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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: 

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 Ballotpediahttps://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-gamelet’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


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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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