7/11/18
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.
“To hear
the cries of frightened children, the wheezes of sick and huddled masses, and
to know, within the bowels of these huge, cold, concrete facilities are
suffering people who came here, like our ancestors, with nothing to their names
but hope… and to treat them as they have been treated, to prolong their suffering,
is unconscionable. It is heartless.” A
first-year med student volunteers at the border: https://demwritepress.com/2018/07/09/they-came-for-refuge-but-received-no-mercy-a-report-from-the-us-border/ Let’s
ask our MoCs what they are doing to correct this situation. We should not be party to this kind of
treatment. Those seeking asylum deserve
much better.
2.
ProPublica
has compiled a list of articles from resources such as FiveThirtyEight, NPR, and SCOTUSblog, and more, which take a look at Trump's
Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh: https://www.propublica.org/article/who-is-brett-kavanaugh-a-supreme-court-reading-guide Let's use the information as we
contact our senators and ask them to oppose this nomination. Let’s also double down on our self-care and
then reach out to five “passive allies” who are paying attention but not taking
action and specifically ask them to reach out to their Senators to say no to
Kavanaugh.
3.
As Trump
traveled to Brussels for the NATO meeting, the Senate voted last evening 97-2 in
favor of a motion that the U.S. continue
our support of NATO. http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/396399-senate-overwhelmingly-passes-resolution-supporting-nato-as-trump GOP
Sens. Rand Paul (Ky.) and Mike Lee (Utah) voted against;
Sen. John McCain is out ill. Let’s thank
our senators for validating the important relationship we have with our
allies.
4.
“The
U.S. Embassy in London released an alert on Tuesday urging Americans
to "keep a low profile" during President Trump's scheduled visit to
the United Kingdom later this week. The notice asks for
Americans in Britain to stay aware of their surroundings and to
"exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings that
may become violent." http://thehill.com/policy/international/396285-us-embassy-in-uk-warns-americans-to-keep-low-profile-during-trump-visit. This is a stunning statement that Americans
have to be concerned for their well-being while visiting our friends in
London. trump continues to alienate our allies and our best friends with
his “great negotiating tactics.” Let’s tell our MC’s and the WH that we
are embarrassed and concerned for our safety when we travel abroad. Ask them to
tell trump to work with our allies, not against them.
5.
In
response to the U.S.'s threats and opposition to the breastfeeding resolution
at the World Health Assembly (WHA) (https://nyti.ms/2m0l6j7, https://bit.ly/2znflWg), the United States Lactation Consultant
Association (USLCA) has posted some ways to get involved to
voice our frustration. The resource includes names and phone numbers, as well
as sample letters we can send to our MoC, to oppose the U.S.'s behavior and support
the WHA resolution. We can also ask that the U.S. join other countries in
adopting the resolution into law, in order to regulate predatory marketing by
formula manufacturers: https://uslca.org/u-s-opposition-to-who-resolution
6.
To
create a better future, we need to come to terms with the white supremacy that
has allowed Trump to thrive. That includes the legacy of racist violence during
the Jim Crow era, including lynching. The great-granddaughter of leading
anti-lynching crusader Ida B. Wells is trying to build a monument to her to
help grow the knowledge of this chapter of our history (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-ida-b-wells-monument-20180618-story.html), and she is looking to hit a milestone by Ida
Wells' birthday on July 16th.
Let's consider donating here. We can also continue her work by telling
our senators to support S.
3178, which
would make lynching a federal hate crime at last.
7.
While
the “zero tolerance” policy and subsequent separation is a recent policy change,
we can admit that the immigration situation at the border has not been
ideal. While time in detention has
always been way too long, it got much worse last fall when the Trump
administration rescinded Obama’s plan to scale back private prisons. “Trump has every incentive to do so:
profiteering prison companies donated
heavily to his campaign.” http://www.newsweek.com/why-are-we-locking-undocumented-immigrants-years-707334 Let’s
double down efforts to have our representatives pass the Dignity for Detained
Immigrants Act of 2017 H.R.
