I wrote a letter to have Aileen Cannon removed months ago. They responded by mail with some legalese bs, but I was so pleased that I made them go to that trouble. I wish they would get thousands of letters like mine.
Hi Janie - thanks for asking. I wrote it so long ago, at the beginning of things, that I don’t remember. I know it spoke of how inappropriate it was to have a biased judge - even one with the appearance of bias- on this important case. This was back when she had made only one or two egregious moves. I never say much when I write to all these folks. I’m not educated in all the legalities and leave that to others. My purpose lies in my hope that their offices will be teeming with letters and I want to be one of them. Jessica inspires me. Thanks for the letters you write.
Thanks so much, Susan. I really appreciate your reply and the thoughtfulness with which you both crafted and sent to your letter. It’s way past time to leave it to the experts eh?
I live in North Carolina and just wrote the entire legislature using NC Megaphone to express my disgust at the ridiculous and heavy handed bill to ban masks. So much for the party of freedom.
I plan to wear a mask when I fly this summer so I don't catch something and give it to my 90-year old dad. Could I be arrested for the crime of trying to protect my elderly dad?
I have a 92 year old father in Florida. I fly from Seattle to Tampa or Sarasota and ALWAYS wear a mask in the airports and on to the plane, protecting both of us plus his assisted living community ! LOVE giving “looks” back to folks that react to my mask. Family & health is much more important ❤️
Thank you for your letter to the NC legislature, Mary. Might you have on hand either an email or mailing address for that governing body? I'm not an NC resident and they probably don't care what I have to say but I'd be pleased to offer input. In any event, thank you.
Oops! With only a quick search, I see that Megaphone North Carolina is "a campaign to build community and amplify our shared values." I'm not sure I'm eligible to sign up since I live out of state), though I'll certainly look into it. And if I'm not, will look for another way to communicate with the legislature. Thanks for calling the issue to my attention, Mary.
Thanks I live in NC and have not heard of NC Megaphone so will check it out. The mask bill is insane. And what legislators say about their intent in passing North Carolina legislation is not admissible in court. So if you’re in a rural county and are wearing a mask in the store and also happened to have complained to the school board or city Council about something law enforcement doesn’t like you could be targeted for mask-wearing and just because the bill sponsor says it’s not about you, that’s not going to be relevant.
Here’s Glenn Kirschner’s YouTube on Aileen Cannon. The second half walks you through the steps of filling out the form. He doesn’t tell you what to write, but he points you to helpful articles.
"so jawdroppingly benighted, misogynistic and homophobic that he’s now, rightly, facing “intense backlash.”" And he's being supported by the senior Senator from MO who will get the backlash he deserves in November. Another great reason to get out and vote.
Thanks everyone for helping Democrats in NC. Also help Independent Shelane Etchison who will caucus with the Dems. The democrat running is not campaigning and is a sacrificial lamb in the Carolina 9th. Shelane has a real chance to beat incumbent Republican despite gerrymandering. She is an active, attractive, and vigorous candidate with good sense and a smart husband, Joe Stenger. We old farts in Siler City have been pushing for her and will try to put up some billboards, etc. Remember, there are more "unaffiliated" voters in NC and nationwide that either Dem or Repub and they vote.
Hi Jean: This is the website that I use: https://www.ncmegaphone.com/ It shows all of the emails for the state senate and for the house. You just copy them all at once (it takes three batches) and then add your message. You don't need to put your address in so they won't know if you're a resident or not. Thanks for your interest in helping! We have a wonderful governor who unfortunately is term limited and a complete nutcase, Mark Robinson, is running for the job. The legislature switched to Republican last year when one person defected, grrr. Now they're back to introducing ridiculous culture war bills. Thanks again!
Josh Stein is running for Governor of North Carolina. You are right that a nut case is running too. There is also a nutcase running for President of the United States. The present President Biden needs to be re-elected.
Hi Mary. Only just seeing your thoughtful response. Sorry I didn’t sooner. I found the NC Megaphone website earlier but evidently didn't look closely enough, not realizing the list of state senate and house members are listed. I did a separate search for contacting the NC General Assembly.
I also found an AP article about that which you describe:
There’s a good deal disturbing in the video. Especially troubling was where Senator Sydney Batch stated, that “this bill will protect the Klu Klux Klan to wear masks in public. But someone who's immunocompromised like myself cannot wear a mask.”
