Hi, all, and happy Wednesday!
Heather Cox Richardson wrote these words in a recent newsletter:
One of the curses of history is that we cannot go back and change the course leading to disasters, no matter how much we might wish to. The past has its own terrible inevitability. But it is never too late to change the future.
That’s what we’re doing here, every day. Changing the future. It’s powerful work, and couldn’t be more important.
Tomorrow we have an opportunity to make more than the usual change. So even though you feel afraid, or hopeless, or overwhelmed, please sign up here for an event commemorating our democracy’s survival last January 6th. After all, millions of Americans showing up to vigils, postcard parties, phonebanks and voter registration drives all over the country sends a powerful message—one that will, in turn, bring hope and encouragement to those as yet too dispirited to participate.
Because here’s the thing: Action inspires action. By joining this list you became not just a foot soldier, but a leader. Your actions will galvanize and encourage others. Your determination to not sit helplessly and watch our democracy die will push others to get off the sidelines.
Your courage will fuel others’ courage.
So grab a couple of friends and sign up for a January 6th event here. There’s something for everyone.
It’s never too late to change the future. Thanks for doing so with me.
Call Your Senators (find yours here)
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
[to all Senators] I want the Senator to support S. 79, the "Eliminating a Quantifiably Unjust Application of the Law" (EQUAL) Act. The EQUAL Act would create 1:1 penalties for crack and powder cocaine, bringing thousands home from prison and shortening future sentences.
Also, I want the Senator to do everything in his/her power to pass the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting rights Advancement Act. Our democracy is hanging by a thread. [If a Democratic Senator, and not Manchin or Sinema, add:] And I want the Senator to do everything in their power to convince Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema that a Senate rules change is necessary. It’s time to get loud and creative. History will thank you, and so will your constituents. Thanks.
Call Your House Rep (find yours here)
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
I’m very concerned about high drug prices in our country. I want him/her to support and push through H.R.3 – the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, which would protect Medicare enrollee from excessive costs and unfair prices. Thanks. [H/T]
Register Voters 1! 🗳
Did you know you can write voter registration postcards from home using Field Team 6’s beautiful Shephard Fairy postcards, their scripts, and addresses they provide? This is such important work, and they have SO MANY cards to write. Consider signing up to write some as part of your commitment to democracy.
Register Voters 2! 🗳
The phonebank I’m running tomorrow from 4-6 PST will be doing voter registration calls into Arizona (in partnership with Field Team Six!) Consider this:
In 2020, Biden/Harris won AZ by 10,457 votes – a razor-thin victory.
To save our Senate majority, we need to re-elect Mark Kelly!
To save our House majority, we need to re-elect Tom O’Halleran (AZ-01) and boot David Schweikert (AZ-06).
We need to register AZ Democrats – especially to vote by mail.
Come and join me! Register here. I’ll tell you what you need to do, then we’ll all make calls together!
Resistbot Text (new to Resistbot? Go here!)
[to your DEMOCRATIC Senators and President Biden] [H/T] [Quick send to Senators text SIGN PPXJDI to 50409] [send to POTUS (modified text) by texting SIGN PELLVE to 50409]
In red and swing states, Republicans are ramming through new, highly partisan voting restrictions clearly aimed at preventing Democrats—particularly voters of color—from casting ballots. They are also enacting laws that will make it easier for Republican office holders and officials to overturn election outcomes so that their candidates can take office regardless of the popular will. The Senate must pass new voting rights legislation immediately!
It is now clear that not a single Senate Republican will support voting rights legislation of any sort, and that they will use the filibuster to prevent the Democratic majority from passing new voter protection laws. While I support filibuster reform ideas such as “talking filibuster” and “41 votes to sustain” they will not be enough to enact a voting rights bill, because restricting Democratic voters is the essential element necessary for Republicans to regain and retain power in a nation where the majority oppose their anti-democratic, pro-fossil fuel, pro-Wall Street agenda.
As my senator, I want you to carve out a filibuster exemption for voting rights bills. Period. The stakes are immeasurably high. Please do the right thing. Thanks.
OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.
Talk tomorrow.
Jess