part in re-programming America by passing the Justice in Policing Act of 2020 and the HEROES Act. 

The Justice in Policing Act will, among other things:

• Ban chokeholds and no-knock warrants.
• End qualified immunity for police officers and the transfer of military grade equipment to civilian law enforcement.
• Define lynching as a federal hate crime.

Voices are rising to defund traditional American policing models and to build new approaches to ensuring public safety. We agree: violent, lawless, immoral, predatory, hate-filled styles of law enforcement must go. This bill would give the federal government the necessary tools to work for change.

Congress also must provide sustained help to workers facing economic ruin and illness from COVID-19. Again, Black people are over-represented in this double-whammy group:

• Black COVID-19 patients are dying at rates three times higher than whites; six times higher in Wisconsin and seven times higher in Kansas.
• Unemployment increased to nearly 17% for blacks, but it dropped to 12% for whites.

Expanded unemployment benefits end July 31. Republicans seem comfortable with cutting workers loose. That means Democrats must fight for the extended unemployment and health protections in the HEROES Act.

Extend Unemployment Benefits!

Pass the Justice in Policing Act!

Pass the HEROS Act!

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**ACTION TWO: CALL COMPLICIT GREG WALDEN**

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June 17, 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Ongoing every Monday, Wednesday and Friday
#MyORHealth  Support is available for Oregon’s “helpers”

Lines for Life has created a Virtual Wellness Room to offer support to helpers, mental health professionals, first responders, social workers and anyone considered an essential worker during the COVID-19 pandemic in Oregon. Each check-in call will have a facilitator to guide the conversation.

“We at Lines for Life want to thank you for all the work you do to keep our communities safe,” the organization said. “We are offering a place for helpers to exchange stories of hope and areas of need. We especially want to hear what things are coming up for you personally and explore how we can cheer one another on to continue the good work you are already doing. We ultimately want to create space to breathe out stress and breathe in hope.”

The meetings are held using Zoom conference calls from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at this link: https://zoom.us/j/4848426773. Please share this invite with anyone in your network of Oregon helpers.

Friday Night at the Guerrilla Drive-In – Medford
June 19 @ 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm
https://ord2indivisible.org/event/friday-night-at-the-guerrilla-drive-in-medford/

Ongoing Action: ORD2 Indivisible Virtual Postcard and Letter Writing Parties

Postcards to Voters:

Our postcard team is temporarily suspending the delivery of postcards to your door. However, the good news is that you will find everything you need to continue writing from home (including templates to print your own or purchase pre-printed cards) here: https://postcardstovoters.org

You can sign up through https://postcardstovoters.org/volunteer/

To avoid unnecessary trips to the post office, order stamps directly from the USPS:
https://store.usps.com/store/product/buy-stamps/coral-reefs-postcard-stamp-S_745104

…and voila, you’re ready to go! Send an e-mail to with any questions.