Chop Wood, Carry Water 3/10
Your tireless efforts matter.
“Human progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability. It comes through the tireless efforts and the persistent work of dedicated individuals.”
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Hi, all, and happy Thursday!
One of my readers alerted me to the fact that the Walt Disney Company has reversed course — they are now publicly taking a position against the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Bravo! Of course, it’s too little, too late, but still, it’s a victory, and we should acknowledge it as such.
As soon as I saw the article I decided to check to see how many people had clicked on the link I made to send Disney a letter. I was delighted to see that some 3000 people had! And counting!
Our voices do matter, y’all. Even the largest corporations have to keep consumers happy, and Disney is no exception. Such corporations do—for better or worse—have an exaggerated amount of pull with politicians. We have more work to do getting Disney to stop funding the Florida GOP, but the good news is—we know how to do it. And we know that they’re listening.
This is a long fight. There will be many, many battles. Some we will win. Some we will lose.
But as for the war?
Our victory is absolutely certain.
Call Your Senators (find yours here)
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
I’m calling to say I’d like the Senator to co-sponsor S.142 – the Global HER Act. It’s past time for us to get rid of the Global Gag Rule forever. I’d also like them to push for the passage of S.1864 – the Reproductive Rights are Human Rights Act. Please get these bills passed now! [H/T and more info]
One more thing: I’m thrilled that the Postal Service Reform Act passed, but I’m incredibly frustrated that Louis DeJoy is still the head of the USPS. I know there are two nominees for the USPS board who are waiting to be confirmed. Why hasn’t that happened yet? I want them confirmed so we can get DeJoy out of there! Thanks.
Call Your House Rep (find yours here)
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
Reproductive freedom is really important to me, not just here in the US, but across the world. So I want the Congressmember to support the health and lives of women worldwide by cosponsoring the H.R.556 – the Global HER Act, and H.R.1670 – the Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act. I’d also like them to push for the passage of H.R.3576 – the Reproductive Rights are Human Rights Act. Please get these bills passed now! Thanks. [H/T and more info]
Extra Credit ✅
Please send to President Biden, please, either through his webform or via Resistbot [quicksend text SIGN PSWACX to 50409.] [H/T]
The impacts of the humanitarian tragedy in Ukraine are being felt not just in Europe–where electricity, heating, and food costs are set to soar–but here in the U.S. as the price of oil and gas skyrockets.
Mr. President, you can deploy your executive powers to weaken the geopolitical power of fossil fuels, address the climate emergency, and prevent further mass suffering.
I urge you to utilize the Defense Production Act to ramp up the deployment of renewable energy to transition the world off fossil fuels and generate millions of good quality, union jobs. The DPA can provide the historic opportunity to produce alternatives to fossil fuels, fight the climate emergency, combat the stranglehold that Putin and other dictators have on the world’s energy economy, and support the transition to a renewable and just economy. Please invoke it now! Thanks.
Get Smart! 📚
On March 15, Tuesday, 5 pm PT / 8 pm ET we have the opportunity to hear a really great speaker: Billy Wimsatt, founder and director of the Movement Voter Project. He’ll be joined by Rai LaNier of Michigan Liberation and Dreama Caldwell of Down Home North Carolina. There will be a money ask at the end, because this is put on by Airlift (one of the groups on my “Where to Give” list), but giving is totally optional.
Billy and his co-hosts will talk about grassroots organizing on a state level and why it matters for national politics. Highly recommend.
Win Races! 🗳
Activate America is starting a postcarding campaign for Cheri Beasley! She’s the only viable candidate in the Democratic primary coming up in North Carolina, and these cards will remind infrequent Democratic voters to show up!
These cards encourage early voting, which starts on April 28th. The last day to request addresses is April 15th. Please write a few cards to help this fantastic candidate. You must provide your own postcards.
P.S. Interested in helping more with North Carolina races? I have a doc for that, and a mailing list to receive the occasional NC-related action alerts.
Resistbot Text (new to Resistbot? Go here! And then here.)
[to all 3 reps] [H/T] [quick send text SIGN PGJUYY to 50409]
I’m writing to ask Congress to increase federal spending in FY2022 to reflect the needs of your constituents. The Trump-era budget we’re using is wholly inadequate to the needs of Americans.
On everything from combating the opioid epidemic to strengthening our schools to improving veterans’ health care, it’s critical that Congress pass an omnibus appropriations bill by March 11th with updated funding to ensure our families and communities are receiving the support they need from the federal government.
Since 2010, 68% of programs of importance to people with low and moderate incomes have seen their funding cut, taking inflation into account.
I urge you to take immediate action to increase investments in education, housing, child welfare services, job training, nutrition, home heating and cooling for people with low incomes, and more.
A failure to do so is directly hurting our communities. Thanks.
OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.
Talk tomorrow.
Jess
They do!!!! USPS, Disney !what a week- postcards in hand, Senators and Reps called, letter to our President done- ETC - Thank you for your constant cheerleading!!!!