April 2024

Alfonso Saldaña and Samson Cournane

Unsilencing the Truth: The Battle Against Corporate Power in Maine 

In the quaint corners of Maine, nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes, lies a tale of David and Goliath proportions—a story of courage, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of justice against the backdrop of corporate hegemony. It's a narrative that transcends the boundaries of a local struggle, resonating with the very essence of democracy itself.

Meet Samson Cournane, a name echoing through the corridors of advocacy, a beacon of hope in the shadows of corporate dominance. His journey, fueled by personal tragedy and an unyielding spirit, epitomizes the intersection of individual rights and corporate might.

It begins innocuously, a mere request for a platform to exercise free speech, an act as quintessentially American as apple pie. But behind this seemingly mundane endeavor lies a tale of profound significance—a tale of a mother’s voice silenced, of patients left vulnerable in the face of unchecked corporate power.

Samson's mother, a distinguished pediatric intensive care doctor, allegedly faced corporate retribution after raising patient safety concerns at Northern Light Health’s Eastern Maine Medical Center. Her dismissal, said to be related to these concerns, became the catalyst for Samson's crusade—a crusade that would come to embody the very essence of democracy under siege.

As Samson delved deeper into the labyrinthine corridors of hospital bureaucracy, he uncovered a chilling reality: a culture of silence perpetuated by corporate interests, where profits reign supreme over patient well-being. Armed with nothing but conviction and a fervent belief in the power of truth, he embarked on a journey that pitted him against forces far greater than himself.

The road ahead is fraught with obstacles—a university administration that discouraged free speech by imposing high fees on student activists, and a healthcare conglomerate that used legal threats veiled in the guise of defamation to silence critics. Yet, through it all, Samson's determination remained unwavering, proving the strength of his spirit.

But Samson's struggle is not a solitary one; it is a clarion call for collective action, a rallying cry for all who believe in the sanctity of democracy. It's a call to arms against the insidious influence of corporate power, a reminder that the voices of the people can never be silenced, no matter how deafening the corporate noise.

Enter HJR 54, the We the People Amendment—a legislative lifeline in the tempest of corporate impunity. This amendment, with its promise to dismantle the legal scaffolding that bolsters corporate hegemony, stands as a beacon of hope in an increasingly polarized landscape. It's a rallying point for all who refuse to bow to corporate overlords, a clarion call for the restoration of democracy to its rightful owners—the people.

As Samson's petition gathers momentum, surpassing the 20,000 mark, it becomes more than just a symbol of resistance; it becomes a testament to the power of collective action. But the battle is far from over. The threat of SLAPP lawsuits looms large, a stark reminder of the uphill struggle against corporate intimidation.

In the crucible of adversity, Samson emerges as a paragon of courage—a modern-day David against the Goliath of corporate tyranny. His story serves as a rallying cry for all who refuse to be silenced, for all who dare to dream of a future where justice reigns supreme.

So, let us heed the call of Samson Cournane, let us amplify his voice, and let us stand shoulder to shoulder in the fight against corporate power. For in the battle for democracy, every voice matters, every action counts, and together, we shall forge a future where truth prevails and justice reigns supreme.

Move to Amend is thrilled to invite you, and other supporters in the Chicago area to a special Meet and Greet Social event!

Join us for an evening of connection, updates, and meaningful conversation.

What to Expect:

• Networking: Connect with fellow supporters over refreshments, beverages and good company
• Updates: Learn about our latest initiatives and progress.
• Engagement: Have your questions answered and share your thoughts in an informal setting.

Location: Heaven Gallery, 1550 N Milwaukee Ave #2, Chicago, IL 60622

RSVP below to reserve your spot.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to engage with Move to Amend and fellow supporters.

Save the date, and we'll see you there!

For inquiries or more information, please contact us. 

Is your Representative a We the People Champion? Find out and call them urging them to support the We the People Amendment! 

Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic. Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.

                                 -Martin Luther King Jr. (the anniversary of his 1968 assassination was April 4th)

Welcome to our April newsletter!

We're excited to share updates and stories from our movement as we continue to strive for a more just and equitable society.

In the vast landscape of grassroots activism, Move to Amend proudly shines a spotlight on our dedicated affiliates, the unsung heroes orchestrating change at the local level. As we unravel the tapestry of their remarkable work, join us in celebrating these champions, each contributing in their unique way to the symphony of transformative change.

We have great news!

There's an upcoming Congressional Briefing and a new Co-sponsor!

As millions of Americans gather around their screens this weekend to watch the Super Bowl, we can't help but notice the glaring hypocrisy of corporate giants who spend exorbitant amounts on flashy TV ads while neglecting their responsibility to pay their employees a fair and livable wage.

This corporate greed is unacceptable, and it's time to take a stand against it. That's why Move to Amend is calling out this hypocrisy and urging you to join us in supporting HJR 54, the We the People Amendment, as a crucial step towards ending this cycle of injustice.

In the vast landscape of grassroots activism, two Move to Amend affiliates stand out for their unique initiatives, each making waves in their own distinctive way. Welcome to this month's Affiliate Spotlight, where we dive into the creative endeavors of the Greater Dayton Move to Amend and the strategic movements of the Santa Clara County Move to Amend affiliates.

As we reflect on what is the 51st anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, we are reminded of the continuous struggle to protect our fundamental constitutional rights and freedoms.

The erosion of women's right to privacy and self-determination are being stripped away, meanwhile SCOTUS continues to rule in favor of ever expanding "inalienable" rights for corporations.

Join us in taking a stand for We, the People. 

Photographer: Bill Clark | Credit: CQ-Roll Call, Inc via gettyimages.com 

We are extremely grateful for your generosity in contributing to Move to Amend during our end-of-year fund drive!

Move to Amend has endorsed the #March4Gaza this Saturday, January 13th, in Washington D.C.

We echo the demands of an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the end of unconditional U.S. military aid to Israel, and accountability for war crimes perpetrated in violation of international law.

We've said many times, 'We would be nothing without our affiliates, advocates, and supporters.' They do a lot of the heavy lifting, which is why we've been recognizing all they do for the movement each month.

Each month we will use this space to spotlight different Affiliates. Find out who is on this month's Affiliate spotlight here!

John Fioretta has been a proud supporter and volunteer on Move to Amend's Law and Research Committee for several years.

In a world where corporate power and money influence our lives in profound ways, he has seen first hand the harm that Corporate Constitutional Rights and the idea of Money as Free Speech can cause. It's why he's reaching out to you with a short message that may raise an eyebrow or two.

As we get ready to step into 2024, it is with great pride and gratitude that we reflect on the incredible strides made by Move to Amend in the past year.

Despite being a small, entirely grassroots movement, our collective efforts have resonated far and wide, shaking the foundations of corporate influence. Our commitment to passing the We the People Amendment - HJR 54, remains unwavering, and we invite you to stand alongside us in shaping a future where the people, not corporate interests, govern our nation.