Chop Wood, Carry Water 6/28

Tend democracy.

Art by Jane Beaird via Amplifier Art

Hi, all, and happy Tuesday.

I’m trying to get this done before today’s surprise hearing—I want my entire attention focussed on whatever revelations we’re about to get.

As interested as I am, though, in what we’ll learn, my general position remains the same: even if all of the participants in the planning of January 6th get brought down tomorrow, we will still be left with the problem of our sickened democracy.

That’s a problem that only we can fix. Not overnight; not easily. But absolutely and with certainly, given time and loving attention.

Our job? To stay engaged! A democracy is like a houseplant—it must be tended, watered, moved to the sun. When sickened its blight must be eradicated, but daily maintenance will never cease to be critical.

But for now, the blight. Let’s treat it by doing what we know how to do so well: being vocal and uncompromising with our representatives, whilst working to elect more and better representatives in November.

I am with you. I always will be. Together, using our wits, our courage and our strengths, we cannot fail.

Call Your Senators (find yours here)

Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.

I’m furious at the Supreme Court’s refusal to defend not just 50 years of precedent regarding women’s right to reproductive choice, but also state gun laws, separation of church and state, and protection against law enforcement overreach. I want the Senator to immediately cosponsor and support S.1141 – the Judiciary Act of 2021. I also want them to co-sponsor S.4177, the Supreme Court Ethics Act, and S.2512 the Judicial Ethics and Anti-Corruption Act. It has become clear that the Supreme Court is a corrupt and lawless institution, a political tool of those who would overthrow democracy. It’s long past time that they have clear ethical guidelines and laws to hold them accountable. Thanks. [H/T]

Call Your House Rep (find yours here)

Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.

I’m furious at the Supreme Court’s refusal to defend not just 50 years of precedent regarding women’s right to reproductive choice, but also state gun laws, separation of church and state, and protection against law enforcement overreach. I want the Congressmember to immediately cosponsor and support H.R. 2584 – the Judiciary Act of 2021. I also want them to co-sponsor H.R. 4766, the Supreme Court Ethics Act, and H.R. 7706 the Judicial Ethics and Anti-Corruption Act. It has become clear that the Supreme Court is a corrupt and lawless institution, a political tool of those who would overthrow democracy. It’s long past time that they have clear ethical guidelines and laws to hold them accountable. Thanks. [H/T]

Extra Credit ✅

One of my readers, Meagan, wrote with the below excellent and easy action:

According to the financial disclosures list on fixthecourt.com Clarence Thomas is an Honorary Board Member for the Horatio Alger Association, a college scholarship provider who claims to value “unyielding perseverance and basic moral principles” above all.

Let’s send them an email and ask them to remove him from their board. I made a click-to-send—go here to use it! Or write directly to the Executive email: MSlipek@horatioalger.org. Here’s Megan’s template— feel free to change or write your own:

I am writing in regard to your Board Member, Justice Clarence Thomas.

You say in your 2020 report on "the ten traits that make great non-profits" that leaders should "model personal and professional ethical behavior." Justice Clarence Thomas has failed spectacularly in this regard. Not only has he been a known sexual harrasser for decades, but he also failed to recuse himself in a Supreme Court decision he knew would impact his own wife. He then went on to be the only Justice in that decision to side against disclosures for the January 6th committee, a clear abuse of power.

Justice Thomas has not modeled ethical personal nor professional behavior. His presence on your board is a stain on your organization. Please remove him from it at once.

Thank you.

Get Smart! 📚

Join the National Network of Abortion Funds this Thurs, June 30, 7-8:30 PM EST for a “Building Power with Abortion Funds” webinar.

Come learn how to build power and solidarity with abortion funds. Deepen your knowledge about the compassionate ecosystems of access and care being created by abortion funds. Explore how to show up in this moment and center people most impacted by abortion bans in supportive, compassionate and non stigmatizing ways.

Those of us who want to help “aid and abet” abortion should probably attend. This is where it starts.

Register here.

Win Races! 🗳

Make sure newly registered Democrats actually cast their vote in Pennsylvania!

Virtual training, June 30, 7-8pm ET

Red2Blue is working with the New Pennsylvania Project to follow up with voters they register to make sure they are able and motivated to vote. Research shows that only 1 in 3 newly registered voters actually votes. We are calling to make sure that their forms are correct and that they are able to vote for the first time. These are very satisfying calls to voters who appreciate hearing from you. 

Sign up for the June 30th training.

Resistbot Text (new to Resistbot? Go here! And then here.)

[to your Senators] [H/T] [Quick send text SIGN PGRYZQ to 50409]

Access to safe and legal abortion has been the law of the land for decades. Now the Supreme Court has overturned the protections granted by Roe v. Wade, stripping away a fundamental right to privacy and bodily autonomy, striking at our liberty, and risking the health and safety of women and pregnant people across the country.

Earlier this year the House passed the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would make Roe actual law and protect the right to choose for women nationwide. It’s time for the Senate to follow their lead. Or the Senate could pass a stand alone bill with the singular focus just to restore abortion services to the standards set in place nearly 50 years ago.

That’s much weaker than the Women’s Health Protection Act, but it’s a lot better than nothing.

You must urgently push for a Senate vote in support of women and reproductive freedom. I will be watching to see how you vote. I’m counting on you to not let America down.

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OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.

Talk tomorrow.

Jess