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John,

Tonight, the President will stand before Congress to deliver his State of the Union. And I won’t be in that chamber. But I want you to hear directly from me about why.

The State of the Union is supposed to be a moment for truth. A moment to reflect on where we are as a nation — our progress, our pain, and the work ahead to move forward together.

And we all know that’s not what will happen tonight.

I will not sit quietly through another speech filled with division, deflection, and misinformation. I won’t be part of the set piece that normalizes cruelty, attacks on our constitutional rights, and the targeting of vulnerable communities.

If you believe we must meet this moment with courage instead of cruelty, truth instead of spin, and community instead of division — will you chip in $5 or whatever you can right now to help us fight back? [[link removed]]

Instead, tonight I’ll be on the National Mall at the People’s State of the Union — standing alongside organizers, advocates, and Americans whose lives have been directly impacted by this administration’s policies.

And I want to tell you about someone who will be there with me.

My guest tonight is Mohsen Mahdawi — a Vermont community member, a student leader, and a fierce advocate for human rights.

Mohsen came to this country believing in its promise. He built a life in Vermont rooted in belonging and service. But on the very day he was supposed to complete his citizenship process — the final step in becoming an American — he was detained by ICE without charges.

Why? Because he used his voice. Because he spoke up for Palestinian human rights.

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I got involved in his case because free speech doesn’t belong to some of us, it belongs to all of us. And I believed then, as I do now, that targeting someone for their advocacy is a direct threat to the Constitution we are sworn to protect.

After months of pressure, advocacy, and organizing, Mohsen was released, and just last week, an immigration judge ruled that he cannot be deported.

Tonight, we stand together. In compassion. In courage. In the belief that kindness and fierce determination can coexist. That is the real state of our union.

Not the one you’ll hear about from that podium — but the one built by people supporting each other, defending rights, and refusing to give in to fear.

I know so many of you are feeling overwhelmed right now. I hear it everywhere I go. But I want you to know this: your voice matters. Your engagement matters. And your support makes all of this work possible.

So, If you believe in meeting this moment with grit and heart…
If you believe in defending free speech and constitutional rights…
If you believe we must hold this administration accountable…

Will you click here and chip in today to support this fight? [[link removed]]

I’m using every platform I have to bring people together and to push back against the harm being done. But I can’t do it alone.

Thank you for standing with me tonight.

Proud to have you by my side,

— Becca

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P.O. Box 291
Burlington, VT 05402
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