sarahsayer.com

Tag: freedom of speech

  • I have no words

    It’s been a little bit since I’ve written. Every day that’s elapsed, I’ve intended to explain—make a video, a Telegram message, a blog post…and I’ve been frozen. I open my mouth and no words come. I sit before a blank screen to write and no words come. What is there to say that hasn’t been said yet?

    Marcellus Williams was murdered despite his innocence and the massive public outcry. Cries for justice fell on ears that heard and did it anyway. Israeli violence has continued to escalate – a school of orphaned children was bombed just yesterday. The region has only continued to experience expanding violence from Gaza, the West Bank, then Lebanon, Yemen, Iran – and on and on. My country knows the majority of Americans, and the majority of the entire world, have called Israel’s crimes for what it is – genocide – but the officials still deny it. It’s still being funded. Billions of dollars are being sent overseas to fund proxy wars, meanwhile, towns across Appalachia have been wiped out by flooding and are still in dire need of help.

    Workers in Tennessee died from flooding because their bosses told them if they left, they’d be fired. People say things online like, “Well they should have just left anyway a job isn’t worth your life.” While not technically wrong, it oversimplifies the situation. Most Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. Healthcare is tied to employment. Inflation is the worst it’s ever been. Not having a job for a lot of people means losing such a significant quality of life that the stakes are completely different. I was just laid off from my job a couple of weeks ago. I get why the threat worked.

    The longshoremen strike is one I wholeheartedly support. I even thought, maybe this will delay weapons shipments, too. Those hopes were quickly dashed. Our economy is a military-industrial complex built by blood both here and abroad. Military shipments are going on as normal. Israel was sent another 8.7 billion dollars from this administration, while FEMA does not have enough funding to make it through the rest of the hurricane season.

    We all know by now the government will not save us. It’s up to us to help one another. But, even when we try to we are stopped. I’ve been thinking a lot about the civilian pilot, Jordan Seidhom, who the local fire chief threatened with arrest if he continued flying rescue missions in North Carolina. Seidhom isn’t a hobbyist – he has a law enforcement background and all the necessary credentials to fly. He was trying to save people who are being absolutely failed by our federal and state governments, and instead of being seen as the hero he is, he was threatened.

    So with a mind full of nonstop horrors both domestically and abroad, I have lost my words. The shame of having stopped only increases each day, but still, no words come. Writing this has taken days, and each word has been a fight. Is anyone even listening at this point? Have my efforts truly done anything?

    I know this matters and I won’t stop forever. I need to rethink how to move forward to best use my time, skills, and abilities to make an impact without completely deteriorating. Right now I feel raw and open – I’ve need this time to assess the world and myself. I intend on coming out with a new structure soon to share. I’ve moved my hosting to 1984, and it’s been a little bit to transfer my blog over correctly. As an aside, I chose 1984 for its strong stance on free speech. The ADL sued them to try to get the website mapliberation.org taken down. Per the website, the map project “illustrates some ways in which institutional support for the colonization of Palestine is structurally tied to policing and systemic white supremacy here where we live, and to US imperialist projects in other countries.” I have a lot of respect for 1984 hosting fighting this egregious, frivolous lawsuit.

    SOURCES

    The Innocence Project “Stop the Sept. 24 Execution of Marcellus Williams, an Innocent Man“

    Newsweek “I’m a Black Man in Missouri—Marcellus Williams’ Execution Reveals a Hidden Truth“

    The Voice “When innocence doesn’t matter: Marcellus Williams’ execution was a modern-day lynching“

    Al Jazeera “Video: Israeli attack on Gaza school for orphans“

    Al Jazeera “Why did Israel attack Lebanon’s biggest Palestinian refugee camp?“

    Al Jazeera “Iran’s missile attack against Israel: What we know and what comes next“

    Scientific American “Why Appalachia Flooded So Severely from Helene’s Remnants“

    Washington Examiner “Appalachia: A ballad of the unseen“

    USA Today “Heartbreak across 6 states: Here are some who lost lives in Hurricane Helene“

    NBC News “Tennessee investigating plastics factory after workers trapped by Hurricane Helene floods died or went missing“

    CNN “Massive port strike begins across America’s East Coast, threatening shortages and rising prices“

    WUSA9 “Baltimore cruise ships and military cargo not affected by dock worker strike“

    NBC6 South Florida “South Florida couple stranded by Helene in North Carolina rescued by chopper pilot“

    New York Post “Helicopter pilot threatened with arrest after flying rescue missions in flood-ravaged NC“

    Firehouse “Civilian Pilots Join Rescue, Relief Efforts in Storm-Ravaged Areas“

    AP News “Mayorkas warns FEMA doesn’t have enough funding to last through hurricane season“

    Reuters “Israel says it has secured $8.7 billion U.S. aid package“

    Newsweek “Matt Gaetz Voted Against FEMA Funding Right Before Hurricane Helene Struck“

    The Hill “Hurricane Helene renews calls for Congress to pass disaster funding“

    The New Republic ““Let It Go to Voicemail”: Democrats Reportedly Ignoring Calls for Cease-Fire“

    Middle East Eye “Israel-Palestine war: Interns, fellows on Capitol Hill say US Congress suppressing Gaza ceasefire calls“

