blank space


9/4/18 


Contact Federal Government Officials


Fax legislators for free: 

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

 
********************************

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:  The House returns to Washington DC this week to consider eighteen (18) bills. Let's check out the Majority Leader's Schedule to see what's coming. We can also look at Countable.us to read more about the bills and review opinions on them.  The Senate is back in session this week.  The Tuesday, Sept. 4 session starts off with eight (8) judicial nominees and one nominee to be a member of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Source: Senate Executive Calendar.  We expect that the next order of business will be the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court. Let's take a look so we know what's coming.

2.      Citing executive privilege, the Trump administration is withholding more than 100,000 pages of Brett Kavanaugh's records from his tenure during the Bush presidency (https://www.apnews.com/70b1f649aad7404baa11949b50d715c6https://wapo.st/2wFbD5X). The fact that these documents are being hidden not only from public view, but also from the Senate Judiciary Committee is highly concerning and further reason to at least postpone the Kavanaugh hearings, which are set to begin today (Tuesday). Senator Amy Klobuchar, (D-MN) has confirmed that this process is not normal and that she has seen documents that cannot be discussed with the public. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/klobuchar-kavanaugh-confirmation-process-not-normal-n905811. While we may not be able to stop the hearing from going forward, we need to continue to raise the issue with our Senators as loudly and as often as possible. The hearings should be fair and transparent with all documents released before we move forward on a vote. We should also suggest that they bring back the 60-vote threshold that was changed when Gorsuch was confirmed. The reasons to delay Kavanaugh's hearings for SCOTUS are overwhelming; let's flood our senators' phone lines with calls to either postpone or cancel the confirmation hearings.  Let’s use this to see where individual senators stand:  https://www.vox.com/2018/7/12/17561692/senate-kavanaugh-confirmation-tracker 

3.      Senator John McCain’s funeral was on Saturday and for some of us it was like both a view into the past and a hopeful glimmer about the future. His daughter Meghan delivered a stirring eulogy with some very pointed comments: 
https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2018/09/01/meghan-mccain-john-mccain-funeral-speech-full-vpx.cnn   Let’s honor this moment during this challenging time of history by asking our MoC to live up to the vision shared at the National Cathedral. If our MoC have been acting with courage and compassion, let’s take a moment to say thanks.

4.      In lieu of honoring workers on the Labor Day holiday, Trump took to twitter with this bon mot: “Two long running, Obama era, investigations of two very popular Republican Congressmen were brought to a well publicized charge, just ahead of the Mid-Terms, by the Jeff Sessions Justice Department. Two easy wins now in doubt because there is not enough time. Good job Jeff......” :  http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/404837-trump-blasts-sessions-over-investigations-into-gop-lawmakers   We can imagine what would happen if his intentions were found on a secret tape rather than via the numbing effect of him blasting them out. Let’s let our MoC know that we are more than tired of Trump’s abuse of the Justice Department and his rampant corruption.

5.      It's difficult to keep up with all the rule changes that include a public comment period.  One of our own has provided us with this handy link to rules with deadlines of this week that awaiting our comments:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/18B5k86KyZ7r_Xiqcpe_1qxxHOV1GFCxLzSR2FbJL8oE/edit

6.      The administration’s latest horrific attack on the Latinx community has been to invalidate passports of Hispanic U.S. citizens born near the border in Texas. This has led to deportations and prevented some of these residents from returning to the U.S. from Mexico. https://www.vox.com/2018/8/30/17800410/trump-passport-birth-certificate-hispanic-denial-citizens. Let’s contact our MoCs now and demand that they do something to end this practice immediately! Those of us who live in Texas should also contact our state officials.  

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.       Black Voters Matter is an organization dedicated to increased voter registration and turnout, policy advocacy, and development and training, to increase power in communities. Right now organizers are completing a bus tour called The South is Rising, which focuses specifically on uplifting and empowering grassroots organizers in rural Georgia, Mississippi, and Florida (https://bit.ly/2LRmpvn). However, the bus recently sustained an attack, and the organizers need to not only repair the damage, but obtain security to make sure they stay safe for the rest of the tour and journey home: (https://www.facebook.com/BlackVotersMtr/posts/236088150408825). Let's help make this happen. We can donate to the Black Voters Matter Fund here, then let's follow their work on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackVotersMtr

2.      DemWritePress/FlipItBlue.com, https://twitter.com/DemWritePress , is curating and retweeting tweets from Democratic candidates in competitive races for the US House and Senate. We can help draw attention to these candidates by following DemWritePress and retweeting their feed.

