justice – League of Women Voters of the Umpqua Valley

Black Lives Matter

League members are keenly aware of the inexcusable treatment of Black and Latino people, and LGBTQ for the past 150 years and even longer.

We believe in the mission to make it right, make lives better, and not full of fear. While we have a national discussion of what should take place to improve lives and eliminate police violence, let us have open discourse with each other and not jump to conclusions. Let the goal be Freedom, Prosperity, and Happiness for All! Let Freedom Ring!

Yesterday Roseburg residents came together to celebrate our diversity, but more to call out the mistreatment of American citizens over years of cruelty. We support Black Lives Matter! We must learn more about the past those of color have had to endure just to live in the United States.

Some photos from yesterday’s Candlelight Vigil at the Douglas County Courthouse in Roseburg, Oregon ~

Thank you to the organizers of yesterday’s rally.

The League Grieves with the Nation

5/29/2020

WASHINGTON – The League of Women Voters of the United States issued the following statement in reference to the murder of George Floyd:

“The League of Women Voters grieves the murders of George Floyd and the countless other Black lives that have been tragically taken at the hands of rogue law enforcement officers who are rarely held fully accountable for their actions.

“We also mourn those who have lost their lives or been harmed, mentally or physically, as a result of America’s pervasive culture of anti-blackness. The systems of oppression that have perpetuated the myth of white supremacy in our country must be dismantled if we are ever to become the nation we pledge to be—indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

“As an organization whose mission is to empower voters and defend democracy, we stand in solidarity with all Black communities. The League shall do so not only by speaking out against racism in all forms, but by doing the work required of us to be anti-racist. We are committed to listening to and amplifying Black voices, and educating ourselves and our children on the historic and ongoing systemic racism that plagues this country.

“The League acknowledges, painfully, that America is a nation founded on racism. Therefore, all who live in this country must contribute to and participate in organizations actively working to achieve full liberation and inclusive freedom. We must all advocate for anti-racist policies at every level of government.

“We join the League of Women Voters of Minnesota in calling on law enforcement officials to provide transparency during this investigation, and to seek justice for George Floyd, his family, and his community.

“Finally, we echo the call of our partners at the NAACP: we must all vote in November – the road to change lies at the ballot box.”

Contact: Sarah Courtney | 202-263-1332 | scourtney@lwv.org

Juvenile Justice

Date: April 23, 2019

Action Alert To All League Members and Oregonians

From: Karen Nibler, Social Policy Coordinator, Barbara Ross, Corrections Portfolio, and
Norman Turrill, LWVOR President

SHOULD JUVENILES BE CHARGED AND SENTENCED IN ADULT COURT?

Justice prevails!! SB 1008 changes the criminal code to keep juveniles charged with criminal offenses in the realm of the Juvenile Court except for waiver hearings on serious person to person offenses. It also does not allow for sentences of life without parole for youth who commit offenses before 18. Second Look after half of sentence is served and/or Transfer to the Department of Corrections will have hearings and can result in parole release.

We all recognize that juveniles are impulsive and react quickly without thinking through the consequences. This bill takes into consideration immaturity and other factors in the life of a juvenile when sentenced for a serious offense. We think it is wise to consider the factors influencing juvenile behavior and the potential for learning and rehabilitation.

The Senate has already passed this bill 20 to 10 votes. Please contact your representative in the House. The House Judiciary will hear this bill on April 24 and most likely will send it to the House floor for a vote. It has to have a 2/3 vote to pass and change the law, as required by the Measure 11 constitutional amendment. Reaching all representatives is critical to let them know we want to keep juveniles in the Juvenile system.

Please e-mail or call your representative. Contact info is on the Oregon Legislative System. Thank you for adding your voice!

For more information, contact Karen Nibler at niblerk@comcast.net or Barbara Ross at bross7017@gmail.com. Both of them would be happy to exchange comments.

In the Executioner’s Shadow

This film event is about Justice, injustice and the Oregon death penalty.

gif_law_justice_001-w2 Join the League of Women Voters of Umpqua Valley and Oregonians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (OADP) for the showing of the film, “In the Executioner’s Shadow”.

Friday, February 8th, 2019
6:30 p.m.
Roseburg Public Library Ford Room
1409 NE Diamond Lake Blvd, Roseburg, OR

This film casts a penetrating look at the consequences of the death penalty through three powerful stories – the rare perspective of a former state executioner who comes within days of executing an innocent person; a Boston Marathon bombing victim who struggles to decide what justice really means; and the parents of a murder victim who choose to fight for the life of their daughter’s killer. As the battle to overturn capital punishment comes to a head in the U.S., this provocative film challenges viewers to question their deepest beliefs about justice.

Following the 54-minute film, a discussion will follow. We want to know what you think.

Please attend.

••••••• Admission is free and open to the public •••••••

The League of Women Voters of Umpqua Valley is a co-sponsor of this Oregonians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (OADP) event

League of Women Voters Condemns White Supremacists in Charlottesville

The League of Women Voters of the United States president Chris Carson issued the following statement following the horrific acts by white supremacists in Virginia this weekend:

“Yesterday the world watched in horror as white supremacists gathered in Charlottesville, Virginia. There is no place for hatred and violence in our democracy and all leaders must condemn these acts of domestic terrorism. We must send a strong message that while the freedom of speech and the freedom of assembly are some of our most cherished rights and must be protected, those rights do not extend to what we witnessed yesterday. The League of Women Voters stands in solidarity with the victims of violence in Charlottesville and against white supremacism.”

The League of Women Voters of Umpqua Valley agrees and supports this message by our national president.