1/21/20
NATIONAL
ISSUES
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Contact all Federal
Members of Congress
(includes contact info and
links to social media)
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IMPEACHMENT
TRIAL: As the impeachment trial continues
on this week (after the swearing in last week), we have no strong signals
yet that the GOP Senators are going to do the right thing: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/19/donald-trump-impeachment-democrats-republicans-senate-trial We
do know that they have all taken the oath to “do impartial justice according to
the Constitution and laws”: https://thebulwark.com/is-the-oath-a-joke/
Let’s make sure our Senators (regardless of party but especially GOP)
are hearing from us nonstop this week that this nation deserves a fair trial
with witnesses and for them to take that oath seriously. Let’s use phone calls,
emails, and Twitter to get our message across.
We can also use this guide to write to specific senators: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ltb1TSvFHPcOyOu8iy8CSRonZsLgeW5l
GET
IMPEACHMENT PROCEEDING UPDATES FROM SENATOR CHRIS MURPHY: With the press shut out of the Senate Impeachment
Trial https://apnews.com/dd945e7c4c820637272a087d6b99043b
and https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/19/business/media/senate-impeachment-trial-media.html, intrepid
Senator Chris Murphy is keeping us up to date. We can follow his
updates on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/ChrisMurphyCT/ or
follow him on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/ChrisMurphyCT then call our
Senators at 202-224-2131, Mc Connell at 202-224-2541, and demand the press be
let back in. We the People have a right to know what’s going on!
INSIST THAT
LEV PARNAS BE CALLED TO TESTIFY AT IMPEACHMENT TRIAL: Last week, indicted Guliani associate Lev Parnas
gave a sensational interview in which he claimed that in addition to Trump,
Attorney General William Barr, Vice President Mike Pence, National Security
Advisor John Bolton were all involved in pressuring the Ukraine to investigate
Joe Biden. https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/4-takeaways-from-the-Lev-Parnas-interview-and-14979803.php.
Now the GOP is arguing that Parnas is not a credible witness due to his
criminal record, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/17/opinion/lev-parnas-maddow-interview.html?
but we must not succumb to this strategy, which they used with Trump’s lawyer,
Michael Cohen. The fact is, all involved are criminals, and we must hear the
whole story. Let’s call our Senators continually and insist that Parnas’s
testimony be considered as part of the impeachment trial.
GOP MEMBERS
FOR TRUSTING OATHS: “A political action committee founded
by George Conway and other conservatives dedicated to helping
make President Trump a one-term president has released an ad seeking
to remind Republican senators of their “sworn oaths” to uphold the Constitution
ahead of the president’s impeachment trial in the upper chamber.” https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/479004-george-conway-group-drops-ad-seeking-to-remind-gop-senators-of-their-sworn Let’s watch this Lincoln Project video, sign the petition,
and share with friends of all persuasions:
https://lincolnproject.us/news/fair-trial-release/
ASK
CONGRESS TO INVESTIGATE DOJ AND OIL INDUSTRY JOINT OPPOSITION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
LAWSUITS: Did the DOJ cross the
line, siding with the oil industry, and not acting on our behalf? Troubling
emails suggest a too-close collaboration. Is the Department of Justice
protecting us or the oil industry? https://insideclimatenews.org/news/10012020/emails-show-us-justice-department-working-closely-oil-industry-oppose-climate-lawsuits We can read more about the oil
industry’s involvement in the DOJ’s process here, then call our
Representatives and ask them to find out more.
NOW IT’S
FAKE HISTORY? The National
Archives has now removed, and will replace with an unaltered version, the
prominent photograph of the first Women’s March that blurred signs critical of
Trump. https://thehill.com/homenews/news/478938-national-archives-takes-down-display-after-blurring-anti-trump-images
or https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/national-archives-exhibit-blurs-images-critical-of-president-trump/2020/01/17/71d8e80c-37e3-11ea-9541-9107303481a4_story.html
Let’s join the historians and museum professionals who vehemently protested
the altering of historical images to avoid political controversy. Historians and archivists are trained not to
deface artifacts. National
Archives, 866-272-6272 or 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740-6001.
