Contact Federal Government Officials
********************************
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.
This
week in Congress: Nine (9) bills will be up for consideration in the
House. Let's review the Majority
Leader's Schedule so
we know what's coming. The Senate plans to convene on Monday to resume
consideration of the nomination of Claria Horn Boom, of Kentucky, to be United
States District Judge for the Eastern and Western Districts of
Kentucky. Unlike other nominees put forward by the Trump Administration,
Horn Boom hasn’t written extensively on her judicial philosophy, participated
in the conservative legal movement, or built a strong litigation record. We can
read more about Boom at the Vetting
Room.
2.
“Facing
pressure from conservatives for their budget-busting moves, President Donald
Trump and congressional Republicans are considering forcing votes that would
cut billions of dollars in spending from the bipartisan funding deal they just
passed last month, according to sources familiar with the plan. “ https://www.politico.com/story/2018/04/03/budget-omnibus-cuts-trump-kevin-mccarthy-498462 Let’s
let our MoCs know that IF they agree to cuts that the ratio of military to
humanitarian not be made worse.
3.
The
Department of Homeland Security is collecting data on hundreds of thousands of
journalists and “media influencers,” https://www.forbes.com/sites/michellefabio/2018/04/06/department-of-homeland-security-compiling-database-of-journalists-and-media-influencers/#79c5a2c26121
with a focus on each source’s “sentiment, influence, language and
circulation.”
While DHS is insisting it’s normal standard operating procedure to monitor how
events concerning an agency are covered, the administration’s attacks on
mainstream media have already resulted in the lowest global
freedom of the press in 13 years,
according to the watchdog organization, Freedom House. Let’s make sure to share
this information widely and tell DHS 202-282-8495; and our MoCs that we reject
any efforts that threaten our First Amendment rights for a free, independent
and diverse press.
4.
The
Agriculture Department is considering a policy change that would expose more
and more people to the harsh three-month time limit on food stamp
benefits. (https://cronkitenews.azpbs.org/2018/02/22/feds-plan-could-add-food-stamp-work-requirement-in-most-counties/). This will help no one get out of poverty
and will take food away from people who need assistance. Today is the FINAL DAY
we can submit public comments objecting to this change here. We can find taking points from the Food
Research and Action Center here.
5.
Since
Congress, and Trump's cabinet refuse to hold him accountable, we need to check
Trump's power wherever we can, and we have an opportunity coming up; Mike
Pompeo will have his nomination hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations
Committee this Thursday, April 12th (https://bit.ly/2GIxQrF). We do not need someone who is
Islamophobic, and an advocate for torture, as our next Secretary of State (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38029336 https://nyti.ms/2HjflHi). Let's contact Foreign Relations Committee
Chairman Bob Corker (R-TN) and tell him we want him to oppose Pompeo for
Secretary of State Dirksen Senate Office Building
SD-425 Washington, DC 20510 Phone:
202-224-3344 Since it's likely that Pompeo will proceed out of committee, to
the full Senate for a vote, let's also be sure to contact our senators and let
them know that we do not want Pompeo for Secretary of State. We can use the
information and scripts available at Indivisible.
6.
There is
overwhelming evidence that neonicotinoid pesticides are harmful to bees, birds,
and other pollinator species, and that they pose greater risks than benefits (https://www.bna.com/agrochemical-giants-downplay-n57982088363/ https://bit.ly/2IE7hjB). The EPA has an open comment period
until April 21st, on the use of neonicotinoid pesticides. Let's be sure to
submit a comment and let them know that we want to see stricter guidelines for
the use of these pesticides, not fewer: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0844-1260
7.
On March
5th, the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued new
rules which make it more difficult for individuals who file complaints to have
their cases taken up by the OCR, and also no longer allows appeals to be made
when a case is dismissed (https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2018/04/02/new-ignore-disability-complaints/24924/ https://bit.ly/2H5SgtS). Now, hundreds of legitimate complaints are
being dismissed, leaving a widespread lack of accountability for civil rights
violations. Let's contact Department of Education Office for Civil Rights and
let them know that we want them to rescind these guidelines: U.S. Department of
Education Office for Civil Rights Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education
Bldg 400
Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-1100 Phone: 800-421-3481 Email: OCR@ed.gov
8.