3923 Let’s ask our rep to sign on and to help get
it out of the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security. We can find and contact those members,
here: https://judiciary.house.gov/subcommittee/subcommittee-on-immigration-and-border-security/
8.
The U.S.
has the highest maternal mortality rate in the developed world. Congress is starting to do something about
it. https://www.propublica.org/article/us-senate-committee-maternal-mortality-prevention-proposal Let’s
ask our MoCs to co-sponsor and vote for the Maternal Health Accountability Act (S.
1112) and
the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act (H.R.
1318). The benefits of good maternal health is not
partisan.
9.
BMW
said Monday that it would move production for some of its SUVs out of
the U.S. as a result of new tariffs placed on the vehicles, according to The
Post and Courier in South Carolina. The German-based
automobile manufacturer signed an agreement with its Chinese partner,
Brilliance Automotive Group Holdings, to increase the number of vehicles
produced in the country, according to the Charleston newspaper, with the total
reaching 520,000 by 2019. “Our agreement sets a long-term framework for our
future in China — a future involving continued investment, further growth
and a clear commitment to the development and production of electric vehicles,”
said BMW CEO Harald Krueger said. http://thehill.com/policy/finance/international-taxes/396248-bmw-to-shift-some-suv-production-overseas-in-response-to. Let’s continue to pressure our MCs and the WH
to stop this ridiculous trade war. It’s another tactic to deflect from the
Mueller investigation all the expense of America citizens.
10. The March for our Lives students have put
together a 10-point policy for gun safety in our country. https://marchforourlives.com/policy/ Let’s
read their “How We Save Lives” and then tell our MoCs that this is what we want
Congress to follow. These kids are on
the right track to making America safer.
11.
Trump is
doing everything he can to avoid prosecution for his crimes, including trying
to put Brian Benczkowski, a potential target of the Russian
investigation himself, in charge of it. The Senate is
expected to vote this or next week on his nomination to head the Criminal
Division of the DOJ. This confirmation could effectively cripple,
possibly destroy the Russia investigations. If confirmed, he will
oversee Mueller, be in position to replace Rosenstein, and oversee all investigations,
including US Attorney State ones. He will also be able, pragmatically if not
necessarily legally, to report back to Sessions and Trump. All Democratic
members of the Judiciary Committee oppose him. We must call our Senators and stop him now. We can read more about the nominee and find a
script to use when calling our Senators: https://www.theloyalopposition.net/daily-ctas/urgent-protect-muellers-trumprussia-probe-today/ We
can tweet Senators using the prewritten tweets here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1CHgJGQcm-b0mtg2Xvt5UDQ6JdjGhtN_q-cHol_fPQ_4/htmlview
Election 2018 – General
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.
Donald
Trump has nominated Brett Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court (https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/trump-taps-federal-appeals-court-judge-brett-kavanaugh-supreme-court-n889921). Kavanaugh has been vetted by
ultraconservative reactionaries, and at 53 he could serve for years to come. We
need to fight back - and one way to do it is by putting a scare into the
Republican senators we'll need to vote no. Let's start by signing up to
phonebank from anywhere in the country for Jacky Rosen, the Democratic
congresswoman who is challenging Senator Dean Heller in Nevada. We can find a
link to get involved here.
2.
After
being out of stock for a bit, Postcards
to Voters’ “Flying Banner Be a Voter” postcard design is back in stock at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CSJ5JG9
Election 2018 –
By State
1.
