10/29/19
NATIONAL
ISSUES
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PROCEDURAL
IMPEACHMENT VOTE—Speaker Pelosi
has announced that the House will be voting this week on a resolution that “establishes
the procedure for hearings that are open to the American people, authorizes the
disclosure of deposition transcripts, outlines procedures to transfer evidence
to the Judiciary Committee as it considers potential articles of impeachment,
and sets forth due process rights for the President and his Counsel. We are
taking this step to eliminate any doubt as to whether the Trump Administration
may withhold documents, prevent witness testimony, disregard duly authorized
subpoenas, or continue obstructing the House of Representatives.”
https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/102819-0 Whether
our Representative is a Democrat or Republican, let’s contact her or him
immediately and communicate our resounding support for this resolution.
SANCTIONS
AGAINST TURKEY: From one of our own: H.R.4695,
the Protect Against Conflict by Turkey (PACT) Act, would place sanctions on
Turkey for its attacks against Kurds in Syria and for its betrayal of NATO
principals. It's scheduled for consideration in the House today. https://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/scheduling/467677-this-week-house-to-vote-on-turkey-sanctions-bill Let’s tell our reps that we think this should
be supported.
WORLD
SERIES GAME: Trump attended Game 5 of the World Series on
Sunday night in Washington, DC and was booed by the crowd there when he was
shown on the Jumbotron: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/27/donald-trump-booed-world-series-lock-him-up-chants-baseball If
we have Republican MoC, let’s encourage them to see the event as a chance to
step outside their bubble and see where the sentiment is in the US.
ARCTIC
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE DRILLING SURVEY: From the Bakken
Pipeline Resistance: [The activist] Dallas Goldtooth said,
"This survey only takes less than a minute to fill out. If you don't mind,
please show some solidarity with the Gwich'in Nation by filling this out and
sharing it." We who stood together
to block the Dakota Access crude oil pipeline, strongly oppose opening the
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling. If you agree, please fill out this
survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScOt5p-8HE85PO8GoHC58zQrtmNb8iwEdtYvHMGWoztoUXX_A/viewform?fbzx=-3838554978642337693
MENASHI
NOMINATION TO FEDERAL BENCH: The
National Education Association has joined any number of progressive
organizations to oppose the confirmation of Steven Menashi--the architect of
Betsy DeVos’s education policies and immigration hardliner Stephen Miller’s
acolyte---to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit; the Senate
Judiciary Committee must approve Menashi’s nomination, after which it goes to
the Senate for confirmation:
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/467152-collins-to-oppose-controversial-trump-court-pick We
must insist that our senators join Susan Collins (R-ME), in opposing Menashi’s
confirmation. "Mr. Menashi’s past writings, particularly about women,
LGBTQ advocates, and diversity, raise questions about whether he has the
appropriate judicial temperament," Collins (rather mildly) explained of
this virulent racist, misogynist, and homophobe.
END CHILD
DETENTION AND FAMILY SEPARATION: A
recent study revealed that under the Trump administration, over 5400 children
were separated from their families at the border before the judge ordered an
end to this policy in June 2018. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/tally-of-children-split-at-border-tops-5400-in-new-count?.
While many of these children have been reunited, the ACLU reports that several
children have not been accounted for because the government’s tracking systems
were inadequate. The ACLU also reports that government authorities are abusing
the intent of the judge’s order by separating children from many families who
have any criminal record, including minor things like traffic offenses. And
children traveling with older siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, etc.
are not immune from detention and separation. Let’s ask our MoCs to put
pressure on ICE to end these practices and also to create strong legislation
that extends the concept of “family” and establishes clear guidelines for the
kinds of criminal offenses that would mandate separation.
END PRIVATE, FOR-PROFIT DETENTION CENTERS: The Department of Health and Human Services has announced that Calliburn’s contract to run the Homestead Detention Center will not be renewed on November 30th. https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article236732048.html. Homestead has been closed for several months, but tax-payers, until recently had been paying Calliburn to staff the site at a cost of $720,000 per day, so this is a victory, not only for immigrants and immigration activists, but for taxpayers as well. The center has been put on “warm” status, but the bed capacity has been reduced to zero, and it is unlikely to re-open. Now that we’ve closed Homestead, let’s tell our MoCs to push for ending all privately operated detention centers and ask them to make sure there are prohibitions for this when the next budget deal is negotiated.
