Not exactly related to the events on this newsletter but I do have some exciting news! I sent a letter to the New York Bar, in February, requesting they look into my senator here in TN, Bill Haggerty. He is licensed in NY. In my letter, I suggested that the Bar look into the complicity of Bill Haggerty as crimes were being committed. Sen. Haggerty has made no comment on those crimes, this is a blatant violation of the Bar. I received a response last week that my letter had merit and moved it to the next step! Not sure where it will end up but at least we are doing all things possible!
Hi, Jessica. Thanks for all you are doing. It's a lot and it's working!
I want to send along something we learned from Anat Shenker-Osorio last week. Please refer to what happened to those Venezuelans as an ABDUCTION. What happened was NOT a deportation. Describing it as a legal process is misleading and inaccurate. Thank you!
I agree that the Tesla takedowns are democracy in action. I also walked the loop of several hundred folks present (both sides of a big street) talking to each cluster of folks about the upcoming April 5 rally nearby. Most knew of it, some thanked me for the reminder or asked time and detailed location, and probably 20 hadn't heard of it. I reminded all to spread the word. My social network isn't that big but I was able to spread the word and encourage participation in the next thing. Please do the same at your takedowns.
Indivisible sponsored an Empty Chair Townhall in Fayetteville, AR, last Saturday for our three out-of-view GOP legislators. It was amazing - standing room only. Speakers from local organizations who support groups who are being affected by this administration's policies spoke about real issues and real people and their real concerns. Coming together as a community was encouraging and empowering, and I got a chance to invite people to our newly formed Benton County League of Women Voters chapter!
California's two largest Retirement Systems own 9 MILLION shares of Tesla stock. I recently learned that CalPERS (California Public Employees' Retirement System) owned about 4.8 MILLION shares of Telsa stock as of December 31, 2024. And CalSTRS (California State Teachers Retirement Fund) owned 4.5 MILLION shares as of December 31. CalPERS has 2.3 million members and is the largest public pension fund in the United States. CalSTRS has 1 million members and is the largest educator-only pension fund in the world. Together, they own over 9 MILLION shares of Tesla stock. I guarantee that most members do not know this. I have talked to hundreds of Tesla protesters in San Francisco and Marin County, focusing on CalPERS and CalSTRS members, and not ONE person knew this. I am trying to get the word out. CalPERS and CalSTRS members need to write the CalPERS and CalSTRS board members, their State Assemblymember and State Senator, calling for the complete divestment from Tesla. These people are some of our elected officials, and they need to step up and protect us from Musk and Trump. Please help spread the word.
I will only say that we've been trying to get the STERS to divest from fossil fuel stocks for years now. They are n unyielding lot. Still, someone should launch a petiiton!
I know about the fossil fuel effort with PERS and STRS. I still think this is easier and do-able because it is just one stock (not a whole class of stocks), together with the current disgust with Elon Musk, plus us citizens demanding that our electeds (and they are elected) DO SOMETHING. This is one thing that they could actually do. Shame on them if they don't send Elon Musk a message on behalf of the millions of us proud civil servants they represent.
Tesla Takedowns are great. Went to one in Rep. Lawler's district (NY-17, one of the swingiest) a couple weeks ago -- very large # of positive honks, waves, fists from drivers going by!
Part of being an effective movement is learning what works and why, from people who do it in tough places. Please join us at 4 pm ET/1 pm PT today for Winning in Rural America - The North Carolina Story, https://www.mobilize.us/swingbluealliance/event/760589/. Hear from an organizer, a Congressman and one of the leading strategists and funders of this work. Chop Wood Carry Water, Lean Left VT and All In for NC are sponsoring this event.
A lot of innocent people are being hurt by Tesla takedowns. We all hate Elon Musk. But it would be much better to protest Republican MoCs.
Most Tesla owners purchased their car years ago to try to help save the planet. Most Tesla employees are just trying to make a living for their families. By holding our Republican members of Congress accountable and forcing them to have town halls and to respond to us and turning out in large numbers to force them to stop musk and saved democracy is a much more effective use of our time.
Tesla owners are now fearful, and they are innocent.
No one I know is mad at Tesla owners! Everyone understands that they bought their cars with only the best intentions. The protests are aimed at the brand--not them!
Wish that was true Jessica. Not everyone has your heart or understanding.
The unintended consequences are also damaging. Resale value. Fear. Loss of dealerships and charging stations.
