Issues & Resources

 

 

Issues and Resources

Most know about gerrymandering or inaccessible polling places as voting issues, and most know the right to a fair vote needs protection. Many know that politicians can be bought, and campaign reform is needed. Less well known is that some states lack a paper record, preventing auditing and check on corruption. Massachusetts uses paper ballots, but auditing is rare.

This is a nonpartisan issue, with groups from all sides recognizing that with hackable voting systems and a lack of auditing we have a perfect storm with crickets from the media. Yes, we have hackable voting systems and this is not a partisan issue - people on all sides know this to be true, but for some reason the media has portrayed this as partisan and crazy. In 2019, voting machines were being hacked successfully by hackers and this was not considered a partisan question.

How else are elections hackable? Well, anything wireless is hackable and anyone with physical access can also hack a machine, including a subcontractor hired by the city. There are online reports that money is being paid around the world to hackers to fix elections.

Wireless hacking can occur when the data is transferred wirelessly. This can happen, for example, at the end of the election as the data is transferred to the town clerk through a wireless instead of a wired connection - as happens in Massachusetts. There is also a 'black box' of code in election machines where the code is secret - this is not a truly 100% secure as it depends on the honesty and efficacy of corporate code - when we all know corporations tend to not even admit failures and errors that provide easy hacking access. On the other hand, sharing the information for review by anyone may increase the possibility of hacking exploits. This is a good reason to use paper ballots as it doesn't depend on a few people to insure 'security' and it doesn't depend on constant software vigilance.

In addition, towns are not IT savvy, often, and machines may be outdated, or a town may be unable to recognize hacking. Even election officials at the state level may lack understanding.

Even access to town voter databases can be hacked, as it appears was a focus of Russia. Removing voters from town databases can make it difficult for voters who may not know they can request a ballot in any case and contest the denial later - and who may not have time to make the argument.

At the same time, the physical access for audits being demanded by some Republicans could also easily provide easy hacking access. The Russians were accused not of going after election machines, but after town office software and voter data - this data is being sold on the dark web. Towns are already having trouble defending against ransomware attacks.

  • Rewards for Justice - U.S. state department offers up to 10 million for information on election interference
  • National Election Defense Coalition (bipartisan)
  • OSET Institute on problems with current election systems
  • VerifiedVoting dot org - Information on voting equipment, paper records, auditing, internet voting, etc.
  • DefCon Voting Village Twitter Account (IT hackers)
  • State voting systems (NCSL)
  • Videos:
    • Hacking Democracy (Finnish hacker hacks Diebold 'secure' voting system) Note: The “Hursti Hack” changes the machine’s memory cards in person or over a remote internet connection
    • Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America's Elections
  • Articles & Reports:
    • Fracking Magic - hacking fixed 'remotely' by company and computers removed to the benefit of political insiders (2016)
    • 2019 Senate Intelligence Report states Russians hacked elections and likely continue
    • Going from bad to worse: from Internet voting to blockchain voting
    • Hackers were told to break into U.S. voting machines. They didn’t have much trouble (2019, Washington Post)
    • 93% of voters voting electronically fail to notice errors on printed ballots
    • CISA warns of vulnerabilities in Dominion voting machines (2022)
    • Voting machines (Dominion, ironically) in 16 states have vulnerabilities that could lead to hacking (Fortune, 2022) - quote from Halderman: 'These vulnerabilities, for the most part, are not ones that could be easily exploited by someone who walks in off the street, but they are things that we should worry could be exploited by sophisticated attackers, such as hostile nation states, or by election insiders, and they would carry very serious consequences.' Comment: Sophisticated attackers include billionaires and mega-corporations with the money to pay for hacking.
    • Hacking the Vote: Easier than You Think - Halderman discusses how his team has hacked optical scanners and touchscreens easily, creating viruses that spread from machine to machine.
    • DefCon video shows 2 minute hack without special tools or knowledge of pPremier AccuVote TS or TSX election machine (2018)
    • The voting machine hacking threat you probably haven’t heard about:
      Modems help election officials report results quickly, but security experts say they’re too dangerous to trust. (Politico, 2022)
    • Physical access for 'audits' may lead to hacking
    • Hackers in US are signing up to check US voter machines to protect elections (2020)
    • 12 Cyber Threats (Wired, 2020)
    • 11-year-old changes votes in 10 minutes (PBS, 2018)
    • Chinese parts in voting machines and lack of oversight (NBC News, 2019)
    • Georgia officials dismiss Dominion security risks (Politico, 2023)
    • OSET Institute discussion of the danger of exploitation when information on election system technology is released
    • Court unseals long-awaited election security reports (WA Post, 2023)
    • This hacker rigged elections in 9 Latin American countries (telsurTV, 2016).
    • The Colombian hacker also used voter data to call them and change their polling location, according to James Scott, senior fellow at the Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology. He also explains that 'a similar ploy used on voter machine manufacturers could manipulate several polls at once. Plus, much of this voting technology is proprietary, so forensic auditors couldn’t independently scrub for and detect malicious software, especially given such code might delete itself after Election Day, Scott said.'

