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10/4/17                                                            http://roganslist.blogspot.com/

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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.      On Monday night, two powerful voices emerged in our nation’s muddied conversation about sensible gun control after 59 people were killed and over 500 were injured in Las Vegas due to the actions of one person. Caleb Keeter, guitarist for the Josh Abbott Band who played before Jason Aldean before the shooting began, wrote an impassioned plea about how wrong he was about gun control:https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/oct/02/las-vegas-gun-control-caleb-keeter-josh-abbott-band and then late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, who is from Las Vegas, gave a tear-soaked ten-minute monologue about our nation’s relationship with guns: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruYeBXudsds Kimmel said, regarding the reflexive “thoughts and prayers” notices that politicians put out after every mass shooting tragedy, “They should be praying for God to forgive them for letting the gun lobby run this country.” Other developed nations have tackled this issue much more effectively but we are letting the NRA run roughshod over us. As we are pulled towards the tragedy in Puerto Rico and the looming tax reform battle, we have to decide if we will slide back into a lull until the next mass shooting, which is sure to come. Let’s contact our MoC regardless of side of the aisle and say “enough”.

2.      As Trump heads to Puerto Rico to survey the damage, Oxfam has announced the rare move of intervening in a US crisis due to slowness of response pace:  https://www.apnews.com/2055da43223a456e8ad635a22348fafc Here is some useful guidance we can use to guide our own contributions to Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands: https://apnews.com/d7ac3e1662634b48ad51a6b3c05f82ad/Helping-Puerto-Rico:-Here's-where-and-when-to-donate and let’s keep the pressure on our MoC to up the intensity and pace of the effort and to extend the Jones Act waiver which allows other than US ships to bring goods/supplies to Puerto Rico, for more than the ten days Trump allotted.

3.      While we know that gun violence in our country is at historic proportions, Congress has time and again successfully blocked the CDC from researching the subject due to pressure from the NRA.  Accurate information is a great basis for public policy on guns. http://www.newsweek.com/government-wont-fund-gun-research-stop-violence-because-nra-lobbying-675794   Let’s contact our MoCs again and ask them to support H.R.1832/S.834—a bill that will fund $10 million for the Centers for Disease Control to research gun violence prevention and firearm safety for the next five years. http://www.stophandgunviolence.org/sen-markey-bill-research/

4.      It looks like the SHARE Act, which would loosen gun restrictions, has been at least temporarily stalled in the House, following the mass shooting in Las Vegas http://politi.co/2yEq0qv Still, let's make sure that we let our MoC know that we will not be complacent, and that we expect them to take legislative action. If our representative is a cosponsor of the SHARE Act or Hearing Protection Act, we can also ask that they withdraw their support for the bills https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/3668/cosponsors https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/367/cosponsors

5.      Trump’s E.P.A. chief has held back-to-back meetings, briefing sessions and speaking engagements almost daily with top corporate executives and lobbyists from all the major economic sectors that he regulates — and almost no meetings with environmental groups or consumer or public health advocates, according to a320-page accounting of his daily schedule from February through May, the most detailed look yet at what Mr. Pruitt has been up to since he took over the agency.  https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/03/us/politics/epa-scott-pruitt-calendar-industries-coal-oil-environmentalists.html?emc=edit_nn_20171003&nl=morning-briefing&nlid=79344637&te=1 Let's contact Pruitt and let him know he's talking to the wrong people and he needs to meet with environmental groups to understand how to protect America's most precious resources on our planet. Contact. Phone, 202-564-4700  or via Twitter @EPAScottPruitt or https://www.epa.gov/home/forms/contact-epa

6.      Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Representative Jared Polis (D-CO) have reintroduced the Affordable College Textbook Act (Senate bill S.1864; House bill H.R.3840). The proposed act aims to create alternatives to the rising prices of college textbooks in order to remove at least one obstacle from attending a higher education facility. The price of textbooks has risen 88 percent between 2006 and 2016, compared to a 63 percent increase of college tuition and fees, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index. Let's read the full story at The DePaulia.  Let's tell our Senators to support S1864 and our representatives to support HR3840.

