John -- Yesterday, President Barack Obama said that “snappy slogans” like “defund the police” are alienating voters. Wow! 

Defund the Police isn’t a “slogan,” it’s a path forward to justice. 

Brand New Congress representatives and former candidates have spoken out against the president’s remarks. Here’s what they had to say:

We refuse to suppress BLM and related progressive policies to appease squeamish centrists. Our representatives must focus on the loss of Black lives and systemic abuse such as institutionalized poverty and the private prison industry. 

Representatives must demand funding in communities that are impacted by the legacy of white supremacy and systemic racism, rather than shying away from a 'slogan' they willingly choose not to understand. 

To achieve the passage of transformative legislation that will make communities safer and save lives, we must elect progressive leaders who are unapologetic in standing up for racial justice, and yes, even standing up for defunding the police, no matter how uncomfortable it is to talk about.  

That is why today, we are asking you to stand with us and contribute $3, so that we have the resources to recruit, train and elect a slate of candidates ready to take on this fight. 

For far too long, representatives have abandoned their communities and constituents and bowed to party pressure and lobbyists. Too many of those elected to represent us have embraced political expediency and rejected ideas that would foster revolutionary change. We at Brand New Congress say, “Enough!”

Join our efforts, contribute today, and together we will elect a Congress willing to stand up and fight for justice!
 

In solidarity,

Zeynab Day
Brand New Congress