Question: I am very lucky to live in a state, (CT) whose reps (Chris Murphy-D and Richard Blumenthal-D) are both on board with most sensible legislation. So it feels like calling and writing them isn’t productive. Is that true?
Another excellent question! It actually is still VERY productive. Our reps still need to know that we support what they're doing, that we have their backs, and that we are focussed on whatever topics we call about. No matter how awesome they are, they have to choose what to prioritize, so the things they hear about the most are where they will focus their time. Also, they need to hear thanks! And encouragement. Chris Murphy deserves so much gratitude for all he's done (and tried to do) on guns. Finally, I know reps will often go into hearings or committee meetings armed with the number of calls they've gotten on a particular subject. So keep it up! It feels pointless but I assure you it's not!
It took me all weekend to become prepared to call, and in the end I waited until the offices were open so that I could talk to the staffers directly. I wrote my own script this time to keep the focus on SCOTUS expansion.
As a lead, I borrowed from Mark Joseph Stern in Slate as cited by Robert Hubbell:
Consider the issues SCOTUS has resolved this term—the first full term with a 6–3 conservative supermajority.
The constitutional right to abortion: gone.
States’ ability to limit guns in public: gone.
Tribal sovereignty against state intrusion: gone.
Effective constraints around separation of church and state: gone.
The ban on prayer in public schools: gone.
Effective enforcement of Miranda warnings: gone.
The ability to sue violent border agents: gone.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s authority to regulate greenhouse gases at power plants: gone.
------------------
The list goes on and on. And more is clearly to come in the next term. In short:
The integrity and credibility of this SCOTUS - GONE
I believe that the only viable path to addressing this catastrophe is to expand the Court. I know that this will require securing a stronger majority of Senators in the Senate for 2023. We the people of the USA, some of us, are doing all that we can to secure a true democratic majority in the Senate.
We the people of the state of Connecticut need to hear from you loud and clear that WHEN we have a democratic majority of 52 Senators or more, you will FIGHT to workaround or completely remove the (antiquated and anti-American and broken) Senate filibuster rules AND that you will VOTE to expand the Supreme Court by four justices to restore balance and sanity to the court.
I will never vote Republican. Nor will I gladly vote for any current Democratic Senator who does not stand up against the mockery of justice and humanity that the current SCOTUS has become. PLEASE TAKE A STAND.
That was the preparation. Then I made the calls. I spoke to Senator Blumenthal's staff and to Rep DeLauro's staff directly, and left a message for Senator Murphy.
I did not go through the list from Mark Stern's Slate article, but rather just referred to the catastrophe of last week's SCOTUS decisions. I realized when talking to DeLauro's staff person that there is not an ask for my house rep, but the staffer was perfectly courteous and supportive.
Which nearly brought me to tears, frankly. And I am still recovering. I think that the difficulty of calling may be part of what makes it more effective (so it is said), but I did not expect it to be therapeutic.
I am a new subscriber after attending Red Wine and Blue training earlier this week. When you call your senators and representatives, are you leaving a phone message or talking to someone in their office? So far I am sticking with Resistbot messages and emails. Thanks!
Hi there! It depends. These days I almost always get voice mail messages, but occasionally you will get a live person. But if you are phone shy you can simply make a point of calling after hours or over the weekend and you will be sure to get a voicemail. When you do, please remember to ALWAYS start with your full name and zip code. If they don't have that info they won't record your call. Hope that helps! And welcome!
Yes, it does help! I am not shy but I definitely do not want to talk to GOP staffers. I was married to one for 11 years. I have paid my dues. :) Have a good weekend!
I love how easy these actions are! I do have a question if any of you can answer: Is an email to my representatives as effective as a phone call? I feel like the email is the way I have to really state the issue...that a staffer taking a message will just get the main point. But maybe it is all counted just as sort of for or against? I would love to know.
Hi, Mickey. The general consensus is that a call is the strongest form of outreach, but an email sent through your legislator's official web form is also very strong. The main thing is that they know you're a constituent. So do either!
Question: I am very lucky to live in a state, (CT) whose reps (Chris Murphy-D and Richard Blumenthal-D) are both on board with most sensible legislation. So it feels like calling and writing them isn’t productive. Is that true?
