GOP senator to propose bill criminalizing “illegal protests”
Sen. Doug Ericksen of Ferndale said in a news release his bill would create a new crime of “economic terrorism” and would allow felony prosecution of people involved in protests that block transportation and commerce, damage property, threaten jobs and put public safety at risk, he said.
“I respect the right to protest, but when it endangers people’s lives and property, it goes too far,” Ericksen said. “Fear, intimidation and vandalism are not a legitimate form of political expression. Those who employ it must be called to account.”
Washington State residents, let’s raise our voices and be heard! This proposed bill is terrifyingly unconstitutional and brings us closer to a world where any type of political dissent is labeled “terrorism”.
Use this tool to find your local legislators and give them a call! You can use this simple script:
Hi, my name is [name] and I’m a constituent in ZIP code [ZIP code]. I’m calling to ask [legislator name] to oppose Senator Doug Ericksen’s “economic terrorism” bill.
That’s all you have to say! Of course, if you’d like, you can throw in some spicy add-ons, like:
- “Protest is part of how we make our voices heard in a democracy, and we cannot let it be redefined as terrorism.”
- “This bill would label one of the most patriotic events in American history, the Boston Tea Party, an act of terrorism.”
- “Senator Ericksen’s bill would dangerously curtail our First Amendment rights to free speech and free assembly.”
The person on the phone–almost certainly a staffer–will thank you and tell you that they’ll pass the message along. And that’s it!
You can also call Ericksen’s office directly at 📞(360) 786-7682 and leave a message like this:
Hello, my name is [name] and I’m a Washington State resident. I’m calling to voice my strong opposition to Senator Ericksen’s proposed “economic terrorism” bill. Senator Ericksen, please withdraw this bill.
Again, spicy add-ons are totally optional, but could include:
- “From independence to civil rights, this great country was built on protests.”
- “Our rights to free speech and free assembly make our democracy great.”
- “Protest is not terrorism.”
That’s all it takes!
“But my state legislators are all Democrats!”, you say.
Call anyway! When you call representatives who agree with you, you show them that they have your support. That can encourage them to take similar–or even bolder!–action in the future.
Our representatives serve us. Let’s make sure they know where we stand.
Hey, just so we’re clear, the article above refers to the Washington State legislature, not the United States Congress.
This is about a state-level bill, not a federal one.
You should totes be paying attention to the national stuff and your state government, but if you’re not in Washington State, the above doesn’t really apply to you.
(via geekhyena)