Contact Federal Government Officials
Find senator’s contact info here: https://goo.gl/RLiotu
Find representative’s contact info here: https://goo.gl/5i7SXC
********************************
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 are trying to pull the wool over our eyes, but the
legislation they’re proposing makes it clear: their fundamental goal is keeping
immigrants out of a country built on immigration: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2018/01/gop-immigration-bill/550724/ As the immigration debate rolls on, let’s
make sure our elected officials know where we stand. The White House DACA plan
has provisions for a wall and sharp cutbacks in other immigration. https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/1/25/16929600/trump-immigration-bill We
can call our members of Congress to let them know we oppose the Cotton-Perdue
bill and any other legislation that reduces legal immigration levels or
demonizes immigrants or includes any funding for a wall. (And while we're at
it, remind them that we don't want to see them cave again when it comes to
protecting Dreamers.)
2.
The New
York Times reported last night that Donald Trump ordered the firing of special
counsel Robert Mueller last June and only backed off when the White House
counsel threatened to resign rather than give in to his demands: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/25/us/politics/trump-mueller-special-counsel-russia.html If it
wasn’t clear before, it certainly is now: Trump cannot be trusted not to
interfere with this investigation. A) It’s time for Congress to make sure he
won’t. Let’s call our members of Congress and tell them we want immediate
action on proposed bipartisan bills to protect the special counsel, like
the Graham-Booker Special Counsel Independence
Protection Act or
the Tillis-Coons Special Counsel Integrity Act, and a commitment to vote to override any
vetoes of these bills by Trump if they’re passed. Mitch McConnell claims he doesn’t hear much
pressure to protect Mueller.
Let’s show him he’s wrong. B) Let’s join the activists across the country who
are preparing for what happens next if Trump does fire Mueller. We can text the
word “Mueller” to the number 94502 to get alerts from Public Citizen just in
case, and we can find and pledge to attend “Nobody
Above The Law” rallies that
will take place across the country in immediate response to a firing.
3.
On the
heels of the Larry Nasser sentencing and the testimony of over 100 of his sex
abuse victims whom he treated as a gymnastic team physician, it is noteworthy
that Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s (D-CA) legislation S.534 - Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse
and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017, which
requires amateur athletics governing bodies to report sex-abuse allegations and
otherwise protects young athletes from abuse, passed the Senate by Unanimous
Consent on November 14, 2017. The
House’s similar version of the bill, H.R.
1973, passed
in May, but nothing has been done to reconcile these bills. http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/healthcare/338628-he-protecting-young-victims-from-sexual-abuse-act-of-2017-will Let’s all contact Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) and
Sen Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to tell them to move on these bills. As we have seen these past weeks, children’s
lives and futures are in danger: Ryan: https://www.congress.gov/member/paul-ryan/R000570
and McConnell: https://www.congress.gov/member/mitch-mcconnell/M000355
4.
According
to the World Bank, in 2013, 3.2 million Americans lived on $1.90 per
day—admittedly a small fraction of the 769 million worldwide. An Oxford
economist recently estimated needs-based absolute poverty for rich countries
like ours: $4 per day in the US is equivalent to $1.90 per day in India.
By this measure, 5.3 million Americans are technically poor by global
standards. As Republicans allow work requirements to be imposed on SNAP
recipients, toy with CHIP and Medicaid, threaten Social Security and Medicare,
privatize education and infrastructure spending, take away the rights of labor,
let’s read and send our MoCs the eye-opening "Statement on Visit to the
USA, by Professor Philip Alston, United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme
poverty and human rights": http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=22533&LangID=E
5.
The
ripple effect of the tax bill continues, as Kimberly-Clark has announced that
the passage of the bill has enabled the company to undertake a restructuring
plan, which will cut approximately 5,000 employees http://bit.ly/2nahXyd Further,
Kimberly-Clark's Chief Financial Officer Maria Henry stated that "We also
anticipate ongoing annual cash-flow benefits from tax reform. That provides us
flexibility to continue to allocate significant capital to shareholders, while
we also fund increased capital spending and our restructuring program over the
next few years." As the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is implemented, legislators
will likely continue to publicly praise the plan; let's be sure to cite
Kimberly-Clark when we remind our MoC, friends, and neighbors that trickledown
economics does not work.
6.
Kansas
Governor Dale Brownback was just confirmed as Ambassador at Large for
International Religious Freedom, with Pence casting the tie-breaking vote http://wapo.st/2nbAZUi His
duty as ambassador will be to advocate for religious minorities around the
world, although during his confirmation hearing, when asked “Is there any
circumstance under which criminalizing, imprisoning or executing someone based
on their LGBT status could be deemed acceptable because somebody asserts that
they’re religiously motivated in doing so?" Brownback could not offer an
explicit "no." This is not somebody who should be defending the
rights of minorities. If our senator voted in favor of Brownback, let's be sure
to give them a call to hold them accountable for their vote. We can see how
each senator voted here:
7.
