Chop Wood, Carry Water 3/30
Hi, all, and happy Thursday!
It’s a deeply strange time to be an American, isn’t it? Almost schizophrenic. The number of attacks we’re seeing on our basic rights is staggering—and it’s easy to get stuck focussing only on those. But at the same time the heroism, courage, and engagement of everyday Americans has never been more visible. I encourage you to watch the above video, in which you’ll hear the cacophony of citizens—both elected and not—fighting back against an awful anti-trans bill in Kentucky. It will inspire you, enrage you, and set a fire in your heart to do more.
I also strongly encourage you to subscribe to Erin Reed’s Substack
. It’s a must-read when it comes to attacks on trans Americans—almost everything I know about this issue I’ve learned from her. The video above was posted in her newsletter just this morning.Anyway. All in all, as Simon Rosenberg says regularly, “I’d rather be us than them.” Not just because I believe Republicans are creating their own political obsolescence with their actions—although I do believe that, fervently—but because I would never, ever want to spend my limited time on earth shattering the lives of those who most need protection.
These Republican lawmakers are pathetic. They are cowards; history will judge them accordingly.
You, however, are the opposite. I know how tired you are, and how furious. I know you long for a break. I know none of us signed up for seven years (and counting) of this relentless battle. But you’re here anyway, because you’re needed, and you know it.
Your persistence, kindness, and ingenious resolve inspires me every day. Thanks for that.
Call Your Senators (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
First, Bernie Sanders has introduced S 727, the Insulin For All Act. Please ask the Senator to sign on as a co-sponsor. We need to stop insulin manufacturers from price gouging once and for all.
Second, has the Senator yet signed on as a co-sponsor to S 25, the Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2023? [If yes thank. If no add:] I’m beyond disappointed and I want them to know this: Not only will history judge them harshly, but so will everyone who loses a loved one to these weapons of war. One last thing: I only vote for gun-sense candidates; right now the Senator does not fall into that category, so s/he will not have my vote. Thanks.
Call Your House Rep (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
First, Cori Bush has introduced HR 1485, the Insulin For All Act. Please ask the Congressmember to sign on as a co-sponsor. We need to stop insulin manufacturers from price gouging once and for all.
Second, has the Congressmember yet co-sponsored Maxwell Frost’s H.R.1699 the Office of Gun Violence Prevention Act? [If yes thank. If not add] An Office of Gun Violence Prevention would save lives. Gun violence is the number one cause of death for our kids. A crisis like this requires a coordinated, constant, federal response that helps us react to gun violence and makes data-backed recommendations on preventative measures. I urge you to contact Jen Curt in Congressman Frost’s office to cosponsor H.R.1699 today. Thanks.
Extra Credit ✅
Another important ask from the Newton Alliance. Let’s all call Senator Durbin, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, at 202-224-2152 or 312-353-4952 or 217-492-4062 or 618-351-1122 or 309-786-5173 and say:
Hi, My name is _______________ and I am a (gun violence survivor/student/gun owner/veteran/faith leader/educator/practitioner/law enforcement family member/parent/whatever). I’m calling the Senator in his capacity as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Last year the House of Representatives finally passed an assault weapons ban. But the Senate failed to act and now more children and educators have been killed.
I want Chairman Durbin to swiftly move to mark up and pass the assault weapons ban through the Senate Judiciary Committee. It’s time for a full floor vote on this bill. Even if it can’t yet pass, Americans deserve to see where our lawmakers stand. Thanks.
Get Smart! 📚
Our champions plan to re-introduce the Freedom to Vote Act next month!
This crucial piece of pro-democracy legislation would make it easier for every eligible voter to make their voice heard in every election — we need to make sure that Congress is fully on board to keep pushing these transformative reforms forward until we cross the finish line..
The Declaration For American Democracy is leading an effort to hold lobby visits and accountability actions during the upcoming April recess.
Spread the Word! 📣
Please share this video everywhere you can!
Win Races—Textbank! 🗳
Wisconsin's got one of the strictest voter ID laws in the nation and with their state Supreme Court elections coming up on Tuesday Vote Riders need our help to ensure that every Wisconsin voter has the ID they need to cast a ballot that counts.
Each text we send delivers essential information and assistance to the voters most likely to be disenfranchised by Wisconsin's voter ID laws.
Tonight, Thursday, March 30 from 3 - 4pm PT /7 – 8pm EDT
Resistbot Letter (new to Resistbot? Go here! And then here.) 💻
[to President Biden] [H/T and toolkit with more actions] [Quick send: text SIGN PGWJLO to 50409]
I’m outraged that President Biden approved the Willow Project. Millions of people urged the President to reject Willow. Fortunately, we know that he still can. I want the President to direct the Department of the Interior to withdraw their Record of Decision and stop Willow once and for all.
At this point in the climate emergency, any new fossil fuel project will drive us further into assured climate destruction. The president must use his authority to stop Willow and all fossil fuel expansion. Thank you.
OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.
Talk soon.
Jess
OMG! Indicted!!!
It is working for now at least in Israel. It may work in France, whether you agree with their position or not. A big task is creating an action plan to mobilize a strike here.