Chop Wood, Carry Water 2/23
Hi, all, and happy Friday!
TGIF, huh? It’s been, to put it mildly, a long week.
One of my subscribers sent me the following quote yesterday. I’ve read it before but it’s been a minute; it definitely bears repeating. It’s by the wonderful Howard Zinn.
He wrote:
To be hopeful in bad times is based on the fact that human history is not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act. And if we do act, in however small a way, we don't have to wait for some grand Utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory.
I couldn’t have said it better, and I won’t even try. I’ll simply add: We stand on the shoulders of giants. Never forget it.
And remember that you’re one of them. Thank you for putting your strong, brave shoulders into this fight with me.
Call Your Senators (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
I’m calling to see if the Senator has yet called for an investigation into Senator Grassley and Reps Comer and Jordan—they’ve been using Russian disinformation to pursue a bogus impeachment inquiry into President Biden and, in the process, serving as “Russia’s useful dupes.” But were they dupes? We have to know what they knew and when they knew it. Has the Senator called for hearings yet? Because the Smirnov news is a big deal—these lawmakers could be collaborating with the enemy. I expect my Senator to act with urgency. Thanks.
Call Your House Rep (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
I’m calling in support of a new bill called the Stop Politicians Profiting From War Act, (HR 7264). It would prohibit members of Congress, their spouses, and their dependent children from having financial interests in ANY company that does business with the Pentagon. 97 members of Congress or their family members invested in weapons contractor stocks between 2019 and 2021. 25 of them sat on committees responsible for shaping national “security” policy while they traded. That’s a conflict of interest and it’s wrong. Will the Congressmember co-sponsor this bill right away?
[If GOP add:] Also, I understand that Republicans are planning on shutting down the government next week if they can’t get poison pill provisions added to their appropriations bills. With what just happened to Nex Benedict in Oklahoma are Republicans really going to double down on anti-trans policies? Stop this right away and pass clean funding bills. Thanks.
Extra Credit ✅
First, here’s a MoveOn petition to the DOJ about Nex Benedict. Please sign.
Second, let’s call the DOJ comment line (202-353-1555) and demand an investigation into Nex’s death. You’ll likely just be leaving a voicemail.
Say something like:
My name is ____ and I live in [city, state]. I’m calling to demand that the DOJ launch a Civil Rights investigation into the death of Nex Benedict. There is real doubt about the credibility of local investigators' ability to impartially carry out justice. Nex’s family deserves a full, thorough, and transparent investigation into what happened. If hate crimes were committed they need to be prosecuted. Thanks.
Get Smart! 📚
Do you know what’s holding up the expansion of Child Tax Credit in Congress? What about funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)? Or SNAP?
Moms Rising knows, and they’d love to dive deep into these needed policies and what exactly is preventing them from becoming a reality for families who need them.
On Tuesday, February 27th, 2024, at 8:30pm ET / 5:30pm PT, they’re holding an informational session in which they’ll talk about the CTC, WIC, and the challenges facing family-friendly policies in Congress. They’ll also tell you how you can help.
Spread the Word! 📣
Want to help amplify the DNC’s message online? Join Reach to start receiving daily content updates and access to graphics and videos. Click HERE to join via desktop or mobile app. They’re cranking out really good stuff every day a day and they make it really easy to share it!
Give 💰!
The New York Buddy Group has announced the next in its “Swing State Series.” It’ll be focussed on Ohio, and it’s on Tuesday, February 27 from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM ET.
Join the Buddy Group for conversation with esteemed Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, Reps. Marcy Kaptur, Greg Landsman and Emilia Sykes, moderated by Dayton native son Martin Sheen, aka West Wing's President Bartlet. No minimum donation required to attend.
RSVP Here
Win Races! 🗳
Join Silver Spring Progressive Action on Monday, February 26 to call Arizona Dems and encourage them to register to vote by mail. Voting by mail is both easier and more reliable. Arizona is one of our battleground states, with “swing-y” races for President, Senator and several House seats. Help make sure every Democrat knows the best way to vote! Training and script are provided; learn more and sign up here.
Chop Wood, Save the Planet 🔥
Join SAFE Cities and Stand.earth on February 28th at 4:00 pm PT / 7:00 pm ET for “The Cost of Convenience - How e-commerce is Rapidly Changing our Cities.” Learn how the e-commerce sector is affecting our climate and how we can start to reign it in.
Resistbot Letter (new to Resistbot? Go here! And then here.) 💻
[To: POTUS] [H/T] [Text SIGN PYFTJP to Resistbot at 50409]
Under Trump-holdover Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s failing leadership, Americans have seen slower mail deliveries and increased costs. There have been five rate increases since 2020. Additionally, slashing U.S. Postal Service jobs, coupled with closing and consolidating mail centers, continues to delay the mail. These harms to the USPS and the American people were all conducted under DeJoy’s disastrous 10-year plan.
What’s more, it’s an election year, and DeJoy has a history of obstructing voting by mail.
In order to save the USPS and support the access of the American people, DeJoy must go! To oust him, we must have a USPS Board of Governors willing to do just that.
Right now, President Biden can nominate two new public servants to open seats on the Board who will stand up to DeJoy’s destructive leadership and advocate strongly for expanding USPS services. Over 80 U.S. Congresspeople, including members of the committee overseeing the Postal Service, are urging him to do just that and finally oust DeJoy. So do it, please!
I am fed up with DeJoy’s mismanagement of the USPS. President Biden must take action to have him removed. Please nominate the two new members to the USPS Board of Governors needed to fire Louis DeJoy and expand postal services.
OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.
Talk soon.
Jess
Just called one of my senators, and their office answered!
Thank you for all you do! Your info makes it so handy and efficient to actually take action, virtually every day. I had no idea about Resistbot and so many of the groups you feature. Thank you!!
Update from yesterday’s post. At LEAST $625 worth of Biden shirts flew off the shelves. See you all at the grocery store. (One of those shirts was me, buying my fifth Biden shirt)👕 🛒!