News & Updates
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 9, 2025
Indivisible Rockland Condemns CNN’s “Town Hall” with
Rep. Michael Lawler
Rocklandnites are invited to attend a “Lawler Spin Cycle: A Non-Watch Party,” hosted by legendary comic Pete Dominick
The public is urged to let @tapper and @CNN how they feel about this fake “Town Hall” on social media
ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Indivisible Rockland condemns CNN’s decision to host a nationally televised “town hall” with Congressman Michael Lawler, a representative who refuses to face the people he was elected to serve.
If CNN producers had done even the most basic research before inviting Lawler, they would have learned that the Congressman has been missing and has not held a public town hall with constituents in NY-17, despite being asked repeatedly for months. Constituents can’t even walk into his offices without making an appointment. Instead, Lawler has followed Republican leadership’s directive to avoid accountability, dodge tough questions, and ignore the people most impacted by his votes.
To make matters worse, Lawler has recently been exposed for campaigning on projects he later voted against. As reported by the New York Daily News on March 31, he boasted about securing $32 million in community investments, then turned around and voted against the very budget that included that funding. His hypocrisy is staggering. He wants credit without responsibility, photo ops without substance, and headlines without honesty. And CNN is now complicit by giving him this platform.
Lawler has played a direct role in the economic instability sweeping the country. He has supported efforts to dismantle programs that serve veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, and working families. His continued refusal to meet publicly with constituents has nothing to do with civility or safety. It is about hiding from the justified anger of people harmed by the policies he has endorsed.
Instead of hosting a real, unscripted conversation, CNN has chosen to sanitize Lawler’s record and offer him a national stage to spread misinformation. Calling this event a “town hall” is a disservice to journalism and a betrayal of the public trust. We know exactly what to expect. Lawler will recycle the same misleading talking points, claim he’s held town halls in the past, and vaguely promise more in the future. CNN will air these lies to millions, legitimizing a representative who has made a habit of avoiding his own community while chasing TV appearances.
Indivisible Rockland members are true patriots committed to protecting our democracy and standing against efforts to undermine it. In response to Congressman Michael Lawler’s continued refusal to engage with his constituents, Indivisible Rockland is inviting you to "Lawler Spin Cycle: A Non-Watch Party" hosted by Pete Dominick. Those interested in participating can email indivisiblerocklandoc@gmail.com for more information. Pete will facilitate an evening of thoughtful political discussion, interwoven with humor and insight, providing a sharp and much-needed counterpoint to the staged spectacle presented by CNN.
Michael Lawler is not a public servant. He is a political opportunist who hides behind mock outrage, fabricated threats, and closed-door events. CNN isn’t informing the public, it is enabling a pattern of evasion and dishonesty. Perhaps CNN could have taken this opportunity to remind Lawler that his constituents are still waiting. Waiting to be heard. Waiting to ask questions. Waiting for a real town hall. One that isn’t scripted, staged, or shielded from the truth.
We will be watching closely to see which companies advertise during this broadcast and will encourage Indivisible chapters across the country to consider targeted boycotts. These companies need to understand that enabling political cowardice and cruel policies and harmful rhetoric carries consequences.
In the end, it’s the people of NY 17 and the American public, who lose. At a time when democracy is under threat and journalism should serve as a safeguard, CNN has chosen complicity over courage. Michael Lawler may run from his constituents, but we will not stop demanding answers. We will not be silenced. We will not stop fighting.
About Pete Dominick
Pete Dominick is the host of a daily podcast which is entirely supported by paid subscribers. One of the extra benefits to membership is bi weekly zoom hangouts hosted by Pete that have really made a difference in people's lives since he started them during the first covid lockdown. Pete is inviting members of Rockland Indivisible to tomorrow night’s hangout starting at 8pm EST to get a taste of what the “Stand Up” community has to offer and give you something to do other than watch Mike Lawler not take our questions
About Indivisible Rockland Organizing Committee (IROC)
IROC is one of these local chapters. It amplifies local voices, addresses neighborhood concerns, and mobilizes residents to participate in civic life. Through actions like marches, community service events, and public forums, Rockland Indivisible aims to protect democracy, support marginalized groups, and promote grassroots-led change within the county.
Indivisible
National Indivisible is a grassroots movement founded in response to the 2016 election, aimed at resisting authoritarianism, defending democracy, and building a more just and inclusive country. Guided by the Indivisible Guide, the national organization empowers local groups across the United States to hold elected officials accountable and advocate for equitable policies through strategic civic engagement, activism, and community organizing.
Make Calls to Help the East Ramapo School District
Assemblymember Pat Carroll, who represents a slice of the ERCSD, and Speaker of the Assembly Carl Heastie and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins feel pressure and understand the breadth and depth of support for our proposed legislation. We need to keep the phones ringing in their offices. So please make these calls and leave the following messages. And send me a quick email to let me know you called so we can keep a tally.
1) If you live in the Town of Haverstraw, Town of Clarkstown, or Village of Nyack, please call Assemblymember Pat Carroll at 845-634-9791 and leave the following message:
Hello, my name is __________ and I live at _____________. The crisis in East Ramapo Public Schools continues. We need your leadership and your voice for the students. Please sponsor the comprehensive legislation to establish an independent fiscal authority -- in other words, the latest version of the Zebrowski bill. Thank you!
2) If you live anywhere in Rockland County, please call Speaker Carl Heastie, 718-654-6539 and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, (518) 455-2585 and leave the following message:
Hello, my name is______________ and I live in Rockland County. The crisis in East Ramapo Public Schools continues. We need your leadership and your voice for the students. Please move forward and pass the comprehensive legislation to establish an independent fiscal authority. Thank you!
