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VICII: Birthright Citizenship: No Asterisks, No Exception! 02/12/2025

From VICII:

All her life, Sandy Baird has fought for equality, standing firmly for the rights of the marginalized and advocating for justice at every turn. Her unwavering dedication to the Constitution, and especially to the Fourteenth Amendment, is a testament to her belief in the sanctity of American democracy. For Sandy, the Constitution was not merely a set of legal codes—it was a moral declaration of justice, a promise that America belongs to all those born on its soil, regardless of ancestry, status, or political agenda.

In the wake of recent challenges to birthright citizenship, particularly through executive actions that sought to undermine the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment, Sandy’s fight is more relevant than ever. This clause guarantees citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and it is the foundation of our nation’s promise of equality. To attack this right is to undermine the very bedrock of American democracy.

We invite you to honor Sandy Baird’s life-long fight for equality and join us for a critical public discussion on birthright citizenship, as we explore its legal and constitutional importance in light of recent challenges. Ryan Kane, Deputy Solicitor General at the Vermont Attorney General's Office, will lead the conversation, providing insights into the legal framework of the 14th Amendment and the efforts to erode birthright citizenship.

For more information about VICII please visit: www.VICII.org/events

VICII: Do You Speak BRICS?: A New Language in a Shifting Geopolitical World 02/05/2025

From VICII:

As the BRICS coalition—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—expands to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, it is reshaping the geopolitical landscape into what is now known as BRICS+. These nations represent a significant share of the world’s population and economic power, challenging the traditional Western-dominated global order.

At the same time, the U.S. political landscape is undergoing transformation, influenced by the policies and legacy of Donald Trump’s "America First" doctrine. How do these dual rises—the growing influence of BRICS+ and Trump’s impact on U.S. foreign policy—intersect or clash in reshaping the global order?

Join us for a VICII Special Forum, where Kurt Mehta will lead a discussion on:

  • BRICS' strategic alliances and economic cooperation: How are these nations working together to create a multipolar world?
  • The drive for de-dollarization: What does BRICS Pay and other alternative economic systems mean for the future of global trade?
  • Trump's influence on international relations: How does "America First" affect the U.S.'s standing in a world increasingly looking toward BRICS?

For more information about VICII please visit: www.VICII.org/events

VICII: Syria Today: From a West-Labeled Dictator to a West-Labeled Terrorist, How Far Will the West Go to Counter Russia? 01/22/2025

From VICII:

Join us for an insightful and timely discussion on the current state of Syria, featuring Wafic Faour, a renowned expert and commentator on Middle Eastern affairs. This event will delve into Syria’s ongoing challenges and complexities, from the rule of Bashar al-Assad to the anticipated policies of his de-facto successor, rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. Despite a $10 million U.S. bounty on his head and leading a group designated as a terrorist organization by Washington and others, Ahmed al-Sharaa has recently dropped his nom de guerre of Abu Mohammad al-Jolani and traded military fatigues for a suit. This shift seems to align with Western interests to counter Russia and weaken Syria’s sovereignty under the guise of fostering peace. By embracing Sharaa, despite the risks, the West underscores selective bigotry that exploits Syria’s struggles to serve broader geopolitical aims. Sharma has been actively pushing this narrative in meetings with Western diplomats and the media since rebel forces, led by his Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group (HTS), toppled the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. 

For more information about VICII please visit: www.VICII.org/events

VICII: Why The US Feels Threatened by Venezuela 10/17/2024

From VICII:

Join us for a compelling public affairs discussion that delves into the ongoing tensions between Venezuela and the United States. This public affairs discussion will explore the ongoing tensions between Venezuela and the United States, focusing on why Venezuela continues to frustrate US foreign policy. The conversation will examine the historical, political, and economic reasons behind these strained relations, highlighting Venezuela’s defiance of US influence and its global alliances.

Peter Lackowski, a peace activist and supporter of Latin America’s political autonomy, will provide his perspective on Hugo Chávez’s Chavismo movement and why it remains a challenge to US interests. Moderated by Sandy Baird, this event will delve into the reasons behind US hostility toward Venezuela, the consequences of sanctions, and what this means for Latin America’s future.

For more information about VICII please visit: www.VICII.org/events

VICII: Public Forum: The Case of UVM vs Suspended Pro-Palestinian Students - Is Free Speech On Trial? 09/23/2024

From VICII:

This fall, the University of Vermont continues its suspension of the student group Students for Justice in Palestine, which began during the spring protests against the Israel/Gaza War. Attorney John Franco, Esq., has filed a lawsuit arguing that this suspension violates the US Constitutional guarantees of free speech and is calling for the university to reinstate the group and reaffirm its commitment to free expression.

