Joining the ACLU

It wasn’t until after the US elections that I felt moved to become a member. I signed up a few weeks back, and am now donating money monthly to the ACLU. It’s not a lot, but it’s consistent – and it’s my contribution.

I was inspired in large part through many conversations with friends and coworkers. And very much on my mind was the fact that Justin has been a member for an incredibly long time now.

If you are not familiar with the ACLU, they have a summary of their history, as well as some of the notable cases they’ve been involved with.

While I was familiar with some of the more high-profile cases listed (the Scopes Trial and the internment of Japanese Americans), I was surprsed to find that the ACLU worked on behalf of Nazi protestors in Skokie (1978).

Free speech is not simply the kind of speech I agree with. It’s the kind of speech protected by the Constitution of the United States.

In light of the next four years, under a Trump presidency, I am deeply concerned by a number of things. I count our civil liberties on that list, and my membership to the ACLU is the first step of many I plan to take.

I am proud to support the ACLU, and encourage you to look over the many reasons they are worthy of support. And, if you do find yourself in agreement with their mission, I encourage you to go that extra step and provide them your support.

Related:
Voting in the 2016 Presidential Election