The President could also substantially solidify his legacy by 1) lifting all of the Trump tariffs for the balance of his term, thereby reducing the cost of a lot of what we'll be buying for the holidays, 2) pre-emptively pardoning everyone even potentially on a Trumpista enemies list; these people have committed themselves to the preservation of our system and don't deserve harassment because of it, and 3) publicly pushing Senators Schumer and Durbin on judicial confirmations. Neither the Majority Leader nor the Senator from Illinois are noted for excessive energy and zeal and this is a time for both.
In respect of news, Andy Borowitz does good research for both is satire and his occasional forays into hard news and is worth supporting for the element of humor he brings to the scene. If we forget how to laugh, even under dire circumstances, we're done.
Making the calls, doing the work, and adding to my list outreach to MSM to do more to put Dem Senators on record about what they are planning to do RIGHT NOW, in this moment, to reveal the full-on ugly of these appointees. My calls to Senator offices were less than satisfying in response, and so I felt the need to kick this all into more gear.
I want to start calling, but don't quite understand how it works. If I get a hold of someone on the line, are they just going to listen to the prepared statement I received in the newsletter to say? Are they going to ask me questions? Are most offices closed by 5 pm so I can just leave a voicemail instead? While I want to start understanding and learning more on how to make real change, I have to say I'm quite embarrassed that I'm not very intellectual when it comes to politics. This recent Trump win has made me want to change that and I wish I would've done more BEFORE the damage was done, but now that it is, I'm trying to understand more on how to make strieds so a president like this never makes it into office again.
Don’t be embarrassed. Good on you for asking and joining! You can keep it simple - just say you’re calling the senator to urge them to support/not support XYZ. The staffer will ask your name and zip code. That’s it. I’ve never had anyone ask me questions. The staffer is just there to make down support and opposition.
Don’t be embarrassed! I am in the same boat - I am not savy with politics at all but want to do something. These are great questions and I will be checking back to see what others who have more experience with this have to say.
Totally okay to call before or after hours & leave voicemail! I feel more comfortable doing that the longer or more spicy the script is. Say your name & zipcode, then state your business. If you call during office hours, start out by saying you want to leave a message for the senator/representative. The person answering may be so young they sound not all that experienced talking on the phone. Will definitely not ask you any questions, except for your name & zip. I also use the contact forms on their websites, some of which ask if you want a reply. I know my reps aren't going to do what I'm asking & I'd rather they save the money.
We have all been there. I did this in 2017 and still feel this way. Just keep in mind that Congressional offices are most concerned with what their constituents care enough to call them about. You are literally just a number. The more of us that contact them - either yay or nay - the more likely they will sense the shift in the popular opinion/electoral preferences, and vote accordingly. Hang in there, this will be a long slog with few visible victories to begin with. But believe me - your call or email matters in the grand scheme of things.
Thank you Jess. I am call my two Dem senators every single day to ask they confirm all of Biden's judicial nominees and fight to stop Trump's cabinet nominations. I was polite but also blunt, saying we fought to elect them now they need to fight for us. And if they won't fight for us I'll help elect someone who will.
This is a much-needed pick-me-up today. Thank you. I just read The Borowitz Report, and he suggested using the BBC app for news. I haven't checked it out yet, but he says it's free and has the advantage of giving you news from around the world, not just the US. Meanwhile, I was about to order a plant stand from Amazon and then saw it was offered at Target as well, so I bought it from Target. Sometimes, small acts help. Happy Friday to you all❤️
We may all need to connect with news sources outside the country for reliable information once Trump Co. controls American media. I assume the BBC and the Guardian are two relatively trusted sources to tell it like it is.
I just joined this Substack this morning and have found it so helpful! Thank you for all you do! With Trump back in the White House in January, I am terrified about the future of our country and want to take action and do my part to make our voices heard. I am interested in joining a community of like minded individuals because I am really not sure what to do (although, this Substack is super helpful!). Maybe even meet with people in my community. Anyone know of any groups in Northern Illinois?
Another question - my senators and representatives are all democrat. Is it still worth it to call/email them about Trump’s unqualified cabinet picks even though I am sure they will be voting no? Or should I focus my attention elsewhere? I just signed the petition about Matt Gaetz.
As for your Democrat Senators (lucky you), call to urge them to pass judicial appointments and don’t go on vacation… just get those posts filled. And as for a group, you probably have a good Indivisible group in your area. Check Indivisible.org.