If you only have the one car and can’t afford to sell because too much value has gone, or worry about what state it will be in when you return to the parking lot, or feel sick every time someone gives you the finger or evil eye, then there is additional anxiety on top of all else that’s happening.
Targeting protests at Tesla Board members meetings and homes might cause them to jettison musk. That would be great.
There were also rallies and learning events across the country at different national parks on March 22. There were about 50 people at the one I attended--Minute Man National Historic Park in MA. For more info, check out Resistance Rangers.
oooh thank you! Emily would you email that to me so I can put a blurb in the newsletter? For that matter want to email me a blurb? hijesscraven101@gmail.com
I and over 23,000 "friends" were at the AOC and Bernie rally in Tucson, AZ on Saturday. The sun was brutally hot, already in March, but it was amazing to see the support for democracy! Thanks, Jessica for all you do to keep us activated.
Hi, I was at Valley Forge National Park in PA on Saturday attending a Protect Our Parks Rally and Teach-In hosted by Main Line Environmentalists. Met some great people and we shared why our National Parks are important in our lives. Then we marched to a Memorial Arch. I think there were between 200-300 people (my estimate). Anyway, I got energized and will be looking for more events to attend this weekend.
Thank you! Was able to ascertain that my House member is a co-sponsor of all three, and was able to call and thank him. He deserves thanks and I also want him to know I’m paying attention.
Click in the links in the text. Then find the link on that page that says All Information (except text). On my phone it was on the lower right side of the page. I had to scroll to see it.
Click on all information and then scroll down. All the co- sponsors are listed. My Rep. has not yet sponsored any of them so I will be calling her office tomorrow!
I attended a standout for farmers in Hadley, MA on Sunday. These folks are on the hook for work they've done on their farms with government money. Except now the bills are due and the gov't money is nowhere to be seen. Felt wonderful to be standing on a street corner wiith 200-300 other people, listening to our Mass. state and federal politicians standing up for agriculture. That number included at least 7 of my neighbors from our small town of Wendell (pop. c. 990). We get it out here!! The tide is turning ...
Me (Janice Vocke) a longtime activist for over 50 years, who now has health issues that make it hard for me to stand for long. So I just bought a sit-upon walker to use so I can continue to protest! This photo is me at a Hell No! a protest to save the Post Office from privatization. It was 3/23/2025 at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia, WA.
Everyone please check out the photos and videos from the protest yesterday in Richmond, VA at St. John's Church, where they were commemorating the 250th anniversary of Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty or give me death speech." Gov. Glenn Youngkin, or "Trumpkin" as he's known around here, attended, although he clearly cannot understand Patrick Henry's message. The protest was peaceful, and yet we were told as we waited for Youngkin to come out of the church that we had to disperse or risk being arrested. Why? What law were we breaking?? As far as I could tell, no one dispersed, and I don't think anyone was arrested. PLEASE watch the video footage of Youngkin being booed and yelled at all the way to his waiting vehicle. I have watched it many times, and it never fails to disappoint. It makes me so proud of my hometown! Turn the volume up and enjoy!!
Everyone needs to read this article in today's Atlantic. It shows a serious breach of security on the part of DOD even as it shows what a clown show this administration is. In brief: the editor of the Atlantic was included in a text thread about imminent war plans!
Not exactly related to the events on this newsletter but I do have some exciting news! I sent a letter to the New York Bar, in February, requesting they look into my senator here in TN, Bill Haggerty. He is licensed in NY. In my letter, I suggested that the Bar look into the complicity of Bill Haggerty as crimes were being committed. Sen. Haggerty has made no comment on those crimes, this is a blatant violation of the Bar. I received a response last week that my letter had merit and moved it to the next step! Not sure where it will end up but at least we are doing all things possible!
WOW! That's incredible! OMG was that off of the action I put in here?
yes!
Hi, Jessica. Thanks for all you are doing. It's a lot and it's working!
I want to send along something we learned from Anat Shenker-Osorio last week. Please refer to what happened to those Venezuelans as an ABDUCTION. What happened was NOT a deportation. Describing it as a legal process is misleading and inaccurate. Thank you!
Yes! Right thank you!
I agree that the Tesla takedowns are democracy in action. I also walked the loop of several hundred folks present (both sides of a big street) talking to each cluster of folks about the upcoming April 5 rally nearby. Most knew of it, some thanked me for the reminder or asked time and detailed location, and probably 20 hadn't heard of it. I reminded all to spread the word. My social network isn't that big but I was able to spread the word and encourage participation in the next thing. Please do the same at your takedowns.
