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, Together
Rising raised
1.4 million dollars to help provide immigrant children with advocates and
lawyers (https://bit.ly/2kBmOXD). Now, the non-profit is turning its
attention to the policymakers of the U.S. with a four-step action plan which
includes calling our MoCs and demanding that they take legislative action to
keep families at the border together. Let's join in; we can find details of the
action plan, as well as call scripts and contact information here.
2. “Sen.
Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) plans to introduce legislation to prevent the
separation of immigrant children from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border,
as the Trump administration is facing deep scrutiny over its policy. It’s
hard to conceive of a policy more horrific than intentionally separating
children from their parents as a form of punishment. ... This is not what the
United States of America should be," Feinstein said in a Thursday
3.
statement.” http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/390052-feinstein-plans-bill-to-halt-separation-of-families-at-the-border.
Maybe
this is a sign that our calls to our Reps to demand legislation to keep
families together is working. Let's keep it up !!! 5Calls has scripts and
numbers ready for our use at this link. https://5calls.org/issue/dhs-separating-families-us-border
4. Donald
Trump has made his nomination for the top State Department position overseeing
refugees and migration - Ronald Mortensen, an anti-immigration advocate who
works for the notorious Center for Immigration Studies (http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/389320-trump-nominates-anti-illegal-immigration-advocate-for-state-depts-top). This is just another example of Trump's
xenophobic agenda, and we need to let our senators know it's not okay with
us. We can find a script from ICalledMyReps here.
5. The
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms is considering new rules to ban
bump stocks, like the ones used in the Las Vegas country music festival attack.
These devices drastically increase the maximum rate of fire
of semi-automatic rifles, a feature with no legitimate purpose that
justifies the increased carnage they enable. The BATF is taking pubic comment
regarding these proposed changes until June 27th, so the time to make our
voices heard is now. https://www.regulations.gov/comment?D=ATF-2018-0002-0001
6. Moderate
Republicans continue to push forward with their discharge petition; Paul Ryan
is still opposed to letting them frame how the House brings immigration
legislation to the floor. “Californian Steve Knight is one of nearly two dozen
House Republicans who have signed on to a petition to force the House to vote
on immigration proposals as early as next month. The plan is to allow the House
to vote on at least four bills, including a pathway to citizenship that many
conservatives hate. That plan frustrates House leaders who worry a messy
fight on immigration will divide the party and boost Democrats' chances of winning
control of the House in November.” https://www.npr.org/2018/05/30/615554912/house-split-on-immigration-might-be-good-politics-for-some-moderate-republicans It sounds like a potential win for
Dreamers to us! Let’s call our House reps, R or D, and encourage them to sign
on to the petition.
7. Sadly,
we have come to realize that abuse of refugees, including children, by border
patrol agents is not new to the Trump administration. http://www.newsweek.com/customs-and-border-control-beat-kicked-and-threatened-migrant-children-under-941385 While we should have done something earlier,
it is imperative that we do something now.
Let’s make sure our MoCs know that we do not want this kind of behavior
to continue and that we want congressional hearings on this and more oversight of
these workers who deal with these desperate refugees.
8. Trump
has pardoned pundit Dinesh D’Souza for campaign finance violations that he pled
guilty to: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-pardon/trump-to-pardon-pundit-dsouza-for-breaking-campaign-laws-idUSKCN1IW1TO The pattern of Trump’s pardons is
disturbing as he continues to show blatant disregard for the rule of law. Let’s
let our MoC know that this slippery slope is dangerous for our republic.
9. During a
press conference, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders got choked
up when a child asked her about actions to increase school safety: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/video/2018/may/30/sarah-sanders-school-shootings-question-child-video Let’s let Huckabee Sanders know
that although we are glad to see some emotion on the topic, Trump’s presence at
the NRA convention in Dallas recently belies their intentions: The White
House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20500 or on Twitter
@PressSec
Election 2018 –
General
An election guide from Postcards for America: In this Google doc (updated
regularly), each State shows ALL Democratic Candidates running for Congress,
Governor, Lt Gov, Attorney General, Secretary of State (if applicable) with
links to their websites and Twitter. Each has a link to a Twitter Thread, a
Shareable Facebook Post and a Document. For most States, there are also Info &
Links for Voter Registrations, Absentee Ballots, Early Voting & Voter ID,
Age Requirements and being a Poll Worker. Let’s check this
out and use and share it:
1. We’re
right around the corner from another set of special elections – and we’ve got
the chance to help roll back some of the damage Scott Walker has done to Wisconsin
from home. On June 12, the two seats Walker tried to avoid calling special
elections for are up. (http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/field-set-for-next-month-s-assembly-senate-special-elections/article_fbfc02a2-ef80-597a-acfa-515893e28415.html). Flippable is organizing virtual phonebanks
to help elect Caleb Frostman to the state senate and Ann Groves Lloyd to the
assembly. Let’s join in! We can sign up here.
