How Much Is A Child’s Life Worth?

How Much Is A Child’s Life Worth?

by C.A. Matthews

 

Editor’s Note: On January 17, 2024, the Toledo (Ohio) City Council once again tabled voting on a Ceasefire in Gaza Resolution. More than one hundred days into the incessant bombing and bulldozing of Gaza, and the Toledo City Council (TCC) can’t make up its mind whether it wants to denounce the genocide of the Palestinians or not.

What’s the deal? After an intense email campaign flooded all twelve of the TCC members’ inboxes, the vote on the ceasefire resolution has been put off for a later time. We’ve been told this tabling of the motion (by its original proposer) has been done “in hope of persuading the hold-outs” to vote in favor of it. With many cities in the US, including an inconsequential metropolis located 40 miles north of Toledo called “Detroit”, passing resolutions condemning the genocide and calling for solidarity with the Palestinian people, what (or rather who) on earth could be causing a half-dozen plus Toledo City Council Members to lean toward the side of backing the genocidal Israeli government?

Our organizers for this email campaign have told us to continue politely emailing and calling these TCC members for the next two weeks until the tabled resolution comes up again for a vote, but I’ve had it. My patience is gone with those who think a genocide is “no big deal” or that “there’s two sides to every issue.” Sorry, but no. When it comes to genocide, there isn’t a “pro” side unless you’re an outright sociopath. I wrote a polite and fact-filled email earlier in the week, but apparently it didn’t touch the naysayers’ hearts, or whatever they have instead of an organ of empathy.

I can’t trust myself to write another “polite email” (or ten) again, so I’ve decided to write my email into a blog post instead. This letter would be what I would send to the Toledo City Council Members if I could, but I won’t send it and jeopardize this resolution’s chance of passing just to vent my frustration. At least I’ll have a few things off my chest, which might help me refrain from spitting in their faces the next time I see any of them in person. Here goes...

Dear Council Member:

You may not remember my email from this past week among the many hundreds of emails on this topic that flooded your inbox, so allow me to jog your memory.

I’m an immigration advocate, writer/editor, and mother. In my line of work, I’ve seen up close how devastating ethnic cleansing can be for an individual, the same kind that is happening currently to the Palestinians in Gaza. I can empathize with just how terrifying it is not to be able to help your friends and family who are stuck in the middle of the IDF carpet bombing. One small demonstration of support by the Toledo City Council by passing this ceasefire resolution could go a long way in showing the local Palestinian/Arab American community that the city truly cares about them and their families.

 All you as a Council Member have to do is vote yes on the Ceasefire in Gaza Resolution that was proposed. Why is this simple, yet compassionate, act so difficult for you to understand? Your silence speaks volumes. 

It was brought to my attention that a former Council Member has been causing you some confusion. I must say that I am confused by his actions, too, as he no longer lives in the city, but rather he lives in a small, mostly white, affluent suburb located to the northwest of Toledo. Why Toledo City Council allows persons who live outside the city limits to tell them what to do and how to vote on a resolution was a mystery to me until I learned more about this individual.

Mr. Smith* apparently has a lot of rich, powerful friends in the county. I see now how he controls your votes. Although he currently lives in another city, he still thinks he and his gang can tell the Toledo City Council what to do. As we all know, Toledo is no longer as affluent as it once was and is no longer mostly white, either. Mr. Smith in his earlier remarks espoused a Zionist political philosophy, one that is known for its racism against all people of color, Palestinians in particular. It seems probable Mr. Smith doesn’t support a ceasefire because he wants the genocide to continue until all Gazans are dead and the next phase of driving out any remaining Palestinians in the West Bank can begin. Perhaps he is hoping that a similar ethnic cleansing operation could make Toledo “mostly white” again one day? Who knows what lurks in Zionists' hearts?

I’m certain Mr. Smith couches his approval of the Israeli genocide in flowery terms, but the fancy verbiage doesn’t hide the cold hard facts: There are an estimated 100,000 human beings missing, maimed, or dead in Gaza, 12,000+ of them children. Over 700,000 are without food or drinkable water as of today. I’m assuming that you don’t personally feel that toddlers and newborns are “hardened terrorists” like most Zionists do. In that case, you’d agree with me that Palestinian children aren’t guilty of any “crimes” whatsoever. So, if Palestinian children are innocent of any crimes, why should they be punished—or in this case murdered by carpet bombing and the withholding of food and potable water—for actions in which they cannot be held responsible for in the first place?

