Hi, all, and happy Thursday!
I’m at a City Planning Commission meeting right now, so apologies in advance if I sound disjointed. We’re making public comment to try to stop construction of a new hotel that’ll wipe out several rent-controlled apartments and some mom and pop businesses. Oy.
Have I mentioned that making public comments at meetings like this—especially now that they’re all on zoom—is an easy and effective way to make change wherever you live? I highly recommend it. It’s fun listening to other folks who’ve also taken time out of their days to try to help, and you’ll feel great for being heard. Plus when your cause prevails it feels GREAT!
I know there’s so much to feel worried about. I can’t take away the anxiety, but I will continue to provide you simple, easy actions to help allay and channel that fear. It works— if you’ve been here for a while you know it does!
Hope is an action. Faith is, too. So let’s take some hopeful, faithful actions together one more time.
P.S. Please watch and share the above ad everywhere you can. It’s 🔥
Call Your Senators (find yours here)
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
First, I’m anxious for the Senate to pass the Build Back Better Act as soon as it passes in the House. And please ask the Senator to fight to keep the Corporate Profits Minimum Tax provision, which would raise more than any other tax reform currently included in the Build Back Better Act. This revenue is essential to help bring down the costs of healthcare, childcare, education, housing and other essential services for working families, and to confront the climate crisis.
Second, I want the Senator to support S.2747 – the “Freedom to Vote Act,” a nationwide minimum standard to protect the rights of voters and strengthen our democracy while we still have one. The Senate should delay their holiday recess until they get it passed. We are in crisis. Please act like it. Thanks.
Call Your House Rep (find yours here)
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
I’m anxious for the House to pass the Build Back Better Act with all of its current provisions intact. I’m particularly concerned about keeping all of the climate provisions in it, but I also support the healthcare provisions, the childcare, the eldercare, the child tax credit, the paid family leave, the protections for aspiring Americans…in fact all of it. Please pass it right away.
Also? I support H.R.4046, the Preventing Election Subversion Act, which would make it a crime to harass, threaten or intimidate election workers, set mandatory distance minimums for poll watchers and ban the removal of local election supervisors by partisan bodies, such as state legislatures or election boards, without cause. Is the Congressmember a co-sponsor yet? [If yes thank. If no add:] I’d like them to co-sponsor right away. Thanks. [H/T]
Extra Credit
The Stop Line 3 coalition has launched a new campaign aimed at helping water protectors who are facing criminal charges in Minnesota. There are 2 easy ways you can help:
Sign this letter to Governor Tim Walz and AG Keith Ellison asking them to drop the charges against peaceful protestors.
Make a call to Ellison using this easy tool saying the same.
Extra EXTRA Credit
You may have heard that Morgan Stanley announced their 2030 climate targets but didn’t rule out funding fossil fuel expansion. This is not good. Stop the Money Pipeline is asking us to call their CEO James Gorman to ask that they pass a policy prohibiting the funding of new fossil fuel expansion. I just did it! Easy peasy!
Can you make a call too? His number is (212) 761-7600. I spoke to a very nice woman who took my message.
Say (more or less):
"Hi my name is [YOUR NAME]. I’m calling as someone very concerned about our climate emergency. I was glad Morgan Stanley released its 2030 climate targets last week, however, I was disappointed that the targets did not rule out financing for fossil fuel expansion. In its 2030 targets, Morgan Stanley claims that it is following the pathways laid out by the IEA's Net Zero by 2050 report. But a key finding of the IEA report was that "there can be no new investment in fossil fuels" if we wish to keep global warming to 1.5 degrees. Therefore, I am calling to ask that Morgan Stanley pass a policy ensuring you are not supporting any new fossil fuel expansion. Thank you.”
Let’s Win Races
Early voting in the Atlanta, Georgia mayoral race started yesterday, and runs only until November 24th, so we have a short window of time to deliver early voting information. Because this is a runoff election and an off year election, Atlanta could use a boost to Get Out The Vote!
They’re making calls today, November 18th from 6 to 8pm ET. Sign up here. (There are other opportunities there, too).
Resistbot Text (new to Resistbot? Go here!)
Watch this. Then Resistbot the below to Joe Biden. (This is a re-post, since the subject is very much trending right now.) [Quick send: text SIGN PDHXVU TO 50409]
I’m really concerned about the slowdowns at the USPS, and want Louis DeJoy to be fired. I know you can’t do this, but you can replace Ron Bloom with someone who isn’t in DeJoy’s pocket. Ron Bloom is in a hold-over year and you have the opportunity to install someone who will work to rid the USPS of the sabotage from within and bring it back to a serviceable institution. I am calling on you to replace Ron Bloom and help save the USPS before it’s too late. Thanks.
OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.
Talk tomorrow.
Jess