Maryville Huddlers Action Items: Graduates, Absentee Voting Guidelines

For those of you with graduates who are missing out on their in-person ceremonies, know that they aren’t forgotten and we are all very proud of them. On Saturday, May 16^th, at 8PM EDT, President Obama will deliver a prime-time commencement address that will be carried live on most national TV stations. It will also be streamed digitally. He will be joined by the Jonas Brothers, Lena Waithe, Pharell Williams, Megan Rapinoe and others. It is being hosted by XQ Institute, LeBron James Family Foundation, and the Entertainment Industry Foundation. This is just one of 3 events the Obamas are holding to honor 2020 graduates. Learn about the virtual graduation ceremony here. Even if you don’t have a graduate, won’t it be nice to witness a real leader in action once again!

Actions for Week of May 10, 2020

1. Why You Vote Project – In honor of women earning the right to vote a century ago (thanks heavens for Feb and Harry Burns), the Maryville Daily Times wants to hear why you vote. Everyone (men and women) are invited to send their submissions to Shelby.harris@thedailytimes.com. You can also send or drop off your submission to The Daily Times, 307 E. Harper Ave. Maryville 37804. Please ask your friends to join in. The Daily Times plans to do an article on this subject as we approach the August 18^th centennial anniversary.

2. Absentee Ballots Available – As of May 8^th, you can apply for an absentee ballot for the August 6^th State and Federal Primary, and County General Election. If you are concerned about voting in person, here are the allowed reasons in TN for obtaining an absentee ballot: 1) will be out of the county during early voting & election day; 2) 60 years of age or older; 3) assigned to jury duty; 4) hospitalized, sickness or physical disability; 5) caretaker of hospitalized, 6) ill or disabled person; 7) disability that makes my polling place inaccessible; 8) permanent absentee voter  (requires a separate application from a doctor); 9) candidate for officer; 10) religious holiday exemption; or 11)  poll worker.  You can download the application from the Blount County Election Commission website or visit GoVoteTN.

3. Petitions to Sign –
   1. This past week the Dept. of Justice dropped its case against Michael Flynn, despite his guilty pleas. Consider signing this petition calling for the removal of Attorney General Barr.
   2. Ahmaud Arbery (a young black man) was gunned down 10 weeks ago while jogging in a white neighborhood in Brunswick GA. His killers were not arrested until a private citizen made cell phone video public that portrayed the event. Law enforcement and DA’s chose to ignore this video in siding with the perpetrators. Here is a petition calling for their removal and here is a petition calling for justice.
   3. Here’s a petition opposing reauthorization of the Patriot Act.

4. Good News!
   1. A police officer who was fired in Ohio because she’s a lesbian ran against the person who fired her and won.
   2. The Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit brought by the NRA against New York city’s firearms transportations laws.
   3. Gov. Lee’s school voucher bill was ruled unconstitutional and the judge placed a stay on all applications to the program.

5. Educate Yourself
   1. The Senate Intel Committee issued a report confirming Russia acted to help 45 in the 2016 election.
   2. The Liberty Counsel, an anti-LGBTQ organization, is a moving force behind the bid to reopen churches.
   3. In another move against equality for women, the administration is rolling back protections for women workers.

6. Postcard Writing Group is Working from Home

If you want to write postcards from home, please let us know. Supplies will be delivered to your door/porch/convenient drop off site.

Upcoming Events

See & Bookmark this calendar:  https://sites.google.com/view/wmcethuddle/calendar?authuser=0

May 28^th, Thurs 7PM: Huddle Meeting. Speaker is Pennie Sena of American Promise. Meeting will be held via Zoom. American Promise support the 28^th Amendment that will end the ability for large monetary donations to influence elections.

June 5^th, Fri All Day: Wear Orange. June 5th is National Gun Violence Awareness Day, when we Wear Orange to honor the more than 100 Americans shot and killed every day and the hundreds more who are wounded. This is the kick off of #WearOrange weekend.

Future Huddle Meeting Dates: We meet in Dorothy Herron Room A at Blount County Public Library on the last Thursday of the month. Please save these future meeting dates: May 28 (American Promise), June 25 (Legislative Summary/Indivisible Update), July 30 (Candidate Forum), Aug 27 (RescuingHealth.org), Sept 24, Oct 29.

Have a great week! Stay well and thanks for all you do! Enjoy this virtual performance of Give a Little Love from the Rubin Family & Friends.

Rhea Morgan