Chop Wood, Carry Water 1/30
“The future depends upon what we do in the present.”
—Mahatma Gandhi
Hi, all, and happy Monday.
This weekend we grieved. Today we grieve still, but also act.
And look, it’s not enough to act when the headlines are focussed on a single horrific event. Change will only come when enough of us act persistently, consistently, and tirelessly—even when people have stopped paying attention.
So let’s commit to doing that.
In light of what’s happening I want to recommend a book called Caste by the wonderful author Isabelle Wilkerson. Many of you will have read it, but if you haven’t, please consider doing so now. It defines and explains the caste system white supremacy has created in our country, and puts a comprehensible framework around the “Black on Black” violence we’ve just witnessed, as well as so much more of what we’re seeing in America in this moment. It really is a must-read.
Caste systems, of course, are punishingly hard to break. But break ours we must, lest it break us. So let’s each of us commit to doing what we can, when we can, as we can. Whether it’s working to pass legislation to create more just law enforcement structures, or volunteering to help Black progressives win their races, or lobbying lawmakers to stop gun violence, or donating to increase abortion access, or running for school board to protect public education and stop book bans—all of it plays a part in disrupting the system that has poisoned—and continues to poison—our country.
Tough times. But we’re tougher. We may not feel like it, but, as they say, feelings aren’t facts.
Actions are. So let’s take some one more time.
Call Your Senators (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
I’m calling to urge the Senate to immediately pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. I’m outraged watching Black man after Black man brutally murdered by law enforcement officers—officers who are drunk on power and certain they won’t be held accountable. Enough is enough. We don’t want thoughts and prayers. We want legislation to stop the carnage. And please reject any and all police reforms that expand police budgets. More money is CLEARLY not the answer. Thanks.
Call Your House Rep (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
I’m calling to urge the House to immediately pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. I am outraged watching Black man after Black man brutally murdered by law enforcement officers—officers who are drunk on power and certain they won’t be held accountable. Enough is enough. We don’t want thoughts and prayers. We want legislation to stop the carnage. And please reject any and all police reforms that expand police budgets. More money is CLEARLY not the answer.
[If Dem add:] Also, I want the Congressmember and his/her fellow Democrats to demand that Republicans lift the debt ceiling now, without conditions. I am also asking that s/he refuse to negotiate with the hostage-takers on this issue. Thanks.1
Extra Credit ✅
Color of Change is asking us to sign and amplify this petition with specific asks for local reform from Tyre Nichols’ family. Please do.
Extra Extra Credit ✅✅
If you’re a white person please consider signing up with the wonderful organization Showing Up for Racial Justice. They offer such easy and concrete ways for white folks to get involved in the fight against white supremacy in all of its forms. And let’s be honest: if we’re not actively working to improve the situation in some way at this point we’re part of the problem. So let’s get on board with SURJ or another organization like it.
Get Smart! 📚
The White House is holding a briefing Tuesday, January 31st at 12:30 pm ET to tell stakeholders (that’s us!) more about recent Biden-Harris Administration conservation actions. You’ll hear from senior officials from the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture.
Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture finalized protections for the Tongass National Forest in Alaska, the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest. The Biden-Harris administration also took action last week to protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and surrounding watershed, a spectacular network of rivers, lakes and forests in northeastern Minnesota that comprise the most heavily visited wilderness area in the United States. Learn more about all of this and more at the webinar!
Spread the Word! 📣
STAT OF THE DAY
30,000 jobs — Thanks in large part to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a new project set to replace the 150-year-old Baltimore and Potomac Tunnel will create 30,000 good-paying, union jobs, including approximately 20,000 direct construction jobs, most of which do not require a college degree.
Win Races #1!
I’ll be making calls into Pennsylvania with Turn PA Blue today at 1PM PT. These calls are SO FUN! This election is coming up and losing is not an option. We need more callers! Please come!
Win Races #2! 🗳
HELP WANTED FOR POSTCARDS for the Feb. 7th PA Special Elections!!
PostcardsToVoters.org volunteers are writing postcards for the critical Feb. 7th Special Elections for PA State House!! We only have a few more days to write so any number you can do, even four or five postcards helps! To join PTV, text “join” 484-275-2229 or email join@tonythedemocrat.org. Or email SQoneill@mac.com if you need help or just want a few addresses. Deadline to mail is Tuesday, unless you are in a state adjacent to PA, in which case you can mail from inside a PO Wednesday too!
Resistbot Letter (new to Resistbot? Go here! And then here.) 💻
[to all 3 reps] [H/T] [Quick send text SIGN PYFIBX to 50409]
Earlier this month, billionaires and Big Business celebrated the 13th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling.
During the past 13 years, we’ve seen the damage that billions of dollars in secret money spending has done to our democracy. Spending on federal, state and local elections has exploded, with an estimated $16.7 billion spent on the 2022 elections, and progress on key issues Americans care about has been stalled.
It’s far past time to overturn the Supreme Court’s dangerous Citizens United ruling and restore a democracy where everyday people can make their voices heard.
Congress must act to protect the freedom to vote and create a democracy that works for all of us. You have the power to pass legislation — like the DISCLOSE Act — which would enforce greater transparency and accountability for dark money spending in our elections. Do so right away, please! This is a priority for me. Thanks.
OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.
Talk soon.
Jess
Language from Indivisible Sonoma County
thank you for action we can offer everyone!
When George Floyd was murdered my niece, then a seminary student, organized 3 or 4 virtual groups called Time to Talk About Hard Things. We read books about racism including Caste. It opened my eyes and made my heart ache for my Black friends It angers me that I was taught nothing about Black history so I’m trying to make up for lost time.