7.      Trump's proposed budget cuts funding for the National Cancer Institute by 19%. "During October, we raise awareness and encourage people to take steps to reduce their risk of breast cancer," Melania Trump said in a statement released ahead of the White House being illuminated in pink light Sunday per the Washington Examiner. But in Trump's 2018 budget request titled "A New Foundation for American Greatness," published in May, his administration slashed $1 billion from The National Cancer Institute in comparison to its 2017 allocation.  Let's tell the White House and our MoC's that we want the National Cancer Institute to be funded fully:  https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact

8.      Thursday, Oct. 5, is the wholly unworkable and arbitrary deadline for DACA renewal Trump announced in September.  Thousands of DACA recipients will be unable to gather the $495 fee required to renew, and many will be unable to meet this very short deadline for other reasons.  In justice to these young people (whose immigration was involuntary), we must demand that Congress pass a “clean” DREAM act, giving them a route to citizenship WITHOUT any provision for a border wall or extreme border security. Let’s call our members of Congress: 202-224-3121

9.      Mitch McConnell thinks it’s “premature” to discuss gun control; he’s busy with tax “reform.  Other Republicans take the NRA line that it isn’t the gun but the person who’s to blame for shootings.  Yet others say there’s nothing to be done about criminal or mentally ill gunowners or that the Second Amendment supersedes any law that might limit firearms: http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/republicans-reject-democratic-calls-for-immediate-vote-on-gun-control/article/2636342  But as we have known for years, limiting the capacity of gun magazines and putting in place universal background checks, once part of the now-expired Federal Assault Weapons Ban, are more critical than banning a particular type of gun: https://www.salon.com/2013/02/06/dont_mourn_the_assault_weapons_bans_impending_demise/  We must call on Democrats to do again, but more effectively, what they did in 2016 after the Pulse nightclub shootings and obstruct the business of Congress until there is some action on gun control. Rep. John Lewis organized the 2016 sit-in; why don't we call on him again: 343 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 or (202) 225-3801.

10.  We must oppose the unconstitutional abortion ban the House plans to pass this week. The bill at issue calls for a ban on abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy; it would both criminalize doctors and restrict women’s access to safe, legal abortions. https://www.vogue.com/article/house-votes-on-20-week-abortion-ban  In view of all else —Las Vegas, Puerto Rico, DACA renewal, tax “reform”—this attack on women’s reproductive rights is liable to escape our attention, but it mustn’t! Tell our Representatives to vote NO on HR 36.

11.  Despite strong public opposition and a desperate need to take action on climate change, Donald Trump and Scott Pruitt are continuing their attacks on fuel efficiency standards for American cars and trucks (http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-epa-cafe-hearing-20170906-story.html). The public comment period on their proposed rollbacks ends TOMORROW. Let’s make sure they hear our objections to this destructive policy change. We can submit comments at this link: 

12.  Congress is considering legislation that would eliminate Endangered Species Act protections for tigers, rhinos, elephants and other species. This would seriously damage our country’s ability to ensure we are not contributing to the illegal wildlife trade (https://www.natlawreview.com/article/proposed-changes-to-endangered-species-act-pit-animals-against-industry). The World Wildlife Fund is organizing activists to contact Congress and ask them to protect the Endangered Species Act by voting no on H.R. 2603. We can join them in making our voices heard at this link

13.  From Postcards 2 America, a great action to fight the SHARE Act:  The SHARE Act includes provisions including: 1) weakening the regulation of interstate transportation, 2) making it easier for private citizens to obtain silencers, and 3) removing the “sporting purposes” clause which restricts importation of certain firearms thus removing the ability of the ATF to reclassify them as “armor piercing ammunition.”  Yet it is being considered by the House Natural Resources Committee, NOT the Judiciary Committee, which normally addresses gun legislation.  Let's contact the House Judiciary Committee insisting they consider H.R.3668 (the SHARE Act), not the House Natural Resources Committee, which has nothing to do with guns:  https://judiciary.house.gov/ or via Twitter:  @HouseJudiciary @HouseJudDems or phone:  Phone 202-225-3951

State Actions

1.      MN: Over the past two decades, hundreds of Minnesota law enforcement officers have been convicted of criminal offenses. Most were never disciplined by the state. Let's read this in-depth report "Convicted but Still Policing" in the Star Tribune about the more than 140 Minnesota cops still on duty after serious crime convictions.  If we are Minnesotans, let's reach out to our local police agencies to find out what they are doing to tackle this issue. We can email thanks for their research and reporting to Jennifer Bjorhus: jennifer.bjorhus@startribune.com, and MaryJo Webster: maryjo.webster@startribune.com.  

2.      VA: The Atlantic Coast Pipeline would transport fracked gas from West Virginia through Virginia and to North Carolina, crossing rivers, creeks and other surface waters almost 1,700 times and threatening national forests, drinking water sources, endangered wildlife and local farms and communities. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has the power to deny the permit for this project if it jeopardizes water quality in the state — but they need to feel massive public pressure from Virginians like us. Let's sign this 
petition from the Natural Resources Defense Council. We can also send letters asking that the Atlantic Coast Pipeline permit be denied to: David Paylor, Director, VA Dept. Of Environmental Quality, PO Box 1105, Richmond VA 23218.

