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Many newspapers, including New
York Times and Washington Post require
subscriptions, but without one we can see a few articles each month. We can also check with our local libraries to
find out how to get online access through them.
1.
Trump and the Republicans just can’t seem to accept
that Americans do not want their health care taken away, and they’re busily
pushing yet another attempt to repeal Obamacare (https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/09/graham-cassidy-and-the-finance-kid/540027/).
They have until September 30 to sneak this through. Let’s make sure
those on the fence hear our voices by joining the ACA Defenders in calling
voters in key states and helping connect them with their senators. We can sign
up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfMiCjyVEprsCak0eifPbNorKx-C86ygqSasdbbLaA4gX874g/viewform.
2.
Details from Secretary Zinke’s final report on our
national monuments have now leaked to the press. He wants to shrink four and
open up six more to mining, drilling, logging and commercial fishing (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-41313104).
Fortunately, Congress can put a stop to these proposed roolbacks. Let’s join
the Sierra Club in telling our members of Congress to deny approval to these
changes and protect our public lands. We can send them a message at this
link: https://sierra.secure.force.com/actions/National?actionId=AR0089003.
3.
Senators Lindsey Graham (R-FL) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA)
wrote a bill which would work towards repealing the ACA and it is gaining
traction among the Senate GOP. http://politi.co/2ftJG9r The
bill would eliminate the individual and employer insurance mandates, replace
subsidies that people use to help pay their premiums with optional state-level
block grants, eliminate cost-sharing, decrease funding for Medicaid, put a
one-year freeze on Planned Parenthood Medicaid funding, and charge older
individuals up to five times more than younger customers http://wapo.st/2j9frJh Let's
make sure to call our senators and tell them to oppose this bill. RISE Stronger has a call script
available: http://bit.ly/2hbxkCO Then,
let’s also call these three senators who have swung with us in the past: 1) Senator John McCain, (R-AZ) https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact-form,
2) Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/contact/email,
and 3) Susan Collins (R-ME) https://www.collins.senate.gov/contact We
can also share FamiliesUSA's tweet with our friends and MoCs: https://twitter.com/FamiliesUSA/status/908677312727707648
4.
“...the
unfortunate truth is that nobody connected with the events in Charlottesville
will be charged with committing acts of domestic terrorism under current
federal law.” Current US law does not
attach any penalties to “domestic terrorism”, so it is not a federal
crime. http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/judicial/350569-it-is-time-to-make-domestic-terrorism-a-federal-crime It is time to encourage our MoCs to create
and support legislation that corrects this.
Perhaps it could be called the Heather Heyer Act.
5.
Human Rights Watch has an article that helps put into
perspective the effect that H.R. 620 would have on individuals with
disabilities http://bit.ly/2wrUoTt That
the bill made it out of the House Judiciary Committee is deeply
concerning http://bit.ly/2xktAbS Let's
make sure that we treat those with disabilities with the dignity and respect we
afford to others, and ask our representatives to oppose H.R. 620: ADA Education
and Reform Act of 2017.
6.
The Pence-Kobach voter fraud commission is using
private e-mails to conduct public business, which experts argue breaks federal
law http://bit.ly/2h8ChfE According
to the Presidential Records Act of 1978, private e-mail addresses can be used,
but the e-mails must also be copied or forwarded to a government account.
Meanwhile, co-chair of the commission Kris Kobach argues that this would be a
"waste of resources." Let's be sure we point out to co-chairs Chris
Kobach and Mike Pence that we expect transparency and for all communications to
be preserved by complying with the Presidential Records Act. Vice President
Mike Pence: 202-456-1111 The
White House Office of the Vice President 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20500 Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach: (785) 296-4564 Kansas
Secretary of State Memorial Hall, 1st Floor, 120 SW 10th Avenue Topeka, KS
66612-1594
7.
On the eve of the UN meetings this week, Nikki Haley,
the US ambassador to the UN, told CNN “We have pretty much exhausted all the
things that we can do at the Security Council,” suggesting that the US might
have to turn the matter of North Korea over to the Pentagon. “If North Korea
keeps on with this reckless behavior,” she added, “….North Korea will be
destroyed.”: http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/17/politics/nikki-haley-north-korea-un-cnntv/index.html A diplomat, even if Trump’s appointment,
threatening to “destroy” another country?? We need to make it crystal
clear to Haley that she does not speak for us: US Mission to the UN, 212-415-4000 or 799 UN Plaza, NY, NY 20017
8.
"The Disability Integration Act of 2017 (DIA),
S910, aims to ensure that all states provide long-term services and support
(LTSS) to individuals with disabilities in community-based settings, such as
the individual’s own home." per United Cerebral Palsy (UCP). The bill currently has 14
cosponsors. Let's thank our senators if they are already cosponsors.
