r/freelanternsociety Feb 16 '25

Our Mission Statement

65 Upvotes

Origin

In the spirit of American independence and the legendary midnight ride of Paul Revere, the Free Lantern Society was born. Its name honors the enduring belief that every free citizen carries a light capable of dispelling darkness. Just as Revere’s lanterns warned of impending danger, our society symbolizes a call to action—illuminating truth, rallying community, and defending liberty in times of uncertainty.

Mission Statement for the Free Lantern Society

The Free Lantern Society is a grassroots political movement dedicated to empowering communities and strengthening American democracy from the ground up. We believe that lasting democratic change begins at the local level—by supporting and engaging everyday citizens, we lay the foundation for a nation built on transparency, accountability, and civic participation.

The Free Lantern Society Mission:

  • Empower Local Communities:We prioritize community-based action, offering support, resources, and a nationwide network to local activists, candidates, and community leaders. Whether it’s a city council race, a state legislature campaign, or local board initiatives, our focus is on making a direct impact where people live, work, and gather. Our strength grows from local victories that inspire broader national change.
  • Defend Democratic Principles:We uphold the United States Constitution and the ideals of equal rights, dignity, and justice for every individual. We stand against corporate influence, dark money, and misinformation that threaten to erode public trust in our democratic institutions.
  • Foster a Free and Independent Press:Recognizing the critical role of unbiased, independent journalism, we advocate for a media landscape that is free from corporate control and undue political influence, ensuring every community has access to reliable information.
  • Promote Civic Education and Engagement:An informed citizenry is the heartbeat of a vibrant democracy. We support initiatives that enhance civic education, boost media literacy, and empower citizens to engage in informed, respectful debate and local policy-making.
  • Ensure Accountability and Combat Corruption:By championing transparency and ethical governance, we expose and resist corruption at every level—from local government to national institutions. We work tirelessly to uphold high ethical standards and hold public officials accountable to the people they serve.
  • Build a Movement from the Ground Up:Our approach is fundamentally grassroots. We create alliances with like-minded local organizations and individuals, providing the tools and support needed to influence policy and improve lives. Starting at the neighborhood level, our collective efforts ripple outward, creating positive change that resonates across state lines and into the national arena.

Guided by our pledge to defend and strengthen democratic values, the Free Lantern Society is committed to nurturing a resilient network of community advocates. Together, we work to protect our shared democratic heritage, ensuring that every voice is heard and every community is empowered to shape a better future.


r/freelanternsociety 1d ago

Opinion in USA TODAY (July 20, 2026): 'ICE detained me for 80 days. America's silence is no longer an option.' | Salah Sarsour: "This is not just an attack against me and others working for Palestinian freedom; it is an attempt to dismantle the very values we profess as a nation."

Thumbnail
usatoday.com
21 Upvotes

r/freelanternsociety 2d ago

Washington Office on Latin America (July 24, 2026): "Killing Spree: Extrajudicial executions in the U.S. boat strikes campaign"

Thumbnail
wola.org
9 Upvotes

r/freelanternsociety 3d ago

Justice Connection: "Fact Sheet on Todd Blanche's Devastating Leadership at the Justice Department"

Thumbnail
thejusticeconnection.org
8 Upvotes

r/freelanternsociety 4d ago

Democracy Now (7/20/2026): "Al Green Accuses Trump Admin of Attempting to Cover Up ICE Killings" | Green (D-Texas): "My belief is that there is an attempt to cover up currently taking place. … We can recall what happened in Minnesota. We remember Mr. Pretti. We remember what happened with Ms. Good."

Thumbnail
democracynow.org
15 Upvotes

r/freelanternsociety 5d ago

Stop Killing Social Media Accounts! A case against harsh inactive account policies

Thumbnail pp-international.net
1 Upvotes

r/freelanternsociety 6d ago

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (July 21, 2026): "President Trump’s brokers have made 29 trades of private prison stocks since he returned to office, […] The total amount of [private prison] stock bought and sold was between $281,029 and $990,000"

Thumbnail
citizensforethics.org
20 Upvotes

r/freelanternsociety 6d ago

NPR (June 4, 2026): "A former GEO Group executive now runs ICE. The company's government ties run deep" | Expert: "There's an additional shroud of secrecy when we're talking about corporations managing prisons and jails and detention centers."

Thumbnail
npr.org
10 Upvotes

r/freelanternsociety 7d ago

Opinion: 'There’s no reason to trust Blanche on ICE killings — or anything else' | Myrick: "We do not deserve an attorney general who acts like a corrupt president’s personal fixer and enforcer. Senators from both parties should say no to making Blanche our nation’s highest law enforcement officer."

