Chop Wood, Carry Water 2/10
Hi, all, and happy Friday.
It’s been a wild week, but we’ve survived and even thrived once again. Meanwhile, the Republicans are making fools of themselves on the public stage, getting subpoenaed, and, as I mentioned yesterday, losing in the polls. It’s a perfect example of getting “hoist by one’s own petard,” and I’m enjoying it a bit more than I ought to.
Which isn’t to say that Republicans aren’t still supremely dangerous, because they are. But it feels good to laugh at them, and, since I know they hate being laughed at, it seems a profitable thing to do!
But laughing isn’t all we’ll engage in. Because our ultimate goal must be to rob the MAGA party (and its backers) of all power, and that’s what we’ll keep working towards, one small action, one small election, one small effort at a time.
While simultaneously, of course, working to build a better country using every tool at our disposal.
Chop wood. Carry water. It’s how we survive. It’s how we thrive.
It’s how we win.
Call Your Senators (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
I know that as early as today a Trump-appointed federal judge could order the FDA to withdraw approval of mifepristone [muh·fuh·pri·stown], part of a two-medication protocol that is used for over half of all abortions in the United States. This is judicial overreach and it’s outrageous—this safe and effective medication is used not just for abortions but to treat miscarriages. I want the Senator to work to find a legislative route to legalizing this critically important drug. Thanks.
Call Your House Rep (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
I know that as early as today a Trump-appointed federal judge could order the FDA to withdraw approval of mifepristone [muh·fuh·pri·stown], part of a two-medication protocol that is used for over half of all abortions in the United States. This is judicial overreach and it’s outrageous—this safe and effective medication is used not just for abortions but to treat miscarriages. I want the Congressmember to work to find a legislative route to legalizing this critically important drug. Thanks.
Extra Credit ✅
In December, the Huntington Beach, CA City Council flipped to a Republican majority. Last week, one of the new, right wing councilmembers introduced an agenda item that would eliminate flying the pride flag over city facilities during Pride month.
At the Feb 7th council meeting, a majority of public commenters spoke in support of keeping the current flag ordinance and not making any changes. The council also received about 225 emails requesting the pride flag remain flying in Huntington Beach City.
Unfortunately, the alt right majority voted 4-3 to no longer fly the pride flag.
The Huntington Beach High School Gender Sexuality Alliance launched a change.org petition asking the Huntington Beach city council to reverse its decision and keep the pride flag flying on city facilities during Pride month. Let’s sign and help amplify it.
Get Smart! 📚
Embracerace.org, an inclusive and thoughtful website, has just produced a document providing “insights from leading experts on what more can be done to teach children about race in healthy, affirming ways."
It’s called “Reflections on Children’s Racial Learning,” and it can be found here.
[Thanks to reader Christopher LeeKeenan for drawing this to my attention!]
Spread the Word! 📣
Please amplify this tweet. If you want to post the video on another social channel I recommend using twitter video downloader to download the video. It’s easy and only takes a few seconds. I also posted a slightly longer version of this video on my Instagram here if you want to repost. Please use the hashtag #RepublicansHateSocialSecurity.
Give 💰!
Did you know there’s another critical (and obscure) special election coming up on 2/21 for New Hampshire House District Strafford 8?
The November election was tied (!) which resulted in a new, special election for this seat.
With such a narrow margin in the chamber, 197-201, we need to hold every seat to have the best possible chance to block the rightwing majority’s agenda in the House. For the same reasons, the rightwing is motivated to keep this seat to expand their majority.
If you’d like to chip in for this election, Ralph and Marty’s Giving Circle is already raising money for the States Project for NH 2023. Please give if you can!
Win Races! 🗳
Who can phonebank for the Wisconsin Supreme Court race tomorrow? The Grassroots Dems and their partners (including this newsletter) have a shift on Saturdays from 10AM-12PM PST. It’s so important! EARLY VOTING HAS STARTED and no one in Wisconsin has the slightest idea what’s happening and how important this election is. Please sign up for a shift here. We need you!
Can’t do that? You can sign up for my Wednesday phonebank at the same link. Also, there are many, many other ways to help here.
Resistbot Letter (new to Resistbot? Go here! And then here.) 💻
[to all 3 reps] [H/T] [Quick send: text SIGN PRQGPV to 50409]
I was happy to hear President Biden call for the passage of the Junk Fees Prevention Act, but it appears that such a bill has yet to be introduced in either chamber of Congress. I’d like you to remedy that by introducing this bill right away. Americans have had enough of these excess charges and want them stopped as soon as possible.
This bill must contain a crackdown on hidden fees on tickets for sporting, music and other entertainment venues, a ban on seating fees charged by airlines for families with children, the elimination of early termination fees for TV, phone and internet service, and a cessation of surprise resort and destination fees.
This is an easy way to help Americans afford to pay their bills. Please make it a priority. Thanks.
OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.
Talk soon.
Jess
Thank you for including the pronunciation of mifepristone