Dear John,

Happy 4th of July! This holiday weekend, it feels to me that there is much to celebrate — like the success of the COVID-19 vaccine and the cherished ability to safely see friends and loved ones after nearly a year and a half apart. 

Yet—even as we enjoy the sunshine and fireworks this weekend—we must remember that our work continues, always. Just this week, in their ruling in the case of Brnovich v. DNC, the Supreme Court handed down a decision that is antithetical to what we celebrate on July 4th. The right to vote freely—without discrimination and without fear—is at the heart of the promise of American democracy. The court’s decision is yet another blow to voting rights—and to our democracy itself. 

This ruling comes in addition to the many voter restriction bills we are seeing pop up across the country. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, at least 880 bills proposing election law changes have been introduced in 49 states—and, of these, at least 28 bills with expansive provisions to restrict voting access have been signed into law in 14 states. As Republicans mobilize to further restrict voting rights across the country, the urgent need for the Senate to pass the For the People Act (HR 1 and S 1), as well as the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, is abundantly clear. As the cover of our new summer issue declares: “Don’t Filibuster Democracy.” 

This week, we also received the shocking news that Bill Cosby’s conviction for sexual assault was overturned, and on Thursday, he was released from prison. I can’t think of a better way to express how we are all feeling about this news than how California State Senator Connie Leyva, a true champion for survivors of sexual assault, put it: “Survivors deserve better!”

Finally this week, the House has approved legislation to create a committee to launch a new inquiry into the January 6th insurrection and attack on the U.S. Capitol—and we’re happy to see that steps are being taken toward truth and justice. Rep. Jackie Speier provided moving testimony on the House floor about her experiences during the Jan. 6 attack: “I heard a shot ring out, and it took me back over 40 years ago, lying on an airstrip in Guyana, about to lose my life. And I thought at that moment, oh my God — I survived Guyana, but I'm not gonna survive this, in the house of democracy in the country in which I was born.’’ (Speier was an aide to the late Rep. Leo Ryan, who was killed in Guyana while investigating the Jonestown cult.) May this committee seek truth and accountability. Our democracy depends on it. 

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday.

For equality,

Kathy Spillar
Executive Editor