2. We can
also help in the same races with Postcards
to Voters: Let's make Wisconsin Governor
Scott Walker's day on June 12 when we help Caleb Frostman and Ann Groves Lloyd
flip their respective State Senate and State Assembly districts! Here
are 4 easy ways returning writers can receive voter addresses: 1) Text HELLO to Abby at (484) ASK-ABBY which
is (484) 275-2229, 2) Email: Postcards@TonyTheDemocrat.org, 3) Submit a request from our website:
https://postcardstovoters.org/addresses/, or 4) Ask Abby via Facebook
Messenger:
http://m.me/AbbyTheAddressBot (If
you are new to us, sign up easily using one of these 3 methods: 1) Text JOIN to
Abby at (484) ASK-ABBY which is (484) 275-2229, or 2) Email: Join@TonyTheDemocrat.org or, 3) Submit a request from our website:
3. Sometimes
it takes the cold eyes of political strategists to remind us that a blue wave
isn't just going to "happen" - regardless of the outrageous and
illegal behavior of this administration and its GOP enablers. This piece on NPR
lets us know how those *in* the know are currently seeing the midterm elections
this fall: https://www.npr.org/2018/05/31/615634800/battle-for-the-house-gop-signs-of-hope-with-history-on-democrats-side. Their assessment is a good wake-up call to
vote, and make sure everyone else we know does, too!
4. If we
are tired of working so hard to elect candidates who then disappoint us with
their inability to create change and are looking for new ways to elect progressive
slates that can truly represent our communities and create new policies to help
us, we can check out The Incorruptibles. This group has successfully taken over
their own corrupt local governments and replaced them with Progressives and now
train people to do the same. We can find out more about them, sign up for
trainings and download their guide here: http://www.theincorruptibles.us/ We can get an introduction to their
strategies in this shareable Webinar link here: bit.ly/IncorruptiblesWebinar
Election 2018 –
By State
1. Voting
dates and deadlines this week:
|
June 1
|
New York (Federal)
|
Voter Registration Deadline
|
Primary
|
|
June 01
|
Alaska
|
Filing Deadline
|
|
|
June 01
|
Kansas
|
Filing Deadline
|
|
|
June 01
|
Wisconsin
|
Filing Deadline
|
|
|
June 01
|
Wyoming
|
Filing Deadline
|
|
|
June 2
|
New Mexico
|
Early voting ends
|
Primary
|
(source: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1WJiqNAZNlWPSCAvuRpQ5e5dFiC5IY3O3epicrCuHINs/edit#gid=514224366 We can also see this info by state here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1IMWqHIktIBS7jPxS4mVV1--YKYVa-2yYWjV8QHsi1F4/edit#gid=1798528701)
2. Eight
states have primaries next week. Let’s Use this info to make our plan to vote &
then share with friends in the state:
Other Actions
1. Around
the globe, the movement to ban single-use plastic straws is gaining momentum.
While it is important to cut down on wasteful products, it is also important to
note that for some people, the use of these plastic straws is a need, rather
than a want (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-25/the-problem-with-banning-plastic-straws/9689346, https://psmag.com/environment/banning-straws-wont-save-the-oceans).
Let's make sure that as our localities consider plastic straw bans, they
include exceptions for people with disabilities. Alternatively, we can suggest
changing straw policies from opt-out, to opt-in, where straws are given out by
request, rather than by default.
2. From
Postcards from Kate: Virginia just voted to expand Medicaid
coverage under the Affordable Care Act, HB5001, giving 400,000 low-income
citizens access to government health insurance. Four Senate Republicans crossed
party lines to vote for the expansion. Let's thank and encourage one or all of
them for putting people over party and improving the lives of their
constituents: https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=783593148696362&id=512517049137308
3. “Avoid
at ALL COSTS any mention or implication of AI,” the chief scientist for A.I. at
Google Cloud wrote in an email to colleagues, “Weaponized AI is probably one of
the most sensitized topics of AI — if not THE most.” Concern about the
implications of military contracts has prompted Google to promise “ethical
guidelines” for the development of military AI, though we don’t yet know what
they’ll say: https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/30/17408446/google-ai-guidelines-weaponry-military-pentagon-maven-contract
Rivals like Microsoft and Amazon, however, are said to be enthusiastically
pursuing lucrative Pentagon work: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/30/technology/google-project-maven-pentagon.html
We need to tell these tech giants that we do not want artificial intelligence
playing any part in warfare: Google, 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA
94043 or 650-253-0000 or FAX 650-253-0001 or @google; Amazon, 410 Terry Ave.