If our own senators are not not among the co-sponsors, let's contact them to
ask them to co-sponsor and support this important bill for people with
disabilities.
9.
EcoWatch in cooperation with other environmental and
wildlife groups has sent a letter to the House Natural Resource committee in
opposition to 5 anti-environmental bills. The letter carefully lays out
the reasons for opposition to: 1) HR 424 (“Gray Wolf State Management
Act”) which would block federal Endangered Species Act protections for gray
wolves in the Great Lakes states and Wyoming. Specifically, this bill -- which
would be more aptly named the “War on Wolves Act” -- would overturn a federal
district court decision and remove existing Endangered Species Act protections
for gray wolves in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. 2) HR 717
(“Listing Reform Act”) which would put a price on species conservation by
enabling the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to determine that a species that
would normally be listed as threatened would not receive those protections if
there are economic impacts. 3) HR 1274 (“State, Tribal, and Local
Species Transparency and Recovery Act”) which would subvert the Endangered
Species Act’s science-based listing process by allowing any information provided
by states, tribes, or counties to constitute “best available science.” By
automatically assuming such a broad swath of information to be defined as such
without any scientific input or review, the bill contradicts the meaning of
“best available science.” 4) HR 2603 (“Saving America’s
Endangered Species Act”) which would strip Endangered Species Act protections
for non-native species within the United States. 5) HR 3131
(“Endangered Species Litigation Reasonableness Act”) threatens to undercut
citizen engagement and enforcement of the Endangered Species Act by impeding
upon citizens’ ability to obtain counsel and challenge illegal government
actions. Let's tell our representatives, especially if they are on
the House Natural Resources Committee, to protect the
Endangered Species Act, our nation’s most effective and important law for
species conservation, by voting “no” on HR 424, HR 717, HR 1274, HR 2603, and
HR 3131.
10. “Lakes
are warming at different rates but almost one hundred percent of them are
warming.” Our freshwater lakes are warming all over the country. https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/2017/09/lake-tahoe-is-losing-its-famous-clarity/
Remind your senators that climate change is real and affects us in many ways
including the decline of our beautiful lakes across this country.
11. "U.S.
Rep. Joe Barton, one of four Texas Republicans who voted against at $15 billion
relief package for the victims of Hurricane Harvey, will lead a congressional
task force to help coordinate recovery efforts. Despite his opposition to the
bill, which was tied to an increase in the government debt limit, Barton said
he wants to help. "Texans will not leave one another behind," he said
in a statement Friday." http://www.chron.com/news/politics/article/Barton-a-no-vote-on-Harvey-aid-to-lead-12201457.php
Let's remind Joe Barton that raising
the debt ceiling was for funding bills previously passed by this Congress and
to make sure that the government did not shut down. His "Statement"
against the bill that funds Texas recovery was made in the wrong place, wrong
time and on the backs of the people he represents! We all stood up for Texas,
he should have too.
12. Eric
Dreiband testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in his confirmation
against civil rights protections. The NAACP has spoken out against
Dreiband's nomination, stating “The evidence is clear. http://bit.ly/2f7ATto and
http://bit.ly/2gOpIJQ
For the past 20 years, Dreiband has been on the wrong side of issues
pertaining to housing, hate crimes and the many other critical areas that the
Civil Rights Division oversees as part of its core mission," Let’s let
the committee members know that this is not a good fit for our country: https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/about/members,
then, let’s tell our senators the same thing.
13. Let’s
join in the “Hands Off Healthcare” Twitter Storm this evening from 8-10pm
sponsored by Twitter Warriors and hosted by Action Together Network. Here’s the info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1433939446659219/
State Actions
1.
NY: "Gov. Andrew Cuomo has ordered state
agencies and law enforcement not to ask about or reveal anyone’s immigration
status, his latest move to buffer New York from President Trump’s immigration
enforcement agenda. has signed an Executive Order that restricts officials
from asking about immigration status." Read the full story at the Observer. Let's thank Gov. Cuomo at NY State Capitol Bldg,
Albany NY 12224.
2.
MO: If you are in Missouri and/or in any way associated
with a college or university there, consider signing this letter to lawmakers
authored by Everytown for Gun Safety. "Lawmakers are pushing a dangerous
policy that would further weaken Missouri’s gun laws and allow hidden, loaded
handguns on college campuses. Collectively, we urge your opposition to this
dangerous policy, which would allow hidden, loaded handguns in college and
university facilities." This should never happen, but it's all too common,
and becoming increasingly so. Sign here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeymWfh4YxBG-tknR73GIv2kWr1nuTxtIG-NsLXivkllioiSw/viewform
3.
NH: Today is the Special Republican Primary for
Hillsborough County District No. 15 (Manchester Ward 8). http://www.wmur.com/article/republicans-hold-grafton-county-nh-house-seat-as-migliore-wins/12181648 .