Another excellent question! It actually is still VERY productive. Our reps still need to know that we support what they're doing, that we have their backs, and that we are focussed on whatever topics we call about. No matter how awesome they are, they have to choose what to prioritize, so the things they hear about the most are where they will focus their time. Also, they need to hear thanks! And encouragement. Chris Murphy deserves so much gratitude for all he's done (and tried to do) on guns. Finally, I know reps will often go into hearings or committee meetings armed with the number of calls they've gotten on a particular subject. So keep it up! It feels pointless but I assure you it's not!
That’s great to know and I will!
My CWCW Day 9 - just the two resistbots so far.
That's OK! You have all weekend to make the calls! (;
It took me all weekend to become prepared to call, and in the end I waited until the offices were open so that I could talk to the staffers directly. I wrote my own script this time to keep the focus on SCOTUS expansion.
As a lead, I borrowed from Mark Joseph Stern in Slate as cited by Robert Hubbell:
----------------------
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2022/06/climate-change-epa-supreme-court-revolution.html
https://roberthubbell.substack.com/p/we-have-made-it-through-the-worst-e42
Consider the issues SCOTUS has resolved this term—the first full term with a 6–3 conservative supermajority.
The constitutional right to abortion: gone.
States’ ability to limit guns in public: gone.
Tribal sovereignty against state intrusion: gone.
Effective constraints around separation of church and state: gone.
The ban on prayer in public schools: gone.
Effective enforcement of Miranda warnings: gone.
The ability to sue violent border agents: gone.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s authority to regulate greenhouse gases at power plants: gone.
------------------
The list goes on and on. And more is clearly to come in the next term. In short:
The integrity and credibility of this SCOTUS - GONE
I believe that the only viable path to addressing this catastrophe is to expand the Court. I know that this will require securing a stronger majority of Senators in the Senate for 2023. We the people of the USA, some of us, are doing all that we can to secure a true democratic majority in the Senate.
We the people of the state of Connecticut need to hear from you loud and clear that WHEN we have a democratic majority of 52 Senators or more, you will FIGHT to workaround or completely remove the (antiquated and anti-American and broken) Senate filibuster rules AND that you will VOTE to expand the Supreme Court by four justices to restore balance and sanity to the court.
I will never vote Republican. Nor will I gladly vote for any current Democratic Senator who does not stand up against the mockery of justice and humanity that the current SCOTUS has become. PLEASE TAKE A STAND.
That was the preparation. Then I made the calls. I spoke to Senator Blumenthal's staff and to Rep DeLauro's staff directly, and left a message for Senator Murphy.
I did not go through the list from Mark Stern's Slate article, but rather just referred to the catastrophe of last week's SCOTUS decisions. I realized when talking to DeLauro's staff person that there is not an ask for my house rep, but the staffer was perfectly courteous and supportive.
Which nearly brought me to tears, frankly. And I am still recovering. I think that the difficulty of calling may be part of what makes it more effective (so it is said), but I did not expect it to be therapeutic.
Amazing, Bill. So proud of you! Thank you!
I am a new subscriber after attending Red Wine and Blue training earlier this week. When you call your senators and representatives, are you leaving a phone message or talking to someone in their office? So far I am sticking with Resistbot messages and emails. Thanks!
Hi there! It depends. These days I almost always get voice mail messages, but occasionally you will get a live person. But if you are phone shy you can simply make a point of calling after hours or over the weekend and you will be sure to get a voicemail. When you do, please remember to ALWAYS start with your full name and zip code. If they don't have that info they won't record your call. Hope that helps! And welcome!
Yes, it does help! I am not shy but I definitely do not want to talk to GOP staffers. I was married to one for 11 years. I have paid my dues. :) Have a good weekend!
OMG. Totally understand! You too!
I love how easy these actions are! I do have a question if any of you can answer: Is an email to my representatives as effective as a phone call? I feel like the email is the way I have to really state the issue...that a staffer taking a message will just get the main point. But maybe it is all counted just as sort of for or against? I would love to know.
Hi, Mickey. The general consensus is that a call is the strongest form of outreach, but an email sent through your legislator's official web form is also very strong. The main thing is that they know you're a constituent. So do either!
Thank you, Jessica!