What’s the most effective way to contact a Senator or Representative? Phone call? Email? Form on their website? Personal letter delivered by USPS?
My congressmen in CT are all Democrats, but my response is typically a form letter “thank you for contacting my office; it’s important to hear from you.”
They all work to some extent, hand written letters are supposed to be the most effective but take the longest to deliver. I send most of mine via email and get the same form letters you get emailed back to me from my two Trumpista Senators.
Jessica, your list of recommended reads was just what I needed today. I've unsubscribed to the Washington Post and the NYT and desperately need solid suggestions for daily news updates. Now I can stay informed in a way that doesn't make me feel like I need to disinfect afterwards. And of course working through your list of actions every day gives me hope and puts my anxious energy to good use. You're the best.
Thanks, Jessica, for the links to alternative journalism. I signed up for the Guardian. It's still painful to look at headlines and I have cancelled the NYT and WaPo.
I hope to support them in time, too.
As a new subscriber to your newsletter, I look forward to reading you. I receive others on substack and look forward to them for my daily nourishment.
I have a question for you or someone who may know what I should do.Yesterday we were told to contact our lawmakers in regards to our opposition to the horrific Matt Gaetz appointment.I live in Ruby red Ohio and one of my 2 senators is JD ugh Vance.The only rep that we Dems can contact and know that we are being heard is our esteemed senator Sherrod Brown who was just voted out on Nov 5.When one lives in such a red state who should we contact?I certainly don’t want to get on anyone’s enemies list so I am inquiring about my options.
I can only speak for myself in saying that I would call all my reps, red and blue. If we assume there will be “enemies lists” of regular constituents we are giving up our power in advance. There is no sign yet of that happening but if we stop calling now we have basically submitted without a fight and created that very reality. But so why you’re comfortable with.
Thank-you for that.I go back and forth between being brave and hearty to being a scared lamb.I am by nature a gentle spirit and sometimes confrontation is hard for me.I have emboldened myself rather quickly though and I will contact everyone including Couchfuck McGee( Jeff Tiedrich and his wild and great words)
And remember, it’s their job to take your comments. They won’t yell at you, I promise. And if you don’t want to talk to a person call after hours and leave a message! Just be sure to leave your full name and zip code or they won’t log it.
How does one join the Indivisible call ? Your action items are invaluable. Amidst my own research this is what I must do. Work will suffer in the predicted mayhem. Throughout history human endeavor flowers in times of stability, calm and/or increases during urgency. The last 4 years were stable and calm and we are now in the urgency mode. Keep enumerating ways in which we all can help or join in. Easy Actionable links , phone numbers are appreciated. Is there any organization that one can join to get action items. Please keep motivating all of us even though the daily news will be devastating enough. Is MoveOn good ? Any others?
Appreciate Jessica's recommendations as always. As to items to read, I have taken to reading Tangle each day. https://www.readtangle.com. The author, Isaac Saul, takes a topic (e.g. today it was recess appointments) looks at it from the perspective of the left, from the right, and then gives "my take". I find it gets be beyond my progressive bubble, helps me understand much better what is happening and why -- and gives me insights for my own thinking.
We’re here. We’re not giving up. We’re down, but not defeated. The Right doesn’t get us at all. Thanks, Jessica, for another uplifting post and practical action steps. I’m almost through my mourning period and ready to get back in the fight. These jerks will NEVER have the last word.
I just created a comprehensive post on here of how to contact your electeds if you've never done so before, or even if you have. Feel free to check it out if you need help!
The President could also substantially solidify his legacy by 1) lifting all of the Trump tariffs for the balance of his term, thereby reducing the cost of a lot of what we'll be buying for the holidays, 2) pre-emptively pardoning everyone even potentially on a Trumpista enemies list; these people have committed themselves to the preservation of our system and don't deserve harassment because of it, and 3) publicly pushing Senators Schumer and Durbin on judicial confirmations. Neither the Majority Leader nor the Senator from Illinois are noted for excessive energy and zeal and this is a time for both.
In respect of news, Andy Borowitz does good research for both is satire and his occasional forays into hard news and is worth supporting for the element of humor he brings to the scene. If we forget how to laugh, even under dire circumstances, we're done.
I also recommend the podcast “Countdown with Keith Olbermann” for some news and humor.
