Chop Wood, Carry Water 3/29
Hi, all, and happy Wednesday.
Lordie. What a week. I want to give you each a hug—and would if I could. Instead I offer you this quote—one of my favorites. It’s by Amelia Earhart.
She said simply:
“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.”
Yes.
You’ve already made the decision to act. Otherwise you wouldn’t be here. You’ve done the difficult part.
The rest is “merely tenacity.”
I know it’s hard. I know it’s not “merely” anything. Tenacity is difficult. Brutally so, sometimes. Especially when we’re told that it’s fruitless.
It’s not. Keep it up.
That’s what’s required for progress. It’s what’s required for change.
It’s what’s required to cross new frontiers. 🛫
Call Your Senators (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
I’m calling to say that I oppose S.686, the Restrict Act. This bill will limit the ability of American businesses to be competitive, endanger private information, and provide a conduit by which the government can involve itself in and interfere with technology development. Meanwhile it does nothing to protect Americans’ data privacy. It’s overreach; it goes against the First Amendment, and it’s just wrong. Thanks. [H/T]
Call Your House Rep (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
First, I’m pleased that the Senate just voted to repeal authorizations for the use of military force against Iraq, twenty years after they were first created. It’s now time for the House to do the same. Please ask the Congressmember to vote yes on HR 932.
[If GOP add:]
Second, I know Kevin McCarthy sent a letter to President Biden yesterday accusing him of being “missing in action” on efforts to address the approaching debt ceiling crisis. He also said President Biden was “putting an already fragile economy in jeopardy.” This is outrageous. It is the Republicans who are threatening to destroy the world’s economy to get their way. The debt ceiling is not about future spending. It’s about meeting the obligations past Congresses have incurred. And a great deal of that debt was incurred during the Trump administration. We want a clean debt ceiling increase now. If Republicans don’t agree to it I will be sure to amplify the fact that it was them, not President Biden, who sent us into financial collapse. Thanks. [H/T]
Extra Credit
Want to help save lives? Read on!
Health care providers have been able to prescribe Suboxone (Buprenorphine), a gold-standard medication in treating Opioid Use Disorder, via telehealth since COVID. Suboxone is a very specific medicine prescribed for and used by people who are trying to get clean from opioids. And it works.
The availability of telehealth prescribing for Suboxone has expanded treatment availability for a whole segment of the population that otherwise has lacked access. Many people have benefited, particularly those living in rural areas that already lack access to healthcare.
Currently telehealth providers are able to manage the HUGE amount of people who need access to this medication (which many primary care physicians don’t understand or don’t want to prescribe) and are able to do so safely with required drug screens and virtual follow up appointments.
BUT new proposed regulations would require an in-person visit within 30 days to get a refill. That's going to be really hard for the very same people these telehealth provisions have benefited so greatly. And because all of the prescribers already require drug tests and screening, the additional hurdle of an in-person visit is just that. A hurdle. Except this one will kill people.
This article from MedNews Today lays out very succinctly the problem with this new requirement.
The comments that have already been written by providers and patients are enlightening as well and I encourage you to read some of them.
Then please leave a short comment here—there are only two days left in which to do so!
[H/T and more info Small Deeds Done]
Extra EXTRA Credit ✅✅
Howard Shultz got grilled by the Senate Health Committee this morning about his union busting. There’s a social storm happening all day with the hashtag #StarbucksGotBusted! Here's Demcast’s excellent toolkit —it makes it easy to post on almost any platform. Please use it, and again, please consider boycotting Starbucks until they stop union busting.
Also, please sign this petition to call on Starbucks’ new CEO Laxman Narasimhan to respect workers’ rights to organize.
Get Smart! 📚
The Environmental Voter Project had a briefing webinar last night on their newly analyzed voter turnout data from 2022. It was AMAZING. I’m posting a recording for those of you who missed it.
Video of the Environmental Voter Project's Briefing Webinar on our 2022 Results.
I’ve said it many times—I really believe in this group and the work they’re doing. And the results are deeply impressive. Check out the video and then please consider signing up to volunteer for them here.
Spread the Word! 📣
Please see talking points and amplification materials on the FDA’s approval of OTC naloxone – an important step in the fight against the opioid epidemic.
Talking Points
Today, the FDA approved the first nonprescription, over-the-counter naloxone nasal spray, Narcan – a medication that is a critical tool to prevent fatal overdoses, connect more people to treatment for substance use disorder, and save lives.
This important action by the Biden-Harris Administration will pave the way for Narcan to be sold directly to consumers online and in places like drug stores, convenience stores, grocery stores, and gas stations, saving more lives and reducing the burden of opioid overdose on individuals, families, and communities.
Today’s announcement builds on this progress and is a key next step in the Administration’s National Drug Control Strategy, which includes expanding access to naloxone, connecting more people with addiction to treatment, supporting people in recovery, and reducing the supply of illicit drugs like fentanyl.
Give 💰!
Something beautiful is happening in response to Ron DeSantis’s attacks on the LGBTQ community in Florida: people all over the state are rising up, coming together, and standing against it.
As such, students from South and Central Florida are planning bus rides to the Capitol THIS Friday in a show of resistance and solidarity — to bring their message and their stories directly to lawmakers who are trying to undermine their humanity. I just donated to Equality Florida’s fund to help pay for their transportation. I’m hearing from many sources that Equality Florida is one of the best places to donate if we care about helping LGBTQ folks in FL, so please give if you can, right here.
Win Races! 🗳
I’m leading my final phonebank today for the Wisconsin elections. Sniff. It’s been so amazing—I truly hope if you haven’t yet tried calling voters you’ll consider coming today or to one of the ones happening in the next few days—there are a couple of very special guests coming!
Today’s is 3:30-5:30 PT /6:30-8:30 ET Sign up here. I will train you.
Saturday, April 1st from 1-3PT / 4-6 ET Make calls with Maxwell Frost! Sign up here.
Tuesday, April 4th 8-10AM PT / 11AM-1PM ET Make calls with Ted Lieu! Sign up here.
Resistbot Letter (new to Resistbot? Go here! And then here.) 💻
A Resistbot from Alan Unell again! This is a great one—read his post to get the context.
[Text SIGN PXMYTJ to 50409 to send your senators the message below.]
I am outraged that Senator Tuberville of Alabama has chosen to treat women as 2nd class citizens by opposing abortion care for those in the military and their families. He is holding well deserved military promotions hostage to deny abortion care for the military. These soldiers have decided to dedicate themselves to our protection and the least we can do is make sure they have the best healthcare available. His behavior is despicable and I want you to contact his office (202-224-4124) and let him know that. Tell him to stop blocking well deserved military promotions because he wants to treat women as property not people.
OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.
Talk soon.
Jess
In Frankfort, KY this morning a Youth Organized, Youth Led rally was held outside our legislature to oppose one of the worst anti-trans bills in the U.S., SB 150. Our youth gathered, spoke, told their stories, read poetry and supported one another. Our Democratic legislators lent their voices and support and offered words of encouragement. It was SO important for these beautiful young people to be shown SO much love and care. They might be able to legislate bad bills but they can't legislate these beautiful minds and spirits.
Sending appreciation for your resilience, for your kindness, your intelligent posts, and for the hope that you instill in me and,probably within us all, for your daily pictures, reminders, and, I’ll say it ~ love.
I will see you today, 3:30 to 6:30. I’m signed up for Sunday Wisconsin phone bank as well.
Thank you so much for all your beautiful energy~ I am fired up!