Hi, all, and happy Wednesday!
“In this time of testing, will we do our duty? Will we do what we must? Will we defend our Constitution? Will we stand for truth? Will we put duty to our oath above partisan politics? Or will we look away from the danger, ignore the threat, embrace the lies and enable the liar? There is no gray area when it comes to that question. When it comes to this moment, there is no middle ground.”
Powerful words from Liz Cheney, a woman whose politics I loathe, but whose patriotism I admire immensely. I never thought I’d start this newsletter with a quote from her (or any Republican currently in office), but these are strange times.
And in such times there is no middle ground. Upon that much, the Congresswoman and I agree.
That being the case, we must persist. No matter how tired; how discouraged; how distracted.
On that note, I’m reading an absolutely astonishing book—nonfiction— about a young American woman who became one of the leaders of the German Resistance during the Nazi era. Her name was Mildred Harnack; she was 26 when Hitler began his rise to power. I cannot tell you how inspiring her story is; in fact I can’t recommend the book highly enough.
Ordinary people have shown extraordinary courage so many times in human history. Others, like Kevin McCarthy, have shown breathtaking servility and cowardice. I have no power over that. But I can ask myself: would I rather be in the former or latter category?
Will I be an example of unusual courage? Or a case study in spinelessness?
I get to choose. So do you.
Let’s let our choice be reflected in our actions.
Call Your Senators (find yours here)
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
First, I’m fed up and dismayed by the delays at the USPS. I want Louis DeJoy fired. I know that can only happen if the Postal Board of Governors fires him, and I know that as they are currently comprised they won’t. But I also know that two current members have terms that are due to expire on December 8th. Please ask the Senator to tell the President that the terms of Ron Bloom and John Barger must be allowed to expire, NOT be extended. Then the President can nominate replacements who will give the Board the votes they need to fire Louis DeJoy.
Second, we need the Senate to pass the Freedom to Vote Act, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, the Womens Health Protection Act, and the Equality Act. Not the mention the Build Back Better Act—arguably the more important of the two Infrastructure bills Biden has proposed. All of these bills are urgent. [If Democrat add:] I support abolishing the filibuster to get them passed. Bipartisanship is a thing of the past. This Republican Party is going to strip committee positions from the 13 House Republicans who voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Package. The message is clear. We must forge on without them. Thanks.
Call Your House Rep (find yours here)
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
[If Democrat:] I calling because, while I’m thrilled that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal has passed, it’s time for Democrats in Congress to make equally essential investments in the American people by passing the Build Back Better Act, with NO further cuts to reduce costs. Working families need to be able to participate in the economic recovery, and they can’t do that if they can’t afford child care, home care, or health care. And none of it will matter if we don’t vigorously address climate change. I look forward to seeing this plan passed no later than November 15th, as promised. [H/T]
[To all:] Also it’s not right that we tax income from wages, but not income from enormous wealth gains. It’s time to tax wealth like work so billionaires who got $2.1 trillion richer during the pandemic pay more than an 8% average effective tax rate. Please pass the Billionaires Income Tax now. Thanks. [H/T]
Extra Credit
Let’s try to stop a terrible mining project. Please personalize and send the below to Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland at feedback@ios.doi.gov.
This letter is for Secretary Haaland.
I’m writing to ask you to help preserve Minnesota’s Boundary Waters by blocking Twin Metals’ proposed mining project in the Superior National Forest. If they are permitted to proceed it will be detrimental to not only the wildlife who reside outside of the mine itself, but also to the people who rely on the peace and cleanliness of these lands and waters to maintain their livelihood.
America is already losing our protected lands to industry at an alarming rate, so it’s imperative that we fight to keep what little preserved acreage we have left. As I’m sure you’re well aware, the destruction left after a mine shuts down is just as damaging as that created when it’s in operation. Therefore, this project will forever change the ecosystem as well as the community; the life that is there now will never be able to be replaced. Thank you.
All of Your Activism Opportunities in One Place!
Together We Elect aims to engage, motivate, train, and support individuals and groups to take effective action to maintain or expand Democratic representation in the U.S. House and Senate in 2022. The current group grew from the work of Together for 2020, which mobilized more than 10,000 volunteers working in critical states to elect Biden/Harris, take the Senate, and hold onto the House.
Goin into 2022, Together We Elect will be working promote and amplify events and volunteer opportunities offered by organizations such as Swing Left, Force Multiplier, Activate America, Movement Labs, Movement Voter Project, as well as coordinated campaigns and candidates in swing districts and states. They’ve got a newly re-tooled website with all sorts of cool opportunities, and if you create a login you can sign up to get notifications about the kinds of volunteer activists you’re good at in the states you want to focus on! So cool! Check it all out here.
Resistbot Text (new to Resistbot? Go here!)
[to your Senators] [H/T] [Quick send: text SIGN PKKXXT to 50409]
I’m a constituent who is deeply worried about our climate emergency. I know that Senators Ed Markey and Jeff Merkley just introduced the Fossil Free Finance Act in the Senate which would require the Federal Reserve to hold big banks accountable for financing fossil fuels.
The Fossil Free Finance Act was also introduced in the House of Representatives in September by Congressman Mondaire Jones, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07).
In the last 5 years, the world’s 60 biggest banks have financed fossil fuels to the tune of $3.8 trillion. Under this legislation, big banks would be required to align their financing with science-based emission targets and our obligations under the Paris Climate Agreement.
One more thing: US banks are the top fossil fuel funders of climate chaos. The Fed can and should step in and steer us off fossil fuels fast. They have a responsibility to protect our economy, including protecting our communities from climate catastrophe.
As your constituent, I'm urging you to join your colleagues and co-sponsor the Fossil Free Finance Act. Thanks.
OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.
Talk tomorrow.
Jess