I called Senator Batch’s office and left a message for her legislative assistant, Michael Hardison. I shared that while an out of state resident, I wanted to support the senator’s position, and amplify it. I’m hoping to hear back and if so, will let you know.
In the meantime, I’ll go to the link you kindly posted here to gather the email address of the legislature. Thanks much and again.
Here’s Glenn Kirschner’s YouTube on Aileen Cannon. The second half walks you through the steps of filling out the form. He doesn’t tell you what to write, but he points you to helpful articles.
Thanks Jessica, for amplifying the NC Reclaim Our Vote postcard campaign and the meeeting this evening.
I had time to get started writing my postcards and it is a very short message, so it will go quickly. ROV uses printed stickers for the meat of the message - links to websites, phone numbers etc. And they always include a photo of a sample postcard so there is no confusion about which parts of the message they want to stand out.
Here's a North Carolina event organized by All In for North Carolina to raise money for The States Project in NC -- A Zoom with Heather Cox Richardson, Daniel Squadron of The States Project and Rep. Robert Reives, Democratic Leader of the North Carolina House of Representatives.
This provides links to relevant legislation and rules about filing a citizen complaint.
The Judicial Conduct and Disability Act of 1980, which establishes the right of a citizen to file a complaint about a federal District Judge, states the following:
(a)FILING OF COMPLAINT BY ANY PERSON.—
Any person alleging that a judge has engaged in conduct prejudicial to the effective and expeditious administration of the business of the courts, or alleging that such judge is unable to discharge all the duties of office by reason of mental or physical disability, may file with the clerk of the court of appeals for the circuit a written complaint containing a brief statement of the facts constituting such conduct.
Included here are the definitions of “cognizable misconduct” which means conduct that can stand as the basis for a valid complaint. The conduct at issue is “conduct prejudicial to the effective and expeditious administration of the business of the courts.”
These definitions #1 through #7 (on Pages 7-9) are not considered comprehensive – other complaints may also qualify. However it would be best if any complaint filed could be defined as constituting one of these specified behaviors.
In reviewing this list, most are not applicable to Judge Cannon.
However, in my view, the following are at least potentially areas for exploration:
“Engaging in partisan political activity or making inappropriately partisan statements”
“…an allegation about delay in rendering a decision or ruling…[which] concerns an improper motive in delaying a particular decision…”
There appears to be little concern about any adverse consequences as long as the complaint is not “frivolous” and the process is not abused by “repetitive” such complaints. The only adverse outcome is that “you may be restricted from filing further complaints.”
I saw nothing to suggest that only people who are a party to the action can file these complaints.
Perhaps a trained/legal eye could identify the best approach for naming conduct that would qualify as a valid basis for a complaint.
I haven't submitted anything yet because I have a couple of attorneys I plan to ask about how best to go about it, as far as phrasing my complaint and providing the best information to support it.
In my view, the only plausible explanation for this Judge's behaviors is that she is purposefully biased in Trump's favor and is making sure this case doesn't go to trial before the election, if ever. That is politically-motivated decision-making.
If anyone comes across effective language, LET JESSICA KNOW SO SHE CAN DECIDE IF SHE WANTS TO PUBLICIZE IT.
also since no one else has yet clicked LIKE on your comment I must assume no one has seen your comment yet. Hopefully my posting a 2nd comment on your comment pushes it up higher in the Substack algorithm to make it more visible.
so very true, what you posted - "This may be repetitive but not everyone reads all the Comments."
Thanks for taking the time to write out this detailed response to Jess's "Extra Credit" request about filing a complaint against Cannon; I just tried searching for the doc she cited but like you found a form titled COMPLAINT OF JUDICIAL MISCONDUCT OR DISABILITY.
Someone else here commented about "Glenn Kirschner’s YouTube on Aileen Cannon. The second half walks you through the steps of filling out the form. He doesn’t tell you what to write, but he points you to helpful articles."
I followed the link Colleen provided, and I have filled out the form and mailed it. It takes a little time, but Glenn, in the video, is excellent in walking us through it.
He gives the address to which the letter must be sent.
As Center For Common Ground noted, they’ll also have a Florida😎 (and Ga) campaign!
Speaking of Florida and ongoing GOP climate change denial,DeSantis just (quietly) signed one of the most heinous laws ever. The law will take effect July 1. No shade, no water breaks!