Upcoming
voting dates and deadlines:
|
July 12
|
New York <state level>
|
Filing Deadline
|
|
|
July 12
|
Hawaii
|
Voter Registration Deadline
|
Primary
|
|
July 13
|
Tennessee
|
Early Voting begins
|
Primary
|
|
July 15
|
Wisconsin
|
Voter Registration Deadline
|
Primary (postmark)
|
|
July 17
|
Kansas
|
Voter Registration Deadline
|
Primary
|
|
July 17
|
Alabama
|
Election date
|
Runoffs
|
|
July 17
|
North Carolina (FED ONLY)
|
Election date
|
Runoffs
|
|
July 20
|
Louisiana
|
Filing Deadline
|
|
|
July 22
|
Alaska
|
Voter Registration Deadline
|
Primary
|
|
July 23
|
Georgia
|
Early voting ends
|
runoffs
|
|
July 24
|
Minnesota
|
Voter Registration Deadline
|
Primary
|
|
July 24
|
Georgia
|
Election date
|
Runoffs
|
|
July 28
|
Tennessee
|
Early Voting ends
|
Primary
|
|
July 30
|
Arizona
|
Voter Registration Deadline
|
Primary
|
|
July 30
|
Florida
|
Voter Registration Deadline
|
Primary
|
|
July 30
|
Arkansas
|
Early Voting begins
|
State Senate Dist 8
|
|
July 30
|
Hawaii
|
Early Voting begins
|
Primary
|
|
July 31
|
Kansas
|
Early Voting begins
|
Primary
|
(source: by date:
https://goo.gl/gjFv2u by
state: https://goo.gl/7gTzvE)
2.
KS: Check your voter registration. Think you’re Registered? Let’s MAKE SURE! If we are registered to vote, we should
receive a postcard before each election telling you your polling place and
other valuable election information. The League is aware that some registered
voters are not receiving their card. If you did not receive a postcard: A) IMMEDIATELY check here. This is the site
recommended by ksvotes: https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView/RegistrantSearch.do, then B) 2. If you are not registered GET
HELP! Use this form to report a problem:
https://form.jotform.com/61248344119959 The
League of Women Voters of Kansas is interested in knowing about problems
experienced by Kansas citizens. They are also available to assist individuals
currently facing an issue in registering to vote or in the voting process
itself.
Other Actions
1. Headline:
“Self-described Nazis and white supremacists are running as Republicans across
the country.” They include: A) Russell
Walker, for the NC House of Representatives, B) Arthur Jones, for the IL 3rd Congressional
District, and C) Paul Nehlen, for WI 1st Congressional District
(seat currently held by Paul Ryan). Let’s
share this link: https://www.vox.com/2018/7/9/17525860/nazis-russell-walker-arthur-jones-republicans-illinois-north-carolina-virginia ,
and let’s ask Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel why the party
is letting Nazis and white supremacists run as Republicans and what the party
is doing to stop them from being elected. Contact: @GOPChairwoman;
202-863-8500; or 310 First St SE, Washington, DC 20003.
2. The
new Facebook group, Act 100, went live yesterday. This is a group for people committed to
taking action during the 100 days prior to the November midterms to help ensure
a blue wave. A new action will be posted
daily along with some good discussion, too.
Let’s join and it out: https://www.facebook.com/groups/100Acts100Days/
3. Though
well-intentioned, bans on single-use straws can be misguided and have a
negative impact on disabled individuals who depend on those straws every day (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jul/09/disabled-person-plastic-straws-baby-wipes).
While it is possible for businesses to keep single-use plastic straws on hand
for people with disabilities, there is often no requirement to do so. If we are
part of a community looking to ban plastic straws, let's make sure that we are
working with disability groups to come up with a plan that is inclusive and
does not place undue burden on those who need single-use plastic straws.
4. “Rather
than posting the latest outrage on immigration with an “OMG can you believe
this is happening?!?!” – go ahead and post the article but followed with a
clear action (like, “I simply can’t believe this – so I’m calling Roy Blunt
right now to tell him that I think he needs to use his office to stand up to
this crap. Join me?”). And hey – why not make it fun? A friendly challenge for
who can make the most calls/knock the most doors/write the most postcards is a
great way to re-energize yourselves while reaching a goal.” https://mailchi.mp/b0aaf4b02491/your-weekly-pep-talk-action-list?e=4a9124dbd5 Let’s use this good advice when we post and
subscribe to this weekly pep-talk, too!