PROTEST
ROLLBACK OF SCHOOL LUNCH NUTRITION GUIDELINES: On former first lady Michelle Obama’s birthday,
the Trump administration announced a proposal that would allow schools to serve
foods that are higher in fats and sodium in place of fresh fruits and
vegetables. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-administration-announces-proposals-loosen-guidelines-school-meals/story?id=68361208.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest and The Partnership for a
Healthier America have called this a step in the wrong direction. Let’s make
sure to comment on this proposed regulation when it’s
published later this week and let’s also tweet the Secretary of the USDA, Sonny
Perdue @SecretarySonny and tell him to stop playing politics with children’s
health.
ENCOURAGE MORE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO VISIT THE BORDER AND GET THE UNITED NATIONS INVOLVED: Last week, 17 Congresspeople from the Hispanic Democratic Caucus visited the U.S./Mexico border in Brownsville/Matamoros and Twere horrified at what they saw. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/lawmakers-condemn-horrific-conditions-faced-by-asylum-seekers-returned-to-mexico-2020-01-17/. Among the asylum-seekers denied entry into the U.S. was a young girl with Downs syndrome and a heart defect who was seeking medical treatment. Let’s ask our MoC to visit the border (or thank them if they were part of the delegation) and also insist that they pass legislation that would end the Remain in Mexico Program.
COMMON
SENSE GUN LAWS: On Monday in
Richmond, Virginia many “Second Amendment” advocates descended on the state
capitol (on Martin Luther King Jr. Day) to share their opinions – many toting
very large guns: Thousands
rally in Virginia's capital for gun rights Unfortunately, due to
fear of violence, the annual Vigil to Remember the Victims of Gun Violence held
on Martin Luther King Jr. Day was cancelled: https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/virginia-center-cancels-mondays-vigil-due-to-serious-threats/
Instead, here is a social media toolkit we can all use to reach lawmakers
and keep the intent of the day: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z2fB02nRrlpZdItms47M2K68v_9mnDkMSne0_8OpRRA/edit?ts=5e24a09d In addition, if we are able, let’s make a donation to Everytown (which includes Moms
Demand Action):
https://everytown.org to support advocacy
for common sense gun laws.
TURNING
AWAY IMMIGRANTS: Once it was the
Rio Grande, now it’s the river separating Guatemala from Mexico. Yielding to
Trump’s threat of high tariffs, Mexico agreed to take "unprecedented"
steps to curb “irregular migration,” including deploying the National Guard, who
met a “caravan” of several thousand desperate immigrants, mainly from Honduras,
with tear gas as they waded across the Suchiate river; they’d been forbidden
use of the bridge: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-51180456
We should protest both the White House’s use of economic threats to keep
migrants in limbo and the Mexican government’s refusal to stand up to
Trump: Mexican Embassy, 1911 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington DC 20006 or
1-202-728-1600 or Fax 202-728-1698 or mexembusa@sre.gob.mx.
DISABILITY RIGHTS: Amtrak claimed it would cost $25,000 apiece for two wheelchair-bound passengers to take a $16 trip from Chicago to Bloomington, IL because the limit of one wheelchair per car had been reached: https://www.npr.org/2020/01/17/797355136/amtrak-asks-two-people-in-wheelchairs-to-pay-25-000-for-a-ride When word got out to the press, Amtrak backed down (and agreed to meet with wheelchair user, Sen. Tammy Duckworth), but we should not have faith that Amtrak will not continue to overcharge or otherwise take advantage of those of us who depend on mass transit: Amtrak, 1 (800) 872-7245. Let’s call.
DISABILITY RIGHTS: Amtrak claimed it would cost $25,000 apiece for two wheelchair-bound passengers to take a $16 trip from Chicago to Bloomington, IL because the limit of one wheelchair per car had been reached: https://www.npr.org/2020/01/17/797355136/amtrak-asks-two-people-in-wheelchairs-to-pay-25-000-for-a-ride When word got out to the press, Amtrak backed down (and agreed to meet with wheelchair user, Sen. Tammy Duckworth), but we should not have faith that Amtrak will not continue to overcharge or otherwise take advantage of those of us who depend on mass transit: Amtrak, 1 (800) 872-7245. Let’s call.
