Chop Wood, Carry Water 5/13
Wednesday mini edition
Hey, everyone, and happy Wednesday.
Today’s my day off the newsletter, but I did want to send out a mini-edition so I can ask one question, give you one call to make, and also send out one Extra Credit action someone posted in the comments yesterday, as it seems important and it’s VERY time sensitive. Please help if you can!
First, the question:
I’m worried that because I’m doing more Lives on Substack these days that I’m overwhelming you with emails. I really don’t want to do that. So I’d love your input on whether or not I need to change anything. I’m not sure what such a change would look like—maybe I could send out the recordings of my Lives on a different list—but before I figure that part out I’d love to know if this is an issue for you. So will you take this quick poll?
Second, the Extra Credit action:
SpaceX is requesting to increase the number of launches from Cape Canaveral from 50 to 120! This is a major concern for the shrimping, fishing industries and environmental groups as the launch site is on the coast and adjacent to a national wildlife preserve.
The airline pilots union is also fighting the request as SpaceX launches are major disruptors to flight plans.
The comment period to the FAA is restricted to May 13-15, probably by design. Anyone can comment here! You can choose to do so anonymously if you prefer, although I gave my information. I don’t have a sample comment for you—just do your best. And remember, they have to read every single comment, so go crazy!
Finally, the call—to ALL THREE of your reps [H/T 5 Calls]:
Hi, my name is ______ and I’m a constituent from [zip].
I'm calling to demand that the Senator/Congressman oppose the whole awful budget reconciliation bill, and specifically its provision to block state-level regulation of AI for ten years. That is an absolutely insane idea. Congress should pass a fair and responsible budget that protects our safety and privacy, not one that prioritizes the self-serving needs of big tech corporations and billionaire CEOs. Block that provision and for God’s sake block this whole disastrous bill. Thanks.
OK that’s it for today! Thanks for all you do! I’ll be back tomorrow with a full newsletter.
Jess
I wrote a paper on the effects of launches on atmospheric CO2 levels. May be time to pull that out.
I tell my sibs who worry that they email too much: I can always ignore or delete them. There's no wastebasket to empty. Write all you want. I'm glad to hear from you. Same goes, Jessica. You are in the fight, providing scripts, interviewing change-agents and being one yourself. Keep at it, don't doubt your power, and accept our thanks for being one so courageous and committed.
I only wish others with an even greater platform (talking to you President Obama, VP Harris) would do so with the same regularity and velocity since our very freedom is at stake.