  • Save Right Whales Coalition
  • Nantucket Residents Against Turbines (lawsuit against offshore wind notes contract allows 'takes' which are the deaths of endangered species)
  • Also, visit WindAction dot org and search 'Massachusetts' for articles on impacts on fish, birds, etc., and the extensive acreage required to replace fuel with wind.
  • Local groups that may have information:
      • Wind Wise Massachusetts (state-wide alliance, listing state legislation)
      • Citizens For Responsible Wind Energy
      • Concerned Neighbors of Back Bay
      • Counter Cape Wind
      • Eastham Wind Truth
      • Falmouth's Firetower Wind
      • Friends of Florida and Monroe
      • Green Berkshires
      • Plymouth Wind Info
      • Preserve Lenox Mountain
      • Save Our Seashore
      • Save Our Sound
      • Savoy Neighbors
      • Shelburne Wind
      • War Against Wind
      • W.E.C.A.R.E.
      • Windstop

Please also see the toxins section for potential contamination of water.

  • Foodandwaterwatch dot org - water privatization, affordable water, bottling water profits, industrial agriculture pollution
  • CELDF dot org - water privatization enabled by government, bottled water
  • InternationalRivers dot org - focused on large dam prevention in other countries. Generally, problems are fragmenting of habitat, sediment increases, altered groundwater table, promotion of stagnant and toxic water, methane development, and harm to aquatic life
  • MassRiversAlliance dot org - lists local groups that support protecting Massachusetts rivers from dams, excess water demand, and sewer overflows.
  • Articles/video:

Please see the ordinance page which discusses examples of tree ordinances.

  • Electronic Frontier Foundation (sends federal action alerts)
  • ACLUM.org (see privacy and surveillance - as well as legislation)
  • Electronic Privacy Information Center - EPIC.org
  • Parent Coalition for Student Privacy - studentprivacymatters.org
  • MocoSafeG dot org (Has a flyer on privacy and wireless)

  • ProPrivacy dot com (Online privacy reviews)
  • RestorePrivacy dot com (Online privacy reviews - note Brave Browser stands accused of allowing money to flow to disturbing organizations and of misusing browser to funnel funds to Brave)
    • Please note that many international emails used for privacy protection are blocked by conventional email and spam protection providers.
  • Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) - Also see:
    • Chromebook privacy settings
    • Google student account settings
    • Recommendation parents formally opt out of sharing of student information
  • Parent Coalition for Student Privacy - studentprivacymatters.org (Educator & parent toolkit)
  • ACLU school privacy resources & advice:
    • Concerns over school apps - "Certain information about students is fair game for data brokers. Parents must formally opt out to prevent the release of their child’s “directory” information."
    • ACLU offers school resources including model privacy policies and advice.

  • TikTok, developed by a company in China, has been found to conduct keylogging. Keylogging means what is typed on the computer is identified (logged) remotely, so for example passwords typed can be identified.
  • This Salesforce youtube video from a marketing group discusses how the new http-3 allows for easy ID and tracking (BTW, overrides VPN). While not discussed, please note that:
    • Google, Facebook, Microsoft and other large platforms are adopting http-3
    • On Firefox browser http-3 may be overridden on the about: config page by setting network.http.http3.enabled to false.
    • Google browser has had numerous major security problems in 2022 which likely occur because Google products allow so much tracking, thus undermining security

 

We don't have time yet to provide details, but basically neurorights are to protect the brain from control and surveillance by new technologies. There is actually a World Economic Forum presentation (see 2:03 and 21:07 here) discussing how employers may use some of these new technologies to read the minds of employees and disrupt their thinking when at odds with employer interests.

