Chop Wood, Carry Water 3/22
Optimism isn’t a belief that things will automatically get better; it’s a conviction that we can make things better.
—Melinda Gates
Hi, all.
A good friend handed me a book the other day and said “I just finished this. Read it.”
I looked down to find that it was a biography of Paul Farmer called “Mountains Beyond Mountains.”
I, like many of us, have heard vaguely of Paul Farmer. His name came up a lot recently due to his untimely death at the age of 62. But I must confess that beyond that I knew little about him.
The book is changing that, and…wow.
Farmer, of course, was a brilliant doctor and pioneer in the field of public health. His personal obsession was improving health outcomes for the very poorest and most underserved populations in the world. He spent a huge amount of time in Haiti, and I gather in parts of Africa as well, although I’m not up to that part in the book yet.
But this much is clear: Farmer decided he wanted to make a difference in the world. And my God, did he. Just one person. Literally tens of thousands of lives—-maybe more— not just changed, but literally saved.
He didn’t say: “I am only one person. What can I do?”
He said: “I am one person. I can do SO MUCH.”
As a result, what a legacy he left behind.
There’s no reason at all we cannot do the same. So today let’s channel our inner Paul Farmers and try to do just a bit more to help this ailing world.
Together we can change a lot of lives. Imagine that.
Call Your Senators (find yours here)
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
First, I just read that the U.S. has run out of money to buy a potential fourth dose of vaccine for all Americans. This while a new variant is on the rise. We have made great progress in tackling the pandemic, but we threaten that progress if we don't continue to fund the tools that allowed us to get here. Please ask the Senator to vote for more COVID funding now. Thanks.
Second, I want the Senate to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson ASAP, please. We all know she’s wildly qualified. There should be no delay. Thanks.
Call Your House Rep (find yours here)
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
First, I just read that the U.S. has run out of money to buy a potential fourth dose of vaccine for all Americans. This while a new variant is on the rise. We have made great progress in tackling the pandemic, but we threaten that progress if we don't continue to fund the tools that allowed us to get here. Please ask the Congressmember to vote for more COVID funding now. Thanks.
Extra Credit ✅
Let’s help Americans for Tax Fairness & Social Security Works with a “tweet storm” today. It’s REALLY important that we amplify how awful the GOP’s plans are as we get closer to November.
Today’s posts are highlighting the Republican plan to raise working families' taxes (instead of billionaires' and corporations') and "sunset" Social Security and Medicare. Horrifying.
You can find sample tweets and graphics here, and some helpful talking points here. I did this one:
Get Smart! 📚
The midterms are 8 months away, and the window is closing for early investments that will ensure optimal results for 2022.
On Wednesday, March 23rd @ 5pm PT, Focus for Democracy will be presenting a comprehensive analysis of the 2022 landscape and why supporting Working America with an early onramp can make the difference in the midterms and 2024. Should be really interesting. Click here to register.
Win Races! 🗳
I’ve signed up to make calls with Sunrise for Jessica Cisneros tomorrow from 3-6 PDT / 6-9 EDT. Are you free to join me? I WANT TO WIN THIS RACE SO BADLY!! Henry Cuellar is the woooooorst!
Good progressives don’t win unless we help them. Use this link to sign up.
Can’t phonebank but have some spare cash? Make a donation to Jessica here.
Resistbot Text (new to Resistbot? Go here! And then here.)
[to your Senators] [H/T] [Quick send: text SIGN POCFTP TO 50409]
President Biden has nominated Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court. This is a historic and joyous moment. Judge Jackson is a brilliant and fair-minded jurist, and she would be the first Black woman to ever serve on the Supreme Court.
Throughout her career, Judge Jackson has earned a stellar reputation and possesses a deep commitment to fairness and equal justice for all. The Senate must come together at this moment.
As your constituent, I expect you to confirm Judge Jackson. Anything less is unacceptable. Respect our existence or expect our resistance.
OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.
Talk tomorrow.
Jess
I read Farmer's book when it was first published. To say it was inspirational, is such an understatement. He asked us to question normal structures that provide obstacles to doing the right and compassionate thing. He was a wonderful and powerful human. I literally burst into tears when I heard of his death. So young. Imagine what he could have done with another 20 or 30 years...40?
Reaching out to the Senators again. You keep me on track. Thank you :)
I read Mountains Beyond Mountains when it first came out and it was life changing and followed Paul since and devastated by the loss of someone doing so much good in the world! Now watch the Documentary Bending the Arc! He will continue to inspire! And you are one amazing motivator yourself! ♥️🙏🏼