“DeSantis nixes local efforts to protect outdoor workers from FL’s brutal weather
Governor signs the bill without his usual fanfare.”
Floridians, here is the Senate/House vote history on HB 433( March 8) As Election Day nears, and the temps heat up, let’s shout out those legislators who voted against humanity.📣📣
I wrote a letter to have Aileen Cannon removed months ago. They responded by mail with some legalese bs, but I was so pleased that I made them go to that trouble. I wish they would get thousands of letters like mine.
Hopefully they will!
I would love to know what you wrote if you have time. Thanks!
Hi Janie - thanks for asking. I wrote it so long ago, at the beginning of things, that I don’t remember. I know it spoke of how inappropriate it was to have a biased judge - even one with the appearance of bias- on this important case. This was back when she had made only one or two egregious moves. I never say much when I write to all these folks. I’m not educated in all the legalities and leave that to others. My purpose lies in my hope that their offices will be teeming with letters and I want to be one of them. Jessica inspires me. Thanks for the letters you write.
Thanks so much, Susan. I really appreciate your reply and the thoughtfulness with which you both crafted and sent to your letter. It’s way past time to leave it to the experts eh?
I live in North Carolina and just wrote the entire legislature using NC Megaphone to express my disgust at the ridiculous and heavy handed bill to ban masks. So much for the party of freedom.
That is SO CRAZY!
I plan to wear a mask when I fly this summer so I don't catch something and give it to my 90-year old dad. Could I be arrested for the crime of trying to protect my elderly dad?
I think you'll be OK. They really want to use it to target protestors.
I have a 92 year old father in Florida. I fly from Seattle to Tampa or Sarasota and ALWAYS wear a mask in the airports and on to the plane, protecting both of us plus his assisted living community ! LOVE giving “looks” back to folks that react to my mask. Family & health is much more important ❤️
Also air travel is covered by federal law so mot to worry about that.
Thank you for your letter to the NC legislature, Mary. Might you have on hand either an email or mailing address for that governing body? I'm not an NC resident and they probably don't care what I have to say but I'd be pleased to offer input. In any event, thank you.
Oops! With only a quick search, I see that Megaphone North Carolina is "a campaign to build community and amplify our shared values." I'm not sure I'm eligible to sign up since I live out of state), though I'll certainly look into it. And if I'm not, will look for another way to communicate with the legislature. Thanks for calling the issue to my attention, Mary.
Thanks I live in NC and have not heard of NC Megaphone so will check it out. The mask bill is insane. And what legislators say about their intent in passing North Carolina legislation is not admissible in court. So if you’re in a rural county and are wearing a mask in the store and also happened to have complained to the school board or city Council about something law enforcement doesn’t like you could be targeted for mask-wearing and just because the bill sponsor says it’s not about you, that’s not going to be relevant.
The precise URL for the Judicial Conduct Complaint Form is https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/ao310.pdf for anyone so moved to write an Aileen Cannon complaint.
Thank you!
Thank you. This is so helpful!
Is this where we mail the form to?
Administrative Office of the United States Courts
One Columbus Circle, NE
Washington, D.C. 20544
Here’s Glenn Kirschner’s YouTube on Aileen Cannon. The second half walks you through the steps of filling out the form. He doesn’t tell you what to write, but he points you to helpful articles.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0MXVfiTa3KM
Thank you, Colleen!
💙
They don't make finding that answer easy, do they, L.J.? Here is their FAQs Page: https://www.uscourts.gov/judges-judgeships/judicial-conduct-disability/faqs-filing-judicial-conduct-or-disability-complaint#faq-Where-do-I-file-my-complaint?
Maybe Jess and/or someone in the legal professional in the group can chime in as well? Thanks!
Have you checked out DemCast's new Substack, Digital drumbeat? Here is a link to today's post: https://www.digitaldrumbeat.com/p/social-media-rally-today-lets-tout?r=1aiy5t&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
As you can see, they are trying to amplify Biden's successes by holding Social Media Rallies. Today's rally is about the infrastructure plan.
I love it! They are SO organized! I posted about this a week or so ago in the newsletter!
Oh, this is great! I just used it to post on Mastodon
"so jawdroppingly benighted, misogynistic and homophobic that he’s now, rightly, facing “intense backlash.”" And he's being supported by the senior Senator from MO who will get the backlash he deserves in November. Another great reason to get out and vote.