Wouldn’t calling for a ceasefire to end the hostilities so both sides can sit around the negotiation table and work things out be a good thing to do for the sake of the children? Wouldn’t Toledo City Council backing a Ceasefire in Gaza Resolution help encourage public opinion to demand these negotiations begin and the killing stop? Wouldn’t it show how much Toledo stands in solidarity with innocent Palestinian children and civilians in general? Aren’t children’s health and safety worthy of your time and consideration, so much so that you’d vote yes on the ceasefire resolution today if you could?

To put it another way: How much is a child’s life worth to you, Council Member?

If you’re still siding with a wealthy, white suburbanite who wants the massacres to continue in Gaza, then you’re telling me and the world that you don’t really place much worth on the life of any child—a child of color in particular. A child of color who resides in either in Gaza or Toledo. Brown or Black lives aren’t worth a whole lot to you is what refusing to vote yes on the ceasefire resolution says to me. 

Essentially, you’ve placed a price tag of $0 on these children’s heads. Whether they live or die is of no importance to you. I personally find your callous disregard for the lives of children disgusting.

I’m sure Mr. Smith and his friends (who after all live in a very well-to-do suburb in the same county as the city of Toledo) can write some pretty big checks come election campaign time. I’m also certain that your county political party machine relishes those big fat checks. I'm sure your party leaders have warned you to never do anything that could drive away those big campaign donations on pain of political death, no doubt. So, even if you won’t answer the question, “How much is a child’s life worth?” you've given us all the answer.

 A child’s life isn’t worth your political career, obviously.

This can mean only one thing—your political career must be terminated so that children may live.

I know you’ll take exception to my reasoning, but what else have you given us to go on? A reasonable request to pass a resolution calling for a ceasefire of the bombing of innocent civilians in Gaza is being ignored. There has to be something causing you as Council Member to not enthusiastically support saving children’s lives—any child’s life, no matter what color he/she is or where the child lives. And that something must have something to do with what Mr. Smith and his rich suburbanite friends have that you so desperately want—money. 

Rich people use money as a threat or an incentive to get what they want frequently. I’ll have to assume they’ve threatened that the big checks will stop dropping into your party's campaign war chests if you don’t do as you’re told and vote down the ceasefire resolution. To quote a few outspoken audience members at the last council meeting: “Spineless.” “Cowards.”

A child’s life (whatever his/her color) is of infinite worth in case you didn’t know. I don’t know if you’re a parent or grandparent or have never even held a baby in your arms in your life before, but know this: A child’s life is worth far more than any damn campaign contribution. Spineless cowards like you have put a price tag of $0 on their heads in order to stay in office. Proud of yourself? Putting your political career above the chance of standing in solidarity with others who wish to save innocents’ lives in Gaza. 

What a “neighborly” thing to do, Toledo! And we belong to the so-called “Welcoming City” organization, too. Ha ha ha!

You seem to forget, Council Member, that Palestinian Americans can and do vote and that Arab Americans/Muslim Americans make up a good percentage of voters in Lucas County. They're well paid professionals just like your friend Mr. Smith and his group, too. They will be writing big checks to your political opponents from now on. Your refusal to vote yes on the Ceasefire in Gaza Resolution will mean the end of your political career after all.  

Ironic, isn’t it? I can’t wait for the day when your cowardice catches up with you.

Sincerely yours,

A Fed-Up Voter For Peace & Justice

*Not his real name, but you probably know someone just like him.

Related Articles and Interesting Links: 

Thousands of Babies Being Born Into 'Hell' in Gaza, Says UNICEF https://www.commondreams.org/news/women-babies-gaza

On Parenthood and Genocide https://inthesetimes.com/article/gaza-genocide-children-israel-palestine-mother 

Israel Forcing Palestinians to Starve “Just Miles From Trucks Filled With Food”   https://truthout.org/articles/israel-forcing-palestinians-to-starve-just-miles-from-trucks-filled-with-food/

Palestinian Women and Children Don’t Deserve to Die in Gaza. Neither Do Men. https://truthout.org/articles/palestinian-women-and-children-dont-deserve-to-die-in-gaza-neither-do-men/  

St. Louis’s Ceasefire Resolution Is a Testament to Black-Palestinian Solidarity  https://truthout.org/articles/st-louiss-ceasefire-resolution-is-a-testament-to-black-palestinian-solidarity/

