Hello Friend,

A recent Boston Globe article detailing the vitriol experienced by local public officials is as relevant to our threatened democracy as this month’s selection of Democracy Heroes and Threats whose actions expose the continued danger from the Big Lie of election fraud. Local officials described obscenity-laced calls and emails, the release of personal information, frequent antisemitism, and meetings disrupted by unruly residents who have no interest in reasoned debate, only bullying tactics.

At every level of government, we are witnessing the devastation wrought by the sound of silence. Our neighbors and colleagues who sought public service to help their municipalities are being forced out of their roles through threats and intimidation. But where is the reaction from the many more community members who know this is wrong?

Terror tactics against public officials are increasing. A president who succeeded through lies and bullying, and who demands fealty to the biggest lie of all as a prerequisite to his endorsement, is leaving behind a dangerous legacy. Sadly, these tactics will work unless the silence is replaced by a unified wall of support for those who seek to do their job with integrity.

Since its inception, Lawyers Defending American Democracy has stood for the belief that our profession must defend our democratic institutions and the rule of law. Too often, we see our brethren in the organized bar stay silent, fearful of using the collective power of the profession to teach, to demand, to defend, and to heal. Yet each day of silence brings more damage to our democracy.

One Board of Health member described receiving daily hate mail and threatening antisemitic messages. His statement to the Boston Globe in response to these threats should be chilling to us all, “What makes me feel most unsafe is not these people. What worries me and makes me feel unsafe are the people who are silent or don’t think this is a big deal….”

LDAD is working on a number of initiatives to help spur action from our legal colleagues and supporters. We ask for your help. Please sign onto our Democracy Commitment and share it with all of your networks.

LDAD also seeks your financial support to help us continue our work. Please support our work and click here to send a tax-deductible donation.

Lauren Rikleen
Interim Executive Director

Lawyers Defending American Democracy
303 Congress Street
Boston, MA 02210
United States
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