Making the calls, doing the work, and adding to my list outreach to MSM to do more to put Dem Senators on record about what they are planning to do RIGHT NOW, in this moment, to reveal the full-on ugly of these appointees. My calls to Senator offices were less than satisfying in response, and so I felt the need to kick this all into more gear.
Excellent.
I want to start calling, but don't quite understand how it works. If I get a hold of someone on the line, are they just going to listen to the prepared statement I received in the newsletter to say? Are they going to ask me questions? Are most offices closed by 5 pm so I can just leave a voicemail instead? While I want to start understanding and learning more on how to make real change, I have to say I'm quite embarrassed that I'm not very intellectual when it comes to politics. This recent Trump win has made me want to change that and I wish I would've done more BEFORE the damage was done, but now that it is, I'm trying to understand more on how to make strieds so a president like this never makes it into office again.
Don’t be embarrassed. Good on you for asking and joining! You can keep it simple - just say you’re calling the senator to urge them to support/not support XYZ. The staffer will ask your name and zip code. That’s it. I’ve never had anyone ask me questions. The staffer is just there to make down support and opposition.
Don’t be embarrassed! I am in the same boat - I am not savy with politics at all but want to do something. These are great questions and I will be checking back to see what others who have more experience with this have to say.
Totally okay to call before or after hours & leave voicemail! I feel more comfortable doing that the longer or more spicy the script is. Say your name & zipcode, then state your business. If you call during office hours, start out by saying you want to leave a message for the senator/representative. The person answering may be so young they sound not all that experienced talking on the phone. Will definitely not ask you any questions, except for your name & zip. I also use the contact forms on their websites, some of which ask if you want a reply. I know my reps aren't going to do what I'm asking & I'd rather they save the money.
We have all been there. I did this in 2017 and still feel this way. Just keep in mind that Congressional offices are most concerned with what their constituents care enough to call them about. You are literally just a number. The more of us that contact them - either yay or nay - the more likely they will sense the shift in the popular opinion/electoral preferences, and vote accordingly. Hang in there, this will be a long slog with few visible victories to begin with. But believe me - your call or email matters in the grand scheme of things.
Beautifully said, all!
Thank you for asking this -- I was going to ask the same thing!! :-)
Thank you Jess. I am call my two Dem senators every single day to ask they confirm all of Biden's judicial nominees and fight to stop Trump's cabinet nominations. I was polite but also blunt, saying we fought to elect them now they need to fight for us. And if they won't fight for us I'll help elect someone who will.
This is a much-needed pick-me-up today. Thank you. I just read The Borowitz Report, and he suggested using the BBC app for news. I haven't checked it out yet, but he says it's free and has the advantage of giving you news from around the world, not just the US. Meanwhile, I was about to order a plant stand from Amazon and then saw it was offered at Target as well, so I bought it from Target. Sometimes, small acts help. Happy Friday to you all❤️
Great job! Yes boycotting Amazon is an easy thing many of us can do.
We may all need to connect with news sources outside the country for reliable information once Trump Co. controls American media. I assume the BBC and the Guardian are two relatively trusted sources to tell it like it is.
I just joined this Substack this morning and have found it so helpful! Thank you for all you do! With Trump back in the White House in January, I am terrified about the future of our country and want to take action and do my part to make our voices heard. I am interested in joining a community of like minded individuals because I am really not sure what to do (although, this Substack is super helpful!). Maybe even meet with people in my community. Anyone know of any groups in Northern Illinois?
Another question - my senators and representatives are all democrat. Is it still worth it to call/email them about Trump’s unqualified cabinet picks even though I am sure they will be voting no? Or should I focus my attention elsewhere? I just signed the petition about Matt Gaetz.
Thank you!
Looking into indivisible groups in IL—please hold!
The rest I’ll answer tomorrow.
Thank you for recommending Indivisble! It looks like there is a group in my area.
Sure! My contact is asking what town you live in. If you’re comfortable sharing that you can email it to me at hijesscraven101@gmail.com
Yes! Call your Dems! It’s important for them to hear from constituents even if they don’t need convincing. Be sure to thank them!
As for your Democrat Senators (lucky you), call to urge them to pass judicial appointments and don’t go on vacation… just get those posts filled. And as for a group, you probably have a good Indivisible group in your area. Check Indivisible.org.
Thank you so much!