In addition to videos listed in different subject areas, the following are free resources and may be updated presentations:

  • INTRODUCTION
  •  5G
    • UK Dr. Erica Mallory-Blythe 2019 5G explanation & background overview -- note higher 5G frequencies have been randomly rolled out in USA in the 20s, 30s and 60s GHz range.
    • U.S. Dafna Tachover, Esq. - 2022 interesting background of 5G and plane issues. The link is https://thehighwire.com/videos/episode-251-fatal-flaws/ (starts at 1:13:34)
  • BREAST CANCER
  • CANCER & GENERAL
    • SaferEMR, Dr. Joel Moskowitz's blog, links to presentations:
      • Search : SaferEMR Dr. Joel Moskowitz
      • Select "Overview of Contents" from Key Posts
      • Look for slides or video, likely at top in ()
    • Prof. Anthony Miller 2018: RF Radiation, Evidence on Cancer, Justification for New IARC Review
  • CANCER & HEART PROBLEMS
    • Dr. Fiorella Belpoggi 2018 Presents Ramazzini Institute Research of Far Field or Ambient Exposures [starts c. 8:26, discusses vs National Toxicological Program of Near Exposures - compelling]
    • 2019 Dr. Fiorella Belpoggi presentation (same as above, later time)
  • CHILDREN/PREGNANCY
    • Dr. Devra Davis speaking to the Cyprus Pediatric Society on harms to children
    • Dr. De Kun-Li speaking to CHE on strong fields from electricity and prenatal or pregnancy impacts (middle presentation)
    • Dr. Erica Mallory-Blythe on children's cancer in 2018
  • CELL TOWERS
  • ELECTRICITY
    • Dr. Magda Havas has youtube presentations, or see her websites for presentations on problems with electricity ranging from stray current to power quality. The latter is also discussed briefly on slides 12 & 13 of the Beatty.fyi/smartgrid presentation with economic costs.
    • Isaac Jamieson's firm, Biosustainable Designs, has youtube presentations discussing static electricity, for example: Electrostatic Charge and Covid19
  • POTENTIAL MECHANISMS

PowerWatch.org.UK/library has a search function and research listings including electricity and wireless frequencies, as well as a series of research summary papers on topics such as cancer written in layman's language. ORSAA dot org also has a research database.

Bioinitiative.org provides research summaries and reports by independent scientists in areas of the scientists' specializations. The Bioinitiative has several charts on research findings from various power density exposures, a chart on immunity research, and a fascinating series by Dr. Henry Lai reviewing numbers of studies finding vs. not finding effects.

Dr. Joel Moskowitz, who maintains a blog SaferEMR, has maintained a list of all recent wireless research with abstracts and some extended information on the research online at his site - the link changes with updates, so it is necessary to check for a recent research post.

There are also other pages by or about the work of scientists with information such as AndrewMarino dot com and NeilCherry dot NZ.

In addition to Pubmed, Aachen University, in Germany, has maintained a search portal that includes some extended research summaries online via the EMF-Portal dot org/en. Originally, the EMF-Portal was sponsored by telecommunication companies who decided around 2018 to stop full sponsorship.

Research overviews are also available with websites such as the Physicians for Safe Technology.

Although plagued with distracting ads, GreenMedInfo dot com/anti-therapeutic-action/electromagnetic-field-harms has a left tab with symptoms which can be clicked for research lists.

At one time, JustProveIt.net was online and had a searchable database easy to navigate. While no longer online, the Internet Archive has versions available through 2019, after which it went offline.

Sensitivity to wireless and/or electricity can be very difficult with reports of homelessness, isolation, and suicides. Some associations provide a perspective, education, and/or advocacy, including:

  • Electrosensitivity UK (es-uk dot info)
  • WeAretheEvidence dot org
  • EIwellspring dot org
  • CellphoneTaskForce dot org
  • ES-Ireland dot com

Dr. Olle Johansson has published on the attitudes in Sweden versus other countries, noting that in Sweden there is a protective status in "Electrohypersensitivity: a functional impairment due to an inaccessible environment." While more must be done, several other countries and some US agencies have recognized electromagnetic sensitivity.

More information is available through research or by perusing Physicians for Safe Technology, but research on sensitivity includes:

    • Diagnostic marker research (2020): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32168876/
    • The "EUROPAEM EMF Guideline 2016 for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of EMF-related health problems and illnesses" can be found on PubMed or on DeGruyter dot com and downloaded for free and provides a good background on the condition and potential treatment.
    • Belpomme D, Irigaray P. Electrohypersensitivity as a Newly Identified and Characterized Neurologic Pathological Disorder: How to Diagnose, Treat, and Prevent It. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Mar 11;21(6):1915. doi: 10.3390/ijms21061915. PMID: 32168876; PMCID: PMC7139347
    • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32289567/ (mechanisms)
    • The Critical Importance of Molecular Biomarkers and Imaging in the Study of Electrohypersensitivity. A Scientific Consensus International Report (in other words, studies on sensitives should use reliable markers instead of conjecture, which is generally used in studies that deny the condition)
    • Many recommended treatments include addressing deficiencies or utilizing supplements to alleviate oxidation or inflammation. "Metabolic and Genetic Screening of Electromagnetic Hypersensitive Subjects as a Feasible Tool for Diagnostics and Intervention" suggests that glutathione is often sorely lacking and has a genetic as well as exposure basis, as well as noting some similarities between electromagnetically and chemically sensitive patients (De Luca et al, 2014).
    • Dr. Johansson has also published numerous articles examining skin changes from electromagnetic exposures, and in Pathophysiology in 2009 an article on immune system disruption. His early work examined VDU screen monitors and coined the term screen dermatitis. An older article on this subject makes a comparison: "Skin changes in "screen dermatitis" versus classical UV- and ionizing irradiation-related damage--similarities and differences." Further information follows in "A theoretical model based upon mast cells and histamine to explain the recently proclaimed sensitivity to electric and/or magnetic fields in humans." Johansson's work indicates changes in the microbiome, skin structure, wound healing, and mast cells, including increases in bacteria, contribute to screen dermatitis.
    • TSH and ALT/AST blood findings indicate thyroid dysfunction, liver dysfunction, and chronic inflammation in patients expressing electromagnetic sensitivity as stated in "Blood laboratory findings in patients suffering from self-perceived electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS)" (Dahmen et al, 2009). Note: other studies have found pathological changes in the thyroid from mobile phone use. A reference is made to thyroid and other concerns in this study: "The Effects of Electromagnetic Field on the Endocrine System in Children and Adolescents" (Sangün Ö et al, 2015).
    • A 2017 paper evaluates several diagnostic elements of illness from exposures, noting length of illness shows a trend towards higher levels in tests: "Increasing levels of saliva alpha amylase in electrohypersensitive (EHS) patients" (Andrianome et al).
    • A 2015 paper reviews animal studies indicating myelin damage or impact on nerve conduction: "Could myelin damage from radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure help explain the functional impairment electrohypersensitivity? A review of the evidence" (Redmayne & Johansson).
    • The Austrian Medical Association initially published guidelines for diagnosing electromagnetic (whether in relation to electricity or wireless) health problems in 2012, reflecting some biochemical changes identified in research. This is easy to locate online - add EMF to the search.
    • A report of long-term effects of exposure is available online at KompetenzInitiative.net/brochures

GolombResearchGroup.org - Genetic markers are being further investigated by Dr. Beatrice Golomb of the Golomb Group in California, based at the University of San Francisco. Additional funding is welcomed.

  • Digital divide trick - Funds meant for wired services are being misappropriated to provide wireless, as discovered by the Irregulators and explained in the linked video.
  • Irregulators.org - The Irregulators is group of experts working on legal action and policy research, with fact sheets on misuse of funds in MA and NY.

Advanced steps to reducing artificial electromagnetic exposures can be difficult, expensive, or error-ridden. Basic steps can be error-ridden, too. Mistakes can include:

  • Consumer representatives wrongly say router or other antenna no longer transmits (here's looking at you, Comcast!)
  • Antennas turned off accidentally turn back on.
  • Measuring equipment fails to identify the full range of existing signals to block -- for example, we've found Cornet meters fail to detect smart grid transmissions
  • Many meters report in Watts per meter (W/m), which is an average over time of a few seconds or so (depending on meter). Volts per meter (V/m) is better, capturing spikes, and peak hold useful for highlighting the peak intensity.
  • Metal blocking materials can reflect or radiate and intensify signals, increasing exposures.
  • Grounding can fail when the ground is contaminated with stray current or other signals.
  • Grounding can fail when the soil is hard and dry.
  • Blocking signals can block life-giving sunlight.
  • Blocking fabrics and paint or other materials may lose efficacy after time - even just a year.
  • Blocking materials (concrete, metal, etc.) may not work for all signal types.
  • Some products may be scams, faulty, or misguided. For example, even if a device emits healing frequencies this is still an area of research with questions remaining, so the frequencies emitted may not be perfect, and it is still problematic to be exposed to WiFi, cellphone, and other such signals.

When blocking with metal, such as a metal roof, the metal is supposed to be attached to a conductive rod to send the signals into the ground (grounding). The question is, what does this do to the life in the ground?

If you must have a cellphone, avoid those with high-band 5G, use of satellite connections, and prefer those with reduced emissions or older models or a model like Mudita Pure. Tips:

  • Disable 5G network: Verizon iPhone 12 go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data and tap on LTE.
  • Disable extra cellphone signals: Turn off
    • WIFI, Bluetooth and Cellular Data
    • 'Find your phone' (in newer phones)
    • 'Location services' (in newer phones)
  • Hard-wire cellphone: Search online for how to hard-wire either your Android cellphone or Iphone. EHTrust dot org has a description.
  • Mudita dot com sells a cellphone that claims to have the lowest wireless exposures, but note it lacks smartphone components.
  • 4G cellphones: In 2021, Sony is not using 5G networks in the USA for its Xperia phones, which have good ratings though expensive. Google Pixel 4 also does not use 5G, and is cheaper but has a higher listing for SAR, or emission.
  • Softphone or Text Messaging Service: Consider using a text messaging service or a desktop softphone through your computer. A softphone which is a hard-wired digital phone intended to operate like a cellphone does, receiving text messages and calls.
  • Lessen power density! Avoid extra apps (which increase signaling), use in metal containers (cars, elevators), when cellphone signal is poor, use against your head, etc. Keep the cellphone away from your body, even when carrying, unless everything is off (WiFi, bluetooth, etc.).