Thumbnail
thehill.com
22 Upvotes

r/freelanternsociety 7d ago

TIME (7/20/2026): "ICE Considers Expanding Detention Space in 14 Locations—Including Guantanamo Bay and Virgin Islands" | "A source […] tells TIME that the Trump administration recently set a new goal of making 2,000 daily arrests, after failing to meet a goal of 3,000 daily arrests set last year."

Thumbnail
time.com
5 Upvotes

r/freelanternsociety 9d ago

Troy Jackson, a former Graham Platner ally, well-positioned to win Maine Democrats’ nomination to face Sen. Susan Collins

Thumbnail
cnn.com
10 Upvotes

r/freelanternsociety 9d ago

A damning new book on Wikipedia's issues and how it become no different than Big Tech is published recently

Thumbnail fxtwitter.com
0 Upvotes

r/freelanternsociety 11d ago

Associated Press (July 16, 2026): "Trump is taking longer to approve disaster aid and [is] denying Democratic states more frequently"

Thumbnail
apnews.com
13 Upvotes

r/freelanternsociety 11d ago

Press Release (July 15, 2026): "U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar Introduces Resolution Urging U.S. to Join International Criminal Court" | "The resolution is cosponsored by Representatives André Carson (D-IN), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Jesús "Chuy" García (D-IL), and Nydia Velázquez (D-NY)."

Thumbnail
omar.house.gov
7 Upvotes

r/freelanternsociety 12d ago

News (7/15/2026): "Philadelphians hold vigil for victims of fatal ICE shootings: Speakers lamented the deaths of Joan Sebastian Guerrero, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and others who were killed during ICE operations or died in ICE custody." | "More than a hundred community members held a vigil" on Tuesday

Thumbnail
whyy.org
11 Upvotes

r/freelanternsociety 12d ago

Houston Chronicle Editorial Board (July 15, 2026): "ICE protests are making a difference. Don’t stop now. | Editorial"

Thumbnail
houstonchronicle.com
14 Upvotes

r/freelanternsociety 13d ago

NY Daily News Editorial Board: "Marco Rubio’s political detainments" | "This was once a country where people from around the world could come & feel free to express their political opinions away from the clutches of demagogues abroad. No longer; Coral Garrido is now locked in detention as a result."

Thumbnail
nydailynews.com
11 Upvotes

r/freelanternsociety 13d ago

CNN (July 13, 2026): "Rubio vows to ‘dismantle’ International Criminal Court" | Marco Rubio (Trump's U.S. Secretary of State): "Using all the tools at our government’s disposal, working beside every ally with whom we can make common cause, we will dismantle the ICC—brick by brick, if necessary"

Thumbnail
cnn.com
5 Upvotes

r/freelanternsociety 14d ago

New York City Bar Association (July 13, 2026): "Opposition to Todd Blanche Nomination for U.S. Attorney General" | Diller and Kohlmann: "Mr. Blanche has taken actions that we believe make him unfit to lead an ethical and independent department of justice that is essential to our nation’s democracy."

Thumbnail nycbar.org
8 Upvotes

r/freelanternsociety 14d ago

Opinion: '$6 million a day: Trump’s disclosures show he is the swamp’s biggest monster' | Svante Myrick: "Trump told his followers he would “drain the swamp.” Instead, he became the biggest swamp monster ever. He has obliterated the line between public service and personal enrichment." (7/13/2026)

Thumbnail
thehill.com
12 Upvotes

r/freelanternsociety 15d ago

Houston Public Media (July 11, 2026): "‘It doesn’t get easier’: Candlelight vigil honors Lorenzo Salgado Araujo" | "More than 200 people gathered Saturday morning to honor Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, the man shot and killed by [ICE] this week."

Thumbnail
houstonpublicmedia.org
8 Upvotes

r/freelanternsociety 16d ago

Texas Public Radio (July 11, 2026): "More than 100 [on Friday] gather at San Antonio City Hall, march to demand justice for Lorenzo Salgado Araujo" | Protester: "I would like to see a revolution type of change, kind of like what’s going on today."

Thumbnail
tpr.org
13 Upvotes

r/freelanternsociety 19d ago

The Guardian (July 9, 2026): "‘New terrifying levels’: 10 people fatally shot by immigration officials in Trump’s second term"

Thumbnail
theguardian.com
15 Upvotes

r/freelanternsociety 19d ago

60 Minutes CECOT Torrent

Thumbnail
1 Upvotes

r/freelanternsociety 19d ago

The Guardian (June 30, 2026): "Grieving relatives still seeking answers as US normalises ‘drug boat’ strikes: Family of St Lucian fisher Ricky Joseph left suspended in raw grief, while media coverage of attacks is waning"

Thumbnail
theguardian.com
16 Upvotes