I know. Just horrid.
Did a few of these actions.
Wouldn’t it be nice to come back in our next life totally clueless!! ??? 😍🤣
Haha yes.
Thanks everyone for helping Democrats in NC. Also help Independent Shelane Etchison who will caucus with the Dems. The democrat running is not campaigning and is a sacrificial lamb in the Carolina 9th. Shelane has a real chance to beat incumbent Republican despite gerrymandering. She is an active, attractive, and vigorous candidate with good sense and a smart husband, Joe Stenger. We old farts in Siler City have been pushing for her and will try to put up some billboards, etc. Remember, there are more "unaffiliated" voters in NC and nationwide that either Dem or Repub and they vote.
Hi Jean: This is the website that I use: https://www.ncmegaphone.com/ It shows all of the emails for the state senate and for the house. You just copy them all at once (it takes three batches) and then add your message. You don't need to put your address in so they won't know if you're a resident or not. Thanks for your interest in helping! We have a wonderful governor who unfortunately is term limited and a complete nutcase, Mark Robinson, is running for the job. The legislature switched to Republican last year when one person defected, grrr. Now they're back to introducing ridiculous culture war bills. Thanks again!
Josh Stein is running for Governor of North Carolina. You are right that a nut case is running too. There is also a nutcase running for President of the United States. The present President Biden needs to be re-elected.
Mary, the NC Legislature has been GOP-controlled for a LONG TIME! But Tricia Cotham's defection gave the GOP a veto-proof supermajority!
Yes, thanks for clarifying that.
Hi Mary. Only just seeing your thoughtful response. Sorry I didn’t sooner. I found the NC Megaphone website earlier but evidently didn't look closely enough, not realizing the list of state senate and house members are listed. I did a separate search for contacting the NC General Assembly.
I also found an AP article about that which you describe:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/north-carolina-lawmakers-push-bill-to-ban-most-public-mask-wearing-citing-crime/ar-BB1msIcE
In the article is a video on the matter:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/video/news/nc-senate-committee-approves-bill-restricting-masks/vi-BB1molW6
There’s a good deal disturbing in the video. Especially troubling was where Senator Sydney Batch stated, that “this bill will protect the Klu Klux Klan to wear masks in public. But someone who's immunocompromised like myself cannot wear a mask.”
I called Senator Batch’s office and left a message for her legislative assistant, Michael Hardison. I shared that while an out of state resident, I wanted to support the senator’s position, and amplify it. I’m hoping to hear back and if so, will let you know.
In the meantime, I’ll go to the link you kindly posted here to gather the email address of the legislature. Thanks much and again.
Thanks so much Jean! There are some rabid people in the state legislature and people need to speak out. I really appreciate your interest.
O Mary, thank you! 💜
Here’s Glenn Kirschner’s YouTube on Aileen Cannon. The second half walks you through the steps of filling out the form. He doesn’t tell you what to write, but he points you to helpful articles.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0MXVfiTa3KM
Thank you!
Thanks Jessica, for amplifying the NC Reclaim Our Vote postcard campaign and the meeeting this evening.
I had time to get started writing my postcards and it is a very short message, so it will go quickly. ROV uses printed stickers for the meat of the message - links to websites, phone numbers etc. And they always include a photo of a sample postcard so there is no confusion about which parts of the message they want to stand out.
Of course! So important!
And they provide postcards but we provide the stamps. So psyched that we’re giving attention to NC voters this election season!
Here's a North Carolina event organized by All In for North Carolina to raise money for The States Project in NC -- A Zoom with Heather Cox Richardson, Daniel Squadron of The States Project and Rep. Robert Reives, Democratic Leader of the North Carolina House of Representatives.
On Tuesday, May 28 at 7:30pm
Learn more and sign up here to get the Zoom link:
https://swingbluealliance.org/calendar/blockbuster-zoom-fundraiser-to-break-the-supermajority-in-north-carolina/
Yes! I'm co-sponsoring it!
True!
This may be repetitive but not everyone reads all the Comments.
On the US Courts website https://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms, at the bottom of the page, there is a link to Judicial Conduct and Disability.
This provides links to relevant legislation and rules about filing a citizen complaint.