5. McKinsey
& Company, a consulting firm, is cutting its ties with ICE. New managing partner, Kevin Sneader, said in
a message, “that the contract had “rightly raised” concerns and that the
company would not do any work that is “at odds with our values,” http://thehill.com/latino/396257-top-consulting-firm-cuts-ties-with-ice Let’s thank McKinsey & Company for their decision: 55 East 52nd Street, 21st Floor, New York, NY
10022 or by phone: (212)
446 7000 Then,
let’s ask other companies to do the same:
https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-tech-companies-to-stop-helping-ice-hurt-kids
6. Rather
than taking a left/liberal – right/conservative view, what if we approached
issues from a top-bottom perspective? https://www.facebook.com/jonathanmsmucker/posts/10155727874733652 Let’s try this in our dealings to see how it
works for us and our causes.
7.
Yesterday, the NFL Players Association filed
a grievance against the league "on behalf of all players" over the
new national anthem policy that calls for players who do not want to stand for
the anthem to remain off the field saying, “ "The union's claim is that
this new policy, imposed by the NFL's governing body without consultation with
the NFLPA, is inconsistent with the collective bargaining agreement and
infringes on player rights." https://www.npr.org/2018/07/10/627717067/nfl-players-union-files-grievance-over-leagues-new-national-anthem-policy
Let’s thank the NFL Players Association
for standing up for player rights: https://www.nflpa.com/contact-us
Marches/events/webinars/Tweetstorms to
attend/organize
1.
The Parkland/March for Our Lives students are still
on tour” to get young people educated, registered, and motivated to vote.” This week they are in TX, NM, CO, and
UT. Let’s meet up with them. Here are their July dates and locations: https://marchforourlives.com/tour/
2.
July
22
at 3pm EDT, Issue Voters of Northern Nevada will be presenting a webinar on “Voter
Mobilization: Strategies and Best
Practices”. Here is the event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/191292124873267/ We can register here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vEbS2tQKQKyrs-yoroJ2qA
3.
The immigrant-led
activist group Cosecha is calling for us to take the next step, with a
national day of action to end cooperation with ICE on July 31st,
demanding cities, counties, companies and all institutions stop working with
them. Let's get involved. We can check out the #WeWillNotBeComplicit Action
Guide at this link.
States
1.
ALL: 11 states and the District of Columbia have
sued the Trump-Pruitt EPA, demanding enforcement of regulations on
super-polluting greenhouse gases in air conditioners and refrigerators (https://insideclimatenews.org/news/27062018/hfcs-global-warming-climate-pollution-lawsuit-trump-epa-regulations-kigali-amendment). Let's check the
article to see if our state AG is among them. If they are, let's contact them and thank
them. If they're not, let's contact them and ask them to join - and if they
don't, let's considering donating to the
Democratic Attorneys General Association or joining the OpenProgress text troop to replace
them with someone who will.
Reading/Watching
1.
“My Name is Mirian” -- Over 30 celebrities
teamed up to tell the story of Mirian, one of thousands of parents whose child
was ripped away from her by the Trump administration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7X1ZbH37P8&feature=youtu.be
2.
To give readers a visual understanding of what
that looks like as extreme wealth and poverty collide in public spaces,
including libraries, parks and beaches - https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/07/02/us/homeless-los-angeles-homelessness.html
3.
“If the act represented a commitment by the
federal government to ensure the true fulfilment of the Fourteenth Amendment’s
right to due process and the Fifteenth Amendment’s erasure of race-based
disenfranchisement, then Roberts’s Court has all but dismantled that
commitment.” - https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2018/07/how-shelby-county-broke-america/564707
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