    The New Republic “Congressional Interns Accuse Bosses of Suppressing Calls for Cease-Fire“

  • THREATS TO THE ICC DON’T CHANGE THE TRUTH – ISRAEL IS GUILTY OF GENOCIDE

    https://resist.bot/petitions/PPTYWN

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    Resistbot is part of a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization that allows Americans to send letters to government officials using SMS, Telegram, Messenger, and other popular chat apps. Anyone can use it, and you can write & send your own letters without making petitions. You can learn more on their official website: https://resist.bot/

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    5/21 Petition to Biden & U.S. Congress

    I am absolutely disgusted by the preemptive letter several Republican Senators sent to the International Criminal Court (ICC) ahead of the recent announcement of arrest warrants being pursued for Netanyahu and Gallant. Biden’s claim the warrants are “outrageous” and that Israel isn’t committing a genocide IS the outrageous part. The letter from the Senators reads disgustingly similar to the threatening letter members of the House of Representatives sent to Reuters for their reporting on the horrors Israel is inflicting on Gaza. It reminds me of the other threatening letter multiple state attorney generals sent to the New York Times, the Associated Press, CNN, and Reuters back in December for the same reason.

    The consensus on Israel’s actions constituting a genocide are clear. Even multiple U.S. federal lawyers and policymakers have recently advised this administration that continuing to provide Israel financial and military support violates domestic and international law. These clear attempts to coerce journalists and the International Criminal Court to overlook Israel’s genocide are disgusting. I’d like to borrow the same language this government has used – your actions are “unethical, inhumane, and indefensible”. “Now [you] are on notice. Follow the law”. “You have been warned”.

    Today, 5/21, over the last 24 hours Israel has massacred over 85 people, and injured over 200 in Gaza. At the same time, Israel was, again, assaulting the town of Jenin in the West Bank and murdered at least 7, which included a teacher and a doctor. Israel’s genocide has never been confined to just Gaza. The methods employed to terrorize the rest of occupied-Palestine may vary but the goal is the same. Doctors are not a target. Teachers are not a target. Civilians are not a target.

    I demand that you: 

    – Hold Israel accountable for a permanent, immediate ceasefire, their violations of the Genocide Convention, and gross human rights violations by any means necessary

    – Call for the immediate end of Israel’s occupation and apartheid and support Palestinians in their fight for freedom and peace

    – Secure the immediate release and safety of all Palestinians who have been abducted and held captive by Israel, including those whose indefinite detention began prior to 10/7

    – Permanently end all monetary, diplomatic, and military aid given to Israel and enforce Leahy Law

    – Reallocate all funds given to Israel and commit additional resources for ongoing humanitarian relief for Palestinians starting with immediately resuming funding of UNRWA

    – Immediately withdraw all U.S. troops, military assets, and all other assets deployed throughout the Middle East and cease all actions that further escalate a larger regional conflict

    – Pass legislation that voids all anti-BDS laws at the federal level

    – Vote no on H.R. 7521 and any similar legislation proposed

    SOURCES

    Al Jazeera 5/21 Live Updates

    Al Jazeera “US lawmakers slam ICC prosecutor’s Israel arrest warrant requests“

    Zeteo “EXCLUSIVE: “You Have Been Warned”: Republican Senators Threaten the ICC Prosecutor over Possible Israel Arrest Warrants“

    The Washington Post “ICC prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Hamas leaders“

    CNN “Biden denounces ICC for ‘outrageous’ implication of equivalence between Israel and Hamas“

    Office of the Attorney General of State of Florida website “ATTORNEY GENERAL MOODY AND COALITION OF ATTORNEYS GENERAL PUT MEDIA COMPANIES ON NOTICE FOLLOWING REPORTS OF MATERIAL SUPPORT TO FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS“*

    Letter to Reuters & letter to several news outlets can be found linked on Florida’s Attorney General site

    *UPDATE: The Florida AG’s website has removed the article. Archived letters can be viewed here:
    – Letter to Reuters
    – Letter to AP, CNN, NYT, Reuters from State Attorney Generals

    The Intercept “EVEN BIDEN’S LAWYERS ARE URGING THE WHITE HOUSE TO CHANGE COURSE ON GAZA“

    5/7/24 OPEN LETTER OF LEGAL CONCERNS REGARDING GAZA FROM LEGAL PROFESSIONALS, DOMESTIC & ABROAD

  • ISRAEL MURDERS 7YO AND DIRECTS YOU TO SUPPRESS OUR RIGHTS TO FREE SPEECH

    https://resist.bot/petitions/PHTYZT

    <- learn more

    Resistbot is part of a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization that allows Americans to send letters to government officials using SMS, Telegram, Messenger, and other popular chat apps. Anyone can use it, and you can write & send your own letters without making petitions. You can learn more on their official website: https://resist.bot/

    To use resistbot, text via SMS (50409), or text by adding resistbot on Telegram/Messenger:
    – FOLLOW WATERMELON to get notified for all new letters to sign
    – GO WATERMELON to get a list of active letters to sign
    – SIGN CODE* to sign an open petition. *substitute code for a petititon code

    If you want to participate in my Telegram resistbot notification & human rights activism channel, you can join at: https://t.me/heywatermelon

    You can check out all of my resistbot petitons at: https://resist.bot/go/WATERMELON

    4/25 Petition to Biden & U.S. Congress

    I am absolutely disgusted that you have not and appear to have no desire or plans to stop Israel’s ground invasion into Rafah. There is nowhere else in Gaza for people to go – by default, evacuation efforts will be an act of ethnic cleansing. Today, 4/25, Israeli forces murdered a Belgian aid worker and his 7yo child in Rafah. Israel has proven time and time again they do not care who they murder. Their intentions have been clear as day this entire time – their indiscriminate destruction of Gaza, the West Bank, and other areas of occupied Palestine prove this is and always has been a genocide. I am so deeply ashamed of being American, and that is because of you.