‘Operation Al-Aqsa Flood’ Day 105: Israel destroys Gaza’s last university as Netanyahu doubles down on rejection of a Palestinian state https://mondoweiss.net/2024/01/operation-al-aqsa-flood-day-105-israel-destroys-gazas-last-university-as-netanyahu-doubles-down-on-rejection-of-a-palestinian-state/

Israel’s war on Gaza live: No ‘deliberate’ war crimes by Israel, says US  https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/1/19/israels-war-on-gaza-live-us-support-for-israel-ironclad-despite-rebuff

Palestinians welcome Chile and Mexico’s call for ICC probe into Gaza war https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/19/palestinians-welcome-chile-and-mexico-call-for-icc-probe-into-gaza-war

Israeli Military Chief Says Lebanon War Likely in Coming Months
https://news.antiwar.com/2024/01/18/israeli-military-chief-says-lebanon-war-likely-in-coming-months/

5 Radical Martin Luther King Quotes Fox News Would Hate
https://www.patheos.com/blogs/notthatkindofchristian/2024/01/5-radical-martin-luther-king-quotes-fox-news-would-hate

Senate Kills Sanders Resolution Requiring Biden to Report on Israeli Human Rights Conduct in Gaza https://www.commondreams.org/news/sanders-resolution-gaza

Western racism laid the foundations for Israel's genocide in Gaza https://jonathancook.substack.com/p/western-racism-laid-the-foundations

Has Israel Lost its Right to Exist? https://joebrunoli.substack.com/p/has-israel-lost-its-right-to-exist

Patrick Lawrence: This Is Not Another ‘Phoney War’ https://scheerpost.com/2024/01/19/patrick-lawrence-this-is-not-another-phoney-war/

Biden, Israel’s accomplice in Gaza, pretends to be a bystander https://www.aaronmate.net/p/biden-israels-accomplice-in-gaza

How Israeli forces trapped and killed ravers at the Nova Festival
https://new.thecradle.co/articles/how-israeli-forces-trapped-and-killed-ravers-at-the-nova-festival

Switzerland says Israel President subject of criminal complaints at Davos  https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20240119-switzerland-says-israel-president-subject-of-criminal-complaints-at-davos/amp/

Technicality Could Sink Genocide Case v Israel https://consortiumnews.com/2024/01/17/technicality-could-sink-genocide-case-v-israel

Indonesia Files Lawsuit Against Israel At World Court https://popularresistance.org/indonesia-files-lawsuit-against-israel-at-world-court/

Cuba Proposes Non-Aligned Movement Support Urgent Dispatch Of Protection Mission To The Gaza Strip https://popularresistance.org/cuba-proposes-non-aligned-movement-support-urgent-dispatch-of-international-protection-mission-to-the-gaza-strip/

Can the US Please Stop Supporting Genocidal Nazis? https://joebrunoli.substack.com/p/can-the-us-please-stop-supporting

The Biden Administration's Absurd Justification For Its Yemen War https://www.caitlinjohnst.one/p/the-biden-administrations-absurd 

Ohio Pastor Charged for Opening Church to Homeless People in Freezing Weather https://www.commondreams.org/news/ohio-pastor

One year after the toxic train derailment, is East Palestine (Ohio) safe? Depends on whom you ask. https://grist.org/accountability/is-east-palestine-safe-depends-who-you-ask/

COVID-19 has killed more than 7 million people since 2020 https://peoplesdispatch.org/2024/01/13/covid-19-has-killed-more-than-7-million-people-since-2020/

Global 1% own 43% of financial assets, 5 richest billionaires doubled wealth while 5 billion workers got poorer https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2024/01/18/billionaires-richest-doubled-wealth-poorer-oxfam/
 

Some videos well worth watching:

Palestine in 1920 https://youtu.be/QUCeQt8zg5o?si=juKUncu86IoJLr2-

Are We The Baddies? (A History of US Empire)
https://youtu.be/ooMCvGlbbc4?si=wdFvdUxzzsM7i0Bu

South Park's take on Israeli propaganda: https://twitter.com/AdameMedia/status/1747953750403084674

Miko Peled interviews Dr. Jill Stein, Green Party candidate
https://youtu.be/rgIMHAJlPVM?si=x_hFcYMQjscVA0H8

Subscribe to The Revolution Continues on Substack today! Blogspot isn't working as well as it once did (Is it blatant censorship? Who knows?!) so it's time to migrate to a better platform. Go to https://therevolutioncontinues.substack.com/ and click on one of the stories and subscribe at the link at the end of the article. You'll enjoy having each week's post automatically sent to your email box or reading it at the Substack site. Many thanks for your consideration.

