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This week, Donald Trump and the federal government launched a dangerous and anti-democratic occupation of Washington, DC. On Monday, the President delivered a racist and inaccurate rant claiming the city was overrun with “crime” and needed to be “liberated.” This constitutes a direct assault on the human dignity and the right to self-rule for the people of Washington, DC. The militarization of law enforcement is an attack on the democratic rights of the citizens of the District of Columbia, and it must end. Demand an end to the occupation in the District of Columbia! DC home rule was established in 1973. While this law did not grant full federal representation, the election of the city council and the mayor, as well as their authority to set policy, must be preserved. Congress now has thirty days to stop this direct attack on democracy and end the occupation of the District. Tell Congress to act now to save democracy! This use of force and stoking of fear contradicts the gospel, which is rooted in the transformative love of God and neighbor. Leaders are called to govern, not with harshness and violence, but with peace and divine wisdom rooted in justice and love. As people of faith, now is yet another time to speak up. Congress must act now to stop US cities from being occupied! Reports indicate plans to occupy other US cities. We need Congress to act now if we are going to stop US troops from being spread throughout the country. Our representatives took not only an oath to the Constitution but are bound by their faith to act in truth and to protect the recognition of humanity in all of us, expressed through our civic rights.
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