STOP
FACEBOOK FROM INCLUDING BREITBART NEWS IN ITS NEW NEWS FEED: Facebook’s new news feed, which claims to include
material from “high quality” news sources will include stories from alt-right
Breitbart News, an outlet known for promoting racism (through standard feature
headings like “black crime”) and slanting narratives to increase anti-immigrant
and anti-Muslim bias. https://www.businessinsider.com/facebook-includes-breitbart-news-high-quality-journalism-section-on-app-2019-10.
Let’s contact Facebook corporate headquarters and
remind them that while it’s fine to promote a diversity of viewpoints,
Breitbart goes way over the line and its views should be antithetical to any
company’s values. Let’s recommend that they use the information provided
by Ad Fontes Media’s Media Bias
Chart so that they are using responsible media outlets that qualify as “high
quality”. Let’s also personally email
Mark Zuckerberg – Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Founder: zuck@fb.com and Sheryl Sandberg –
Chief Operating Officer: Sheryl@fb.com
POSTCARDING: From one of our own – Here are
this week’s issues/addresses write-ups for postcarding: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xKnx4eXX5b698E4n_D0h8dJhlqEfAF0DaLQu_DS3ihE/edit Let’s look these issues over and
choose the ones that speak to you or share in our postcarding group.
MISTREATMENT
OF FEDERAL DETAINEES: We
like to think of the storied U.S. Marshals as heroes, but the Service
has a massive problem with mistreatment of its 50K+ detainees by the local
jails it pays to house them (https://www.motherjones.com/crime-justice/2019/10/inside-the-us-marshals-secretive-deadly-detention-empire/).
Because the Marshals use so many local jails nationwide (they detain more
people than ICE does!), and because they are one of the very few users of those
jails who actually pay, they have a great opportunity to push for improvements.
Yet, over 150 have died in the Service's custody in just the past 3 years,
so let's tell the Department of Justice (https://www.justice.gov/contact-us) that
we now see this previously hidden problem and demand that its Marshals
stop violating the Constitution.
WHISTLEBLOWERS:
Postcards for
America has a clever way for us to solicit whistleblowers: So, to be clear, the DOJ is investigating the
CIA and FBI for investigating and exposing Russian intelligence operations. Trump is using the apparently-corrupt AG,
Bill Barr, to investigate the investigators who are investigating both of them.
Trump is using the DOJ to investigate his enemies, instead of focusing on the
traitors that helped Russia attack America, they are investigating the people
that were working hard to protect the country. 17 Intel agencies separately
concluded that Russia attacked our election. A slew of postcards
asking #Whistleblowers to
step forward at the DOJ could help. Department
of Justice, 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC 20530. *Note: We cannot put to specific names, but
adding agency names means the mailroom will distribute. Here’s the listing of
agencies:
https://www.justice.gov/agencies/list
(click here for complete post: https://www.facebook.com/postcards4USA/posts/2491651927615671)
PERCEPTION
GAP: Democrats and Republicans often seem to have
preconceived notions about each other.
Wonder how close they are to each other?
https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/democrats-are-wrong-about-republicans-republicans-are-wrong-about-democrats/ It is these perceived differences that can
cause us more disagreement. Let’s
check out our own perception gap and see what we can learn: https://perceptiongap.us/
DNA COLLECTION
FROM IMMIGRANT DETAINEES: We had been warned this was coming. Comments
are due in 14 days. Proposed rule from Dept. of Justice on DNA-Sample
Collection From Immigration Detainees. https://www.npr.org/2019/10/21/772035602/justice-department-announces-plan-to-collect-dna-from-migrants-crossing-the-bord and
here:https://gizmodo.com/doj-rule-gives-green-light-to-collect-dna-from-asylum-s-1839226354 We can read it and comment here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/10/22/2019-22877/dna-sample-collection-from-immigration-detainees.