Indivisible sponsored an Empty Chair Townhall in Fayetteville, AR, last Saturday for our three out-of-view GOP legislators. It was amazing - standing room only. Speakers from local organizations who support groups who are being affected by this administration's policies spoke about real issues and real people and their real concerns. Coming together as a community was encouraging and empowering, and I got a chance to invite people to our newly formed Benton County League of Women Voters chapter!
That's so amazing, Michelle! Good for you!
California's two largest Retirement Systems own 9 MILLION shares of Tesla stock. I recently learned that CalPERS (California Public Employees' Retirement System) owned about 4.8 MILLION shares of Telsa stock as of December 31, 2024. And CalSTRS (California State Teachers Retirement Fund) owned 4.5 MILLION shares as of December 31. CalPERS has 2.3 million members and is the largest public pension fund in the United States. CalSTRS has 1 million members and is the largest educator-only pension fund in the world. Together, they own over 9 MILLION shares of Tesla stock. I guarantee that most members do not know this. I have talked to hundreds of Tesla protesters in San Francisco and Marin County, focusing on CalPERS and CalSTRS members, and not ONE person knew this. I am trying to get the word out. CalPERS and CalSTRS members need to write the CalPERS and CalSTRS board members, their State Assemblymember and State Senator, calling for the complete divestment from Tesla. These people are some of our elected officials, and they need to step up and protect us from Musk and Trump. Please help spread the word.
I will only say that we've been trying to get the STERS to divest from fossil fuel stocks for years now. They are n unyielding lot. Still, someone should launch a petiiton!
I know about the fossil fuel effort with PERS and STRS. I still think this is easier and do-able because it is just one stock (not a whole class of stocks), together with the current disgust with Elon Musk, plus us citizens demanding that our electeds (and they are elected) DO SOMETHING. This is one thing that they could actually do. Shame on them if they don't send Elon Musk a message on behalf of the millions of us proud civil servants they represent.
Tesla Takedowns are great. Went to one in Rep. Lawler's district (NY-17, one of the swingiest) a couple weeks ago -- very large # of positive honks, waves, fists from drivers going by!
Part of being an effective movement is learning what works and why, from people who do it in tough places. Please join us at 4 pm ET/1 pm PT today for Winning in Rural America - The North Carolina Story, https://www.mobilize.us/swingbluealliance/event/760589/. Hear from an organizer, a Congressman and one of the leading strategists and funders of this work. Chop Wood Carry Water, Lean Left VT and All In for NC are sponsoring this event.
A lot of innocent people are being hurt by Tesla takedowns. We all hate Elon Musk. But it would be much better to protest Republican MoCs.
Most Tesla owners purchased their car years ago to try to help save the planet. Most Tesla employees are just trying to make a living for their families. By holding our Republican members of Congress accountable and forcing them to have town halls and to respond to us and turning out in large numbers to force them to stop musk and saved democracy is a much more effective use of our time.
Tesla owners are now fearful, and they are innocent.
No one I know is mad at Tesla owners! Everyone understands that they bought their cars with only the best intentions. The protests are aimed at the brand--not them!
Wish that was true Jessica. Not everyone has your heart or understanding.
The unintended consequences are also damaging. Resale value. Fear. Loss of dealerships and charging stations.
If you only have the one car and can’t afford to sell because too much value has gone, or worry about what state it will be in when you return to the parking lot, or feel sick every time someone gives you the finger or evil eye, then there is additional anxiety on top of all else that’s happening.
Targeting protests at Tesla Board members meetings and homes might cause them to jettison musk. That would be great.
They are and should get bumper stickers that say F/Elon to make it clear whose side they are on.
Yes OMG Jeff sorry I didn't promote this as I said I would. I needed a remidner!
No worries. I didn't remind you enough. We had 105 -- great #. Let's do better on the 4/28 one, and ff.
There were also rallies and learning events across the country at different national parks on March 22. There were about 50 people at the one I attended--Minute Man National Historic Park in MA. For more info, check out Resistance Rangers.
oooh thank you! Emily would you email that to me so I can put a blurb in the newsletter? For that matter want to email me a blurb? hijesscraven101@gmail.com
Just sent!