Join the Vermont Institute of Community and International Involvement for a critical discussion of this case.

John Franco, Esq. will lead the discussion, joined by Constitutional lawyer and Vermont Law School Professor Jared Carter, as well as Community Lawyer Sandy Baird, Esq. Together, they will examine the legal and constitutional implications of the case and what it means for free speech on university campuses.

All are welcome. Don't miss this important conversation about constitutional rights and student activism!

For more information about VICII please visit: www.VICII.org/events

Moments with Melinda: Interview with Peter Welch 08/12/2024

From Melinda Moulton:

Senator Peter Francis Welch is an American Lawyer and Politician serving since 2023 as the Junior United States Senator from Vermont. Senator Welch was a U.S. Representative for Vermont in Congress from 2007 to 2023 and has been a major figure in Vermont politics for over forty years. Peter is only the 2nd Democrat to be elected a Senator from our State of Vermont.

Secretary of State Jim Condos - Transparency Tour 05/25/2022

From Secretary of State's Office:

Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos is pleased to announce the dates and locations for his fifth biennial Transparency Tour. Throughout late October and November Secretary Condos will travel to several locations across Vermont to provide training and facilitate discussion on Vermont’s transparency laws, Vermont’s Public Records Act, and Open Meeting Law.

“The public’s right to know is enshrined in our Vermont Constitution,” said Secretary Condos. “Vermonters deserve openness and transparency in government. By educating municipal and state employees, elected officials, and engaged residents on the requirements of government under Vermont’s Open Meeting Laws and the Public Records Act, I hope to help government officials of all stripes better serve Vermonters.”

Government officials at all levels, from local volunteer board and commission members, to elected officials and state employees, and interested members of the public, are invited and encouraged to attend.

For the first time, this year’s Transparency Tour will include an overview of Vermont’s election procedures, and the steps the Secretary of State’s office is taking to ensure the integrity and security of our elections, titled “Defending Our Democracy.” With the 2020 elections just around the corner, Vermonters increasingly want to know that their votes are safe, secure and will count on Election Day.

As a longtime proponent of transparency and openness in government, Secretary Condos looks forward to engaging attendees in an informative discussion on the requirements of government officials, and the rights of Vermont citizens.

“With trust in government at an all-time low, I believe that sunshine is the best disinfectant,” said Secretary Condos. “Let the sun shine in!”

Vermont Reforms Professional Licensing with Deputy Secretary of State Chris Winters 12/08/2021

Town Meeting TV talks with Vermont's Deputy Secretary of State Chris Winters about recent strides by Vermont’s Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) to reduce barriers to entry for licensed professionals in 50 professions and occupations, without sacrificing public protection.

Working with 12 other states, the Vermont SOS office has implemented: fast track licensing, credit for military experience, apprentice pathways, credential verification for new Americans, second-chance determinations for those with criminal convictions, the addition of compact licensing with 38 other states for nursing and digitization of the entire licensing process. The focus remains on public protection, understanding that licensing and enforcement of licensing standards benefits both the profession regulated and the consumers they serve.

For more information: sos.vermont.gov/opr

What's Going On?: Local, National and World Affairs 02/13/2020

Host Sandy Baird is joined by Kurt Mehta and Marc Estrin as they discuss the Democrats, Bernie Sanders, the 2020 presidential campaigns, healthcare, corporate interests, and more.

Secretary of State Jim Condos - Transparency Tour 10/29/2019

Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos is pleased to announce the dates and locations for his fifth biennial Transparency Tour. Throughout late October and November Secretary Condos will travel to several locations across Vermont to provide training and facilitate discussion on Vermont’s transparency laws, Vermont’s Public Records Act, and Open Meeting Law.

“The public’s right to know is enshrined in our Vermont Constitution,” said Secretary Condos. “Vermonters deserve openness and transparency in government. By educating municipal and state employees, elected officials, and engaged residents on the requirements of government under Vermont’s Open Meeting Laws and the Public Records Act, I hope to help government officials of all stripes better serve Vermonters.”

Government officials at all levels, from local volunteer board and commission members, to elected officials and state employees, and interested members of the public, are invited and encouraged to attend.

For the first time, this year’s Transparency Tour will include an overview of Vermont’s election procedures, and the steps the Secretary of State’s office is taking to ensure the integrity and security of our elections, titled “Defending Our Democracy.” With the 2020 elections just around the corner, Vermonters increasingly want to know that their votes are safe, secure and will count on Election Day.

As a longtime proponent of transparency and openness in government, Secretary Condos looks forward to engaging attendees in an informative discussion on the requirements of government officials, and the rights of Vermont citizens.

“With trust in government at an all-time low, I believe that sunshine is the best disinfectant,” said Secretary Condos. “Let the sun shine in!”

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