The Judicial Conduct and Disability Act of 1980, which establishes the right of a citizen to file a complaint about a federal District Judge, states the following:
(a)FILING OF COMPLAINT BY ANY PERSON.—
Any person alleging that a judge has engaged in conduct prejudicial to the effective and expeditious administration of the business of the courts, or alleging that such judge is unable to discharge all the duties of office by reason of mental or physical disability, may file with the clerk of the court of appeals for the circuit a written complaint containing a brief statement of the facts constituting such conduct.
The “Rules for Judicial-Conduct and Judicial-Disability Proceedings” are 63-Pages. This is the link: https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/judicial_conduct_and_disability_rules_effective_march_12_2019.pdf.
Included here are the definitions of “cognizable misconduct” which means conduct that can stand as the basis for a valid complaint. The conduct at issue is “conduct prejudicial to the effective and expeditious administration of the business of the courts.”
These definitions #1 through #7 (on Pages 7-9) are not considered comprehensive – other complaints may also qualify. However it would be best if any complaint filed could be defined as constituting one of these specified behaviors.
In reviewing this list, most are not applicable to Judge Cannon.
However, in my view, the following are at least potentially areas for exploration:
“Engaging in partisan political activity or making inappropriately partisan statements”
“…an allegation about delay in rendering a decision or ruling…[which] concerns an improper motive in delaying a particular decision…”
There appears to be little concern about any adverse consequences as long as the complaint is not “frivolous” and the process is not abused by “repetitive” such complaints. The only adverse outcome is that “you may be restricted from filing further complaints.”
I saw nothing to suggest that only people who are a party to the action can file these complaints.
Perhaps a trained/legal eye could identify the best approach for naming conduct that would qualify as a valid basis for a complaint.
To read the Rules in full, go to: https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/judicial_conduct_and_disability_rules_effective_march_12_2019.pdf
For the FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS page go to: https://www.uscourts.gov/judges-judgeships/judicial-conduct-disability/faqs-filing-judicial-conduct-or-disability-complaint#faq-Who-can-I-complain-about?
I haven't submitted anything yet because I have a couple of attorneys I plan to ask about how best to go about it, as far as phrasing my complaint and providing the best information to support it.
In my view, the only plausible explanation for this Judge's behaviors is that she is purposefully biased in Trump's favor and is making sure this case doesn't go to trial before the election, if ever. That is politically-motivated decision-making.
If anyone comes across effective language, LET JESSICA KNOW SO SHE CAN DECIDE IF SHE WANTS TO PUBLICIZE IT.
also since no one else has yet clicked LIKE on your comment I must assume no one has seen your comment yet. Hopefully my posting a 2nd comment on your comment pushes it up higher in the Substack algorithm to make it more visible.
so very true, what you posted - "This may be repetitive but not everyone reads all the Comments."
Thanks for taking the time to write out this detailed response to Jess's "Extra Credit" request about filing a complaint against Cannon; I just tried searching for the doc she cited but like you found a form titled COMPLAINT OF JUDICIAL MISCONDUCT OR DISABILITY.
Someone else here commented about "Glenn Kirschner’s YouTube on Aileen Cannon. The second half walks you through the steps of filling out the form. He doesn’t tell you what to write, but he points you to helpful articles."
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0MXVfiTa3KM
I followed the link Colleen provided, and I have filled out the form and mailed it. It takes a little time, but Glenn, in the video, is excellent in walking us through it.
He gives the address to which the letter must be sent.
You can do this! Our democracy deserves it!
To find the complaint form on the site, go to SERVICES & FORMS, and go down the list to OTHER FORMS, look for AO 310.
As Center For Common Ground noted, they’ll also have a Florida😎 (and Ga) campaign!
Speaking of Florida and ongoing GOP climate change denial,DeSantis just (quietly) signed one of the most heinous laws ever. The law will take effect July 1. No shade, no water breaks!
“DeSantis nixes local efforts to protect outdoor workers from FL’s brutal weather
Governor signs the bill without his usual fanfare.”
https://floridaphoenix.com/2024/04/12/desantis-nixes-local-efforts-to-protect-outdoor-workers-from-fls-brutal-weather/
Floridians, here is the Senate/House vote history on HB 433( March 8) As Election Day nears, and the temps heat up, let’s shout out those legislators who voted against humanity.📣📣
https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/433/?Tab=VoteHistory