I and over 23,000 "friends" were at the AOC and Bernie rally in Tucson, AZ on Saturday. The sun was brutally hot, already in March, but it was amazing to see the support for democracy! Thanks, Jessica for all you do to keep us activated.
I donated to WI and 2 FL races!!
Hi, I was at Valley Forge National Park in PA on Saturday attending a Protect Our Parks Rally and Teach-In hosted by Main Line Environmentalists. Met some great people and we shared why our National Parks are important in our lives. Then we marched to a Memorial Arch. I think there were between 200-300 people (my estimate). Anyway, I got energized and will be looking for more events to attend this weekend.
What about the companies that do not support DEI?
Boycott them all! I just don't have list in front of me. Do you?
You can also use an app I found called Goods Unite Us. You can search for companies or stores to figure out if you should shop there or not.
https://www.goodsuniteus.com/app/?amp=1
Is there somewhere we can see who current co-sponsors of these bills to protect Social Security are, to thank them?
If you click on each of the bills (linked in the script) and scroll down to bill details and click there you’ll see a co-sponsored option. Try that
Thank you! Was able to ascertain that my House member is a co-sponsor of all three, and was able to call and thank him. He deserves thanks and I also want him to know I’m paying attention.
Where do I find the script to get this information?
It’s in today’s column 3/24 . The segment that says Call Your House Rep.
Click in the links in the text. Then find the link on that page that says All Information (except text). On my phone it was on the lower right side of the page. I had to scroll to see it.
Click on all information and then scroll down. All the co- sponsors are listed. My Rep. has not yet sponsored any of them so I will be calling her office tomorrow!
I attended a standout for farmers in Hadley, MA on Sunday. These folks are on the hook for work they've done on their farms with government money. Except now the bills are due and the gov't money is nowhere to be seen. Felt wonderful to be standing on a street corner wiith 200-300 other people, listening to our Mass. state and federal politicians standing up for agriculture. That number included at least 7 of my neighbors from our small town of Wendell (pop. c. 990). We get it out here!! The tide is turning ...
Me (Janice Vocke) a longtime activist for over 50 years, who now has health issues that make it hard for me to stand for long. So I just bought a sit-upon walker to use so I can continue to protest! This photo is me at a Hell No! a protest to save the Post Office from privatization. It was 3/23/2025 at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia, WA.
Tried to post a photo, but it won't let me.
Everyone please check out the photos and videos from the protest yesterday in Richmond, VA at St. John's Church, where they were commemorating the 250th anniversary of Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty or give me death speech." Gov. Glenn Youngkin, or "Trumpkin" as he's known around here, attended, although he clearly cannot understand Patrick Henry's message. The protest was peaceful, and yet we were told as we waited for Youngkin to come out of the church that we had to disperse or risk being arrested. Why? What law were we breaking?? As far as I could tell, no one dispersed, and I don't think anyone was arrested. PLEASE watch the video footage of Youngkin being booed and yelled at all the way to his waiting vehicle. I have watched it many times, and it never fails to disappoint. It makes me so proud of my hometown! Turn the volume up and enjoy!!
https://www.reddit.com/r/rva/comments/1jid9br/richmond_va_today_deafening_boos_as_va_governor/?share_id=9N7dTwpSFmMpaY8w9ZLMs&utm_content=1&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_source=share&utm_term=4&rdt=53507
You can also see some good photos of the protest on Facebook at "Dave Parrish Photography" or "Style Weekly."
Ken Burns was there. My friend talked to him, and he said he is sympathetic to our cause.
Everyone needs to read this article in today's Atlantic. It shows a serious breach of security on the part of DOD even as it shows what a clown show this administration is. In brief: the editor of the Atlantic was included in a text thread about imminent war plans!
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/03/trump-administration-accidentally-texted-me-its-war-plans/682151/?gift=Cgqh0-mGExsQQ_xEA88IsFBTXcgGKcOJRI1x7WcTigU&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2cZgjS7Dde6rcfwS9N8JdbzmTiyKUnIMJgG4Nk1NWGWaCTFbJseNUlTVA_aem_LUv9BA6r6Lc19nTDB1y1HQ&sfnsn=mo
OMG
I must share some goodness today too. I am big Resistance Ranger fan:
@resistancerangers.bsky.social share about the rallies at National Parks on Saturday:
https://bsky.app/profile/resistancerangers.bsky.social/post/3ll3paesdfk2f