Senate
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has said that a vote on immigration will
only happen if the government is funded, leading Senate Democrats to concede
that DACA protections should not be included in the spending bill:
http://politi.co/2DD72ax Meanwhile,
House Democrats are standing firm, asserting that immigration protections and
the spending bill should be negotiated at the same time. If we have a
Democratic senator, let's be sure to call them and ask them to vote against any
spending bill that does not include a clean Dream Act. If we have a Democratic
congressperson in the House, we can thank them for holding the line.
8.
Press
Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said she doubts anyone in America really cares
about Trump asking FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe about who he voted for:http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/370558-huckabee-sanders-i-doubt-any-person-in-america-cares-about-trump Let’s
take a moment to let her know that we do care: The White House, 1600
Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20500 or on Twitter @PressSec
9.
On the
anniversary of Trump’s first Muslim ban, we should contemplate the following
and make our voices heard to all our MoCs:
A) Trump’s threat to end Temporary Protected Status for Syrians, who
would then by vulnerable to deportation to their devastated country: https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-immigration-syria/syrians-with-temporary-u-s-protection-brace-for-trump-decision-idUSKBN1FE1HR ,
B) The preposterous “complicit” ad Trump just “approved,” which blames
Democrats for “every murder committed by illegal immigrants”:
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/white-house-defends-anti-immigrant-trump-campaign-ad-calling-democrats-complicit-in-killings Trump and the ad entirely ignore, of
course, the 15,583-gun violence deaths that occurred during his first year in
office, the vast majority of which involved no immigrants at all, and C) The
fact that 122 DACA recipients have lost their protection every day
since Sept. 5, when Trump rescinded DACA.
Election 2018 -
General
1.
"There
are Black women running for political office all over the United States, and we
need to know who they are. It is abundantly clear that we need to start
following the lead of Black women, because we show up and do what is important,
even when we are being disenfranchised and sabotaged from doing the work. 2018
is especially important because midterm elections are coming up." Here is
a fabulous new database tracking the black women currently running (not
endorsements, just a list)! https://blackwomeninpolitics.com Also, here is an important non-profit doing the work to get these women
running in their efforts "to expand and support the Black women’s
leadership pipeline at all levels and strengthen their civic participation
leading up to and beyond Election Day." More info here:
Election 2018 –
By State
1.
MO: Special elections in Missouri
on February 6, 2018, provide an opportunity to flip four state legislative
seats blue. Let’s check out the websites of these Democratic candidates and
sign up to help: A) House District 39,
Ethan Perkinson: https://www.facebook.com/perkinsonformo/, B)
House District 97, Mike Revis
https://revisformissouri.com/, C) House District 129, Ronna Ford
http://citizensforronnaford.com/, D) House District 114, Jim Scaggs
https://www.jimscaggs144.com/ More
info here: https://ballotpedia.org/State_legislative_special_elections,_2018#February_6.2C_2018
Other Actions
1.
From DemLabs: Informing potential voters is hard. DemLabs is
using a new approach with StoryMaps that present
complex information as interactive maps which also include details of groups
working on that issue. Our first StoryMap is about the spate of mass
shootings. It's being released the same week as the mass shooting at a Kentucky
school. This link http://bit.ly/DemLabs_StopGunViolence presents
details of other mass shootings nationwide and how many people were
killed/injured in each. The map is built in real-time from public sources of
information so that it always shows the latest information.
2.
From one
of our own: [Here is one creative way to #resist] Shawarma law, is what we tell
people who they still think Dearborn is under sharia law and we live a barbaric
life style. We get up, go to work, have friends, we have the same style just
like everyone else. Thanks to some amazing people we first got together a year
ago, total strangers coming together to show the haters: WE ARE NOT LIKE THEM.
Without me expecting anything more from it, the local paper wrote a story, the
local news channel talked about it, and now is going national. The Opposition
with Jordan Kleeper [on Comedy Central] producers contacted me
in October wanted to do a story for their show, at first, I didn't want to do
it, but again thanks to some amazing people who were there since day one gave
the courage to do so. The show got recorded in November, I wasn't expecting
that many people, it was the biggest event yet. 70+ people showed up. Here is
the link to the episode: http://www.cc.com/video-clips/ih4seo/the-opposition-with-jordan-klepper-shawarma-law-brings-extreme-tolerance-to-middle-america Let’s all try to find a creative way to
resist!
3.
There
are so many issues and causes demanding our attention these days but remember
that the best way to kill a dragon is to cut off its head. This year that means
returning Congress to Democratic control, and right now that means undoing the
extreme gerrymandering that the GOP has foisted on us. We need to make our
votes count, and we must bring more than just money to the fight. https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/gop-rigs-elections-gerrymandering-voter-id-laws-dark-money-w515664 Let's consider volunteering our time and
effort to the National
Democratic Redistricting Committee, which has already
launched/supported gerrymandering lawsuits in five states and helped Ralph
Northam win the governorship of Virginia. Together we will take back our
country, one election at a time!
4.