    Then, there’s the full mask off fascism exposed by the disturbing, violent overreach against student protestors across the country, supported by you and the likes of Netanyahu. I don’t care if you agree with our views at this point – it’s so clear that you don’t – but we are supposed to have the right to freedoms of peaceful assembly and speech. We all know now we never had these rights, but it’s still worth calling out. Are you truly that bought by Israeli lobbies that you will take orders from a foreign country to suppress our rights?

    I demand that you: 

    – Hold Israel accountable for a permanent, immediate ceasefire, their violations of the Genocide Convention, and gross human rights violations by any means necessary

    – Call for the immediate end of Israel’s occupation and apartheid and support Palestinians in their fight for freedom and peace

    – Secure the immediate release and safety of all Palestinians who have been abducted and held captive by Israel, including those whose indefinite detention began prior to 10/7

    – Permanently end all monetary, diplomatic, and military aid given to Israel and enforce Leahy Law

    – Reallocate all funds given to Israel and commit additional resources for ongoing humanitarian relief for Palestinians starting with immediately resuming funding of UNRWA

    – Immediately withdraw all U.S. troops, military assets, and all other assets deployed throughout the Middle East and cease all actions that further escalate a larger regional conflict

    – Pass legislation that voids all anti-BDS laws at the federal level

    – Vote no on H.R. 7521 and any similar legislation proposed

    SOURCES

    Al Jazeera 4/25 Live Updates

    Al Jazeera “What could be the consequences if Israel invades Rafah?“

    The New York Times “Netanyahu Calls U.S. Student Protests Antisemitic and Says They Must Be Quelled“

  • VOTE NO ON H.R. 7521

    https://resist.bot/petitions/PEIIYV

    <- learn more

    Resistbot is part of a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization that allows Americans to send letters to government officials using SMS, Telegram, Messenger, and other popular chat apps. Anyone can use it, and you can write & send your own letters without making petitions. You can learn more on their official website: https://resist.bot/

    To use resistbot, text via SMS (50409), or text by adding resistbot on Telegram/Messenger:
    – FOLLOW WATERMELON to get notified for all new letters to sign
    – GO WATERMELON to get a list of active letters to sign
    – SIGN CODE* to sign an open petition. *substitute code for a petititon code

    If you want to participate in my Telegram resistbot notification & human rights activism channel, you can join at: https://t.me/heywatermelon

    You can check out all of my resistbot petitons at: https://resist.bot/go/WATERMELON

    3/13 Petition to Biden & U.S. Congress

    I am writing to you to voice my strong opposition to H.R. 7521, Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, that passed in the House of Representatives, and implore that you, my representatives in the Senate and members of the executive branch ensure this initiative goes no further. Approximately 7 million American small businesses and 170 million Americans regularly use TikTok. Legislation aimed at one company like this is unprecedented, disturbing, and infringes on my right to freedom of speech. This does not look like you care for or are trying to protect my privacy.

    TikTok has gone to unheard of lengths in the social media industry to give data transparency and access to the United States government through the Project Texas initiative. It’s been a move many American TikTok users like myself have been critical of as it’s effectively isolated American users on a different version of the app that the United States controls via Oracle.

    Banning TikTok will have disastrous economic consequences for the American small businesses that rely on the platform for their sales. Not only that, it will further alienate both political parties from the younger voters which you need to secure your re-election come November. According to Statista’s 2023 data, over 76% of American social media users aged between 18 and 24 years use TikTok. Brookings data projects that Millennials, combined with the younger generations, will be a majority of voters by 2028. As a voting bloc, younger voters have made it clear they overwhelmingly do not follow party allegiances but instead look to how their representatives act on the issues that matter most to them.

    SOURCES

    The New York Times “House Passes Bill to Force TikTok Sale From Chinese Owner or Ban the App“

    BBC News “US House passes bill that could ban TikTok nationwide“

    USA Today “House passes TikTok bill. Are TikTok’s days numbered? What you need to know.“

    ACLU “ACLU Urges Senate to Reject TikTok Ban Bill Following House Passage“

    TikTok “Project Texas”

    Firstpost “TikTok gives in to US’ demands, will open up source code and algorithms to American partner Oracle“

    Brookings “How younger voters will impact elections: Younger voters are poised to upend American politics“

    The New York Times “What Are Young Voters Looking For?“

    Statista “TikTok reach in the United States as of May 2023, by age group“

  • VOTE NO ON H.R. 7521 & END U.S. COMPLICITY IN GENOCIDE

    https://resist.bot/petitions/PQDHHV

    <- learn more

    Resistbot is part of a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization that allows Americans to send letters to government officials using SMS, Telegram, Messenger, and other popular chat apps. Anyone can use it, and you can write & send your own letters without making petitions. You can learn more on their official website: https://resist.bot/

