Hi, all, and happy Wednesday!
Last newsletter before the long weekend! I know everyone is busy doing pre-Thanksgiving prep, but Congressional offices are open, and I want our Senators to go into their breaks knowing their constituents are fired up about the bills they want to see passed immediately upon Congress’s return. So we will call our Senators and skip our House reps just this one time. 🦃
Here’s what I’m thankful for: every day when I send this newsletter out I know that it’s going to amazing, brave, likeminded people all across the U.S. People who, like me, are scared. Angry. Outraged.
But instead of channeling that into violence, or apathy, or cynicism, you’ve decided to do something about it. You’re reacting with fortitude, determination, and action.
THAT is remarkable. And the fact that so many people like you exist is what I believe will save the country.
You may think “All I do is take small actions. Phone calls. Postcards. Letters. Hardly heroic.”
But it’s the little drips that wear away the boulder. If every drip said “I don’t matter. I’m staying home,” the boulder would remain.
I’m honored to share a cause with you. Together we will wear away the hate and greed in this country, one drip at a time.
Call Your Senators (find yours here)
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
I’m calling to tell the Senator that, upon their return from the Thanksgiving break, I want them to do everything in their power to pass the Build Back Better Act without watering it down at all, and then move on immediately to passing the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. We need all of this legislation desperately, and we need it as soon as humanly possible. Next year is too late. Do it immediately, please.
[If Democrat add:] Also? Democrats need to reform or abolish the filibuster. It’s a Jim Crow relic that’s being abused by the minority. Don’t play into the Republicans’ hands by arguing for it; they have no interest in governing. Move on without them. Thanks.
Extra Credit
The Federal Register is holding an official comment period right now on President Biden’s proposed rule to take climate impact into account when making federal procurement decisions. This is really important. Can you use this tool to send a quick comment? It’s pre-written, but you can (and should) change it a bit so it doesn’t get spam-filtered. [H/T]
Get Educated! 🩺
I’m getting more and more interested in Medicare for All advocacy, and one of the lists I’m on just sent an incredible tool to practice having conversations with family about M4A. It’s a wonder of digital organization. It gives you different conversational prompts, then tells you why the response you choose will or won’t be effective in moving the conversation forward. Very cool. Check it out.
Resistbot Text (new to Resistbot? Go here!)
[To your Senators] [H/T] [Quick send: text SIGN PMIYHK to 50409]
As your constituent, I urge you to sign on to the Protect America’s Children from Toxic Pesticides Act (PACTPA), which was just re-introduced by Senator Cory Booker to protect people, pollinators, and the environment from the harms that come with exposure to pesticides.
Pesticides have the potential to cause severe health impacts, including brain damage, cancer, and Parkinson’s disease. PACTPA would allow us to protect people and the environment from significant harm. It would empower people to participate in the pesticide regulation process.
New pesticides have been developed since we passed FIFRA in 1947; how we apply them has evolved, too. We need new legislation to address how pesticides are applied today.
Please co-sponsor these badly needed pesticide protections so we can all enjoy a safer food system. Thanks!
OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.
Talk tomorrow.
Jess