Chop Wood, Carry Water 9/12
Hi, all, and happy Tuesday!
I got a bit stressed this morning when I realized, with a groan, that I’d triple-booked myself for this afternoon. I somehow set things up so that between 4 and 6 PM I am scheduled to be a) running a Virginia phonebank, b) participating in an Instagram Live with the National Education Association, and c) driving Mj to and from a new art class. Suffice it to say that managing my own calendar isn’t a strong suit.
When Mike asked me how I was doing this morning, then, I said:
“Stressed. I’m not sure how I’m going to get through today.”
He offered to help, of course. Once we’d sorted out that he’d pick Mj up from class, he reminded me of an aphorism I’d heard earlier this week:
‘By the yard, it’s hard. But it’s a cinch by the inch.”
The second I heard it my shoulders lowered. Easy does it, in other words. Take it in small steps. Ask for help. And don’t get too far ahead of yourself.
It’s an approach that I’ll use today to not let my schedule overwhelm me. More importantly, it’s a tool we can all use every day to focus on what’s in front of us, take care of ourselves, not spin out about the future, and manage overlapping problems.
It’s a cinch by the inch, y’all. Truly.
So let’s grab each other for support, take our small, daily actions, and trust that doing so will carry us many yards forward, indeed.
Call Your Senators (find yours here) 📲
[There is a national call-in day happening today to save WIC funding, which is facing steep cuts in both the House and the Senate. Please call! And please use this social media toolkit to encourage others to call!]
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
I’m concerned about shortfalls in funding for the WIC supplemental nutrition program. These deficits will deny desperately needed food assistance to 5.3 million young children and the people who care for them. Please ask the Senator to vote to approve the Biden Administration’s $1.4B emergency WIC funding request, to ensure families won’t lose needed assistance during critical periods of development. [H/T]
Call Your House Rep (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
I’m concerned about shortfalls in funding for the WIC supplemental nutrition program. These deficits will deny desperately needed food assistance to 5.3 million young children and the people who care for them. Please ask the Congressmember to vote to approve the Biden Administration’s $1.4B emergency WIC funding request, to ensure families won’t lose needed assistance during critical periods of development. [H/T]
[If GOP add:]
Also, I’m furious to hear that House Republicans are going to launch an impeachment inquiry against President Biden for purely political reasons and with no evidence of wrongdoing. This is a distraction from our real problems, a waste of taxpayer resources, and a desperate act of political malpractice. Reverse course immediately or lose your majority in 2024. Thanks.
Extra Credit ✅
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is holding a public comment period to collect information about how high drug prices have impacted people’s lives. I think we’ve all got a story we can tell!
Comments at this time not only strengthen CMS’s hand in negotiations with Pharma, but also inform how they proceed with the next round of negotiations.
Please make a comment using this tool. I’m not going to tell you what to say— just know that personal stories are what will best move the needle.
Get Smart! 📚
On Wednesday, September 13th 8PM ET / 5PM PT join the States Project for a report from the ground in Virginia, featuring stories about conversations with voters during door knocking!
Meet Virginia House candidate Kimberly Pope Adams, and Virginia Senate Deputy Campaigns Director Ivana Hall. This event will highlight one of The States Project’s most innovative programs, the Door-Knocking Challenge!
Spread the Word! 📣
This new Mike Lux piece on the Biden age question is EVERYTHING. Please read it, share it, and make it essential reading for all of your '“but he’s so old!” friends.
Give 💰!
Want to help oust Tate Reeves in Mississippi? We’ve got a chance to do just that this November!
On Friday, September 15th at 11:00 AM Markers For Democracy is hosting a meet and greet with Brandon Presley, Democratic candidate for Mississippi Governor.
Brandon Presley served as Mayor of Nettleton from 2001 to 2007, having been elected at the age of 23, making him one of the youngest mayors in Mississippi history. He balanced the budget every year, cut taxes twice, and got the town moving again. In 2007 he was elected to the Public Service Commission as the youngest Commissioner ever elected in Mississippi history and was re-elected in 2011, 2015, and 2019.
Now he’s ready to be Governor, fight corruption, serve working people and families instead of special interests, and lead with strength and courage.
If you would like to support Brandon's campaign: donate here. If you’d like to come meet him at 11AM ET on Friday register here. (This is part of a longer Zoom session so don’t worry that the time on the registration page is earlier. Just hop on at 11AM ET.) No donation is required to attend.
Win Races! 🗳
Rep. Abigail Spanberger will join NOPE this Thursday, Sept 14, 7:00 ET, by Zoom to talk about how we win Virginia in 2023 and flip the House in 2024. You can sign-up here.
She'll be joined by Kimberly Pope Adams, a candidate for the VA House. I hope you'll join us and share this opportunity with your friends.
Resistbot Letter (new to Resistbot? Go here! And then here.) 💻
[to all 3 reps] [H/T] [Text SIGN PSPECG to Resistbot at 50409 or on Apple Messages / WHATSAPP / MESSENGER]
The Supreme Court is issuing extreme rulings that are deeply at odds with both precedent and public sentiment. Recent ethics scandals highlight the justices’ lack of accountability.
As your constituent, I’m asking you to rein in the Court by enacting term limits by statute for Supreme Court justices.
Justices hold too much power to control an entire branch of government for life. Rhode Island is the only state with life tenure for its state supreme court. Every other major democracy in the world has term or age limits for their high courts. And it’s a policy that routinely receives strong bipartisan support among the public. Strong bipartisan legislation is the answer.
An 18-year term is more than enough time for one person to wield such immense power. The Court has proven that it is unwilling or unable to hold itself accountable. It’s time for Congress to restore checks and balances by passing term limits legislation now.
OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.
Talk soon.
Jess
Love, "It's a cinch by the inch." thank you. I too make calendar mistakes, but it is a cinch by the inch. yes
Love the Mike Lux article!