IMPEACH
WILLIAM BARR: Our Attorney General is supposed to support
our government and Constitution. However,
our current AG tends to see his job at supporting Trump. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/01/20/william-barr-trumps-sword-and-shield Let’s join DemCast and ask for his impeachment: https://demcastusa.com/2020/01/17/sign-the-petition-impeach-william-barr/
WOMEN’S
MARCH 2020: If we attended a Women’s
March this weekend, let’s be sure to share photos on social media and thank the
organizers of the one that we attended.
TOWN
CONFRONTS CHANGE THROUGH ART: After
a neo-Nazi group held a poorly attended rally in Newnan, Ga., the town of about
40,000 people decided to use art to help celebrate its growing diversity,
putting up 17 oversize portraits of residents. “I do not know if
Newnan had looked at itself this closely before now,” said Robert Hancock, a
lawyer and real estate consultant who, as president of Newnan’s Artist in
Residence program, helped commission the installation.https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/19/us/newnan-art-georgia-race.html Let’s bring this idea to our cities and towns. Let’s also thank Hancock for his vision: https://newnanartist.org/contact-us/
POSTCARDING
OPPORTUNITIES: From one of our own: Here are this week's issues/addresses
write-ups I did for my postcarding group. Please use/share/distribute as you
see fit. The more of us who speak out, the better! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TGyd9L4Zk8zZIL6SUXOPGIkbgPsYgbTLuQmZ_JJElWA/edit?usp=sharing
STUDENTS
SOUGHT TO SUBMIT GLOBAL CHALLENGES VIDEOS TO ‘EMPOWER AND HELP’ CONTEST: Our world faces serious challenges, and, as our
children will inherit many of them, we must help prepare the next
generations to tackle these serious concerns. To encourage creative,
critical problem solvers, Empower and Help has created The Global Awareness
Video Challenge, in which students in grades 6-12 are invited to research
a global crisis and then create a five-minute video highlighting
it. The top 20 videos will be featured on Empower and Help’s YouTube
channel, with certificates and cash prizes given to the winners. Videos must be
submitted by August 10th, 2020 and the winners will be announced on
October 31, 2020. We can click here to find out more about The Empower
and Help Global Awareness Video Challenge. https://empowerandhelp.com/services/empowerandhelp-global-awareness-challenge-2020/ We can
also share this link with students, teachers, parents and youth organizations
that might be interested.
SCHOLARSHIPS
FOR HIGH SCHOOL, COLLEGE, AND GRADUATE STUDENT JOURNALISTS—To increase diversity in the profession of
journalism, ProPublica is offering scholarships to journalism conferences to
students from underrepresented groups, including people of color, women, LGBTQ
people, and people with disabilities. Deadline to apply: Feb 7, 2020. If
we qualify, let’s apply, and let’s all spread the word:
KNEELING
TEACHER OF THE YEAR: With President Donald Trump nearby, and
celebrated teachers, too, Kelly Holstine knelt in protest Monday as the
national anthem played at the college football championship game in New
Orleans. http://www.startribune.com/former-state-teacher-of-year-kneels-at-college-football-championship/567060482/ Let’s thank her (now in a new job): https://www.kellydholstine.com/
JOB
OPPORTUNITY, SAN FRANCISCO, CA—Turnout Nation is mobilizing young
people to increase voter turnout through the power of personal relationships.
