Sometimes it feels like we are being sprayed daily by a firehose of corruption, lies, incompetence, cruelty, rule-breaking, ignorance and delusion by President Trump and his administration. It is exhausting.

It is also important to keep speaking up and resisting, as millions of Americans are doing on a daily and weekly basis at demonstrations and honk and waves, by speaking and writing to legislators, registering people to vote, providing mutual aid to those marginalized or in need and more. If we hope to hold on to our democracy, to elect leaders who believe in and honor the Constitution and the rule of law, and find our way back to a civic life and conversation which is respectful, inclusive and reality-based, we cannot remain silent or inactive.

This Saturday is an opportunity for action for those concerned about human rights and the rule of law. From 9:30 – 11 a.m. we can join thousands of people across the country to send a strong message to Citizens Bank that financing private prison and immigration detention facility operators (The GEO Group and CoreCivic) is bad for business. The two largest prison companies in the country are earning record profits operating dozens of ICE detention facilities. Most major banks have cut ties with them, but Citizens Bank is bankrolling these efforts and deepening their support.

These detention centers already hold 70,000 immigrants and the goal is to detain 100,000 by next year. Most of these detainees are not criminals nor do they have records. Many are here legally or are in the process of obtaining legal status. They work, pay taxes and contribute to our communities. Citizens Bank talks about a commitment to “strengthening our communities.” Financing detention centers which are often understaffed and provide little medical care does not strengthen our communities!

All are welcome to join us as we send a message to the corporate leadership of Citizens Bank: cages aren’t communities!

Saturday, June 6, 9:30 – 11 a.m. at the corner of Rte. 7 and Middle Road North. Please do not park in the bank parking lot.

This event is sponsored by Indivisible Middlebury and, as with all Indivisible events, it is a peaceful, non-violent event. See you there!

Heidi Willis
Salisbury