3.      FL: "As Hurricane Irma bore down on Florida, many residents were faced with evacuation orders — and some felt pressure from employers not to leave … or else they’d lose their jobs. A new bill from Rep. Tracie Davis, a Jacksonville Democrat, would rectify that.” Let's call our local state reps and ask them to support HB225. http://floridapolitics.com/archives/245982-florida-house-bill-ban-firing-employees-evacuate-emergencies

 Other Actions

1.      As elections draw closer, now is a good time to make sure that everyone has the ID necessary to be able to vote. Vote Riders is a nonpartisan organization that works to make sure that no one is unable to vote due to lack of required identification https://www.voteriders.org/what-we-do/ They host voter ID clinics to help citizens get their paperwork in order to secure ID's, and even offer free online resources, including the Voter ID Clinic-in-a-Box If we are hosting voter registration drives, or otherwise trying to help others register to vote, let's consider working with Vote Riders to help individuals gather the necessary documents. If we have questions about what our state requires, we can also check out Vote Riders' resources:  https://www.voteriders.org/get-involved/voter-id-clinics/

2.      “United for Puerto Rico is an initiative brought forth by the First Lady of Puerto Rico, Beatriz Rosselló, in collaboration with the private sector, with the purpose of providing aid and support to those affected in Puerto Rico by the passage of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane María. 100% of the proceeds will go to helping the victims affected by these natural disasters in Puerto Rico.” Let’s give if we can:  http://unidosporpuertorico.com/en/

3.      Following Hurricane Irma, many Texas officials are voicing their frustration and anger towards the Red Cross's inadequacies in handling disaster relief. ProPublica, an independent, nonprofit, and highly reputable news source, takes a nuanced view of the situation, and what the cause may be http://bit.ly/2xVlzdv As the Red Cross sorts through their challenges, let's keep offering support to local, community-driven efforts as they work to provide relief following Hurricanes Irma and Maria http://bit.ly/2wKrrCo http://bit.ly/2xPsiUk

4.      From Small Deeds Done:  As of now, the Las Vegas Victims GoFundMe page that was started by the Clark County Commission chair has surpassed $3.3 million. (As of right now, GoFundMe has not waived its processing fee – but has done so in past tragedies.) and The National Compassion Fund will be giving 100% of donations received through their Las Vegas Fund to the victims and their families.

5.      Let’s join Moms Demand Action Against Gun Sense in Americahttps://act.everytown.org/signup/Join-Moms  Let’s take a look around their website and join their Facebook page, too:  https://www.facebook.com/MomsDemandAction/

6.      Americans for Tax Fairness (ATF) is a diverse campaign of more than 425 national, state and local endorsing organizations united in support of a fair tax system that works for all Americans. It has come together based on the belief that the country needs comprehensive, progressive tax reform that results in greater revenue to meet our growing needs. This requires big corporations and the wealthy to pay their fair share in taxes, not to live by their own set of rules.”  Let’s check this group out:  https://americansfortaxfairness.org/

Petitions

1.      Let’s join Avaaz, a U.S.-based civic organization that promotes global activism on issues such as climate change, human rights, animal rights, corruption, poverty, and conflict, in asking Congress to “ban weapons of war for civilians: ban all assault weapons and high-calibre ammunition now!" https://secure.avaaz.org/campaign/en/ban_weapons_of_war_open_letter/

2.      Because it really is that important, let’s also sign this Credo Action petition telling Congress that thoughts and prayers are not enough. We need gun control now: https://act.credoaction.com/sign/las-vegas

 Marches/events/teleconferences to attend/organize

Reading/Watching

1.      Three significant Supreme Court cases to begin this week: 

2.      My confidence ebbed when I heard my colleagues turn this into a debate over the rights of gun owners instead of the right to life of children. In the confines of the members-only elevators, where my colleagues could speak honestly, I heard colleagues confide that any vote for gun safety would lower their N.R.A. scores, making them casualties in the next election.“  Three reasons why gun control legislation will not happen:  https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/02/opinion/gun-control-vegas-shooting.html

3.      “If the Puerto Rico visit sought to reverse the impression that Trump has not taken Maria seriously and does not feel empathy for its victims, Tuesday’s briefing did not help the cause.”  https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/10/trump-puerto-rico-visit/541869/


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.
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