Marjorie Mikels

Marjorie Mikels was born in Upland, California. She graduated from Western Christian High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from Westmont College in 1968 and a law degree from the UCLA School of Law in 1981. Her career experience includes working as an attorney as well as in social services and counseling.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm an Attorney with a Law Degree from UCLA and decades of legal practice. I champion Justice and Accountability. I seek election as Attorney General to uphold Democracy and Prosecute Human Rights Violations. We need a RECKONING! Wealthy powerful interests, acting with impunity, must be held to account! Billionaires and foreign interests with whom they are aligned are dragging us into costly illegal wars, inflicting torture, death and destruction to extract earth's land and resources for profits of a few. These oligarchs (and bribed or blackmailed elected servants) are devastating the Planet and Shredding the Rule of Law. Taxes and pension funds are invested in surveilling and killing human beings and inflicting terror and suffering around the globe, and on our own streets, instead of "insuring domestic Tranquility" and "promoting the general welfare" as every person who takes an oath to uphold our Constitution promises. Our Department of JUSTICE will fight the onslaught of fascism threatening our Liberty, our children's futures and Life on the Planet. We stand for genuine security, safety and health for ALL PEOPLE, ALL RIGHTS! The JUSTICE DEPARTMENT of the State of California, will respect, honor and protect Nature, stand for Universal Human Rights, Secure Economic Justice and a Culture of Peace.These are my vows if elected to this office.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

We must win the battle for FREE SPEECH! No one should be prosecuted for trying to prevent genocide. No one should be censored for speaking truth about atrocities committed in our name, both at home and abroad, with lethal weapons and surveillance tools bought with our tax dollars. Laws prohibiting teachers from freely discussing Zionist-US complicity in war crimes must be stricken as blatant violations of US and California Constitutions. Elected officials bribed or extorted by foreign governments must be called to account. Justice must not be bullied into silence.

Resist the takeover of our media (the people's airwaves) by billionaires with close ties to foreign governments who seek to control our thoughts and speech!Fight Fascism and Stand for Economic Justice. Uphold Democracy and Prosecute Human Rights Violations. Our great state is home to more billionaires and big tech firms than any other state. I support taxes on Billionaires, and also prosecution of corporations (and their officers and directors) aiding and abetting war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide committed with complicity and assistance of Big Tech and its AI platforms, coerced and commanded by military in exchange for billions in contracts. We challenge "Political Questions Doctrine" used to thwart Constitutional Rights, and HUMAN RIGHTS and we will pursue violators regardless of power, rank or status. There will be a RECKONING!Rapid transition from fossil fuels and nuclear power to Clean Renewable Energy. Public Power with 100% Renewable Energy, Plentiful Union Jobs, Lower Utility Bills, and Cleaner, Healthier Air, Water, Soil and Climate! Attorney General's job is to Protect Californians from activities threatening public safety and enforcing laws safeguarding our environment and natural resources. See my website regarding need to close Diablo Canyon. Quoting Stanford Professor, Mark Jacobsen: "Every dollar spent on nuclear is one less dollar spent on clean renewable energy and one more dollar spent on making the world a comparatively dirtier and more dangerous place because nuclear power and nuclear weapons go hand in hand."

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Upholding Human Rights (All Rights/All People), Promoting Universal Health Care, Supporting taxes on Billionaires and Reduction in Military Expenditures, Prisons and Detention Centers. Truth & Reconciliation, Rehabilitative Justice /not ever-increasing profit-making carceral system. Encourage direction of resources to End Poverty, homelessness, and hunger. Stop ICE and Fight Imperialism and Fascism. End dominance by wealthy donor class over our electoral system. Corporations are not people and money is not speech. Demand environmental Justice

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

California Green Party, California Peace & Freedom Party, Left Unity Slate

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am an attorney and peace advocate. I hold a Juris Doctor Degree from UCLA School of Law, where I excelled in Constitutional Law. I have decades of experience in fierce legal battles, serving courageous individuals and grass roots organizations, working for freedom and justice and for water and forests, to sustain Life on Planet Earth for future generations.

As a young person, I traveled overland with a backpack throughout Europe, across North Africa, and through the countries of Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. Later, as an attorney, I visited Japan, So. Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore. I personally ventured across China to Tibet, Lhasa, and across the Himalayas to Mt. Everest and to Nepal.

