Letter from Kary Moss, Executive Director,ACLU of Michigan

12/11/2012 21:33

 

 

Dear Ed. Sosa,today, as over 13,000 men and women gathered in the Michigan Capitol, what began as an exercise of the American values of free speech and free assembly deteriorated as protesters were pepper sprayed. 

And this, just a few days after Michiganders were illegally blocked from entering the State Capitol as lawmakers passed controversial bills, including several extreme anti-choice bills. People were kept out of the political process by the very folks whose job it is to represent them and ensure that our government operates openly and fairly. 

These actions cannot go unanswered. 

Speak out today: Tell Governor Snyder that America is watching and demand that he veto extreme measures passed during an outrageous, undemocratic process. (Do not forward: This link will open a page with your information already filled in.) 

Democracy does not happen behind closed doors. Nowhere is the right to be heard more valuable than in our legislative chambers. And when lawmakers don't have access to open and honest debate, they end up making bad policy. 

Take, for example, the bill that would tell a hospital it is okay to refuse to provide appropriate care to a pregnant woman facing an emergency, even if her life depended on that care. This legislation is one of several extreme bills that could go to the governor's desk any day now. 

Please stand with us and let our elected officials know the whole country is watching. 

Urge the Governor to reject legislation that has passed during this outrageous week at the Michigan Capitol. 

Legislators are sent to the capitol to represent our views, not quash them. It seems some politicians in Michigan need a reminder. 

Add your voice and demand that the Governor reject this undemocratic process.