What’s the most effective way to contact a Senator or Representative? Phone call? Email? Form on their website? Personal letter delivered by USPS?
My congressmen in CT are all Democrats, but my response is typically a form letter “thank you for contacting my office; it’s important to hear from you.”
They all work to some extent, hand written letters are supposed to be the most effective but take the longest to deliver. I send most of mine via email and get the same form letters you get emailed back to me from my two Trumpista Senators.
A phone call is the most powerful, other than in person.
Jessica, your list of recommended reads was just what I needed today. I've unsubscribed to the Washington Post and the NYT and desperately need solid suggestions for daily news updates. Now I can stay informed in a way that doesn't make me feel like I need to disinfect afterwards. And of course working through your list of actions every day gives me hope and puts my anxious energy to good use. You're the best.
So glad it helped!
Thanks, Jessica, for the links to alternative journalism. I signed up for the Guardian. It's still painful to look at headlines and I have cancelled the NYT and WaPo.
I hope to support them in time, too.
As a new subscriber to your newsletter, I look forward to reading you. I receive others on substack and look forward to them for my daily nourishment.
Welcome to the team!
I have a question for you or someone who may know what I should do.Yesterday we were told to contact our lawmakers in regards to our opposition to the horrific Matt Gaetz appointment.I live in Ruby red Ohio and one of my 2 senators is JD ugh Vance.The only rep that we Dems can contact and know that we are being heard is our esteemed senator Sherrod Brown who was just voted out on Nov 5.When one lives in such a red state who should we contact?I certainly don’t want to get on anyone’s enemies list so I am inquiring about my options.
I can only speak for myself in saying that I would call all my reps, red and blue. If we assume there will be “enemies lists” of regular constituents we are giving up our power in advance. There is no sign yet of that happening but if we stop calling now we have basically submitted without a fight and created that very reality. But so why you’re comfortable with.
Thank-you for that.I go back and forth between being brave and hearty to being a scared lamb.I am by nature a gentle spirit and sometimes confrontation is hard for me.I have emboldened myself rather quickly though and I will contact everyone including Couchfuck McGee( Jeff Tiedrich and his wild and great words)
And remember, it’s their job to take your comments. They won’t yell at you, I promise. And if you don’t want to talk to a person call after hours and leave a message! Just be sure to leave your full name and zip code or they won’t log it.
Call both Senators. Your position will be recorded and shared.
I have Rick Scott (Voldemort) as my Senator. I was wondering the same thing.
Same goes. GOP Senators absolutey need the most pushback right now.
How does one join the Indivisible call ? Your action items are invaluable. Amidst my own research this is what I must do. Work will suffer in the predicted mayhem. Throughout history human endeavor flowers in times of stability, calm and/or increases during urgency. The last 4 years were stable and calm and we are now in the urgency mode. Keep enumerating ways in which we all can help or join in. Easy Actionable links , phone numbers are appreciated. Is there any organization that one can join to get action items. Please keep motivating all of us even though the daily news will be devastating enough. Is MoveOn good ? Any others?
Indivisible is the best. And here, of course.
www.indivisible.org
I called my Senators and Congressperson. But with the 2nd set of calls, their voicemail boxes were already full!
Wow! Try again over the weekend! Just be sure to leave your full name and ZIP Code, so they record your opinion
Appreciate Jessica's recommendations as always. As to items to read, I have taken to reading Tangle each day. https://www.readtangle.com. The author, Isaac Saul, takes a topic (e.g. today it was recess appointments) looks at it from the perspective of the left, from the right, and then gives "my take". I find it gets be beyond my progressive bubble, helps me understand much better what is happening and why -- and gives me insights for my own thinking.
I think that’s in my doc, isn’t it?
Yes it is. I only clicked on that link after posting my comment. Good for you for adding Tangle to the list.
Thank you! So much news!
We’re here. We’re not giving up. We’re down, but not defeated. The Right doesn’t get us at all. Thanks, Jessica, for another uplifting post and practical action steps. I’m almost through my mourning period and ready to get back in the fight. These jerks will NEVER have the last word.
Thank you, Wendy!
I just created a comprehensive post on here of how to contact your electeds if you've never done so before, or even if you have. Feel free to check it out if you need help!
Any chance you can drop a link here?
https://ariellaelm.substack.com/p/how-to-contact-your-electeds?r=27qd2b
Thanks for the link
Where can we find it?
On my account! It's my most recent post!