    To use resistbot, text via SMS (50409), or text by adding resistbot on Telegram/Messenger:
    – FOLLOW WATERMELON to get notified for all new letters to sign
    – GO WATERMELON to get a list of active letters to sign
    – SIGN CODE* to sign an open petition. *substitute code for a petititon code

    If you want to participate in my Telegram resistbot notification & human rights activism channel, you can join at: https://t.me/heywatermelon

    You can check out all of my resistbot petitons at: https://resist.bot/go/WATERMELON

    3/7 Petition to Biden & U.S. Congress

    As of 3/7, approximately 30,800 – 39,100 Palestinians have been murdered in Gaza by Israel since 10/7. This does not count those murdered in other areas of occupied-Palestine, nor does it reflect the true gravity of the excess deaths that are occurring and will continue to if Israel is not stopped. The completely insufficient tents Palestinians are forced to live in are overcrowded beyond any reasonable capacity – tents meant for 3,000 are housing 10,000 – 30,000. This Sunday, at least 15 children died of starvation at the Kamal Adwan hospital in northern Gaza. The World Health Organization has advised that the numbers are unfortunately higher throughout Gaza and due to the conditions Israel has created it’s not possible to quickly count those who have died.

    As horrifying as this is, it is not a surprise. The IPC’s projection report for 8 December 2023 – 7 February 2024 has come to pass and beyond those projections. I shared this report with you on December 22nd of last year. You can’t claim you didn’t know. I know you don’t read my letters, but you have access to all the same information I do and more. That is what makes your current position beyond disturbing. You know full well what’s happening and choose to continue to rob the American people of our tax dollars and take away our rights. H.R. 7521 is just the recent iteration of your commitment to silence my right to free speech.

    TikTok isn’t the problem – you are. You can take away TikTok and any other platform you’re afraid of, but the truth of the matter is, you’re afraid of us. You can’t unring a bell. We won’t stop talking about the truth even if you up your efforts to make that harder. All this does is prove to us that whether it’s the MAGA republicans or blue MAGA democrats, you are all the same. Prove me wrong. Vote no on H.R. 7521. Demand an immediate, permanent ceasefire.

    I demand that you: 

    – Call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire

    – Call for the immediate end of Israel’s occupation and apartheid and support Palestinians in their fight for freedom and peace

    – Permanently end all monetary, diplomatic, and military aid given to Israel and enforce Leahy Law

    – Reallocate all funds given to Israel and commit additional resources for ongoing humanitarian relief for Palestinians starting with immediately resume funding of UNRWA

    – Restore my right to free speech and the freedom of the press by condemning all discrimination or harassment for criticizing any government or political ideology (including zionism) and by doing everything possible to prevent future assaults to my rights, including governmental control and/or censorship of the Internet

    SOURCES

    World Food Programme “‘I need food for my children – that’s it’: In Gaza, EU support is a lifeline for people facing famine“

    Reuters “As Gaza’s hunger crisis worsens, emaciated children at hospitals“

    Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) “GAZA STRIP: Hostilities leave the entire population highly food insecure and at risk of Famine“

    Estimated deaths as of 3/5 – 3/7 from multiple sources*

    Al Jazeera quotes 30,800 dead as of 3/7/24. Al Jazeera always includes the most up-to-date official death tolls on their Breaking/live updates page. Because the daily live pages are refreshed so frequently for each new day, I can’t link you to a specific date. You can always check the Breaking/live section on their site for the most recent official numbers.

    EuroMed Monitor quotes an estimated 39,178 dead shown on an infographic posted on their Instagram (link to post) as of 3/5/24. Their website has past infographics, but does not currently have this newest one included as of writing this blog post. This is not unusual- I believe they first post on social media and then add to the infographic section of their site later. Prior infographics posted on Instagram and then shown on their site have the exact same figures & data.

    *Why are multiple sources used for the death count?

    Associated Press “Gaza health officials say they lost the ability to count dead as Israeli offensive intensifies“

    The situation in Gaza has only gotten worse since the AP published this article on 11/21. The official numbers we are seeing from Gaza’s Ministry of Health are undercounted, and have been since at least 11/21.

    EuroMed Monitor is a NGO established in 2011 that advocates for the human rights of all persons across Europe and the MENA region. They have a regional office in the Palestinian Occupied Territories. I believe their estimates are credible which is why I quote them, and will continue to, when referring to the estimated death toll.

    My personal opinion is that the true number is even higher than estimated- people are dying from starvation, thirst, infections, and illnesses. Even if the genocide ended this moment, these types of deaths will unfortunately continue for some time. I believe their deaths should be counted. They may not have been shot/bombed/etc. by the Israeli military, but their deaths are directly attributable to the total siege, occupation, and intentional** destruction of civilian, water, waste management, and medical infrastructure by Israel.

    **Why are you accusing Israel of intentionally destroying important infrastructure and targeting civilians?

    It’s not an accusation. They’ve admitted to it.