"Last
week’s 2,232-page omnibus bill to fund the government was literally impossible to both fully read and
comprehend in
the limited time between release and vote." So Rep. Tom
Garrett (R-VA5) has introduced a new bill: "The Review Every Act
Diligently In Total (READ IT) Act [H.R.
801]
aims to allow members to fully review all legislation before votes. It
would institute a new rule in the official House rules, that anything receiving
a vote must have been publicly available in electronic form for a number of
minutes that’s double the number of pages." It was introduced
on March 28 and currently sits in the House Rules Committee. Seems
like a good, nonpartisan idea to us. Let's encourage our House Reps to
cosponsor the bill. https://govtrackinsider.com/members-literally-dont-have-enough-time-to-read-some-bills-before-a-vote-is-held-e8691c86c91d
9.
Amy
Siskind, who has been maintaining a weekly list of all that changes each week
in the Trump administration, announced that all members of Congress will
receive a copy of her new book, The
List: A Week-by-Week Reckoning of Trump’s First Year, when they return
from their home work sessions this week. One of Siskind’s Facebook readers
suggested that we all call our congress people and tell them we know they have
the book and we ask them to read it and act. Let’s do it!
10. A recent Newsweek article revealed that 86%
of the RNC catering expenses went to Trump properties. http://www.newsweek.com/trump-hotels-rnc-conflict-interest-855971. Let’s tell our MoCs that this conflict of
interest should be investigated.
11.
Over the
weekend, Republican South Carolina (5th district) Congressman
Ralph Norman pulled out a loaded gun (no, not kidding) at a constituent meeting
with many representatives from Moms Demand Action to make a hare-brained point
about how guns don’t kill people, people kill people: https://www.politico.com/story/2018/04/06/ralph-norman-loaded-gun-507288 Let’s let Representative Norman know
what we think of his methods: https://norman.house.gov/contact/ or on Twitter @RalphNorman If we
are not already connected with Moms Demand Action we can find more info
here:
12. The ethics violations against EPA Chief,
Scott Pruitt, continue to multiply. http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/382086-with-questions-mounting-pruitt-fights-for-his-job. Many Democrats and a few Republicans,
including White House Chief of Staff, John Kelly, have been calling for his
resignation. http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/381980-kelly-wants-trump-to-remove-pruitt-report. House Oversight and Government Reform
Committee Chairman Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) has been looking into some of the
issues. http://thehill.com/homenews/house/382061-oversight-chairman-probes-pruitts-50-a-night-condo-deal?utm_source=&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=14668. We need to pressure Rep. Gowdy
(202-225-6030) and the House Oversight Committee (202-225-5074) to intensify
his investigation and call Pruitt in to testify. We should also pressure our
MoCs to join the call for Pruitt’s resignation, using this 5calls
script.
Election 2018 –
General
1.
After
the success of the Flip Alabama Facebook secret group that helped coordinate
the win of Doug Jones in the special election there, in preparation for 2018
midterm elections Flip Nation is creating groups to help each state flip seats
as well. Let’s help grow this national effort for a blue wave state by state.
Join in here: Flip Nation Facebook group (closed group): http://Facebook.com/groups/flipnationusa and Twitter: @FlipNationUSA and
Website: FlipNation.org and Instagram: @flipnationusa. Let’s get to
work…together!
2.
On Saturday,
Postcards to Voters launched Campaign 71 this time for Steve Stern for NY State
Assembly (District 10) in an April 24 special election.
Addresses are going fast with previous campaigns 69 and 70 each completed in
less than 24 hours. Those of us who are current postcarders are energized
after 4 out of 5 campaigns for which we wrote won in last Tuesday's elections,
including Judge Rebecca Dallet for Wisconsin Supreme Court. (Source: Time) We are not tired of winning. Returning
writers may text WIN to (484) ASK-ABBY which is (484) 275-2229. If we
are new to this effective grassroots effort, we can email to register
at: Join@TonyTheDemocrat.org
3.