These travels gave me love for all people and their cultures and religious traditions, and deepened my understanding of the people on whose lands the United States pursued imperialistic endeavors over the past few decades.

I am running for office out of a deep commitment to turn our nation, its budget and our tax resources from War, destruction of humanity and the planet, to a World of Peace, Clean Energy, and healing shared co-existence with our brothers and sisters across the continents of Earth.

I will join with others in Congress who prioritize universal human security and environmental preservation over corporate greed, supported by military might, benefiting the few at the expense of the vast majority of humankind.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Transformation of Values: PEACE NOT WAR!Saving Life on Planet Earth: LIFE NOT DEATH!

Conversion of Energy ResourcesPromote International Humanitarian Law:

JUSTICE NOT GENOCIDE!

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Foreign Policy; Personal liberty and Freedom from Government Coercion; Taxation and Budgetary Decisions to turn manufacturing capabilities of the country to meet human needs, not death and destruction.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Jesus. Jewish Hippie from Gaza, born in Bethlehem, direct descendant of King David who said: A new commandment I give unto you, that ye LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another. And he told us that those that would follow him would be like this: "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, and was in prison and you visited me". This is the kind of person I want to emulate. And I would wish that as a people, of the United States of America, we would choose this path, rather than using our vast resources to kill and starve and deprive others on the planet of their resources for the engorgement of a few very wealthy generally white men at the top. And I wish we would put down our arms and use some of the savings of the vast billions we spend for Lockheed, et al., to create weapons of death and destructionf, to fill the needs of the children and families in our own country and the world.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Too many to mention. But I loved this book: "Waging Peace" by David Hartsough.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, courage, diligence, perseverance, ability to listen to others, to negotiate in good faith and reach diplomatic and effective solutions. Broad background of life experience helps too., in developing understanding.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am not a politician. I am a caring Grandmother, with a life of experience, and a sense of urgency about saving life on our planet.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Showing up; doing your homework of reading and listening to all sides on issues that arise, forming coalitions as needed; making wise decisions and voting.

What legacy would you like to leave?

CEASEFIRE NOW! STOP THE KILLING! NUCLEAR PROHIBITION!

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

My first political recollection was when I was about 13. My brother had a button: "I like Ike." Dwight D. Eisenhower was my fourth cousin, from Abilene, Kansas, like my ancestors. At the end of his term he worked for nuclear disarmament, and in his farewell address to the American people he said: "Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies in a final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children. This is not a a way of life at all in any true sense. Under the cloud of threatening war, it is humanity hanging from a cross of Iron."

The most monumental first historical awakening for me was when I was 17 and they killed our hopes and dreams when they assassinated John F. Kennedy, just a few months after he gave his famous Peace Speech. Yes, I had become aware of the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Civil Rights movement, and of course, everyone knew about Sputnik and the moon landing. But that death of our President was a tremendous blow.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

"And I believe that on that day, all the children of Abraham will lay down their swords together in Jerusalem." Steve Earle, as sung by Joan Baez

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Wars, Never-ending Wars.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Power of the purse and power to declare war.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes.

I have never been elected to office but I helped incorporate a city where my husband served as a founding father, council member and later Mayor and then served as County Supervisor, and on regional air quality and government boards. I was steeped in local politics and government for decades and have helped many politicians in their campaigns, and service.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Survival. Negotiating peaceful resolution of our proxy war with Russia in Ukraine. Ending funding and escalation of genocidal war in Palestine and greater Middle East. Stopping provocation of War with China.

Turning from hegemonic imperialistic full spectrum DOMINANCE of the rest of the planet (global south) and space, to a world of peace and shared humanity and mutual problem-solving of the threats to the planet and survival of our species.