Opt out of Amazon Sidewalk (Alexa, Ring) to keep Amazon from hiking wireless power density and data use for a neighborhood surveillance network at your expense: protect your health, data, and privacy. Amazon no longer has an opt out deadline.

  • Update. To opt out with Apple devices, you must update if using version 5.39 or not using iOS 14.6
  • Open Alexa App > More > Settings > Account Settings > Amazon Sidewalk > Turn Amazon Sidewalk on or off for your account. If Ring is linked, then Ring will be disabled as well.
  • Check if Alexa and Ring Linked. Open Ring App > Menu > Account > Linked Accounts
  • Disable Ring. Open Ring App and tap 3 lines in upper left corner of screen > Control Center > Sidewalk > Tap Sidewalk slider button and confirm you wish to disable Sidewalk

Some steps are easy - such as unplugging or using airplane mode or even hard-wiring a cellphone. These steps can be found online with a search or in fact sheets available via EHTrust dot org and other groups.

Advanced steps to reducing artificial electromagnetic exposures, however, can be difficult, expensive, and error-ridden. Many people simply can't and won't do everything suggested. However, if interested, here are some sources:

  • CreateHealthyHomes dot org (articles on hard-wiring TVs, etc.)
  • BuildingBiologyInstitute dot org (training, vids, & articles)
  • EMFanalysis dot com (basics, alternative word processing, etc. - to start, see /EMF-superhero)
  • Norad4u dot com (guides)
  • EMFcenter dot com (see meter recommendations)
  • EIwellspring dot org (safer homes)
  • Magneticsciences dot com (meter rentals, based in Massachusetts)
  • AntennaSearch dot com - identifies some cell towers and other antennas near an address -- for more sources, see this pro-wireless page: ubersignal.com/blog/cell-tower-locations/
  • Boston antenna locations map

Equipment to measure above 8 GHz in the 5G high frequency ranges currently costs tens of thousands of dollars and sold by Rohde & Schwarz, Anritsu and Narda-STS.

These companies have been around long enough to know sales are honest, but we are not providing an endorsement of any one store, nor of every product - please see our warnings about products as well. If you buy, you may be able to buy through an organization that will receive some proceeds from your purchase.

  • SafeLivingTechnologies dot com (Canada area - use referral code EHT-05 for an extra 5% off to support the Environmental Health Trust)
  • Norad4u dot com
  • LessEMF dot com (NY area)

Please see the ordinances page!

  • Please see the wireless ordinance section of the ordinance page.
  • See this Australian cell tower kit.
  • The Environmental Health Trust (EHTrust dot org) has several pages with information on cell towers.

Note: The industry keeps changing the name of wireless digital utility meters such as from smart meters to automated meter infrastructure (AMI).

  • MA failed smart grid investigations
  • Please see the ordinance page
  • The Internet Archive has the former HaltMASmartMeters.org page with clinkable links, still useful though dated.
  • 2013 Smart Meter Report by MDs - Reviews smart meters (Eugene, OR)
  • Current state opt-out policies can be found at NCSL dot org
  • StopSmartMeters dot org has a "Sample Letters" page & flyers
  • A sample ADA letter for opting out of wireless meters is available from ElectrosmogPrevention dot org (see "No smart meters campaign" > Legal > ADA Accommodations . . . ) which may serve as a model
  • This presentation at Beatty.fyi discussed the economic and legal costs of the smart grid.

Keep in mind that the object should be to unplug for kids - not just hard-wire. Close contact with electricity and sitting all day long in schools or at home is unhealthy. Old-fashioned books and printing are healthier than screens.

