Chop Wood, Carry Water 1/12
Rising to the occasion.
Hi, all, and happy Friday!
I’m reading an excellent book called “Founding Brothers—The Revolutionary Generation” by historian Joseph Ellis. It’s broken into several sections; each talks about an early event or dynamic that helped shape the trajectory of our nation. There are sections, among others, on the duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, Washington’s farewell speech, Franklin’s attempt to end slavery in 1790, and John Adams’ politically symbiotic relationship with his wife Abigail. Each chapter reveals a “back story” that provides context to our greater historical understandings. It’s a fascinating read and, as early American history generally is, a helpful one to me.
Why? Because every time I read a book on this period I’m reminded that our country has always been divided—often viciously so. Such divisions were essentially baked in when the slavery question was left unaddressed at our inception.
The rift, of course, has never been adequately confronted, and therefore never healed. As a result there’s a seemingly permanent tension between those who want to be rich, racist, and part of minority rule, and those who desire a country run by all of us—one working towards freedom and equality for all of its citizens.
It’s not much comfort in our current moment, but it is, to me, at least, a little relieving to remember that the problems we face now are more or less a direct continuation of problems that existed 250 years ago. Problems, mind you, that the great, albeit flawed minds of our “founding brothers” could or would not solve. They’re a long time in the making. They’re deeply entrenched and compounded. They’re not our fault.
But they are our responsibility. Right here, right now, we’re faced with them.
I like to think we’re rising to the occasion.
What a gift.
Now let’s get to work. Because that’s what “rising to the occasion” looks like.
Call Your Senators (find yours here) and your House rep (find yours here)📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
I’m calling because I’m really worried about climate change, and I don’t want the Senator/Congressmember to forget about it amidst all of the other chaos we’re facing. A new report showed that 2023 was the hottest year on record. The year was filled with extreme events—heat waves, droughts, floods, and wildfires. And they’ve continued into the new year: Just this week, the East Coast experienced flooding and severe thunderstorms and tornadoes left at least four dead in the Southeast. It will keep coming, and I’m scared. We need to act aggressively to curtail planet-warming emissions now.
[If Republican:] Republicans claim to care about curtailing spending. The climate crisis will cost the federal government untold billions of dollars over the next decades. Taking climate action now is a way to avoid skyrocketing expenses in the near future. Please ask the Senator/Congressmember to keep Biden’s climate policies in place and vastly expand upon them. Thanks.
[If Democrat:] Polling shows this is an issue with strong support from most Americans. Voters overwhelmingly support a transition to clean energy. Please ask the Senator/Congressmember to fight to keep Biden’s climate policies in place and vastly expand upon them. Thanks.
Extra Credit ✅
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service just proposed a rule that would create loopholes making it legal to kill or injure wolverines. Let’s tell them to revise it and give these ferocious predators a fighting chance. Use their template here but please personalize the first line or two at least—otherwise your letter may be discarded.
Get Smart! 📚
On Friday Jan 19th, 1pm EST Simon Rosenberg will be presenting his updated version of “With Democrats, Things Get Better.”
This is Simon’s 30-minute talk on the most important, least understood story in American politics today - that when Democrats are in power, things get better; when Republicans come to power we get recessions, higher deficits and American struggle and decline.
Register here. If you can’t join live a recording will be available.
This is a really good event to attend if you want talking points for convincing folks to vote blue. It’s quite inspiring.
Spread the Word! 📣
Wow! I found another place to get Biden success stories! Indivisible San Francisco has a page devoted to it here. You’ll be familiar with some of the places it links to, but some will be new. Please find some good news to amplify!
Give 💰!
OK, we’ve raised about a quarter of our 20K goal for the Movement Voter Project. I’m going to pop the link here again. Know anyone who’s worried about our democracy and has extra money? Please send it to them! There is literally not a single other place I know of where their money will go further if they want us to win in November.
Or if you’ve ever wanted to send me a tip? SEND IT HERE!
Or if you’re willing to boycott Starbucks for a week (which we all probably should anyway) and put that money into saving our freedoms? Great!
And to all of you who’ve given so far—THANK YOU! 🙏🏼
Win Races! 🗳
Please read Len Lubinsky’s excellent post about the upcoming (and critical) Ohio State Supreme Court races. There are THREE! We literally have a chance, in November, to flip that court’s majority!
This is such an important thing not just for Ohio, but for the country. Anti-democratic institutions everywhere must go! So please read the post, consider donating to one or more of Len’s recommended candidates, and share the info with anyone you know in Ohio!
P.S. — If Ohio holds special importance for you don’t forget to subscribe to my Chop Wood, Carry Ohio newsletter! I’ll be sending out all kinds of ways to help there this year.
Resistbot Letter (new to Resistbot? Go here! And then here.) 💻
[To: ] [H/T Stand Up America] [Text SIGN PNBNXK to Resistbot at 50409 or via Apple Messages / WHATSAPP / MESSENGER]
As a voter and your constituent, I’m urging you and your colleagues to cosponsor the Democracy Restoration Act, (S. 1677 / HR 4987) which would restore voting rights in federal elections to people that have been released from incarceration and are back living in their communities.
In every election since 2000, nearly 5 million Americans have been disenfranchised by state laws that prevent people with felony convictions from voting.
An even greater number don’t vote because they mistakenly think their voting rights have been stripped away as a result of conflicting and confusing state laws. The result is that millions of Americans have no say in the policies that affect them and their families.
It's up to you to change that. Our democracy is stronger when everyone has a voice, and people who have completed their prison sentences are no exception. I'm urging you to stand up for the right for formerly incarcerated Americans to vote by cosponsoring the Democracy Restoration Act. Thanks.
OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.
Talk Tuesday. Happy long weekend!
Jess
Beyond just being a “necessary” discussion. Rather, “vital” is a word that comes close to a proper descriptor.
I could toss in phrases like “You rock!” (Actually, you do, and...) Or, “Good story, wanna go shoot billiards?”
You’ve provided me ways to communicate with Congress, local governments, MSM, and so many more.
It is incumbent on us, your readers and followers, to vamoose! Every day counts. Starting these efforts now will help build needed momentum.
Thank you, Jessica, for all your daily positive offerings. They have made me feel better and I feel like I am doing something towards helping our country by following some of your suggestions. Not that text savvy, I do not understand how the Resistbot works. Where could I go for a more rudimentary step-by-step than the link you provided? Thank you!