    The Guardian “‘The Gospel’: how Israel uses AI to select bombing targets in Gaza“

    972 Magazine “‘A mass assassination factory’: Inside Israel’s calculated bombing of Gaza“

  • INFANTS KIDNAPPED & LEFT TO DIE – STOP THE GENOCIDE

    PETITION CLOSED

    text 50409 GO WATERMELION to get a list of active letters to sign, or go to: https://resist.bot/go/WATERMELON

    <- learn more

    Resistbot is part of a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization that allows Americans to send letters to government officials using SMS, Telegram, Messenger, and other popular chat apps. Anyone can use it, and you can write & send your own letters without making petitions. You can learn more on their official website: https://resist.bot/

    To use resistbot, text via SMS (50409), or text by adding resistbot on Telegram/Messenger:
    – FOLLOW WATERMELON to get notified for all new letters to sign
    – GO WATERMELON to get a list of active letters to sign
    – SIGN CODE* to sign an open petition. *substitute code for a petititon code

    If you want to participate in my Telegram resistbot notification & human rights activism channel, you can join at: https://t.me/heywatermelon

    You can check out all of my resistbot petitons at: https://resist.bot/go/WATERMELON

    1/2 Petition to Biden & U.S. Congress

    Every single day becomes the new worst day. The first thing I do when I wake up is check the news, hoping beyond hope there is a ceasefire. The last thing I do before I go to bed is check the news with dimming hope and a plea to God – please make these horrors end. I remember the buzzword used to justify the last series of genocidal wars our country raised – “the war on terror”. I didn’t know at the time what true terrorism felt like until the barbaric acceleration of Israel’s genocide, ethnic cleansing, and terror campaign. I live in constant fear. Never before in my life has advocating for human rights meant the potential loss of my job, ruined reputation, marked as an espouser of hate speech – this is what terrorism looks like, and you are it’s enabler, cosigner, and apologist.

    On New Years’ Day I heard about the Israeli solider that kidnapped an infant from Gaza after Israeli airstrikes murdered her family. I wonder what her fate is – did they snuff out her small life after using her as a new iteration of propaganda that Israel has “the most moral army in the world”? I think about the NICU babies that same “army” left to die torturously of starvation and exposure, alone and without comfort.

    I demand that you: 

    – Call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the West Bank, and all areas the Israeli military is murdering or otherwise violating the human rights of Palestinians

    – Call for the immediate end of genocide, apartheid, and occupation, and support Palestinians in their fight for freedom, peace, and their human rights

    – Call for the immediate release of Palestinian “prisoners” (hostages) held captive in Israeli military prisons

    – Permanently end all monetary and military aid given to Israel by correcting our budget and enforcing Leahy Law

    – Reallocate all funds given to Israel to ongoing humanitarian relief for Palestinians to help them rebuild, care for the sick & injured, bury the dead with dignity, and ensure all of their basic needs are taken care of

    – Repeal all federal anti-BDS laws and pass legislation that voids all state-level anti-BDS laws

    – Restore my right to free speech and the freedom of the press by condemning all discrimination or harassment for criticizing any government or political ideology (including zionism) and by doing everything possible to prevent future assaults to my rights, including governmental control and/or censorship of the Internet

    – Stop the militarization of our police by ending all cross-training done with the Israeli military, ceasing the construction of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, and all other ways this is accomplished

    – Pass legislation that prohibits any governmental action that would target any ethnic, religious, or other minority group (including Palestinians), either in the U.S. or abroad, by restricting humanitarian or financial aid, infringing on their human rights, or other actions that would otherwise bring harm or cause undue burdens on said groups

    SOURCES

    Middle East Monitor “Israeli officer takes Palestinian infant from Gaza Strip“

    For more on the NICU babies Israel left to die from starvation and exposure, see prior petition “ISRAEL LEFT NICU BABIES TO DIE- STOP THIS GENOCIDE“

  • STOP HISTORY FROM REPEATING – CALL FOR A CEASEFIRE NOW

    PETITION CLOSED

    text 50409 GO WATERMELION to get a list of active letters to sign, or go to: https://resist.bot/go/WATERMELON

    <- learn more

    Resistbot is part of a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization that allows Americans to send letters to government officials using SMS, Telegram, Messenger, and other popular chat apps. Anyone can use it, and you can write & send your own letters without making petitions. You can learn more on their official website: https://resist.bot/

    To use resistbot, text via SMS (50409), or text by adding resistbot on Telegram/Messenger:
    – FOLLOW WATERMELON to get notified for all new letters to sign
    – GO WATERMELON to get a list of active letters to sign
    – SIGN CODE* to sign an open petition. *substitute code for a petititon code

    If you want to participate in my Telegram resistbot notification & human rights activism channel, you can join at: https://t.me/heywatermelon

    You can check out all of my resistbot petitons at: https://resist.bot/go/WATERMELON

    12/21 Petition to Biden & U.S. Congress

    How many times must history repeat itself before we stop it? In the words of Israeli-American doctor of psychology & neuroscience Yoav Litvin, “Beyond justifying violent land theft, the conflation of Zionism and Judaism serves to delegitimise Indigenous resistance by equating any criticism of Zionism or Israel’s policies towards the Palestinians as an attack on Jews.” I quote his words because I am aware saying them myself serves to mark me and anyone else who signs this letter as an espouser of hate speech. 