US CENSUS—Political representation and funding for
education, healthcare, infrastructure, and other resources are based on data
from the US Census. That’s why it is so important to get a complete and
accurate count of everyone living in America. The League of Women Voters is
working to make sure that everyone is counted, especially in low-reporting
areas. https://www.lwv.org/other-issues/census Let’s
join the League https://www.lwv.org/about-us/membership-local-leagues and
offer to help in their Census-count projects.
ELECTION/VOTING
UPCOMING
2019 ELECTIONS: In order to keep track of upcoming elections,
we can use this from Ballotpedia: https://ballotpedia.org/Elections_calendar
LET’S BOO—AND VOTE: While this was massively satisfying,
https://www.npr.org/2019/10/28/774044200/lock-him-up-trump-greeted-with-boos-and-jeers-at-world-series-game, let’s
make sure that every Democrat we know is registered to vote and goes to the
polls not only in 2020, but in every election. Registration here: https://turbovote.org/
NEXT WEEK'S GUBERNATORIAL ELECTIONS: 1) KENTUCKY: Incumbent Matt Bevin
(R) is running for reelection against KY Attorney General Andy Beshear
(D) and John Hicks (Libertarian). A recent poll shows Bevin and Beshear in
a dead heat. (WEKU) 2) LOUISIANA: Incumbent
Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) is tied with challenger Baton Rouge
businessman Eddie Rispone according to the first poll made
public since the primary. (Washington Times), and 3) MISSISSIPPI : A
poll shows Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves (R) leading Attorney General Jim Hood (D)
46% to 43%. Republicans have controlled the governor's mansion since
2004. (Clarion Ledger). All of these races are
close! Turnout will be key so it's up to us. Let's make plans
to vote and to encourage our friends, family and neighbors to do the same.
NEW JERSEY GENERAL ASSEMBLY. Elections for
all 80 seats in the New Jersey General Assembly are taking
place next Tuesday. (Ballotpedia.org). We can read more at northjersey.com. If we are New Jersey voters, let's
make a plan to vote and remind our NJ family, friends and neighbors to do the
same.
USE TRANSGENDER VOTING RIGHTS GUIDE TO MAKE SURE OUR
VOTES COUNT: Restrictive voter ID laws can make it harder for transgender voters to
cast their votes, but, if we, or someone we know, is trans and looking for
voting assistance, help is available. We can read this National Center
for Transgender Equality Action guide to our rights, so we know what to bring
to the polls, what to do if challenged and how to get help and, if needed, cast
a provisional ballot. Armed with the handout “Voting While Trans” guides in
English and Spanish, we will be able to make our votes count! Click here:
https://transformthevote.org/voting
TEXT WITH BLACK VOTERS MATTER AND GET OUT THE NOVEMBER
VOTE: With the November 5th almost here , Black Voters
Matter will have live texting campaigns from now to Election Day, texting
over 500,000 Black folks in 7 states to encourage them to vote and help build
electoral power across our communities. We can let Black Voters Matter
know what days and times we’re available to text by clicking on the link below,
and we will receive info on the campaigns for that day: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdzi-SW3fWqEouzGNqOvVeDI4yD1uUNHw1fW1fCeZWPwZvILQ/viewform
BLACK POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT IN MILWAUKEE—Black Leaders
Organizing for Communities (BLOC) is working to improve the lives of Black
families in Wisconsin using two door-to-door canvassing programs. BLOC’s silent
canvassing program brings elected officials to the homes of Black residents to
listen—not talk, listen—to the concerns of their constituents. BLOC’s
ambassador canvassing program is a door-to-door effort to engage voters and get
out the vote. https://www.wisn.com/article/canvassing-program-connects-with-voters/23994408# We
can support BLOC’s important work by donating here: https://www.blocbybloc.org/
RUN FOR SOMETHING: Non-profit Run for Something wants us to run for
office. So much, in fact, that they're here to help us out. Let's start by
finding out what offices are available! "Filling
out this form will show us a list of state legislative and local offices where we
can run based on your current address": https://www.wherecanirun.org
KEEP ON POSTCARDING! Thank you to all the
volunteers who wrote cards to get out the vote will Postcards to Voters,
Postcards For Virginia, and other groups. We have done our part for the Nov. 5
general election. However, the 2020 election season begins will the closing of
the polls. Let's keep checking for addresses with Postcards To Voters which
has always had at least one open campaign since its launch 178 campaigns ago.