Non-Proliferation and Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Plenty for me.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Yes, I am in favor of term limits. 12 years max.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Barbara Lee

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Read David Hartsough's book: "Waging Peace". Full of such stories. But also moved by the late Daniel Ellsberg and his wife, Patricia's story, and the book and Ellsberg's book: "The Doomsday Machine, Confessions of a Nuclear War Planner", published shortly before his death last year. I was recently given a copy of Adrianne Aron's book, "Human rights and Wrongs" and her true life stories are impactful.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes, absolutely.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

First Priority I'd have is halting funds and revenue to countries that are committing GENOCIDE with our tax dollars. We would use tax code to reinforce our revolution of values from global hegemony and dominance (profiting the Merchants of Death) to the needs of humanity and preservation of the earth, with Clean Energy, tax incentives for conversion, and penalties by way of forced contributions from those polluting and destroying our earth, and killing life on the planet.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

Investigate Congressional Insider Trading, and campaign and other contributions and benefits they receive from foreign governments to determine their true alliances.

What committees interest you?

Judicial

Foreign relations.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I think we should start with the Pentagon which has never passed an audit and trillions of dollars go missing and unaccounted for. Then maybe we can turn to members of Congress who routinely use insider knowledge to enhance their financial portfolios.

I do believe in financial transparency and would definitely try to get a handle on Government's expenditures and hold it accountable for its use of taxpayer dollars.

Campaign website

Mikels’s campaign website stated the following:

Ceasefire

De-Escalation of regional conflict! Save the children and Save the Earth! Release all prisoners (hostages of both Palestine and Israel), and respect sanctity of Palestinian holy sites, end the siege on Gaza and the killings and “incarceration” of Palestinans in the Westbank. Follow the Order of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Transform Weapons Manufacturers

Create technology to benefit mankind not just inflict terror to create global empire of hegemony and full spectrum dominance for the benefit of wealthy corporations– “top 1%”.

Green New Deal

Transformation from fossil fuel and nuclear energy to clean energy from sun, wind and waves, and reforestation.

Free Political Prisoners

Uphold the First Amendment and Freedom of Speech

Free Julian Assange, Mumia Abu-Jamal, and Leonard Peltier! Close Guantanamo and give reparations for prisoners kept all these years without charges or trial. Stop killing Journalists!

Tax the Rich

Enact a wealth tax. Restore the estate tax. Increase the tax on wealthy global corporations –> The gap between the rich and the rest of us on the planet is greater than ever in history.

Reduce Military Expenditures & Move the Money to People’s Needs:

Housing for All

Medicare for All

Free Access to Education

Clean Water

Affordable Toxic-Free Food

Free Internet Access

My Body, My Choice

Freedom from government intervention and decisions affecting our bodies. Bodily autonomy. Reproductive choice. Equality and Equity for all genders and sexual orientations.

End Gun Violence

Universal background checks. Ban assault weapons. Enact extreme risk protection laws. Championing sensible gun laws at all levels of government (federal, state, and local). Stop mass exportation of guns and weapons to foreign countries.

No More Nukes

Shutdown Outdated Dangerous Nuclear Power Plants and stop building nuclear power plants.

Helen Caldecott states: “The reason for nuclear power is to get plutonium for weapons”. Nuclear power pollutes the water that’s dumped into the ocean, radiates the fish and causes cancers, lukemia, and genetic abnormalities. We currently have 400 nuclear reactors in the U.S. and we need to close them down. We have no safe repository for the waste which will take 1 million years to store away from the eco systems, and that’s impossible. The waste leaks into rivers causing cancer leukemia and genetic abnormalities. These are cancer factories. Currently, Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant is dumping 1.3 million tons of radioactive water into Pacific Ocean.

Most of congress is illiterate concerning these issues and listens to propaganda from the weapons industry. We need to shut down nuclear weapon manufacturing immediately and dismantle those plants ASAP. We do not need a new generation of nuclear weapons that costs trillions of dollars. If America does this, Russia will follow- and then France and England.

There are two international treaties: Support treaties for Non-Proliferation and Prohibition of Nuclear weapons. America has not yet signed up for them, but other countries have and we need to join them.'

No War With Anyone

Negotiation and Diplomacy to end conflicts in Ukraine, Africa, Palestine – Israel, Yemen, and prevent war with Iran. No pivot to China – China is not our enemy. We do not need a uni-polar world with the United States ruling everyone and everything for the benefit of a few wealthy oligarchs. We can have a multi-polar world of economic cooperation, co-existence and mutual benefit for humanity. We are but one nation there are many nations on the Earth. We are part of the United Nations (UN). That organization was started after World War II to prevent war and annihilation of humanity and the planet. Now is the time![3]

—Marjorie Mikels’s campaign website (2024)[4]