Away In A Baby Jail (Save Democracy!)

This just in: Democracy in America is officially dead--unless we work to save it! 

The Lake Erie Bill of Rights (LEBOR), a Rights of Nature citizens' initiative to protect the lake's ecosystem and the drinking water of millions, needs your help. It was voted onto the February special election ballot by an ordinance of the Toledo city council last Tuesday afternoon, only to be shot down yet again by the Lucas County Board of Elections the next Monday morning.  A city attorney stated that he received a "last minute email" protest from two individuals, Shaun Enright, Secretary and Business Manager of the Northwest Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, and Joshua Abernathy, member of IBEW Local 8, via McTigue and Colombo, a law firm that is known for representing Ohio's natural gas and oil lobby among others. (More details here.) (And even more details here.)

The lawyer responsible for presenting the protest to the Board hid behind a pillar throughout the fifteen minute proceedings. The chair promptly gaveled the meeting closed after that, giving the public no opportunity to comment or ask questions. Two individuals were allowed to file a protest 30 minutes before the B. of E. meeting, delaying a decision on LEBOR until a "special hearing" called for December 20. 

Never mind the fact over ten thousand individuals signed the petition calling for a Lake Erie Bill of Rights. Never mind the entire metropolitan Toledo area's water supply was shut off for three days in 2014 due to unacceptable levels of blue-green algae pollution. Never mind the Supreme Court of Ohio was ambivalent about their decision earlier and united only once Big Money came into play. An attempt to shut down the whole movement to protect Lake Erie has been instigated by two individuals acting on behalf of Big Business.

Toledoans for Safe Water are not giving up. They will campaign for the February 26 special election as planned, as it's possible the measure will be allowed on the ballot at the very last minute (a tactic that's been used to kill similar citizens initiatives in the area).  TSW is now accepting donations via Paypal and used clothing locally to sell on as a fundraiser to purchase signage and ads. 

Help these valiant activists raise money to promote the Lake Erie Bill of Rights to the public against the deep pockets of Big Ag, Big Oil, and other lobby groups. Power to the People--not the Polluters! Please donate today to help get LEBOR on the ballot. Together we'll set a Rights of Nature precedent in North America!

And now on to our regularly scheduled rant.

The best thing about being on the censors' "shit list" is that you can pretty much say anything you like without fear of getting on said list since you're already there! It's never been a big concern for us here at The Revolution Continues in the past, but now with the outright blocking of this site, it's a challenge to see what other ways we can get on the corrupt establishment's nerves and drive them over the edge. So without further adieu...

Away In A Baby Jail

by C.A. Matthews

(Can be sung to either familiar tune of Away in a Manger. Or not.)

Away in a babe-jail, no crib for a bed--
The migrant babe Jesús lays down his sweet head.
ICE and border guards gassed Maria as she ran
And step-dad José was locked up in the can.

The racists are crowing--the poor baby wakes.
It's migrant babe Jesús Betsy DeVos takes!
A torrent of rich whites want "abandoned" brown kids--
To use them as slaves like their ancestors did.

This is America, freedom is a sham.
We've turned on our principles as sure as we stand.
We hate the poor and natives--genocide is the plan.
We've lost all our honor. Sieg heil orange man!
 

Disgusted? I meant at our current situation, not just the bad poetry. If I made you angry at both, then I've succeeded in my purpose.

Closing our eyes and pretending what the US is doing to asylum-seekers isn't happening won't make things right. Watching endless holiday bowl games and spending a million bucks in the mall shopping won't erase the harm and evil that has been perpetrated in our names. 

"My name?" you cry. "I don't have anything to do with those ICE thugs tear gassing women and children!" Sorry to break this to you, but you pay taxes, correct? Your US tax dollars are going toward building a border wall and more baby jails and paying private adoption agencies like the one Education Secretary Betsy DeVos owns. Your hard earn money even goes to paying the salaries of the twenty-first century American S.S. equivalent, ICE agents. There is blood on all of our hands and guilt cast upon our names a-plenty.

Stop lying to yourself. Denial is the name of a river in Egypt.  Egypt--you know the place. It's the land that Mary, Joseph and Jesus fled to because of the wrath of King Herod, a tyrannical despot who makes even Mr. Trump look benign.