Circuit
Court Judge Rosemarie Aquilina stood up with clarity for Larry Nassar’s many
sexual abuse victims during his trial and sentencing:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2018/01/24/judge-larry-nassar-trial-incredible-quotes-victims-and-their-abuser/1061691001/ Let’s
take a moment to thank her for showing these young women that justice has not
failed them:
5.
From one
of our own: "We need to start
sending postcards to "President Miller". tRump will hate it. It
worked with Bannon..." https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/stephen-miller-immigration-agitator-and-white-house-survivor/2018/01/21/7a1f7778-fcae-11e7-b832-8c26844b74fb_story.html?utm_term=.add3f3c92cae [or
http://thehill.com/homenews/house/368822-dems-fear-stephen-miller-ambush-on-immigration] Contact:
President Stephen Miller, 1600
Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500
6.
Americans
United for Separation of Church and State has launched its 2018 annual essay contest
that invites high school Juniors and Seniors to address the evolving
threats to church-state separation. The deadline for submissions
is April 15, 2018. The first-place winner will receive a $1,500 prize;
$1,000 will go to the second-place winner, and $500 to third place. We can read
more and enter here. Let's tell our friends and family with high
school students about this important contest and encourage the young writers we
know to enter.
7.
From the
ACLU: Is a Nondisclosure Agreement Silencing You
From Sharing Your ‘Me Too’ Story? 4 Reasons It Might Be Illegal. Let's read the article to see if it
might apply to our own NDA if we have one. If we are or know of a survivor who
would like to speak further about legal avenues for invalidating an NDA, please
submit this ACLU intake form.
8.
After
receiving a $3.5 billion tax cut, Bank of America (BoA) says it will
eliminate free checking accounts for people with low balances. Starting
this month, the banking giant will charge customers with checking accounts
a $12 monthly maintenance fee, unless they make a $250 direct deposit or
maintain a monthly minimum balance of $1,500. Let's read more at NJ.com. A Change.org petition already has over 100,000 signatures. If
we are outraged and have BoA accounts, the most effective direct action we can
take is to close our accounts and let BoA know why. Just want to tell
them how we feel? Contact the BoA corporate office.
9.
While
Congress fails to act, there are still ways we can work to prevent more school
shootings, including training school communities to become more aware of
potential crises. Sandy Hook Promise emphasizes strengthening relationships
between students and adults- or at least one adult they trust. They ask students
to be like life guards, watching out for signs that someone might be acting
out, speaking about plans to do harm, praising negative role models, etc. they
ask students to tell a trusted adult if they witness this, then train adults in
school admins to earn that trust, respond in ways that won’t deter further
communication. We can invite them to present at our schools. It’s free of
charge. https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/ We can also look at this book, recommended
by mental health professionals, about dealing with teens’ emotional issues: https://www.amazon.com/Parenting-Teen-Who-Intense-Emotions/dp/1626251886
Marches/events/webinars/Tweetstorms to attend/organize
1.
Activists know that we’re at risk of digital
security breaches, and we know how damaging and costly the breaches can be.
Despite this, not enough of us are taking action to protect ourselves, our
teams, and our supporters -- in part because we’re afraid we won’t be able to
understand or afford the steps we need to take. But there are free and
low-cost online tools available that can protect our communities and our work,
and we can sign up for a webcast training on January 31 that
will help us understand them. Presenters Cora Borradaile, Michele Gretes, and
Jamil Jonna from the Civil Liberties Defense Center will do an overview of
basic security concepts and demonstrate alternative tools. This webcast is a
chance to learn key ways to protect the campaign work, data, and people of our
activist communities. More info
here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__awnA5ZXTU6Uktx5ABWlbg
2.
“Since 2015, the USDAC has hosted
the People’s State of the Union as an invitation to supplement
the President’s stories by coming together in our own homes, schools, houses of
worship, and community organizations to share our own take on the state of our
union. Thousands of people in more than 350 communities have taken part over
the last three years.” The 2018 People's
State of the Union will take place from January 25-February 4, 2018. “Download
the toolkit to learn more about how to host a People's State of the Union Story
Circle in your community: https://usdac.us/psotu/
States
1. ALL: We need to keep calling our senators to demand they support the CRA
resolution to restore net neutrality protections, but there’s more we can do to
stand up for the free and open Internet. Elected officials across the country
are proposing rules to enshrine net neutrality in law at the state level (http://thehill.com/policy/technology/367973-nebraska-becomes-first-republican-state-to-introduce-pro-net-neutrality). Let’s contact our own state legislators and ask what they’re doing for net
neutrality, and let our governors know we want them to sign these bills if
they’re passed and to follow the example of
Steve Bullock and Andrew Cuomo and
issue executive orders protecting net neutrality.
Reading/Watching
1.
“Why is Legal Immigration to the U.S. Almost
Impossible?” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLrYMTc585I
2.
“Why is
the media mostly ignoring the Women’s March?” - https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2018/01/22/why-is-the-media-mostly-ignoring-the-womens-march/?utm_term=.abd38fcff632
3.
“A
Misleading Talking Point on Women Workers” - https://www.factcheck.org/2018/01/misleading-talking-point-women-workers/
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