Recent actions by the current administration are threatening civil liberties protected by the constitution: freedom of speech; freedom of assembly; separation of powers; the rule of law; and the right to due process.  I am very proud of Minnesotans who are bravely exercising their First Amendment Rights to peacefully protest the unlawful attacks by ICE and Border Patrol agents.  We need to remain vigilant in protecting and exercising our Constitutional Rights!

The key issues and concerns that must be addressed to preserve our Constitution are:

1. Executive Overreach.  The three equal branches of government (Executive, Congressional, and Judicial) are written in the Constitution to balance power and the rule of law.  We must hold our US Senators and Representatives accountable for maintaining their Constitutional autonomy and authority.
   
   
2. Erosion of Civil Liberties. We must protect and enforce the amendments to our constitution.  Our first amendment right to free speech, freedom of religion and freedom of assembly was under attack by poorly trained federal agents.  These same agents violated our fourth amendment right to be free from unreasonable search and seizures, as well as due process and representation. 
   
   
3. Freedom of Speech. Corporate takeover of our media and press threaten the free flow of honest news coverage.  Social media such as X, Facebook, Tic Toc and Instagram have become suspicious because of the misuse and/or distortion of facts designed to divide us. 
   
4. Protection of Women’s Rights.  The rights of women have been under attack.  The Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade took protection away from women to have a voice over their own bodies.  This is not only about abortion, but quality reproductive health care for women. 
   
   
5. Voting Rights. The right to vote and to hold free and fair elections is the responsibility of each individual state.  Fraud in voting is beyond rare.  Now the Republican party is trying to take away women’s right to vote under the disguise of Voter ID. The Voter ID bill if enacted will require you to prove citizenship by producing your birth certificate.  Any person who changes their name (e.g. when they get married) will have a birth certificate and a driver’s license that do not match.  This is voter suppression. 
   
   

The discourse surrounding these issues highlights a critical moment in our country.  Advocacy will play a significant role in preserving our Constitutional Republic.  This situation demands our vigilance and active involvement to hold ourelected leaders accountable to the oath they gave to protect our Constitution.