    Beyond the multiple resolutions Congress has proposed & passed to serve as precedent for this erroneous conflation, it’s clear with every action this administration has taken that my government will do anything possible to stifle my freedom of speech and the freedom of the press as it relates to Israel.

    Americans are crying out for a ceasefire. The world is crying out for a ceasefire. We know it’s possible for our country to stop this. Reagan accomplished it in one phone call in 1982. Instead, the U.N. Security Council has been crippled by the U.S. veto vote and our president refuses to stand on the right side of history.

    I demand that you: 

    – Call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the West Bank, and all areas the Israeli military is murdering or otherwise violating the human rights of Palestinians

    – Call for the immediate end of genocide, apartheid, and occupation, and support Palestinians in their fight for freedom, peace, and their human rights

    – Call for the immediate release of Palestinian “prisoners” (hostages) held captive in Israeli military prisons

    – Permanently end all monetary and military aid given to Israel by correcting our budget and enforcing Leahy Law

    – Reallocate all funds given to Israel to ongoing humanitarian relief for Palestinians to help them rebuild, care for the sick & injured, bury the dead with dignity, and ensure all of their basic needs are taken care of

    – Repeal all federal anti-BDS laws and pass legislation that voids all state-level anti-BDS laws

    – Restore my right to free speech and the freedom of the press by condemning all discrimination or harassment for criticizing any government or political ideology (including zionism) and by doing everything possible to prevent future assaults to my rights, including governmental control and/or censorship of the Internet

    – Stop the militarization of our police by ending all cross-training done with the Israeli military, ceasing the construction of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, and all other ways this is accomplished

    – Pass legislation that prohibits any governmental action that would target any ethnic, religious, or other minority group (including Palestinians), either in the U.S. or abroad, by restricting humanitarian or financial aid, infringing on their human rights, or other actions that would otherwise bring harm or cause undue burdens on said groups

    SOURCES

    Al Jazeera “The anatomy of Zionist genocide”

    New York Times “REAGAN DEMANDS END TO ATTACKS IN A BLUNT TELEPHONE CALL TO BEGIN“

    U.S. Congressional Resolutions & Bills (both passed and proposed)*

    U.S. House “H.Res.346 – Reaffirming the support of the United States to our strongest ally in the region, Israel, and recognizing the authoritarian and extremist regime of the Islamic Republic of Iran as a threat to Israel, the region, the United States, and global stability.”

    U.S. House “S.Res.445 – A resolution recognizing the importance of the economic relationship between the United States and Israel and affirming that trade facilitated by the United States-Israel Free Trade Agreement is a tool to support the economy of Israel during the conflict with Hamas.”

    U.S. House “H.Res.796 – Condemning foreign nationals in the United States who have endorsed and espoused the actions of foreign terrorist organizations (FTO) in Gaza who, on October 7, 2023, launched attacks against the State of Israel, and killed innocent Israeli and United States citizens;.”

    U.S. House “H.Res.845 – Censuring Representative Rashida Tlaib for promoting false narratives regarding the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and for calling for the destruction of the state of Israel.”

    U.S. House “H.Res.888 – Reaffirming the State of Israel’s right to exist.“

    U.S. House “H.Res.894 – Strongly condemning and denouncing the drastic rise of antisemitism in the United States and around the world.“

    U.S. House “H.R.6113 – Israel Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023”

    U.S. House “H.R.6126 – Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024”

    U.S. House & Senate “H.Con.Res.57 – Expressing the sense of Congress supporting the State of Israel.”

    U.S. House & Senate “S.510 – Expediting Israeli Aerial Refueling Act of 2023”

    U.S. Senate “S.Res.417 – A resolution standing with Israel against terrorism.”

    *This is not meant to be an exhaustive list. In future petitions referring to legislation both proposed and passed, I will continue to update with more important resolutions and/or bills I find.

    U.S. Government Ignoring Constituents

    The Huffington Post “Capitol Hill Interns Accuse Congress Of Suppressing Cease-Fire Demands”

    The New Republic “Congressional Interns Accuse Bosses of Suppressing Calls for Cease-Fire”

    U.S. Federal & State Governments Threatening Journalists

    Office of the Attorney General of State of Florida website “ATTORNEY GENERAL MOODY AND COALITION OF ATTORNEYS GENERAL PUT MEDIA COMPANIES ON NOTICE FOLLOWING REPORTS OF MATERIAL SUPPORT TO FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS“*
    Letter to Reuters & letter to several news outlets can be found linked on Florida’s Attorney General site

    *The Florida AG’s website has removed this article. Archived letters can be viewed here:
    Letter to Reuters
    Letter to AP, CNN, NYT, Reuters from State Attorney Generals

    I’m concerned the actions of our government will lead to the total, final collapse of our democracy. The writing has been on the walls for some time. The recent acceleration of the genocide of Palestinians and the government’s support has proven this is not a red/blue issue. Fascist ideologs are in both major parties.