  • Recommendations for students studying at home from Russian scientists
  • The California Brain Tumor has remote wireless education recommendations.
  • Environmental Health Trust has advice for schools, a listing of relevant expert letters, and this FAQ.
  • A remote education presentation is available online from Families Advocating for Chemicals & Toxics Safety.
  • Techsafeschools dot org has resources including legal and hard-wiring advice.
  • TheTechAdvocate dot org promotes EdTech, but note also has products for setting limits
  • WirelessRiskAssessment dot org/E-safety (E-safety and wireless safety flyer for teens, flyer for elementary - also see links page)

Tip list:

  • Limit use to need - avoid use for entertainment
    If necessary, such as for setting up check-ins, routinely schedule phone calls for certain times of day
  • Prefer pen and paper always - even compared to a hard-wired computer due to screen light and fields (emissions) from electricity
  • For teleconferences, avoid video (more wireless exposure, more energy costs) - use voice conferencing instead
  • Use conversation, chalk, books and handouts instead of tech
  • Use a hard-wired connection when needed - or text or use speakerphone if unavailable
  • Keep your distance from electricity (circuitry, plugged-in digital devices and appliances)
  • Keep your distance from transmitting antennas - do not carry a cellphone around
  • Keep any devices in airplane mode
  • Always unplug at night - a crucial time for health
  • Unplug trivial devices - anything with an FCC ID on the back likely has an antenna
  • Even better, toss your TV and router since successfully turning off wireless functionality is a headache - and find something else to do
  • Get a meter that measures wireless, to test devices
  • If possible, turn off the electricity in sleeping areas and where unnecessary - and study Dr. Samuel Milham's work for why

Even if you have a decent ordinance, and if you can claim disability, send a letter requesting zero close proximity antennas, including so-called "small cell facilities" and antennas attached to utility lines. As an example, a letter written by co-chair Kirstin Beatty is below. You can also and should send a copy to the state attorney general as a formal complaint.

Wireless Accommodations Request Letter

RE: Reasonable accommodation for my disability and medical conditions pertaining to cell towers, close proximity antenna installations, wireless devices, and WiFi in the City of Holyoke

FROM: Kirstin Beatty

Under the Fair Housing Amendments Act and/or Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title 10, in addition to other state and federal laws against discrimination, it is unlawful discrimination to deny a person with a disability a reasonable accommodation of policies, procedures, and activities, where necessary to avoid discrimination if such accommodation may be necessary to afford such person full enjoyment of the premises or equal access and/or participation in programs and services.

I am a qualified individual with a disability and medical condition as defined by the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 504, Title 10, as well as other related state and federal discrimination laws.

Wireless exposures cause my disability and aggravates my other medical conditions. I am informing you, so that you can be sure to attend to accommodations and take due care to prevent any further harm to my health or rights of access.

According to the Telecommunications Act of 1996, local governments cannot deny wireless infrastructure based on environmental health concerns. Local governments do, however, have some control over placement. Additionally, telecommunication providers clearly also have this control. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations must be provided to prevent access barriers.

Therefore, I want you to know that I need accommodations to allow continued travel throughout Holyoke, nearby towns, and for travel to the State House in Boston. I have noticed increasing difficulty with travel as wireless levels have risen over the past year. As result, I have tried to change my driving routes and have limited my travel to limit deleterious effects. However, I can’t go on indefinitely limiting my travel or changing driving routes – I must have some accommodation.

Secondly, I am concerned about the exposures to my own residence, which sits near the major interstate 91 and is high enough on the side of Mt. Tom to receive many of the signals sent to the highway and sent from transmitters atop Mt. Tom. Clearly, direct exposures to my residence are also a problem. Therefore, not only do I need attention to where transmitters are placed, but if installations are permitted, then attention that these transmissions are not aimed at me, including my place of residence and where I spend time.

Thirdly, I cannot attend or participate in many events, because of the use of WiFi or wireless devices. I must limit all of my activities so as to avoid wireless exposures. A third accommodation request is to limit use of wireless devices and WiFi in Holyoke municipal buildings and to request that others put devices into airplane mode.

One of my accommodation requests for Holyoke local government is to deny all issuance of permits for new wireless infrastructure. I realize this may seem unreasonable, but I’d like to point out that wired infrastructure works and works well – and it is not as if wireless providers cannot afford to pay for wired infrastructure as profits are extreme. Also, Holyoke and nearby towns already have hundreds of antennas and towers which are not only adequate to the task, but excessive for telecommunications.

Here is an additional list of accommodation requests:

1) For Holyoke City Council and Holyoke Gas & Electric: Please fully meter and account for energy costs of wireless infrastructure, rather than leaving this burden to taxpayers. If there are permits issued, please insure these transmit away from my residence and where I spend time. Please do not issue permits or rent utility or other poles for any new wireless infrastructure in Holyoke, in particular within a mile of my home as well as by:
• Route 5,
• near Interstate 91,
• near the Holyoke Medical Center,
• in residential areas,
• at Ocean State Job Lot,
• at the Stop & Shop grocery stores,
• at the Holyoke Library,
• at the Holyoke Post Office,
• along Dwight Street,
• by Holyoke Community College, and
• en route to South Hadley or Easthampton via Route 141.
2) Holyoke Gas & Electric: Please stop requiring an additional payment to read the meter, since in any case the reason for disabling the wireless emissions is my disability and it does not seem right to require a payment to avoid harm. Please also reinstall analog meters for the entire town, instead of adding to the levels of wireless radiation in homes and along streets with high-powered transmissions from the utility meters. I do notice these meters are a problem when walking, and I do not want to visit homes with these meters – these are an access barrier as well.
3) Holyoke City Council: Please make an effort to cut wireless exposures and reduce exposures as much as possible, including at City Council meetings – please regularly request that visitors put cellphones in airplane mode so as to establish a habit of turning off transmissions, and please insure that microphones, filming equipment, etc., are all wired. Please also limit police use of transmitters, avoiding wireless surveillance devices for example.
4) Holyoke Telecom [Gas & Electric]: Please limit use of hotspots by hard-wiring systems. If installing a fiberoptic system, please do so with respect to reducing transients, harmonics, and wireless emissions. For example, apparently fiberoptic connectors can leak excessively and be more of a problem than cable leakage – cable leakage is already a pretty bad problem, capable of causing interference with airplane systems. If relevant, please also make efforts to reduce dirty electricity, or transients and harmonics (see following number).
5) Holyoke Gas & Electric: Dr. Sam Milham wrote an interesting book called Dirty Electricity which discussed his initial findings on dirty electricity, or transients and harmonics, on health, as well as discussing the problem of ground current. As a municipally-owned telecom and utility system, Holyoke could be a leader in reducing harmful electromagnetic exposures, thereby improving not just the lifetime of electronics, but the lifetime of people. As awareness and research continues to increase on this issue, action on this could also make Holyoke even more attractive to outside investment as well as to residents if Holyoke took preemptive action to reduce such exposures.
6) Holyoke Waterworks: Please research how to change to an analog meter to gauge water usage.

A benefit of heeding my accommodation request is reduced liability for all concerned. Although local and state governments have been told that environmental concerns cannot be considered with regard to permits, any use of municipal property for wireless communications subjects local governments to liability. Close proximity wireless infrastructure poses an even greater liability risk due to proximity to residences and businesses equating to higher exposures and likely greater harm.

Environmental health risks of non-thermal radiation, including wireless, have been demonstrated in copious laboratory and epidemiological (statistical) research – the Bioinitiative has organized some sample studies, as has Dr. Joel Moskowitz online at SaferEMR dot com. At least one study, by the U.S. National Toxicological Program, indicates that higher levels of exposure increase health risks. Many peer-reviewed studies show harm resulting from wireless exposures. The great majority of scientists in the field accept biological effects are caused by exposure, and merely study rather than deny effects. Denial appears to exclusive to persons outside the field or to well-paid industry consultants, the latter such as described by journalists of Investigate Europe. To deny risks and fail to act is negligent in the extreme.

I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to any helpful response.

ADA and FHAA Accommodations. Citing the Americans with Disabilities Act and Fair Housing Amendments Act to your municipality as a reason not to install antennas, whether smart meters or small cell towers nearby has been recommended by lawyers if you can. The earlier you can make this request, the better, because requests beforehand are more likely to be addressed satisfactorily. When making any such request, send a copy to the state attorney general as well.

Some individuals have cited electromagnetic sensitivity or cardiac issues and some have won in court on the issue of smart meters.Some individuals have cited electromagnetic sensitivity or cardiac issues and some have won in court on the issue of smart meters. You can also find relevant legal or medical letters in prior cases, such as in the case affidavits from Dr. Golomb and other experts - see the lawsuits page for cases.

More will be added, especially as some are being edited.

More helpful materials exists in other sections, such as below the research tab. These are a few we especially like.

These are from other groups:

  • Card in Spanish
  • European organizations often have brochures in several brochures. For example, see kompetenzinitiative dot com/en/brochures/

Your local library is a great resource for community events, such as showing videos or setting up meetings. You can also host an event in your home with printables or a movie showing.

  • Piti Theatre Company at PTCO.org is local to Massachusetts, travels across the state, nation, and internationally for shows on electromagnetic sensitivity or impacts on bees and other topics. These are entertaining and educational for adults and children. Piti Theatre also has (or had) a streaming video available.
  • Safe Tech International (dot org) organizes international days of action and provides extra information.
  • Videos:
    • Cyprus government wireless advice (short infomercial)
    • Elettra, a short film about an electrosensitive woman, is a 22-minute Italian film with English subtitles. The film’s main character is Lisa Granuzza Di Vita, an actress who suffers from electromagnetic hypersensitivity.