3.      If we are a young person with creative video making skills, or if we know one, we have a chance to win $500 by filming a get-out-the-vote video!  Teen activists will be the judges and the goal is to get 18-30-year-olds to the POLLS on Nov 6, 2018! We can learn more about the criteria and how to submit here: www.bitly.com/gtfoandvote We can also find more info on the event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/741469136201624/

4.      Racist robocalls against Andrew Gillum, the Democratic nominee for governor of Florida, went out to Florida residents late last week:  https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2018/08/31/racist-robocalls-tied-neo-nazi-group-targets-andrew-gillum/1157860002/ Let’s visit Gillum’s campaign website and see what we can do to help get him elected: https://andrewgillum.com/

5.      Postcards To Voters continues our efforts to mobilize Democratic primary voters in New York with Campaign 104: John Liu for NY State Senate. The Democratic incumbent of this Queens' district has worked on, voted for, and supported Republican-led initiatives to the exclusion of reform measures. Let's write 5 cards today for true blue John Liu, a reform hero. We can sign up as new volunteers here.

6.      “Republican Rep. Devin Nunes, a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, may have the bull's-eye on his back from Democrats, but he's in a district in California's Central Valley that's consistently voted 63 percent or above to keep him in Congress for nearly two decades. Yet this time, the race appears much tighter with Democratic challenger Andrew Janz, a county prosecutor, rising in the most recent polling. Nunes, an eight-term incumbent who chairs the House Intelligence Committee, may be starting to lose some support in the 22nd Congressional District due to distractions.”  https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/31/trump-loyalist-devin-nunes-faces-tighter-house-race-in-california.html. Several Indivisible groups in district 22 have been working diligently to help Andrew Janz beat Devin Nunes. These groups work for all of us across the country to defeat Nunes who jumps to help trump at any moment. We can support Andrew Janz here with a contribution that fits our pocket:

7.      Polls or no, we can't take winning the house back for granted! Wherever you live, this site from Mobilize America will connect you directly with local actions. It's a clearinghouse for volunteer groups to bid for help and has helped propel victories for Conor Lamb and Danica Roem, among others. Volunteers can navigate to the "Find Actions" tab. Haven't signed up to help a campaign yet? Go there today! (h/t:  Chop Wood/Carry Water)

Election 2018 – By State

1.       Upcoming voting dates and deadlines:

September 4
Massachusetts
Election date
Primary
September 6
Delaware
Election date
Primary
September 11
New Hampshire
Election date
Primary
September 12
Rhode Island
Election date
Primary
September 13
New York
Election date (State primary)
State Primary
September 17
Alaska
Early Voting begins
REAA
September 17
Illinois
Early Voting begins
General
September 21
Minnesota
In person absentee voting begins
General
September 21
South Dakota
In person absentee voting begins
General
September 21
Wyoming
In person absentee voting begins
General
September 22
Vermont
Early Voting begins
General
(source:  by date:  https://goo.gl/gjFv2u  / by state:  https://goo.gl/7gTzvE)

2.      Upcoming Primaries:

A)    Tuesday, 9/4


B)    Thursday, 9/6


C)     Tuesday, 9/11


D)    Wednesday, 9/12

Other Actions

1.       The Muslim Ban, family separation, and now this. "It’s happening. The Trump administration is working to strip USA-born Americans of their citizenship. This is happening right now on the southern border in Texas." This is not, nor has it ever been, about the rule of law. This is motivated by pure, unadulterated racism. Here, from Political Charge, are a couple of things we can do to fight against this: https://politicalcharge.org/2018/08/30/trump-goes-after-hispanic-americans-what-can-we-do/

2.      For reasons that are hard to fathom, The New Yorker invited white supremacist and Roy Moore-defender Steve Bannon to headline an upcoming festival.  Fortunately, public pressure caused them to rescind their offer and he will not be in attendance.  http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/404847-new-yorker-disinvites-bannon-from-festival-following-backlash Let’s thank the magazine and let them know that white supremacists do not need to be handed prominent megaphones:

3.      Students recently walked 50 miles to the headquarters of gun-maker Smith & Wesson and made several demands. Let’s check out their demands here: https://lexingtonsaysenough.com/2018/08/31/50-miles-more/ , and let’s amplify their voices by putting these demands in a written letter and mail to: P. James Debney, President, CEO, Director, and Barry M. Monheit, Chair of the Board, Smith & Wesson Corp, 21 Roosevelt Ave, Springfield, MA 01104.

