Chop Wood, Carry Water 7/24

Hi, all, and happy Monday!

Hope everyone had a great and restful weekend.

I drove my thirteen-year-old from Rockland County, NY to Lincolnville, Maine yesterday, dropped them at camp, then turned around and drove back to Rockland! It was around thirteen hours of driving; restful, then, doesn’t describe my weekend. Still, it was a beautiful trip, and another good reminder of how lovely our country is from a purely topographical standpoint.

From a political perspective, of course, it’s a bit less lovely. But in the interests of improving it I’ve got some good actions for you to take today, so let’s get to work.

Thanks for all you do, and for all you are. This lovely, unlovely country will in time be well because of folks like you. Of that there is no doubt.

Call Your Senators (find yours here) 📲

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

I understand that Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced a bill to require the Supreme Court to adopt a code of conduct and stricter disclosure rules. This is glaringly necessary—we’ve seen a dozen ethics violations from Supreme Court justices in the last few months alone. Such ethics reform has strong support across the political spectrum. I’m assuming the Senator will support this bill?

Call Your House Rep (find yours here) 📲

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

First, I was deeply disappointed to see that the Fiscal Year 2024 House Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee draft bill eliminates federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. I really value public broadcasting and urge the Congressmember to contact colleagues who sit on the House Appropriations Committee and ask them to vote against the bill. [H/T]

Second, I want the Congressmember to oppose H.R. 4563, the ACE Act, which would restrict voting rights and reduce transparency of dark-money campaign donors, and support H.R. 11, the Freedom to Vote Act, to strengthen voting rights, end partisan gerrymandering, and reduce the influence of dark money on campaigns. Thanks. [H/T]

Extra Credit ✅

Please take the time to read the short article below about the Biden administration’s new proposed antitrust guidelines, and then make a comment in support of them. But first read the post. This is tremendously important stuff and Stoller explains it clearly, simply, and quickly. You will be glad you read it, and you’ll feel galvanized to comment. I promise.

Antitrust Guidelines and Overthrowing a Corrupt Priesthood

Here is the link to leave a comment for the merger guidelines.

Get Smart! 📚

This is a little last minute, sorry, but please join a Markers For Democracy Zoom today at 6:30PM ET for a great preview of Virginia 2023 with a very special guest. 

Senator Tim Kaine will moderate a discussion with leaders from both statehouses. Then we will hear from a handful of the most exciting and vulnerable frontline candidates. RSVP HERE and help right away by sharing the link with friends and family. There is no contribution required to attend.

Remember, Virginia is a purple state. The stakes are high. Abortion, voting rights, LGBTQ rights, gun safety and more are on the ballot. Democrats’ 2-seat majority in the VA State Senate is what is stopping Youngkin's destructive agenda—for now. A red trifecta will immediately ban abortion, make it harder to vote, soften gun laws, weaken civil rights, further isolate LGBTQ youth, and more, in their first week. Millions of women in southern states are now depending on Virginia for abortion care that is now outlawed in their home states. A blue Virginia will make the world a better place, immediately, and for the 2024 elections.

RSVP for today’s event here.

Spread the Word! 📣

The White House would appreciate your help lifting this Washington Post column on how the president’s economic agenda is helping lead to the manufacturing boom that Donald Trump failed to deliver – highlighting the importance of reelecting President Biden and Vice President Harris to finish the job.

The Hidden Way Bidenomics is Already Weakening Trump’s 2024 Hopes

Win Races! 🗳

Two Ohio-related events!

1. First, on Tuesday, July 25, at 6:30pm ET, join ACLU’s briefing call on Issue 1 and learn what you can do to make an impact in Ohio – no matter where you live. RSVP here.

2. Join All On the Line for one or more textbanks into Ohio to educate voters about the August 8th election. Available shifts are: Tue, Jul 25, 6:00pm–7:00pm EDT or Wed, Aug 2, 6:00pm–7:00pm EDT. Sign up here. Training and support are provided.

Don’t forget there are loads more ways to help in my WIN OHIO resource document!

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

[to all 3 reps] [H/T] [Quick send: text SIGN PLOWTD to 50409 ]

I am writing to request that you oppose the Republican’s new American Confidence in Elections Act. I strongly oppose this bill as it would make it harder for Americans to vote by removing same day voter registration options and removing ballot drop boxes. In order to have a robust democracy, we should make participation in elections easier, not more difficult.

At the same time, the MAGA Voter Intimidation bill helps the rich and powerful to meddle more in our democracy by loosening donor disclosure requirements, making it easier to hide political contributions. There is already too much money in politics.

I want to see members of Congress working together to establish a more inclusive democracy. Republicans should be reaching across the aisle to Democrats in Congress who are already working to safeguard access to the ballot box and lower the barrier for Americans to vote.

---

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

Talk soon.

Jess