Voto
Latino http://votolatino.org/ promotes voter registration and
turnout, civic engagement, leadership development, and issue advocacy in the
Latino community. Let’s check out their website, especially their Election
Center, http://votolatino.org/election-center/election-center/ , to see how we can help.
Election 2018 –
By State
1.
ALL: Young people all over the country are showing
up for social justice and making their voices heard. Let's help them be ready
to make it heard by casting their vote in November and beyond! In some
states, teens can pre-register to vote as early as age 16. Early
registration is essential to be sure things are in order for the upcoming
elections. Let's contact our local high schools to ask if voter registration
drives are being organized for (and perhaps by) students and how we can help.
Rock the Vote has a voter registration toolkit that can be customized for your state.
2.
AZ: 8th Congressional District, Special Election April
24. Let’s be voters for Democrat Hiral Tipirneni for that Big Blue Wave. Info
on early voting, election day voting, and polling place: http://hiralforcongress.com/howtovote/ Voter ID info: https://www.voteriders.org/ufaqs/arizona-voter-id-information/
3.
FL:
State Senate District 31, Special Election April 10. Let’s be voters for
Democrat Lori Berman for that Big Blue Wave. Voter resources here: http://loriberman.com/voter-resources/ Voter ID info: https://www.voteriders.org/ufaqs/florida-voter-id-information/
4.
IA: State Senate District 25, Special Election April 10. Let’s be
voters for Democrat Tracy Freese https://www.tracyfreese.com/ for that Big Blue Wave. Voter ID
info: https://www.voteriders.org/ufaqs/iowa-voter-id-information/
Other Actions
1.
Momentum
is growing for a boycott of Sinclair Broadcasting in the wake of their
coordinated echoing of Trump’s attacks on the media, with everyone from
congressional candidates to celebrities pulling ads and canceling interviews (http://fortune.com/2018/04/06/amy-schumer-sinclair-boycott-interview/). The Stranger’s Katie Herzog has pulled
together a list of advertisers on a Seattle Sinclair-owned station and is
offering guidance on how we can do the same and effectively pressure them. We
can check out what she has to say here: https://www.thestranger.com/slog/2018/04/04/26000755/a-sinclair-boycott-is-complicated-not-impossible
2.
Dreamers
are still waiting for a solution to their Trump-imposed predicament. While Congress is not acting to remedy the
gap, a court cases are winding through the court process like this one: https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Local-Immigration-Law-and-Dreamer-Suing-Trump-Over-DACA--479101073.html Let’s
join with United We Dream and find how we can help these young people: https://unitedwedream.org/getinvolved/. We can also sign a petition from that
group: https://action.unitedwedream.org/petitions/keep-the-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-daca-program
3.
We all
like to think we're good at seeing through fake news, but science tells us
unequivocally that we (including me and you) are not. Let's keep this in mind
while reading or listening, especially when we plan to say or write something
about it!
4.
For
those of us who are interested in starting our own postcarding events, here is
an example from one of our own who does this monthly and is sharing: Tomorrow my postcarding group meets, so I’ve
finalized the full April postcarding list. I also have a smaller list that just
covers material from the past week for those of you who stop by more often. Here is the full List:
2018.April.Final.Formatted and here is last week’s list: Issues:Addresses
2018.04.06
My group is in Santa Cruz, CA. If you have
different Congresspeople, you can look up addresses for all Senators here. You can look up addresses for all
Representatives here.
5.
Down
Home NC recently
published a report, "NO ONE'S
EVER ASKED ME BEFORE": Conversations
with North Carolina's Rural Communities, that shares their “findings from nearly 1,500 front-porch conversations
in Haywood and Alamance counties. They describe a rural working class that is
multi-racial, surprisingly united, and ready to speak out.” Let’s check out the report and see if
anything like this is being done where we live:
http://downhomenc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/dhnc-2018-report-FINAL.pdf
6.
"We’re
journalists at a Sinclair news station. We’re pissed." - https://www.vox.com/first-person/2018/4/5/17202336/sinclair-broadcasting-promo-deadspin Let’s
continue to support our local news team if their company is owned by
Sinclair. They are doing their best to
guard real journalism. Let’s do our best
to provide them with stories of good, local activism.
7.
