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7/11/18 

Contact Federal Government Officials


Fax legislators for free:  Reps:  https://faxzero.com/fax_congress.php

or use Resistbot:  https://resist.bot/

 
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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.       “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/2m0l6j7https://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

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


Find elected state officials: https://openstates.org/


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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