Chop Wood, Carry Water 10/27
Final stretch!
Hi, all, and happy Wednesday!
It’s the final stretch for EVERYTHING, or so it seems.
The final stretch for all of the elections—and there are MANY—happening on November 2nd.
The final stretch for the reconciliation and Infrastructure packages we’ve been calling about for months.
The final stretch—hopefully?—for voting rights.
And, as Halloween approaches, the final stretch even of 2021.
The pressure is on, but we know what to do with pressure, right? We’ve been here many times before: We do what we can do, today. We chop wood. We carry water. We channel our anxiety into productive actions.
Remember, worry is like a rocking chair. It gives the sensation of movement, but in fact takes you nowhere.
Let’s get out of that chair and take even one or two steps forward. Because when we do that—ALL OF US—
We get somewhere different. Which we absolutely must.
Call Your Senators (find yours here)
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
[to Democratic Senators] First, to save the country from the tyranny of racist Republicans, we need Democrats to do whatever it takes to pass voting and election protections immediately—before Infrastructure, even. I’d also like the Senator to publicly call upon Majority Leader Schumer and President Biden to lead forcefully on abolishing the filibuster. [H/T]
[to Democratic Senators] Second, I want Congress to enact economic legislation that is actually effective. Don’t put the interests of giant corporations and obscenely wealthy billionaires ahead of what the American people need and want. Please:
Don’t abandon the climate proposals originally included in the Build Back Better Act
Don’t abandon Paid Family Leave!
Don’t abandon the fair-tax proposals originally included in the Build Back Better Act
Don’t abandon the drug-price negotiation proposals originally included in the Build Back Better Act
In short, don’t vote for the so-called “Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill” without an adequate and effective Reconciliation Bill that meets the essential needs of us, your constituents. And please support the Billionaires Tax. It makes sense and is only fair! Thanks. [H/T]
[to GOP Senators] I’m furious that Republicans filibustered the Freedom to Vote Act. Your constituents overwhelmingly support getting dark money out of politics, ending partisan gerrymandering, and making sure every vote is counted. I will be supporting the Democrats in abolishing the filibuster, as Republicans have made it overwhelmingly clear that they’re not interested in democracy, or in actually governing. Thanks.
Call Your House Rep (find yours here)
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
[to Democratic House Reps] I want Congress to enact economic legislation that is actually effective. Don’t put the interests of giant corporations and obscenely wealthy billionaires ahead of what the American people need and want. Please:
Don’t abandon the climate proposals originally included in the Build Back Better Act
Don’t abandon the fair-tax proposals originally included in the Build Back Better Act
Don’t abandon Paid Family Leave!
Don’t abandon the drug-price negotiation proposals originally included in the Build Back Better Act
In short, don’t vote for the so-called “Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill” without an adequate and effective Reconciliation Bill that meets the essential needs of us, your constituents. And please support the Billionaires Tax. It makes sense and is only fair! Thanks. [H/T]
[To all :] [Also,] I support H.R.3617 - the MORE Act of 2021, which would decriminalize marijuana on a federal level. Is the Congressmember a co-sponsor?
Extra Credit For Everyone
The Billionaire’s Tax is gaining traction, and that’s good, because Sinema has basically blocked every other form of tax reform in the BBB. (Email me if she’s your Senator and I’ll write a script just for you. 😡). But this no-brainer tax is not a done deal yet— we need to keep informing Americans that it’s an option, and get them to call their Senators in support. Thus, please post this on social (full tool-kit here):
The #BillionairesIncomeTax would raise $250B to help us Build Back Better.
It's the only proposal that truly targets billionaires' enormous wealth & unrigs our tax code to tax wealth like work.
Tell your Senator to support this NOW: 1-888-894-6720
https://thehill.com/opinion/finance/578282-the-case-for-a-billionaires-income-tax
Extra Credit for you EAST COASTERS
Postcards to Voters has two lists in NY and one for PA which are all for Nov. 2 elections. If you live in the same state or in an adjacent state, you can write and mail your postcards TODAY ONLY and they will arrive by Saturday or Monday at the latest. They still have quite a few addresses for important elections. Can anyone take even 5? Email Request@AbbyAddresses.org to sign up.
If you’re not a PTV member yet but would still like to write a few cards email me back ASAP and I’ll get you the addresses, as I believe there is a 2-3 day turnaround to process new writers.
Again, these cards must be mailed TODAY, from the east coast. ⏳
Get on the Phones! ☎️
The Virginia election. Is. In. Less. Than. A. Week.
The race is still polling as tied. We literally CANNOT lose. Have I mentioned that we can NOT lose? 😬
Imagine what the GOP will do if they flip this state back to their column…
And then phonebank with me and the Grassroots Dems today 3-5PM PDT. Yes, I will train you! Sign up here.
[Can’t make this phonebank but want to commit to another between now and Tuesday? Ooh! LOOK AT THIS LIST!!]
Resistbot Text (new to Resistbot? Go here!)
[to your Senators] [H/T]
I am highly impressed by Judge Beth Robinson’s nomination to the Second Circuit Court and hope you will support her confirmation. Judge Robinson would be the first openly lesbian judge to serve on any federal appellate court -- her nomination is a perfect example of the president’s commitment to deeply diversify the federal bench with people often underrepresented in both professional experience and personal background.
Public trust in the judiciary is crucial to its function, and this trust is bolstered when the bench better reflects the communities it serves. Please vote yes on Judge Robinson. Thank you.
OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.
Talk tomorrow.
Jess