The winner will face Democrat Erika Connors on November 7, 2017, in a race
for a seat in the New Hampshire House of Representatives. If we live in
Manchester Ward 8, let’s follow the outcome of this primary and mark our
calendars to be sure to vote for Erika Connors on November 7. https://ballotpedia.org/Erika_Connors
Other Actions
1.
"The Weekly List was created by Amy Siskind in the
aftermath of the last U.S. presidential election to track our nation's slow
descent into authoritarianism. As the List continues to grow, it has become
evident that it requires a permanent home online where it can live alongside
other content and resources to keep you informed on what is happening in our
government and how to preserve our dwindling democracy." While the initial
goal has been reached, there are 4 more days to contribute to this worthy and
crucial project. If we can contribute a little more, we can do so here. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-weekly-list-chronicling-a-dying-democracy-news-website#/
2.
When we are buying our Halloween candy this year, let’s
support Mars (Snickers, Twix, M&Ms, Milky Way). The company has
pledged to invest $1 billion over the next few years to fight climate
change. http://fortune.com/2017/09/06/mars-pledge-one-billion-fight-climate-change/
3.
For unknown reasons, the Emmy Awards decided to give
Sean Spicer a redemptive moment of humor at Sunday night’s awards by
inviting his presence for an on-stage gag: http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/emmys-2017-sean-spicer-appearance-celebrities-reaction-backlash-melissa-mcarthy-a7952521.html andhttp://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/in-the-know/351109-spicer-makes-surprise-appearance-at-emmys Let’s
let the Emmys know that rewarding someone who lied to the American people
constantly was a sad move: https://www.emmys.com/contact
4.
Part of fighting back against racism, xenophobia, and
bigotry is making sure we are discussing these issues with our children. It
does no good to promote a "colorblind" philosophy, rather, we should
acknowledge and embrace our differences, then work together to create a more
equitable system. Books can be a great way to get the conversation started.
Let's check out this book list from the Conscious Kid Library to help empower
our children to speak up and speak out http://bit.ly/2xfN2pX
5.
The March for Racial
Justice scheduled for Sept. 30 is seeking organizations who want to sign on
and endorse the March. Let’s sign up
with our organizations here: https://www.m4rj.com/endorsements/
Petitions
1.
Let’s join in signing this petition from People For the American Way (PFAW) to
support passage of a clean Dream Act, with no amendments. http://act.pfaw.org/sign/pass-dream-act/
2.
If we believe in climate change and truth in science
let’s take a moment to sign this petition and tell our senator to reject
Trump’s nomination of climate change denier, Jim Bridenstine to lead NASA: https://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/273/334/976/
Marches/events/teleconferences
to attend/organize
1.
People For the American
Way (PFAW) is hosting Sen. Chuck Schumer for a telebriefing this evening,
Monday, Sept. 18 at 5:30 pm MT. Let’s
RSVP at http://act.pfaw.org/sign/rsvp-telebriefing-senator-chuck-schumer-sept18
to reserve our space and get the call-in information.
2.
The March for Racial
Justice is a black and indigenous led multi-community movement united in
our demands for racial equity and justice. The main march will be on Sept.
30 in Washington, D.C. with sister marches all over the country. Let’s find out more about the march and where
we can go or how we can create one: https://www.m4rj.com/sister-marches/
Reading/Watching
1.
“Carpe Diem Politics”: How to Do More Than Just Resist
-- http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/just-transition/carpe-diem-politics-how-to-do-more-than-just-resist-20170915
2.
"It is every Washington reporter’s dream to sit
down at a restaurant, overhear secret stuff and get a scoop. It rarely happens.
Dowd represents Trump but does not work at the White House. Cobb is a White
House employee who is instantly recognizable to many because of his handlebar
mustache. Together, they went for what appears to have been a working lunch at
BLT Steak, 1625
I St. NW in Washington. It’s close to the White House and very
convenient. It’s also next door to 1627
I St. NW, which happens to house the Washington bureau of the New York
Times. The White House Counsel’s Office is being very conservative with this stuff,”
Mr. Cobb told Mr. Dowd. “Our view is we’re not hiding anything.” Referring to
Mr. McGahn, he added, “He’s got a couple documents locked in a safe.” Let's
hope Mueller asks about the documents locked on the safe. Thank goodness for
the free press. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/09/18/trump-lawyers-spill-beans-after-terrible-restaurant-choice-next-to-nyt/?utm_term=.63c9cd5db918
Rogan’s
List is a participant in and strategic part ner of the Action Alliance,
a loosely-federated group of organizations that, in
the wake of the
2016 election, are sharing daily or weekly calls to
action.
Other
member sites are listed here: https://www.actionalliance.co/ --scroll down and click through and you'll
find many more opportunities to make a difference.
******
Rogan’s List is also part of RISE Stronger’s United States of
Resistance
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