I wrote to you late last year about how legalized slavery and involuntary servitude is still happening in America.

I've been asked, "isn't this just some obscure historical trivia? Does it really matter?"

It's not trivia, and it really matters. Private interests – and the state itself – have been exploiting prisoners since the amendment was ratified in 1865. Today, more than two million people are incarcerated in this country, and almost all of them are used as cheap or free labor.

Not only does this language exist in the U.S. Constitution, it exists in the Oregon Constitution.

Here's what you need to know: An amendment to the Oregon Constitution is going to go to the ballot in 2022, and we're going to get it passed. We're also putting pressure on Congress to change the U.S. Constitution.

It all begins right here:

Please sign my petition and make a commitment that, in 2022, you're going to support the full and final abolition of slavery here in Oregon.

The Civil War ended 155 years ago. Most of us were taught (incorrectly) in school that the 13th Amendment banned slavery for all time.

This fight won't be easy. That's because there are powerful people who will fight tooth and nail against any attempt to outlaw the forced labor of prisoners — slavery — in this country

They want to put their money and their power ahead of basic human rights.

We won't let them do that any more. Oregon is better than that.

Add your name to this petition.

Onward to justice,

Rob

Sign the Petition