They are looking to hire a National Outreach Coordinator. We can read
the job description and apply here:
ELECTION/VOTING
2020 ELECTIONS: If we are looking for 2020 Election information
or if we have some to share, we can check out Equal Vote Local’s BlueWave
Database 2020. We can click here to find information about candidates,
voting and more arranged by state. This editable document also allows us to add
our groups and any candidates running for office: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ir8YGs1F0Lfayl6T7XR7tklnYrEk4VcEzTkPumLVWAI
HONOR MLK BY FIGHTING VOTER SUPPRESSION: Martin Luther King Jr.’s daughter Bernice
King said she is honoring her father by fighting voter suppression. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-mlk/martin-luther-king-jr-s-daughter-says-u-s-voter-suppression-is-alive-and-well-idUSKBN1ZG18O Let’s join her in this effort. Political
Charge shows us how: https://politicalcharge.org/2020/01/20/lets-honor-mlk-by-fighting-voter-suppression/
VOTER OUTREACH: The 2020 election is finally in sight, but
the outcomes are anything but certain. With just a few months remaining before
November, now is the time to start reaching out to open-minded voters who are
still making up their minds. There are many Democratic/Progressive
organizations asking for our help with coordinated voter outreach efforts, so
let’s each find a favorite to give a bit of time and effort to. Here
is one good choice: https://www.standupamerica.com/page/join-our-stand-up-america-organizing-team
2020 PROM CHALLENGE—HIGH SCHOOL VOTER REGISTRATION
CONTEST—WIN $5,000 FOR YOUR SCHOOL: “The 2020 Prom Challenge is a new program
created in partnership with When We All Vote, MTV’s +1thevote, Rent the Runway,
artists, and other brands, to celebrate and recognize 20 high schools across
the country integrating voter registration into their schools in the most
creative and impactful ways.” Let’s encourage our high school students
to apply: https://mtvprom.whenweallvote.org/
P2V ELECTION RESULTS. Last week were two of the elections for which
Postcards to Voters' (P2V) volunteers wrote. a) Campaign
183: Michael Schroeder for PA state senate. Schroeder was
defeated by his Republican opponent, David Arnold. We can read more at LebTown. b) Campaign
186: Andrew Bailey for KY state senate. Republican Mike Nemes has
won this District 38 special election. (Source: WDRB.com) Thanks to all the volunteers who wrote. We
continue to make slow inroads in red districts.
ENCOURAGE DEMOCRATS TO VOTE. Postcards to
Voters' current campaigns are: a) Florida
Vote By Mail: We're writing to registered Democrats in Orange County
(Orlando area) to encourage them to sign up to vote by mail. b) Campaign
190: Mary Egler is running for GA state senate in this Feb. 4 Special
Election. c) Campaign
189: Rachel Roberts for KY House. Addresses are already gone for this
Feb. 25 Special Election! Let's request 5 addresses for an open campaign
today.
STATE/LOCAL
CO: We’re a purple state with the largest proportion of
independent voters in the Union. Our junior Senator, Cory Gardner, has not held
a town hall in years, and votes with Trump over 90% of the time. He’s endorsed
Trump for reelection, too. Here’s a few things we can do to unseat
Gardner in November and help take back the Senate: https://politicalcharge.org/2019/12/12/5-ways-to-flip-cory-gardners-senate-seat-in-colorado/
NY: From one of our
own: COALITION FOR ELDER AND DISABILITY
RIGHTS-NY: The purpose of the coalition
is to protect elderly and disabled citizens from isolation, sedation, and
exploitation by the state guardianship system. Over time, guardianship
law has been distorted and corrupted - until now it is an alarming threat to
everyone's health and welfare. We are calling for reform of the state
probate system, which has been usurped by professional guardians who have
formed a powerful legal-industrial complex. We are meeting with elected NYS
officials to support a hearing. We have joined forces with scattered grassroots
groups all over the country. It is a nationwide problem. We are working on having a hearing in the New
York state legislature with victim witnesses. If you are interested in
getting involved please email: nycedar@gmail.com
RALLIES/GATHERINGS/TRAININGS
LAUNCH PARTIES FOR THE GREEN NEW DEAL—The Sunrise
Movement, a youth-led anti-climate change organization, https://www.sunrisemovement.org/ ,
is giving us a way to recruit millions of young people and their allies to
gather momentum for the passage of the Green New Deal. Let’s consider
organizing a 2020 launch party on January 29—we can sign up here: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/our-plan-to-win-the-gnd-2020-launch-parties
READING/WATCHING
The
Issues - The most comprehensive guide anywhere to the issues shaping the 2020
Democratic presidential primary. Search by candidate, issue or category: https://www.politico.com/2020-election/candidates-views-on-the-issues/
Health
care spending decreases under single-payer systems: Study - https://abcnews.go.com/Health/single-payer-save-country-money-health-care-costs/story?id=68257823
“Flood
the zone with shit”: How misinformation overwhelmed our democracy - https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2020/1/16/20991816/impeachment-trial-trump-bannon-misinformation
Trump
May Be Even More Unpopular Than His Approval Rating Shows - https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/trump-may-be-even-more-unpopular-than-his-approval-rating-shows/
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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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