Dear John,
Gassed. Beaten. Shot. Dragged. The scene of terror created by Donald Trump.
Peaceful protestors lined the streets at St. John’s Church in Washington, DC. The air filled with tear gas. Concussion grenades rang out. Police in full riot gear swarmed the streets and pushed back protestors, journalists, even the church clergy.
The reason? A cheap political stunt by a tyrannical president.
Trump has given the green light for military and law enforcement to beat, maim, and kill Black people and those protesting Black oppression with impunity. Based on these events, among many other times Trump has crossed the line, we are calling on you to join our allies at the Movement for Black Lives and take swift action to end Trump’s reign of terror.
Demand Trump resign immediately!
Together, we can build a more just world. A world that can move away from decades of oppression and police brutality. No more Black lives taken at the hands of racist police departments. No more families torn apart.
We have the power to create this future -- But Trump will do everything he can to stand in the way. The National Guard and police responding to his orders have assaulted protestors, journalists, and bystanders on live television. Instead of standing in solidarity with Black leaders, Trump has activated the military, granting them the power to use force on civilians.
Why is Trump going so far to incite violence? Perhaps because he knows that people power can win in the face of his divisive agenda -- and he’s desperately grasping for a way to stop it. The state of Minnesota has now arrested all four officers in the death of George Floyd. Los Angeles announced plans to cut up to $150 million from the police department budget. The FBI is investigating Breonna Taylor’s murder. While it’s just a start, pushing out Trump’s malevolence will need so much more pressure, from advocates like you!
We can’t let Trump stand in the way of these important steps -- let alone systemic change.
As you continue to celebrate the Juneteenth weekend, use your voice and stand with the Movement for Black Lives in demanding change! Donald Trump has a long history of racism, division, fear mongering, and the weaponizing of hate. He continues to put Black people in danger with his racist messaging. Donald Trump must resign.
Use your voice: Hold Trump accountable for his abuse of power!
Trump’s attacks on protesters only seem to apply to those he disagrees with -- and, especially, Black people.
When Trump’s base protested and rallied at state capitals and city offices, many with members armed to the teeth so they could get a haircut in the middle of a pandemic, Trump supported them. Not once were those protestors gassed, shot at, or arrested. They were not threatened to be jailed for ten years to “teach them a lesson.” They were allowed to protest with weapons of destruction on display.
But when Black people, other people of color, and allies showed up to say Black Lives Matter, Trump tried to incite violence against protesters over Twitter. When that didn’t work, he felt it appropriate to tear gas them for a photo op.
This isn’t the first time Trump has crossed the line. Even in 2015 during his campaign, he encouraged people at his rallies to be violent against protesters.
Frequent threats and hostility have become the norm for this so-called leader. But they’re escalating dangerously. During an address from the White House this week, Trump threatened to deploy active-duty U.S. military to states who do not suppress demonstrations. Our rights and our freedoms are at risk.
Our country is ablaze. Trump lit the match. He must resign.
Tell Trump he MUST resign!
Standing with you,
Liz Butler,
VP of organizing and strategic alliances,
Friends of the Earth
