Hi, all, and happy Wednesday!
I’m sure you’re all familiar with this Calvin Coolidge quote:
Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan Press On! has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”
Persistence and determination. Two things we have plenty of. Isn’t it comforting to know that these two qualities will ensure that we win?
I think so.
So let’s “Press On!” one more time. I am so, so grateful for all that you do.
Call Your Senators (find yours here)
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
First, I’m alarmed about the abuse of Water Protectors peacefully protesting to stop the Line 3 pipeline. Frankly, I’m horrified this pipeline is still being built. It violates treaties, puts Indigenous people in danger, endangers 227 lakes and rivers, and flies in the face of this administration’s claims that they care about our climate emergency. Has the Senator made a statement supporting the protestors and calling on President Biden and the Army Corps of Engineers to stop it? If not they need to.
Second, I want the Senator and [his/her] colleagues to forgo their August break in order to pass our critical infrastructure packages and voting rights legisaltion. [If Dem add:] And I expect Democrats to do whatever they need to do—with or without the Republicans—to get this done. This includes abolishing the filibuster. Thanks. [H/T]
Call Your House Rep (find yours here)
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
First, I’m alarmed about the abuse of Water Protectors peacefully protesting to stop the Line 3 pipeline. Frankly, I’m horrified this pipeline is still being built. It violates treaties, puts Indigenous people in danger, endangers 227 lakes and rivers, and flies in the face of this administration’s claims that they care about our climate emergency. Has the Congressmember made a statement supporting the protestors and calling on President Biden and the Army Corps of Engineers to stop it? If not they should.
Second, I want the Congressmember and [his/her] colleagues to forgo their August break in order to pass our critical infrastructure packages. [If Dem add:] And I fully expect Democrats to do whatever they need to do—with or without the Republicans—to get this done. Thanks.
Extra Credit
Call Nancy Pelosi at (202) 225-4965 or 415-556-4862 and say:
Hi, I’m calling from [zip]. My name is _______. I’m calling Congresswoman Pelosi in her capacity as Speaker of the House to ask her to cancel August break. Instead, I want Congress to pass voting rights legislation. Pass both infrastructure packages. Smash them together and pass them without the GOP if necessary. Push through nominations for government posts and judicial seats. Meet Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s deadline on raising the debt ceiling. No one should be going on vacation while basic democracy is under attack. Thanks. [H/T]
Get Educated on Redistricting!
Register for Indivisible’s Redistricting Hearing Training TODAY, Wednesday, July 28 at 3pm ET/12pm PT. As states prepare to redistrict voting maps, how much do you really know about that process and the gerrymandering that often goes along with it? Take their 10-question Redistricting Quiz and see where your knowledge lands. Then, register for this Redistricting Hearing Training so that you can be informed about what resources are at your disposal on how redistricting works state by state. They’ll cover the most effective ways to participate in the redistricting process, including best practices for attending public hearings, participating in official online comment periods, and developing a community of interest. [H/T]
Resistbot Text (new to Resistbot? Go here!)
[to President Biden] [H/T]
You have been a vocal and principled supporter of the freedom to vote, and I urge you to continue this leadership until Congress sends you the For the People Act, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and the D.C. Statehood Act for passage into law.
But here’s the most important thing:
You must also voice your support for eliminating or reforming the Jim Crow filibuster to ensure our voices are not stifled by a gridlocked Senate. America's promise lies in the idea that the people can participate in creating the society we need to thrive. The freedom to vote is the mechanism by which that promise is fulfilled, and that freedom must be protected and extended to all.
Right now, that freedom is being challenged by anti-voter laws across the country. At the same time, we have the chance to pass once-in-a-generation reforms that will protect and expand the freedom to vote, and ensure that nobody's voice is silenced based on where they live or what they look like.
Thank you for your leadership on this critical issue.
OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.
Talk tomorrow.
Jess
Done!