In less than two weeks the people of San Francisco get to elect a new mayor. Even more importantly however, we also get to elect our District Attorney and Sheriff.
As vote-by-mail voter, I already have my ballot and this year we are really "spoiled or choice" since there are lots of candidates for all the positions.
I wondered: How can I make my support for OccupySF and the right of assembly heard by the candidates?
I sent a bunch of letter to all the candidates campaign offices asking a very direct set of three questions:
Dear candidate or volunteer,
I am a voter in the [district] of San Francisco and I would like to learn more about your positions, in preparation for my vote next week. Specifically, could you please tell me the official candidate's position on the following issues:
1) The OccupySF and other "Occupy" movements across the country
2) The right of the protesters to peacefully assemble, with police restraint and tolerance for lack of permits, minor sanitation issues, minor disruption of parks and traffic. Can we accept a bit of messy democracy for the sake of truth, freedom and justice?
3) Commitment not to violently evict, impose curfews or launch mass arrests in the name of laughable adherence to the "rule of law" while so many of the 1% get to flout the law.
I look forward to your response. I will assume that lack of response indicates that you do not support, agree or commit to these issues.
Sincerely,
[name]
While the 1% get infinite forgiveness, immunity, amnesty and understanding, the "little people" get maced, gassed, clubbed, shot and beaten. We get zero tolerance, rule of law, "individual responsibility" and have our rights constantly "balanced" [see eroded] against security, safety, convenience, business etc. How come the rich don't get their rights "balanced"?
Challenge the candidates in the upcoming elections in SF to commit to defending the rights of protest, speech and assembly. If they cannot commit, they don't deserve your vote.
Remember: Mayor, DA and Sheriff set the tone for the SFPD, BART PD and other agencies acting in the city.
ACTION: Contact the candidates and let them know you care about your rights and will vote accordingly.
Mayor:
info@mayoredlee.com,
web@davidchiuformayor.com,
info@lelandyee.com,
adachiformayor@gmail.com
DA:
info@gasconforda.com,
info@davidonek.com
Sheriff:
http://www.chriscunnie.com/...
rossforsheriff@gmail.com