NON-IONIZING RADIATION SIGN - If you plan to attend public events to lobby legislators on the non-ionizing radiation issue, or if you wish to put a sign in your window, consider making a sign in preparation. A sample text could be 'Radiation Limits for Cell Towers! LastTreeLaws.com'.

X-rays do need to be limited, especially in youth, but even more concerning is that nuclear power regulators are letting us down.

Resources on the internet include:

  • NonGMOproject dot org - Dedicated to building, protecting, identifying a non-GMO food supply
  • GMOscience dot org - Education, glysophate testing, impossible burger
  • GMwatch dot org - Listing of myth makers, non-GMO crop successes, etc.
  • Foodandwaterwatch dot org - non-GMO information

This refers to fluoride added to drinking water.

  • FluorideAlert dot org - Excellent resource.
  • Federal court case - FAN (listed above) is currently engaged in a lawsuit against the EPA. Judges may rule in favor of FAN, embarrassing the EPA, but still fail to stop water fluoridation.
  • A bone char filter or use of reverse osmosis is said capable of filtering fluoride from drinking supplies.

  • EWG dot org/consumer-guides - Has useful guides on avoiding some of problem chemicals in sunscreens, cosmetics, and children's products
  • EWG dot org/interactive-maps - Shows locations of chemical releases
  • EWG dot org/tapwater - Find ratings for your local water
  • Video:

As we move towards mandating all life online, many threats arise from scams to government surveillance: social, emotional, economic, ecological and health impacts on society. External resources on this subject are listed below, focused on emotional impacts, and sometimes differ on the best approach for protection.

We don't have the time to provide much information here just yet. However, we will list a few problems we see:

  • State standards created at the top to benefit people at the top - we've noticed quite a few issues. The Common Core was created only with the illusion of public involvement, just for example.
  • A punitive administrative model in relation to public education that benefits control from the top at the expense of creativity.
  • Teaching to bizarre trends and bizarre demands (bureaucracy) that have little to do with student needs, teacher needs, and success.
  • Digital education that amplifies privacy loss and digital addiction.
  • Profiteering with digital education (cheap) at the expense of human teachers and local control.
  • Digital education that amounts to a black box written by industry and strangers which human teachers and local communities cannot evaluate or alter.
  • Digital addiction, increased by requirements to use technology.
  • Coursework requirements that meet the needs of business rather than the needs and interests of students and society - amplified by the elimination of opportunities for human teachers to mention or explore 'unauthorized' topics. Problems include:
    • Coursework for all students to learn about XYZ because there are not enough applicants for XYZ, instead of considering pay and job requirements need reevaluation, or that the company needs to invest its own money in training;
    • Absence of content that would allow students to better understand concepts that would benefit them such as consumer rights, law, environmental toxins, crafts, substantive foreign language, ecology, etc.
    • Absence of coursework to support independent business ownership and ecologically-friendly business, art, crafts, etc. - alternatives to the digital and bureaucratic rat race.
    • Coursework that provides a job for someone with political connections instead of someone who cares and is effective.

Find ALL my state and federal representatives and where to vote

MASSACHUSETTS

FEDERAL

  • Gov.info - Federal public and private laws
  • GovTrack.US - Search and find data on federal legislation. Follow a federal bill or a legislator by request
  • Federal Register - Announces new federal laws and rules

When Elon Musk refused to allow the StarLink satellites to assist the Biden administration with the war in Ukraine, this demonstrated how far our military has become mercenary, owned by billionaires instead of the people. We should not have a military that is owned by private business because private business can be bought or simply turn against the people.

We don't have time to provide resources now, but essentially the military-industrial complex keeps creating weapons that can turn against us and that are harmful to our environment and to people. AI weapons, for example, are incredibly dangerous and there are reports of their getting out of control and turning on their users. Drone warfare is also a nightmare. All of this technology continues to require destruction and contamination of our resources. The excuse of defense is no longer a defense. We need treaties, we need to back off, we need to stop trying to rule the world.

We probably need to back off of our use of technology, for our demands are much more environmentally costly than media or government ever seem to discuss. Ukraine, BTW, is a rich source of lithium, a mineral that is highly sought after and for which mining in other countries has led to environmental devastation and destruction of local livelihoods. Ukraine is rich in other technologically useful 'resources' that can be mined. Lithium alone is central to our technology and 'clean energy' which is actually not so clean. US interests in Ukraine may be to mine the lithium or let the already rich do so - after war, when so many are dead and tired is often a 'gold' mine for investors.

While it may seem like we need to fight over resources in order to defend ourselves, we really are just destroying the planet for everyone. We need to shift our thinking, and our mindless support for harmful technological and military prowess.

Additional Resources:

Legislation
Politician Scorecards

Last Tree Laws Massachusetts