Chop Wood, Carry Water 1/27

Hi, all, and happy Friday.

I don’t pay a lot of attention to the vast (and ever-growing) list of National and International holidays, but International Holocaust Remembrance Day is one we should all observe.

Why? To quote this article about a new bipartisan Holocaust education bill that was introduced today (more on that below):

There is mounting evidence that knowledge about the Holocaust is beginning to fade. A 2020 survey measuring Holocaust awareness in the U.S. found that roughly two-thirds of those asked did not know how many Jewish people died. The survey of Americans between 18 and 40 also found that 48% could not name one concentration camp or ghetto.

According to recent analysis, a majority of U.S. states do not have laws requiring public school students to learn about the horrors of the Holocaust.

[Meanwhile] the Anti-Defamation League’s most recent Audit of Antisemitic Incidents (2021) captured more than 2,700 incidents throughout the U.S. — a 34% increase from 2020 and the highest number on record since ADL began tracking these events in 1979.

Talk about concerning.

But we aren’t powerless. On this day and every day it’s incumbent upon us to actively fight antisemitism—and hatred and intolerance in all of their forms— wherever we find it. One excellent way to do that is by continuing the work we do here—after all, the policies we fight for support greater tolerance and inclusion, champion multiculturalism, and tighten laws that will protect marginalized communities.

All of that matters. A lot.

So no matter how devastating the news, how steep the losses, how foul the opposition, we must continue.

The fight is hard and often exhausting. But it matters. It’s critical. And you are on the right side of it.

Remember that as you take your actions today.

P.S. — For the subscribers who are literally covering my bills I’ve launched a Friday paid subscriber thread with a new Dolly picture, a beautiful novel to recommend, and some thoughts on the phrase “thanks for your support.” Come check it out!

Call Your Senators (find yours here) 📲

Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.

I’m calling to say that I strongly support Gigi Sohn’s confirmation to the FCC board and would like to see the vote happen as soon as possible. Cable industry opposition has stalled Ms. Sohn's confirmation because they know a fully functional FCC would hold them accountable for engaging in discriminatory and anticompetitive practices. I want the Senate to stop giving in to their demands and confirm Sohn now. We need a consumer advocate on the FCC. Thanks.

Call Your House Rep (find yours here) 📲

Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.

[If Democrat:]

The last few weeks have shown that the Republicans in the House are intent on pursuing awful policies—like making cuts to Social Security and Medicare, pursuing pointless investigations, and giving tax cuts to the wealthy and big corporations. I’m glad I have a representative who will stand against these things, because Democrats need to show a strong alternative to the MAGA majority. So please ask the Congressmember to keep up the good work, and tell him/her that I expect him/her to continue to take the threats of the MAGA majority seriously and fight back, rather than going along with their destructive plans. ¹

[If GOP]

Republicans have shown that they’re intent on pursuing terrible policies like cuts to Social Security and Medicare, tax cuts for the wealthy and big corporations, and eliminating reproductive freedoms.

The GOP’s attacks on our economy, our freedom, and our democracy are infuriating and inappropriate, and I expect more from my elected representative. I will be holding him/her accountable at the ballot box. ²

Extra Credit ✅

An action from the excellent Rogan’s List:

Earlier this month, the Florida Department of Education rejected a pilot Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies course due to concerns over intersectionality, queer history, Black feminism, reparations, and other topics that it claims violate Florida law (and for being “woke indoctrination”). Since then, the College Board has announced that the pilot course has been revised, though it will not state whether that is in response to Florida's ban. Let's contact the College Board and tell them that they cannot allow racist and homophobic state officials to dictate what is taught across the country, and that the original content is crucial to accurately depicting Black history in the United States. We can reach them via their website here.

I said (largely borrowing from Rogan’s text):

I understand that your AP African American Studies pilot course has been revised. I'm writing to oppose this, and to say that you shouldn't allow racist and homophobic state officials to dictate what is taught across the country. The original content is crucial to accurately depicting Black history in the United States. Allowing an extremist Governor to dictate academic curricula is dangerous and wrong. It's also deeply harmful to a community that's already suffered unspeakable oppression and erasure. Reverse course, please! Thanks.

Please personalize and send. Don’t forget to choose “AP” as your subject. Thanks!

Extra Extra Credit ✅✅

Yesterday I decided to make a quick-send email for the APF board members who are supporting Cop City. So if you didn’t get a chance to send an email to every single one of them then, you can now do it easily by clicking here (it won’t work if you use a VPN). Remember to personalize and add your name and city at the end. And please share it!

Get Smart! 📚

If you want to learn more about both the Cop City fight and the killing of Tyre Nichols, I have the event for you from my amazing activist friend Kristina L. She starts with this:

For anyone from or with family in the south - this is an excellent opportunity to join together to make some sense and take collective action. Stephanie and Kelly Sue are incredible organizers with huge hearts and sharp political analysis. 💕

She then forwards the following invitation from Southern Crossroads.

Last week, the police killed two of our folks. One in Memphis and one in Atlanta. Join us next Saturday, February 4th at 2pm CST as we talk about the struggles happening in Atlanta and Memphis and what it’s got to do with all our towns and neighborhoods. Bring your questions, your friends, and your phone.

Saturday, February 4, 2023 2:00 PM -  3:30 PM CT. Sign up here.

Spread the Word! 📣

STAT OF THE DAY

One-third: New CNN polling shows that fewer than one-third of Americans believe that House GOP leaders are prioritizing the country’s most important issues.

Resistbot Letter (new to Resistbot? Go here! And then here.) 💻

[to your HOUSE rep] [Source] [Quick send: text SIGN PXYMCE to 50409]

Today, on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, new bipartisan legislation — the Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons (HEAL) Act — is being introduced in the House with more than 60 cosponsors. I wanted to make sure you were one of them.

The bipartisan bill is led by Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), and co-led by Co-Chair of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism Congresswoman Kathy Manning (NC-6), House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (TX-10), and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1).

The HEAL Act is bipartisan legislation asking the Holocaust Memorial Museum to conduct a study on Holocaust education efforts in public schools nationwide. Given the rise of antisemitism and Holocaust denial here at home and around the world, we need leaders willing to stand up now, and stand together against antisemitism, and all forms of bigotry, hatred, and intolerance, which have no place in our country or world.

Please make sure you’re an original co-sponsor on this bill. Thanks.

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OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.

Talk soon.

Jess

1. Indivisible script for Dem reps

2. Indivisible script for GOP reps