Chop Wood, Carry Water 8/11

Hi, all, and happy Thursday.

The tweet above says it all. We’re in array. Really! Enjoy it. Own it. Try to hold your head high. Our side is doing great. There’s so much more to do—so many more victories to achieve, so many more hurting Americans to help—but we’re trying and we’re making huge progress.

That’s incredible. Feel good about it.

AND, partially as a result, we are seeing a wild escalation in GOP rhetoric. It’s disconcerting to say the least. But it’s what people do who are scared, angry they’re going to face consequences, and have nothing else to offer. Our job is to stay calm, remember that we’re in the right, and work to pass more good legislation and win elections in November.

Nothing else is under our control. But those things very much are.

On that note, because I’ve gotten a lot of new subscribers recently I want to reiterate that I have an Adopt a State program which I hope you’ll all join. There are ten states in it— you can find them all at this document. Please, pick one and commit to helping us win there. Check out the resource document filled with volunteer opportunities. Sign up for a phonebank. Order some postcards. Make a donation to a grassroots organization working there.

Own it.

Because it’s yours. This whole fight is.

Whether we know it or not, every American is now conscripted in a battle for the life of our democracy. Those who are ignoring what’s happening or choosing to tune it out will, alas, be no less affected by the outcome than we will. Their inaction is aiding the opposition. If you know people like this please find ways to make them aware of the stakes and get them involved if you can.

This is a massively historical moment, and you’re in the center of it.

You’re also the reason we’ll win. Never forget it.

Call Your Senators (find yours here)

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

I’m calling because I’ve read that Chuck Schumer is going to bring a bill back to the floor setting a $35 cap on patients’ insulin costs. This, of course, after Republicans blocked such a provision over the weekend. I want to know if the Senator will support such a bill. [If yes, thank. If non-committal or no add:] That response is unacceptable. Americans are literally dying because they can’t afford a lifesaving drug they rely on. Congress can fix it with one vote. I’ll be watching this bill closely and I expect the Senator to support it. Thanks.

Call Your House Rep (find yours here)

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

I’m calling because I know the vote on the Inflation Reduction Act is tomorrow, and I want to make sure the Congressmember is planning on voting for it.

[If they say yes add:] I’m very glad to hear that. It’s really important to me that my representative fight for climate action, affordable healthcare, and lower drug prices. I’d like to see more legislation like this, please. And more tax reform so that rich people pay their fair share. Thanks.

[If they say no add:] I’m very dissaointed to hear that. It’s really important to me that my representative fight for climate action, affordable healthcare, and lower drug prices. And support tax reform so that rich people pay their fair share. I will remember their position when I vote. Thanks.

Extra Credit ✅

In lieu of an Extra Credit item I’m going to suggest you read this excellent post from Jim Ryan of Terrible Swift Sword. It provides exactly the framing help we need for dealing with the escalating MAGA craziness. Read it, share it, internalize it, and remember to ask those open-ended questions!

Get Smart! 📚

One of my favorite seat-flipping orgs, Activate America, is having their Post Primary Election Update TODAY, Thursday, August 11th. Their awesome political experts will break down the good, the bad, and the ugly. They’ll also examine our best path forward to hold the U.S. Senate and House and present their strategy for victory.

It starts at 5 PM Pacific / 8 PM Eastern; you can RSVP HERE.

To quote them:

There’s a lot of reason for optimism, and even more reason for resolve. Trump extremists have fully taken over the Republican Party, and that means while the stakes are high, we’re up against some uniquely vulnerable candidates. Democrats outperformed in two special elections; we may be turning the corner on inflation; and you already know all about the huge voter turnout in Kansas over abortion rights.

It’s a lot to take in, but that’s why great groups like Activate America are here.

Sign up HERE and join them today at 5 PM PT / 8 PM ET to learn all about it.

Win Races! 🗳

I will be back leading my Arizona phonebank today—I can’t wait! We will, as always, be calling low-propensity Democratic voters and reminding them of the high stakes in the upcoming Midterm elections—especially in AZ, where we now know who the GOP candidates are (they’re terrifying.) We’re within the critical window for these elections and we need more callers. Will you come? I WILL TRAIN YOU! 🥰

It’s fun. It’s important. It’s extremely effective.

3-5 PM PT / 6-8 PM ET Register here.

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

[to all 3 reps] [source] [Quick send: text SIGN PZJUBU to 50409]

I am thrilled to learn that Senators Markey and Wyden, as well as Representative Matsui, have just introduced the Net Neutrality and Broadband Justice Act, legislation that would accurately classify broadband internet access as a telecommunications service under Title II of the Communications Act, giving the Federal Communications Commission the appropriate authority to reinstate net neutrality protections.  

The Net Neutrality and Broadband Justice Act reflects the undeniable fact that today, broadband is not a luxury. It is essential. That means the potential harms that internet users face without strong net neutrality protections and without the FCC able to exercise its proper authority are more sweeping than ever. This legislation would reverse the damaging approach adopted by the Trump FCC, which left broadband access unregulated and consumers unprotected. It would give the FCC the tools it needs to protect the free and open internet, creating a just broadband future for everyone in our country.

To quote Senator Markey: “For anyone who wants more innovation, more voices and less corporate control of the internet, net neutrality is an absolute no-brainer.” Please sign onto this bill as a co-sponsor right away. Thanks.

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

Talk tomorrow.

Jess