    American Academy “How Democracies Die”

    The Guardian “America is now in fascism’s legal phase“

    Open Democracy “This is American fascism“

    The Atlantic “A New Kind of Fascism“

    Lehigh University “Fascism in America: It’s Happening Here, According to Professor’s New Book“

    Workers World “Is the Democratic Party the alternative to fascism, or its enabler?“

    ABC “Cornel West claims there are ‘crypto fascist elements’ of Democratic Party and GOP is Trump-‘hijacked’ as he courts donors“

    Al Jazeera “Netanyahu, the godfather of modern Israeli fascism“

    Haaretz “Israeli Neo-Fascism Threatens Israelis and Palestinians Alike“

    U.S. Department of Defense “Biden Says U.S. Leadership Vital, Pledges Support for Israel and Ukraine“

    The Guardian “Does Biden’s unwavering support for Israel risk his chance for re-election?“

    U.S. Embassy in El Salvador “President Biden’s statement during his visit to Tel Aviv“

  • OUR DEMOCRACY IS DYING – END THE GENOCIDE

    PETITION CLOSED

    text 50409 GO WATERMELION to get a list of active letters to sign, or go to: https://resist.bot/go/WATERMELON

    <- learn more

    Resistbot is part of a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization that allows Americans to send letters to government officials using SMS, Telegram, Messenger, and other popular chat apps. Anyone can use it, and you can write & send your own letters without making petitions. You can learn more on their official website: https://resist.bot/

    To use resistbot, text via SMS (50409), or text by adding resistbot on Telegram/Messenger:
    – FOLLOW WATERMELON to get notified for all new letters to sign
    – GO WATERMELON to get a list of active letters to sign
    – SIGN CODE* to sign an open petition. *substitute code for a petititon code

    If you want to participate in my Telegram resistbot notification & human rights activism channel, you can join at: https://t.me/heywatermelon

    You can check out all of my resistbot petitons at: https://resist.bot/go/WATERMELON

    12/14 Petition to Biden & U.S. Congress (and staffers)

    Hi Staffer, the first part of this is for you – the comments for your boss will come after. I want to extend my most sincere gratitude for the over 140+ Congressional interns and fellows who demonstrated their bravery, integrity, and deep respect for our country. I know your letter is anonymous, and I understand why. It does not diminish the importance of your words and action. My wish is for your safety as you face disturbing conditions of suppression to fight for my voice to be heard. You are truly the best of us, and I want you to know I will never forget it. 

    If you have not stood by the open letter to Congress written by your peers, I implore you do. Please read “How Democracies Die” published on the American Academy’s site. I believe our democracy is dying, and is nearing its final stages. The methods used to move us towards an authoritarian state is happening right now. Elected autocrats weaponize the courts, government agencies, threatening media, and other tools using the institutions of our democracy to slowly and “legally” kill it. It’s important now more than ever that every single American stand up, speak out, and do everything possible to prevent this.

    As for your boss, please tell them I demand they:

    – Call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the West Bank, and all areas the Israeli military is murdering or otherwise violating the human rights of Palestinians

    – Call for the immediate end of genocide, apartheid, and occupation, and support Palestinians in their fight for freedom, peace, and their human rights

    – Call for the immediate release of Palestinian “prisoners” (hostages) held captive in Israeli military prisons

    – Permanently end all monetary and military aid given to Israel by correcting our budget and enforcing Leahy Law

    – Reallocate all funds given to Israel to ongoing humanitarian relief for Palestinians to help them rebuild, care for the sick & injured, bury the dead with dignity, and ensure all of their basic needs are taken care of

    – Repeal all federal anti-BDS laws and pass legislation that voids all state-level anti-BDS laws

    – Restore my right to free speech and the freedom of the press by condemning all discrimination or harassment for criticizing any government or political ideology (including zionism) and by doing everything possible to prevent future assaults to my rights, including governmental control and/or censorship of the Internet

    – Stop the militarization of our police by ending all cross-training done with the Israeli military, ceasing the construction of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, and all other ways this is accomplished

    – Pass legislation that prohibits any governmental action that would target any ethnic, religious, or other minority group (including Palestinians), either in the U.S. or abroad, by restricting humanitarian or financial aid, infringing on their human rights, or other actions that would otherwise bring harm or cause undue burdens on said groups

    SOURCES
    The Huffington Post “Capitol Hill Interns Accuse Congress Of Suppressing Cease-Fire Demands”

    The New Republic “Congressional Interns Accuse Bosses of Suppressing Calls for Cease-Fire”

    American Academy “How Democracies Die”

  • PROTECT THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS & FREE PALESTINE

    PETITION CLOSED

    text 50409 GO WATERMELION to get a list of active letters to sign, or go to: https://resist.bot/go/WATERMELON

    <- learn more

    Resistbot is part of a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization that allows Americans to send letters to government officials using SMS, Telegram, Messenger, and other popular chat apps. Anyone can use it, and you can write & send your own letters without making petitions. You can learn more on their official website: https://resist.bot/

    To use resistbot, text via SMS (50409), or text by adding resistbot on Telegram/Messenger:
    – FOLLOW WATERMELON to get notified for all new letters to sign
    – GO WATERMELON to get a list of active letters to sign
    – SIGN CODE* to sign an open petition. *substitute code for a petititon code

    If you want to participate in my Telegram resistbot notification & human rights activism channel, you can join at: https://t.me/heywatermelon

    You can check out all of my resistbot petitons at: https://resist.bot/go/WATERMELON

    12/6 Petition to Biden & U.S. Congress

    It’s not enough that Israel has been murdering journalists in Gaza, the West Bank, and other parts of occupied Palestine, they have extended the aggression inward, too. On November 23rd, the Israeli news outlet Haaretz was threatened by their own government due to their news coverage of the atrocities happening in Gaza.

