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This is a press release from Smart Elections, published on Substack and elsewhere- editor.

This is a press release from Smart Elections, published on Substack and elsewhere- editor.

This is a press release from Smart Elections, published on Substack and elsewhere- editor.

This is a press release from Smart Elections, published on Substack and elsewhere- editor.

This is a press release from Smart Elections, published on Substack and elsewhere- editor.

Thursday, December 19, 6-9pm
Dick's Den, 2417 N. High Street

We will celebrate the 84th birthday of the the great singer/songwriter and activist Phil Ochs with an evening of his music performed by acts from the Columbus Ohio area. Phil once lived in Columbus, where he attended The Ohio State University and began his topical musical journey here. Please join us for this special night honoring this brilliant, unsung performer.

Hear songs by Phil and original music by:

Eric Nassau
Joanie Calem
Ed Forman
Barry Chern
Dan Dougan
Brian Clash

Join the "Small Circle of Friends" and hear music that is as relevant today as it was 60 years ago!

After nearly one year to the day when a signed agreement was made between City Attorney Zach Klein and the Whitehall City Attorney’s office for Whitehall to investigate Mayor Ginther’s exparte communication with Judge Stephanie Mingo, Whitehall City Attorney Brad Nicodemus finally disclosed his investigation report.

Mr. Nicodemus, in what many will view as a predictable biased decision, found that “with insufficient probable cause for obstruction of official business and interference with civil rights, neither charge will be filed with the court.”

The logic of his decision is not sound. Ginther obstructed justice and violated the constitutional rights of the parties by contacting the judge. In my opinion, the decision appears to be politically biased in favor of Mayor Ginther. This means the Mayor is free to interfere with any pending case.

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The Mayor’s Office has never officially called Columbus a sanctuary city, but unofficially since 2017 conservatives and MAGA have attacked it as such. This was the year of new immigrant friendly policies enacted by the Mayor’s Office, such as ordering Columbus police to never ask anyone whether they are undocumented.

Back then, police were instructed to “don’t ask, don’t tell” – and do not alert ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement), unless in response to a court order. No local tax dollars would be used to enforce federal immigration policy either, while services will be offered to all immigrants who are in need.

#CLEMENCYFORLEONARD

A parole was held for Leonard Peltier on June 10, 2024, where he was denied parole once again. At 80 years old, Leonard’s health continues to deteriorate and he deserves to spend the rest of his life in dignity, in his homelands.  The countdown to Biden’s last day in office is on–we need you to join us in taking action and demanding Executive Clemency now! 

Together with a broad coalition of organizations representing millions of people across the country, we’re asking President Biden to recognize that enough is enough and finally grant Leonard Peltier his freedom.

TAKE ACTION NOW TO #FREELEONARDPELTIER

CONTACT THE WHITE HOUSE

EMAIL THE WHITE HOUSE

Write a message electronically in support of Executive Clemency for Leonard Peltier at comments@whitehouse.gov

CALL THE WHITE HOUSE​

Leave a message at the number below, using the script provided as a guide: (202)456-1111

EMAIL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES

If the incoming Republican administration does try to report some 10 million or so illegal immigrants, there are likely to be some complications. Maybe a few hundred thousand legal immigrants and actual US citizens will also be deported by accident because they "looked illegal." This may result in billions of dollars in lawsuits later. Maybe a few million immigrants will go into hiding, work underground, and assume new identities.

Many of these immigrants are not just fleeing poverty, but they are possibly escaping being murdered in their home countries. Most of the time, they are willing to jobs that no American would do. Immigration is not as big a problem as Republicans would have people believe.

Every immigrant in the US has the right to have their cases heard. Right now, the justice system is already so overloaded with immigration cases that some won't even get hearings until 2027 or 2028. This is why the Republicans are not going to be able to deport 10 million immigrants all at once.