What can we do about this horrible situation? Stop paying taxes? Possibly, if we all did it, all at once. That just might get the establishment's attention. But you could be locked up for not paying your taxes--and then how would you fight back against injustice from behind bars? Could that be the reason why the elites throw people into prison on the flimsiest excuses, such as the color of their skin or their socioeconomic status? They know we can't affect change if we're locked up?
 
Let's not give them the satisfaction. We need everyone in the fight. We need to speak out and make a lot of noise. Our voices need to be heard by the powers-that-be. The establishment needs to know how angry and disgusted we are. Our silence is killing human beings. We can no longer remain silent and simply wish this awful reality away.

This holiday season don't forget to speak out, demonstrate, protest, write letters to the editor, Tweet at your representatives, etc. Make the reason for your anger clear. Tell them to stop ICE and the Border Patrol from tear gassing and locking up of families and the separating of children from their parents simply because they're poor and running away from violence our government has helped to create in their countries over the years. Let's follow our own laws and render due process for those who seek asylum.

Then take your righteous anger and channel it into doing as many compassionate acts as you can for those who are hurting in your community. Feed the poor. Pay someone's heating bill who can't afford it this month. Watch a friend's kids so she can go to the doctor's or attend an important appointment, such as a job interview. Every act of kindness will make you stronger and ready to take on the evil establishment when the time comes.

This is the season of hope, peace, joy and love. Spread those positive vibes, and all the while keep both your ears and heart open to learning all you can to prevent future injustices from occurring.

Related articles/videos:
United We Dream

Federal Court Says We Have a Constitutional Right To Feed the Homeless

Church Puts Holy Family in ICE Detention  (Indianapolis)

Church Sparks Backlash Over Controversial Nativity Scene (Massachusetts)

Baby Jesus In a Cage? Yes, It's Political

Nearly 100 Kids Have Been Separated From Their Families Since Trump Ended His Zero-Tolerance Policy

Church Extends Support to Deported Man 

Reuters Photojournalist Talks About Photo of Children Fleeing Tear Gas at Border in Mexico

 

  ***
From The Poor People's Campaign:

Today, the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival, the Kairos Center and Repairers of the Breach answer the call from the California Poor People's Campaign and the American Friends Service Committee to join faith leaders at the U.S.-Mexico border. Together, we demand a clear and just immigration system that prioritizes family reunification and the demilitarization of our communities on the border and the interior.


Watch the livestream of the interfaith service here.
 
The startling heartlessness with which our immigration system treats migrants is a rejection of human dignity. As we watch these families walking everyday closer, we see the same faces as those in our domestic refugee crisis from homeless encampments in Chico to the wildfires throughout Northern California. The haze of tear gas choking migrant children goes hand in hand with the armored cars deployed in Ferguson, Missouri. 

We have a moral obligation to uphold our nation’s promise to welcome the tired, the poor, the huddled masses yearning to breathe free. We cannot succumb to hateful rhetoric and conspiracy theories. Now, more than ever, we must stand for all those with whom we share a common suffering and hope. 

We’re here today at the San Diego border to demand the demilitarization of our border communities and an immigration system that recognizes the shared humanity of migrants seeking safety and refuge. But we can’t do this without you: Share our petition now to support the movement, wherever you are, and demand Congress take action.

Somebody has been hurting our people and it’s gone on far too long. And we won’t be silent anymore. 

Forward together, not one step back, The Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival

***

Tell the United Nations to investigate U.S. human rights violations of asylum seekers.

The petition to the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights and High Commissioner on Refugees reads: "Launch an investigation into U.S. human rights violations of asylum seekers." Add your name:

Tear gas and rubber bullets should never be used to attack asylum seekers. Yet, Donald Trump's deportation force used these weapons against unarmed refugee children and families. It also recently closed a major port of entry. And now, his hateful administration is considering a new rule that would require many refugees to pay an asylum fee.1 These actions are in gross violation of international law. More than 100,000 CREDO members recently demanded that the United Nations send observers to the border. Now we need it to go one step further and immediately launch an investigation. Tell the United Nations to investigate U.S. human rights violations of asylum seekers. Click here to sign the petition. The Trump administration has treated members of the migrant caravan like enemy combatants. It has launched tear gas and rubber bullet attacks against them, extended the military occupation at the border and authorized troops to use lethal force.2 Caravan members are unarmed refugees fleeing extreme poverty, violence and oppression. We should be welcoming them, not using violence and slowdown tactics to force them to give up and turn back. The Trump regime's "metering" system is causing major delays, confusion and chaos at the border.3 It severely restricts the number of asylum seekers who enter the country every day. International law requires the United States to review every application for asylum. This system is preventing refugees from even applying. Now, the Trump administration is considering a new rule that would require many refugees to pay an asylum fee, adding yet another barrier to the process. It is also conspiring with the Mexican government to send these asylum seekers back to the countries they fled.4 These actions violate the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention and Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees under which the United States government has obligations. There is enough evidence for the United Nations to launch an investigation. It's up to us force it to act. Join us and our friends at Presente, Puente and Mijente to demand that the United Nations investigate human rights violations at the border immediately. Tell the United Nations to investigate U.S. human rights violations of asylum seekers. Click the link below to sign the petition. https://act.credoaction.com/sign/un_investigation?t=7&akid=30829%2E9999572%2EicmdIX Thank you for all you do, Nicole Regalado, Campaign Manager CREDO Action from Working Assets Add your name: References: Michael Burke, "Trump mulling charging immigrants a fee for applying for asylum: report," The Hill, Dec. 4, 2018. Wesley Morgan, "Mattis extends border troop mission until end of January," POLITICO, Dec. 4, 2018. Jonathan Blitzer, "The long wait for Tijuana migrants to process their own asylum claims," The New Yorker, Nov. 29, 2018. The Guardian, "Mexico to deport up to 500 migrants who tried to cross US border," Nov. 26, 2018.

***

Help us to continue speaking out against the corrupt system!

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Please consider donating a buck, $5, $10 or $20--any amount you can share with us to keep this progressive site going without those awful ads is appreciated. Help us become a strong alternative voice protesting against the corrupt establishment and its paid-off corporate mouthpieces. Give to TRC today. Thank you.

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Power to the people and not the corporations!

***

From Friends of the Earth Action:
Earlier this year, Trump’s FCC gutted net neutrality. It took steps to give Big Cable companies like Comcast and Verizon even more control over the Internet.

Net neutrality is the principle of a free and open Internet. Now, thanks to Trump’s actions, Internet providers could soon start throttling speeds and creating fast and slow lanes online. But Congress could stop that from happening.

The Senate voted to overturn the FCC’s decision this summer after activists like you spoke out. Now, we need your help to push the House of Representatives to act before the end of the lame duck session. 

Sign the petition: Tell the House of Representatives to restore net neutrality and an open Internet!

Net neutrality is the principle that Internet providers like Comcast and Verizon should not control what we see and do online. In 2015, the FCC enacted strong protections for net neutrality. They prohibited Internet providers from blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization -- "fast lanes" for sites that pay, and slow lanes for everyone else.

Thanks to the FCC’s recent decision, it will soon be easier for Internet providers to pick which stories you see online. It could force people to pay extra to see content that is critical of Trump or his corporate friends and Big Oil cronies. And it paves the way for fast lanes for the rich and slow lanes for the rest of us. 

Those who can pay to promote misinformation -- like the fossil fuel industry -- will get a new fast lane. And Comcast and Verizon’s power grab would let them decide what stories you get to see about Donald Trump’s attacks on people and the environment.

This could make it harder for people like you and me to organize online to stop him. We can’t let that happen. 
Take action now: Tell House Representatives the internet belongs to people, not Big Cable!

The FCC's massively unpopular decision has sparked a national movement to keep the Internet open and fair. Millions of people across the political spectrum are taking action in the streets, at their statehouses, outside the FCC, and before Congress. 

Net neutrality is vital to free speech, small business, and communities that might not otherwise have a voice in the mainstream media. There’s NO EXCUSE -- every lawmaker, both Republican and Democrat, should support net neutrality.

We need to make sure your Representatives hear from grassroots voices like yours, not their wealthy donors like Comcast and Verizon lobbyists.
As of now, more than 170 representatives in the House have supported restoring net neutrality -- but we still need at least 41 more members. We’re so close to a victory, but we still need your help. If engaged Friends of the Earth Action members like you speak up again, we can push the House of Representatives to restore net neutrality during the lame duck session.

Help us reach 50,000 signatures: Demand the House of Representatives restore net neutrality NOW!

Standing with you,
Liz Butler,
VP of organizing and strategic alliances,
Friends of the Earth Action