    When I read the letter several state Attorney Generals sent to New York Times, Reuters, Associated Press, and CNN on December 4th, I felt chills, truly. I guess I can’t be too shocked when members of Congress sent a similarly threatening letter to Reuters on November 21st.

    Assaults on the freedom of press cannot be tolerated. You have been consistently attacking my freedom of speech, and now you want to take away freedom of the press, too. I never thought I’d live in a time where news outlets like the New York Times would be threatened by state governments or Reuters being attacked by the federal government, but here we are. What are you going to do to stop this?

    I demand that you:

    – Call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the West Bank, and all areas the Israeli military is murdering or otherwise violating the human rights of Palestinians

    – Call for the immediate end of genocide, apartheid, and occupation, and support Palestinians in their fight for freedom, peace, and their human rights

    – Call for the immediate release of Palestinian “prisoners” (hostages) held captive in Israeli military prisons- Permanently end all monetary and military aid given to Israel by correcting our budget and enforcing Leahy Law

    – Reallocate all funds given to Israel to ongoing humanitarian relief for Palestinians to help them rebuild, care for the sick & injured, bury the dead with dignity, and ensure all of their basic needs are taken care of

    – Repeal all federal anti-BDS laws and pass legislation that voids all state-level anti-BDS laws

    – Restore my right to free speech and the freedom of the press by condemning all discrimination or harassment for criticizing any government or political ideology (including zionism) and by doing everything possible to prevent future assaults to my rights, including governmental control and/or censorship of the Internet

    – Stop the militarization of our police by ending all cross-training done with the Israeli military, ceasing the construction of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, and all other ways this is accomplished

    – Pass legislation that prohibits any governmental action that would target any ethnic, religious, or other minority group (including Palestinians), either in the U.S. or abroad, by restricting humanitarian or financial aid, infringing on their human rights, or other actions that would otherwise bring harm or cause undue burdens on said groups

    SOURCES
    Haaretz “Communications Minister Threatens Haaretz, Suggests Penalizing Its Gaza War Coverage“


    Office of the Attorney General of State of Florida website “ATTORNEY GENERAL MOODY AND COALITION OF ATTORNEYS GENERAL PUT MEDIA COMPANIES ON NOTICE FOLLOWING REPORTS OF MATERIAL SUPPORT TO FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS“*
    Letter to Reuters & letter to several news outlets can be found linked on Florida’s Attorney General site

    *The Florida AG’s website has removed this article. Archived letters can be viewed here:
    Letter to Reuters
    Letter to AP, CNN, NYT, Reuters from State Attorney Generals

  • Uhhh, this wasn’t on my 2023 bingo card

    haha what?

    me, right now, 11/25/23

    Am I the only one that feels like 2020 never really ended and we’re all stuck in a loop of the same struggles in different costumes for both our personal lives and goings-on in the world? 2023 in particular has been a lot of repeating lessons- maybe it’s the universe giving us more chances & hoping that we’ll all do better this time around. I’ve gotta assume if you’re still reading this, then you feel it too. Nice to be on the same page.

    Things not on my 2023 bingo card:

    • getting covid for the first time & needing to go to the ER due to fever & dangerous tachycardia
    • getting engaged
    • my fiancé breaking up with me through a text message
    • my old lady baby cat Clover dying in my arms due to a series of strokes from a hyperthyroid storm
    • my supervisor getting fired
    • ^that same person dying several days afterward in what felt like a suicide
    • completing my political, socio-cultral radicalization that started in 2020 with the BLM movement
    • becoming a dedicated social media activist on TikTok for the human rights of Palestinians

    I’m sure there are things I’m missing on that list…it’s been a crazy year. That last point, though, is whats pushed me to make this blog & website. The level of censorship on social media for anything related to Palestine has gone beyond what I’ve ever seen/experienced before.

    Before that happened, I was able to launch my Resistbot daily letter to Biden & Congress campaign for Palestine and get some traction. I’m one person. I have never participated in activism to the extent I do now. It was not on my 2023 bingo card for 18,432 people to sign my letters and for 6,489 people to follow my activism efforts.

    https://resist.bot/go/WATERMELON

    tell resistbot FOLLOW WATERMELON to get notified* for the daily letters to sign *(notifications not always working so join heywatermelon Telegram channel as well)

    It’s been a beautiful experience in the midst of such horror. It’s helped to restore my faith in my fellow Americans. The problem now is censorship- its more & more difficult to get TikTok to push my videos to the FYP, and Instagram clocked me fast and gives me maybe 2-3 views on my reels. I’ve never attempted organizing efforts like this before, and I worry now that trying to set this site up now is even too late. I refuse to be discouraged, however. This is a cause I will fight for until the day I die- I will never forget the genocide of Palestinians.

    Stay Connected

    https://t.me/heywatermelon

    Telegram Channel

    Chances are, if you’re reading this, you care about daily efforts to petition our government for Palestinian human rights. I recommend joining the heywatermelon Telegram channel to make 100% sure you’re getting notified when a daily letter drops. You can also use resistbot through Telegram so it makes it even easier to do.