From Postcards
for America: From Gabby Gifford’s Group. If you're
attending a #TownHallForOurLives (or any Town Hall, really...or if you
are - say - writing Postcards) here's a spreadsheet which tells all Reps (in
alphabetical order): A) NRA Rating, B) Career
Gun Lobby contributions, C) How they voted on Concealed Carry Reciprocity (HR38
which has already passed the House - see our PC2A, D) How they voted on
Deregulating Silencers, Background Checks, Assault Weapons Ban & Extreme
Risk Orders: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1caClpavd7wTuyDFtOxhT3skUPzpnadFUvwd1J_W2iv8/htmlview (tabs at the bottom for House, Senate, and
background information)
8.
From Jen
Hofmann’s Americans
of Conscience Action Checklist: An
easy thing we can do to take action against Sinclair is to buy a subscription
to a reputable print media source for friends and family members. Print media
is Sinclair’s biggest enemy.
9.
The
deadline is nearing to apply for repayment as part of a Toyota settlement concerning
discriminatory loan practices. “Toyota Motor Credit Corp [TOYOM.UL] has agreed
to pay up to $21.9 million in restitution to thousands of African-American,
Asian and Pacific Islander customers, for charging them higher interest rates
on auto loans than white borrowers with comparable creditworthiness, the U.S.
government said.” https://www.reuters.com/article/us-consumers-autofinance-toyota/toyota-motor-credit-settles-with-u-s-over-racial-bias-in-auto-loans-idUSKCN0VB2EO The
application to seek payment is here: https://www.tmccsettlement.com/Content/Documents/Eligibility%20Form.pdf
10. PEN America is continuing its “Read the Resistance”
program, an online book club that highlights written works of and about
resistance, with its choice for April, The Left Hand of Darkness,
by Ursula K. Le Guin. There will be a live webcast on April 17for a
discussion about the book as part of the PEN World Voices Festival. For
more information, visit
Marches/events/webinars/Tweetstorms to
attend/organize
1.
April
14: March for Science in Washington, D.C. with
satellite marches all over the country. More
information here: https://www.marchforscience.com/ Link to Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/170042620278362/
2.
April
15: “On the anniversary of the 2017 Tax March,
people across the country will come together to demand an end to the TrumpTax,
which will raise taxes for 92 million middle-class families, rip health care
away from 13 million people, and threaten life-saving programs — all to give
tax breaks to millionaires, billionaires, and wealthy corporations” Let’s find more info here and find a
TrumpTax Tour event near us: https://notonepenny.org/trump-tax-tour/
3.
April
20,
the 19th anniversary of the Columbine massacre there are two gun reform
actions happening. The first is National Student Walkout started by a
student: http://nationalschoolwalkout.us/ here is
where to check on the locations of events:http://act.indivisible.org/event/national-school-walkout/ The second
is sponsored by Network for Public Education (NPE, the organization run by
Diane Ravitch who SHOULD be our Sec. of Ed.) which is more of an all-school
approach:
http://protectourschools.com/ Schools who
take part in this can get free pizza:
https://pizzasaves.org/ Let's
find a way to share the information and be part of the day.
States
Reading/Watching
1.
A sobering read from former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright : “Will We Stop Trump Before It’s
Too Late? - Fascism poses a more serious threat now than
at any time since the end of World War II” - https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/06/opinion/sunday/trump-fascism-madeleine-albright.html
at any time since the end of World War II” - https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/06/opinion/sunday/trump-fascism-madeleine-albright.html
2.
“How
Trump could lose a trade war with China:
The president’s unpopularity domestically and internationally could make
it harder to win concessions from China” - https://www.politico.com/story/2018/04/04/trump-china-trade-war-tariffs-456053
3.
Experts in authoritarianism advise us to keep a
list of things subtly changing around us, so we’ll remember. Amy Siskind
is keeping that list for us. Amy writes, "Trump is acting against the
advice of his dwindling pool of senior staffers, and gyrating on issues like
withdrawing troops from Syria and tariffs. " Let's
review Amy Siskind's list week 73.
4.
As usual, our weekly dose of Small
Victories: https://mailchi.mp/peaceisloud/small-victories-let-love-prevail
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.