Dear Friends, In this edition of ACLU of Michigan Breaking News:
- URGENT ACTION ALERT: Stop Secret NSA Spying Deal
- ACLU-MI Wins Suit Challenging State Primary Election Law
- ACLU-MI to Salem Twp.: Residents Have the Right to Criticize Officials
- Jury Orders Saginaw County to Pay $145,000 in Prisoner Abuse Lawsuit
- Make a Tax Rebate Donation to the ACLU-MI, then Tell the President!
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ACTION ALERT: Stop Secret NSA Spying Deal
Late Friday night, the ACLU caught wind of a dangerous backroom deal brewing. The “deal” would rush a House vote that would push through a dangerous sellout on government spying powers, possibly in the next few days.
We need you to immediately contact your member of Congress. Let your representative know you’re watching and expect him or her to stand firm. That means no immunity for lawbreaking phone and internet companies, and no spying on Americans without a warrant. Read more and take action here >>
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ACLU-MI Wins Federal Lawsuit Challenging Michigan Primary Election Law
DETROIT - The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan applauds a federal judge’s ruling barring the Michigan Secretary of State from providing the party preference declarations of voters solely to the two major political parties of the State. The lawsuit was filed in January on behalf of the Green Party of Michigan, Libertarian Party of Michigan, the Reform Party of Michigan, the Metro Times and Winning Strategies, a political consulting firm.
“We are thrilled that this court has rightfully ruled that the state cannot limit access to this information to the two major political parties while making it a crime for anyone else in the state to use or acquire this information,” said Kary L. Moss, ACLU of Michigan Executive Director. Read the full story here >>
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Salem Township Residents Have a Right to Criticize Officials, Says ACLU-MI
DETROIT - The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan has filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of two Salem Township residents who were removed from a Board of Trustees meeting for criticizing the township supervisor.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, resident Bob Uherek addressed Township Supervisor Fred Roperti and said "You have demonstrated that you cannot be counted on for openness and transparency." Before Uherek could continue, Roperti demanded that he “be quiet” and leave the meeting. Roperti than summoned a Michigan State Police trooper and a Washtenaw County Sheriff’s deputy into the meeting to escort Uherek from the meeting. Read more here >>
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Jury Forces Saginaw County Jail to Pay $145,000 in Prison Abuse Case
DETROIT - A federal jury today found the Saginaw County Jail responsible for the egregious and unconstitutional treatment of detainees and awarded 4 plaintiffs $145,000 in damages. The lawsuit challenged policies that allowed prison personnel to strip detainees and place them naked in a cell referred to as "the hole."
“I kept this story bottled up for a very long time because I was ashamed and afraid to come forward,” said Sue Letterman of Birch Run who was humiliated, put in an isolation cell, forced to remove her clothes and remain naked for several hours. “I just wanted justice for myself and for others who were treated this way. My only hope is that this doesn’t happen to anyone else.” Read more here >>
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Donate your Tax Rebate to the ACLU-MI, then Tell the President!
Make a statement! When you donate your tax rebate to the ACLU of Michigan, we'll help you send an e-mail to the White House about your choice to support an organization committed to protecting your rights.
By giving to the ACLU of Michigan, you are:
- Supporting unfettered voting access for all citizens during this presidential election year;
- Protecting the most vulnerable citizens from discrimination during these especially challenging economic times;
- Fighting torture approved by the U.S. government and abuse of power at all levels;
- Telling your elected officials that you want them to lead while upholding the Bill of Rights and rule of law;
- and ultimately choosing optimism over fear, engagement over isolation, and leadership over lawlessness.
Once you make your donation here, you will be taken to a page where you can send an e-mail to the White House informing them of your gift to the ACLU.
Thank you for your support of the ACLU of Michigan and the Constitution!
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