North, Seattle, WA 98109-5210 or 206-266-1000 or @amazon; Microsoft, 1
Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052 or 425-882-8080 or FAX 425-706-7929
Marches/events/webinars/Tweetstorms to
attend/organize
1. Today, June 1st, We Belong Together, the
National Domestic Workers Alliance, MomsRising, MamasConPoder, ACLU, United We
Dream, MoveOn, and many others will host actions across the country demanding a
stop to the practice of separating children from their families and protection
of the human rights, as well as the safety and well-being, of all children with
no exceptions (including unaccompanied minors and children in detention). We can see if there is an event near us here:
https://actionnetwork.org/event_campaigns/families-belong-together and we can
find more information and a toolkit here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/18Di1XrNkn6ogwS-GxKYJOBAS7zPK6VYiXVv0rqwgJRs/edit?ts=5b0c0bd0#
2. This weekend, June 1-3, “People around the
country are coming together with a simple message: there's more we can do to
end gun violence.” Let’s check here to find a Wear Orange Weekend” sponsored by
Everytown for Gun
Safety and Moms Demand Action
for Gun Safety event near
us: http://act.everytown.org/event/wear-orange-2018/search/
3. The Poor People’s Campaign is continuing its
40 days of non-violent action with the next event planned for June 4 at
state capitols. Let’s see where we can
join an event near us: https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/events/
4. Rallies, on June 14, in support of the
missing immigrant children are being coordinated all over the country. “The March for Stolen Children is a peaceful
event. Everyone participating in this event will be required to abide by all applicable
laws and lawful orders of authorities." We can use this link to create a
rally near us: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFqhCwGsoZOua_tompfPhoPmi0Qx9je3iAskumf3ZhflhvWg/viewform
5. Voters are polarized. People hold strong views and
only listen to their favorite sources. How can messages be created that can
work across the political spectrum? Catalist's Peoria Project
examined the core beliefs and civic perceptions of people across the country
and tested different approaches in reaching these voters. Join as at a
free DemLabs workshop to
learn to learn how ads can be created that are aligned with these beliefs
so as to reach and persuade more people. Tuesday, June 19,
9-1PM. Sunnvale. RSVP here
6. How can campaigns work smarter to make the most of
their limited resources and volunteers? Join us at a free DemLabs workshop to
learn how mapping apps widely used
by corporations can also be applied to campaign better. You'll learn how to use
these apps to locate likely voters, pick the best spots for rallies and
how to create walking routes for canvassers so they can talk to more people. Campaign
veterans will also share case studies on how they use mapping to work
smarter. Wednesday, June 20, 9-4PM. San Francisco . RSVP here
States
1. AL AZ AR FL GA LA MS MO NC OK SC UT VA: This
week, Illinois become the 37th state to ratify the Equal Rights
Amendment. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-illinois-era/illinois-passes-equal-rights-amendment-more-than-three-decades-after-deadline-idUSKCN1IW0LB The
states that have yet to ratify are: AL AZ AR FL GA LA MS MO NC OK SC UT VA . Let’s
use this tool from Postcards
for America to
help push the final needed state along: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1I__xrHam03JTck_cLeWF2fZ8gl1VELJiKQTgJoVhB7k/edit
2. CA: The Trump Administration is suing
our state over anti-SB54, The California Values Act, which prevents state
and local law enforcement agencies from performing immigration
enforcement and forbids officers from transferring undocumented immigrants
who have been arrested under certain circumstances to federal immigration
officers. Several City Councils and Country Boards have also signed on to
Trumps’ suit, but citizens are now fighting back to protect this law. If
our City Councils and County Boards are considering anti-SB54 measures,
we can consult this toolkit put together by activist groups in Upland and Camarillo
who have fought back against these regressive, anti-immigrant actions. We can
start with this document and then explore the other folders in the drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Idlzgv-nmzBZhJKegax4YaA2H3QrWYBSCt0WSgYHiAk/mobilebasic Possible
future updates may include add a section on being proactive to pass
ordinances in support of sanctuary cities, as well as additional legal info, so
we can check back later to view those items as well. Our state can be a beacon
in these dark times so let’s make sure our Cities represent the best of
California values!
Reading/Watching
1. "Through participatory defense we have seen
acquittals, charges dismissed and reduced, prison terms changed to
rehabilitation programs, even life sentences taken off the table." https://acjusticeproject.org/2014/10/17/participatory-defense-transforming-the-courts-through-family-and-community-organizing-by-raj-jayadev/
2. “Why Teachers Are Walking Out” - https://sethnichols.wordpress.com/2018/05/17/why-teachers-are-walking-out/
3. “Joy-Ann Reid: Everyday racism in America:
Being black means constantly rendering yourself unthreatening to white people”
- https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/everyday-racism-america-being-black-means-constantly-rendering-yourself-unthreatening-ncna878291
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