4.      A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has found that “the United States, home to 4 percent of the world’s population, accounted for more than a third of its gun suicides in 2016.” https://www.thetrace.org/rounds/gun-murder-suicide-global-study/ Let’s continue advocating for commonsense gun laws on the federal, state, and local level, and let’s spread the word about these 24-hour suicide prevention hotlines: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255; Crisis Text Line (text 741741); The Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255, press 1, or text 838255

5.      Crystal Mason voted in the 2016 election. This mom of three was unaware that voting while on parole in Texas was illegal. She received a five-year prison sentence. Worse, her recent appeal led to 10 additional months in federal prison. Our neighbor needs help. Voter suppression hurts us all. #Justice4Crystal Donate: To Crystal's legal fund https://www.gofundme.com/2p6d338.
6.      Bonus: Ask Texas governor to pardon Crystal: Sign the petition. (h/t: Week of September 2, 2018: Americans of Conscience Checklist) 

7.      If we are looking for a good list to use with our postcarding group, let’s check out this:  http://www.whatifknits.com/2018/09/issues-and-addresses-write-ups-for-9-1-18/  While the emphasis is on CA, it works most everywhere.

8.     From Moms Demand Action:  Students across the country are organizing and mobilizing to help to protect their schools and communities from gun violence.  If you know students who are ready to join the movement, tell them to text STUDENTS to 644-33 to join a 

Marches/events/webinars/TwitterStorms to attend/organize

1.       Beginning on Wednesday, September 5, and on subsequently Wednesday in September, Organizing for Action (OFA) is hosting a Campaign Organizing Bootcamp to help volunteers become effective campaign workers.  We can RSVP here.

2.      On September 8, the Peoples Climate Movement will lead a national mobilization for climate, jobs, and justice. We can find a Rise for Climate event near us here, or we can sign up to organize our own.  (Note:    Rise for Climate, Jobs, and Justice action in New York City will be held on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 at 5:30 p.m. at Battery Park.)  

3.      National Drive Electric WeekSeptember 8-16, 2018, is a nationwide celebration to heighten awareness of today's widespread availability of plug-in vehicles and highlight the benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more. Each of the 296 events is led by local plug-in drivers and advocates. We can find events near us here. If we are not already driving or familiar with electric vehicles, let's attend an event to learn more about this clean option.

4.      She the People, www.shethepeople.org, a network to advance the political power of women of color for progressive goals, is kicking off a 3-year initiative with a summit on Thursday, September 20 in San Francisco. Registration is open to the public. Let’s go! https://www.shethepeople.org/#summit-section

5.      On September 22 there will be a protest at Trump’s Mar-A-Lago in Florida in commemoration of the first anniversary of Hurricane Maria:   

6.      The 2018 March for Black Women will occur in Washington, D.C. on September 29 and New York City on September 30, with sister marches all over the country.   Let’s fine more information here:  https://www.blackwomensblueprint.org/march-for-black-women and here:  https://www.facebook.com/events/187741818714062/ Let’s learn how to start a sister march/townhall here:    https://www.blackwomensblueprint.org/town-halls-sister-marches

States


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


1.       MOST:  California has become the fourth state to pass net neutrality laws, following efforts by Washington, Oregon, and Vermont. The California law is the strictest one so far. http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/404663-california-pass-stiffest-net-neutrality-law-in-us. Let’s contact our state legislators and ask them to introduce net neutrality legislation that models California’s.

2.      NJ:  Conditions in Syria remain grave and the need for medical supplies is urgent, so
EmpowerandHelp, in coordination with @
savethesyrianchildren.org,  is sending a  shipment of  a 20 feet container full of medical supplies, from New Jersey to a Syrian Refugee camp. They urgently need medical supplies to fill this container, so if we have contacts with hospitals or Medical Organizations in or around New Jersey, we can email them at empowerandhelp@gmail.com . They cannot accept any Medications or drugs but are open to take any Medical equipment/supplies. We can find some examples of want they are looking for when we click this link but the need is urgent and most donations will be gratefully accepted:  https://www.facebook.com/EmpowerandHelp/photos/a.1928751777350395/2639082546317311/

Reading/Watching

1.       From Mollie Tibbetts' father: Don't distort her death to advance racist

2.      John McCain’s Funeral Was a Council of War--Just as He Meant It to Be - https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a22893069/john-mccain-funeral-service

3.      John McCain’s Funeral Was the Biggest Resistance Meeting Yet - https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-trumps-washington/john-mccains-funeral-was-the-biggest-resistance-meeting-yet



No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.