Let's continue to get out the vote!
STATE/LOCAL
MA: CITZENS’
LEGISLATIVE SEMINAR—The
Citizens’ Legislative Seminar (CLS) is a two-day program offered by the
Massachusetts State Senate to MA residents to learn about the legislative
process. Applicants must be sponsored by their state senator. If we’re
in MA, let’s read about the program: https://malegislature.gov/StateHouse/EducationalOpportunities/CitizensLegislativeSeminar ,
and consider applying: contact state senator: https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Members/Senate or
call the Senate Office of Education and Civic Engagement 617-722-1380.
VA: POLL
OBSERVERS NEEDED: The November
5, 2019, state election in Virginia will determine which party will draw the
congressional maps, whether extreme Republican gerrymandering will end, whether
8 million Americans will benefit from the passage of progressive legislation on
guns, reproductive rights, voting rights and voting access, climate change, and
more. So much is at stake! Virginia Democrats are recruiting poll observers to
make sure that no eligible voter is intimidated or turned away at the polls.
Poll observers receive training. If we are in Virginia, or can be there
on election day, Nov 5, 2019, let’s sign up:
RALLIES/GATHERINGS/TRAININGS
IMPEACHMENT/NOVEMBER RECESS: From
November 2nd thru the 11th, the House will be on recess, with many
representatives back in their home districts. Just like we did during their
October recess, let's make sure to make impeachment a focal point during
townhalls and in-person meet ups with our representatives. We can find
a townhall or event near us here, or if there isn't one yet, we can register one here. Whether we are able to attend an event in-person or
not, let's also be sure to call our reps and ask them one question: Do you
think it's OK to ask a foreign power to interfere in our elections? Then, let's
take note of their response and share it on social media. We can find more
information and toolkits at https://www.impeachnow.org/
ELECTION SECURITY RALLIES: “Election
security experts are warning that too many states and localities have election
systems that are vulnerable to hacking and external actors. On Wednesday, November 13th, join
activists across the country as we gather outside of Senate offices to urge our
Senators to pass $600 million in election security funding and to include
accountability language to ensure the money is well-spent.” More info:
https://secureourvote.us/take-action/ Guide for hosting: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OXaQmIYBWYfb6_MFsyL3rWpB3IWojGyCcC6k8HRgcwA/edit
IMPEACHMENT MOBILIZATION: The night
before the House impeachment vote is held, a nationwide mobilization, “No One
is Above the Law,” is planned. The coalition
behind this effort is impressive. Let’s
click here to learn about events, how we can create one, materials to use, and
more: https://www.impeach.org/event/impeach-and-remove-attend/
READING/WATCHING
Trump
Impeachment Inquiry: A Guide To Key People, Facts And Documents - https://www.npr.org/2019/10/28/771287237/trump-impeachment-inquiry-a-guide-to-key-people-facts-and-documents
Trump’s
National Labor Relation Board and the roll back of workers’ rights - https://www.epi.org/publication/unprecedented-the-trump-nlrbs-attack-on-workers-rights/
Obama
White House Photography Suggests Trump Situation Room Photo of Unfolding Al-Baghdadi
Raid Was Staged - https://www.newsweek.com/obama-photographer-baghdadi-raid-trump-situation-room-suggested-staged-timestamp-golfing-1468012
That’s
My Home - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehUtxQ7GNHw
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We can stay up
to date on Congress by checking out their schedules. a) The House publishes
a weekly schedule at The Weekly Leader (published and dated Friday)
as well as daily schedules at The Daily Leader. b) The Senate updates
their schedule daily at the Senate Floor Schedule
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