Chop Wood, Carry Water 6/28
Hi, all, and happy Wednesday!
First, a quick correction: yesterday I made two errors in my post about the Stephen Vladeck event coming up later today. First, it’s being hosted by Big Tent USA, not Blue Tent (although there is, in fact, a Blue Tent, which helps progressives decide where best to give money. It’s a great organization, but not the one hosting today’s event.) Second, it’s at 7PM ET, not 8PM. Sorry for the mistakes. And again, you can sign up here. I think it’s going to be excellent.
Second, what a week. What a month! What a year! There’s a lot happening, much of it nerve-wracking. Let us constantly remember the words of Charles Spurgeon, who said: “Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.” Or, to quote my step-father, Tom Chapin, “Worry is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but it won’t get you anywhere.”
Let’s try not to wreck (or waste) today by obsessing about bad things that could happen tomorrow. Instead, let’s take the simple, smart actions we know to take, and trust that when tomorrow comes we’ll know what to do with whatever it presents.
Together we can do this. And we will. Let’s get to work.
Call Your House Rep (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
First, I’m calling in support of HR 1511, which would provide lawful permanent status to long-term residents of the United States who are currently undocumented.1 The bill would only apply to those who’ve obeyed the law, paid back taxes and fines, learned to speak English and have been here for more than seven years. Let’s pass it!
Also, I want to reiterate my opposition to any new tax cuts for corporations or the wealthy. Rich people and corporations don’t need tax cuts—in fact they should be paying more. Such cuts would increase our deficit by trillions of dollars. Also they will be paid for by cuts to programs I care about. No way. Thanks.
Extra Credit ✅
Please watch this quick video and then sign the petition to bring Chanel home.
Get Smart! 📚
Do you believe Democrats should fight everywhere, red state or blue? You're not alone! And the good news is that there's a community of people like you who are dedicated to supporting Democrats in the reddest, roughest, toughest districts... and making sure nobody is left behind. So join the Forgotten Democrats on June 29 to hear from Army veteran, host of "On Democracy" podcast, and former ED of Lincoln Project Fred Wellman ... and best-selling author and democracy defender David Pepper. They're going to talk about how we're building a community of people like you who are ready to roll up their sleeves and take the fight to red America ... today. Register here!
Spread the Word! 📣
Dan Pfeiffer has a good post about Bidenomics and what we need to know about it. Please read it and please share! Biden’s big speech is today and he needs all of us singing backup for him.
Chop Wood, Save the Planet 🌎!
A large portion of the country is under an air advisory again because of wildfire smoke. Want to know how your actions can help make a difference for our planet? Sign up for the Washington Post’s twice-weekly Climate Coach newsletter. Coach Michael Coren digs into the data to give evidence-backed advice and thoughtful analysis about what matters most to protect the planet, the climate and us.
Win Races—VA! 🗳
I forgot to mention yesterday that Sister District also has phonebanks on almost every other day of the week. So if Wednesdays or Saturdays don’t work for you try one of these! Virginia, here we come!
Win Special Elections—OH! 🗳
Ohio Progressive Action Leaders (OPAL) is hosting regular phone banks for the August 8th Special Election using the OH AFLCIO’s dialer. They have a really good script, which matters when you’re calling about something as confusing as this issue. They run these phonebanks several days of the week, offer training and support, and NEED CALLERS!
Resistbot Letter (new to Resistbot? Go here! And then here.) 💻
[to all 3 reps] [H/T] [Quick send: text SIGN PYIRSN to 50409]
Our nation is reeling as we deal with repeated instances of gun violence that seem to have no end. There have been 164 mass shootings so far in 2023, averaging about 1.5 per day. Yet, certain political factions refuse to take action, partly because of the lobbying efforts of the National Rifle Association (NRA).
The NRA has long been suspected of engaging in potentially illegal activities. A Senate investigation disclosed the NRA's collaboration with Russians to influence American elections, with NRA resources being utilized to gain political favors for two Russian individuals.
The organization was also accused of misusing its tax-exempt status by funneling millions of dollars to top executives and vendors, yet the IRS never conducted an investigation.
Rather than merely supporting the Second Amendment, the NRA has acted as a powerful lobbying force, backing politicians who obstruct gun reform measures. And as state legislatures across the country relax gun laws, we've seen an uptick in gun violence.
In light of these findings and the organization's violations of federal laws governing charities, I want you as my representative to call for the IRS to revoke the NRA’s tax-exempt status. The NRA’s sordid dealings have violated the federal laws governing charitable organizations. They must not be tax exempt. Please act. Thanks.
OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.
Talk soon.
Jess
Hey, Jess, wanna change "payed" to "paid" re: HR 1511?
Thanks for the tip about Opal having a good script!