Hi, all, and happy Friday.
Ugh. I know, it’s another tough morning. More news of stalemates, rumors that the Senate will break for recess tonight, and a frustration level among Democratic voters and activists about as high as I’ve seen.
Deeeeeeep breaths. At times like this I return to my recovery slogans, which keep me going in good times and hard:
“This, too, shall pass.”
“First things first.”
“One day at a time.”
They sound simplistic—even stupid—but these are tools I use constantly to keep myself going through difficult moments; my experience—and that of millions of others—is that they work. Very, very well.
And for those of you feeling defeated? There’s another thing they say in my program:
“Feelings aren’t facts.”
We’re not defeated. Not yet. Our ability to predict the future is middling at best. And right now, today, we’re still in the fight, and we have stuff to do. So let’s do it, and let go of the rest for now.
Me? I will fight until my dying breath. I hope you will, too.
Finally, because we all need it, here’s Political Charge’s weekly recap of the good news we may have missed this week. As always, I’ll have a similar list (but with different items, for the most part) in my “Extra Extra” newsletter tomorrow—that’s the one that goes out on Saturdays to paid subscribers. So look for it if you’re one of those. If you’re not? Maybe a reason to subscribe! 😊😉
OK, all. I am supposed to be taking next week off, so you won’t receive daily emails from me, but I expect there will be reason to get in touch. And I will.
Still, let’s all try to get some rest. We’ve earned it. And we’ll need it for the fight ahead.
But first let’s make today’s calls.
Call Your Senators (find yours here)
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
[If Dem:] I’m hearing rumors that Democrats are considering leaving for vacation tonight without passing voting rights or Build Back Better. This is unacceptable. We have worked so hard to give Democrats the Presidency and the Senate majority. Don’t let us down. We’ve done our job; now you do yours. Stay in session until you get something passed. [If Manchin or Sinema:] Don’t let you legacy be ending our democracy. Reform the filibuster and get voting rights done. Thanks.
Call Your House Rep (find yours here)
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
I want the representative to sign the Jayapal letter urging the administration to take action to avoid economic collapse in Afghanistan. Experts say one million children will die this winter if the U.S. does not change its sanctions policy. This is unacceptable.
I’d also like him/her to co-sponsor the Parks, Jobs, and Equity Act (H.R. 1678) to close the nature gap and expand outdoor equity in urban areas. Thanks. [H/T]
Extra Credit
Please send to President Biden here. [h/t & petition]
According to the Dec. 4th New York Times report, "Facing Economic Collapse, Afghanistan Is Gripped by Starvation," US policy is causing an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in Afghanistan.
According to the report (and corroborated by leading humanitarian experts):
“The US is really using its influence on donors and banks to basically stop all money from outside of Afghanistan from getting inside Afghanistan.”
“What the sanctions have done is essentially strangle millions of people across the country so that they can't afford food, and are facing possible catastrophe over the next couple of months.”
The impending death toll from hunger in Afghanistan this winter “would dwarf the total number of Afghan civilians estimated to have been killed as a direct result of the war over the past 20 years.” No!!!
I beg the Biden administration to act urgently to ensure that millions of innocent Afghans do not die as a result of this deeply misguided US policy. Please end these devastating sanctions. Thanks.
Get on Social!
I know this seems easy and pointless, but it’s not. I’m hearing that blowing up social media today to demand that the Senate stay in session is REALLY important. So please consider retweeting my tweet to Ron Klain (this at Indivisible’s suggestion) or tweeting your own. And then head to DemCast’s updated social posting toolkit and post something on your favorite platform. They will help amplify!
Resistbot Text (new to Resistbot? Go here!)
[to your House rep] [H/T] [Quick send text SIGN PGZWKR to 50409]
As your constituent I’m writing to ask you to cosponsor Rep. Jan Schakowsky’s End the Pandemic Now Resolution (H. Con Res. 60).
As we approach the second anniversary of the start of the global pandemic, it is essential that we recognize what scientific evidence from around the world teaches us; and call for measures, based on that evidence, that will end the pandemic. All evidence points to only one conclusion: vaccinating everyone around the world is the only way to end the pandemic.
The End the Pandemic Now resolution lays out a clear roadmap to increase global production of COVID vaccines, treatments and diagnostic tests via a three-part program of (1) unlocking intellectual property barriers via a temporary waiver of WTO rules now standing in the way of production increases, (2) sharing vaccine formulas and know-how with qualified producers around the world to speed up more production, and (3) financial support for regional vaccine manufacturing hubs.
To sign on to the resolution, please contact Syd Terry in Rep. Schakowsky’s office. Thanks.
OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.
Talk...after Christmas I *think*?
Jess
DraftLast save Dec 3