Author Topic: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance - VICTORY!  (Read 290843 times)

DCKatie09

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #100 on: January 03, 2017, 05:48:41 AM »
Thanks for everyone's suggestions and actions! I took a break over the holidays but will resume semi-daily posting this week.
Presumably with suggestions to call your Reps about this move? http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/02/us/politics/with-no-warning-house-republicans-vote-to-hobble-independent-ethics-office.html
Full vote should be today - given that R leadership spoke out against it in conference, theoretically there's room to find folks who are highly dissatisfied with this move and willing to break rank to vote against it.

deadlymonkey

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #101 on: January 03, 2017, 05:53:32 AM »
Thanks for everyone's suggestions and actions! I took a break over the holidays but will resume semi-daily posting this week.
Presumably with suggestions to call your Reps about this move? http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/02/us/politics/with-no-warning-house-republicans-vote-to-hobble-independent-ethics-office.html
Full vote should be today - given that R leadership spoke out against it in conference, theoretically there's room to find folks who are highly dissatisfied with this move and willing to break rank to vote against it.

I don't buy that the R leadership is really against it.  NOTHING gets voted on with the tacit approval of the Speaker.  He could easily file a motion of discharge and then it would get dropped.  He might have said "oh, no please don't vote on this" and then rubbed his hands in glee and watched it go forth and pass so he can claim to have been overruled.

MonkeyJenga

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #102 on: January 03, 2017, 06:04:47 AM »
Jan 3, 2017: Office of Congressional Ethics

http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/02/us/politics/with-no-warning-house-republicans-vote-to-hobble-independent-ethics-office.html

Congressional Republicans just took a secret vote to strip the Office of Congressional Ethics of many of its powers and put it under their supervision. This vote isn't final: it still has to pass on the House floor tomorrow as part of a rules package.

THIS IS WHERE WE COME IN. If your Member of Congress is a Republican, please call them in the morning. Ask: How did Rep X vote on the measure to strip the Office of Congressional Ethic of its authority? Press them (politely) if they refuse to answer, let them know this is important to you. And then: ASK them to vote down the rules package as a stand against corruption.

If you haven't already loaded your Congressmembers' phone numbers into your phone, look them up here: http://whoismyrepresentative.com/

Alternate Sample Script from Indivisible Austin:

Calling our congressional representatives en masse is one of the hallmarks of the Indivisible guide and a proven strategy that worked for the Tea Party. When you call, be brief, respectful, and stick to a single topic. Here are some sample scripts to get you started.

The Gutting of the Office of Congressional Ethics

I’m calling about the effort to undermine the OCE known as the Goodlatte* Amendment. If the House dismantles its own ethics office, how can we trust that they have the spine to represent our interests under Trump, whose conflicts of interests present their own ethical dilemmas? As your constituent, I would like to know how you voted on this rule change.

*Pronounced “GUUD-lat”



If you don't have a Republican rep, but have friends who live in conservative areas, send this to them and request that they call TODAY! If you know their zip code and can provide their rep's contact info, even better. Post it on Facebook, tag specific people, and email anyone who might not check FB frequently.

letired

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #103 on: January 03, 2017, 09:13:46 AM »
I called my Republican rep. Staffer cited 'secret ballot' as to why they couldn't tell me how he voted. I sent unimpressed tweet in the style of Orange Buffoon.

boy_bye

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #104 on: January 03, 2017, 09:30:08 AM »
My congressman is Democratic, but I called anyway just to express my concern about this and my support for him in opposing it. The staffer I spoke with seemed glad to hear from me -- she said that the Democrats are outraged about this, their team is getting a statement opposing this move together, and their phone hasn't stopped ringing. This all sounds like good news to me.

In other news, the folks who wrote the Indivisible guide are in the NY Times today -- fantastic exposure for them and for the resistance:
http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/02/opinion/to-stop-trump-democrats-can-learn-from-the-tea-party.html

I've got a meeting with a bunch of other activists in my town this weekend to organize ourselves Indivisible-style. It's ON.

jrhampt

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #105 on: January 03, 2017, 09:39:54 AM »
My congressman is Democratic, but I called anyway just to express my concern about this and my support for him in opposing it. The staffer I spoke with seemed glad to hear from me -- she said that the Democrats are outraged about this, their team is getting a statement opposing this move together, and their phone hasn't stopped ringing. This all sounds like good news to me.

In other news, the folks who wrote the Indivisible guide are in the NY Times today -- fantastic exposure for them and for the resistance:
http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/02/opinion/to-stop-trump-democrats-can-learn-from-the-tea-party.html

I've got a meeting with a bunch of other activists in my town this weekend to organize ourselves Indivisible-style. It's ON.

How did you find these other local activists in your town? 

boy_bye

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #106 on: January 03, 2017, 09:53:23 AM »
My congressman is Democratic, but I called anyway just to express my concern about this and my support for him in opposing it. The staffer I spoke with seemed glad to hear from me -- she said that the Democrats are outraged about this, their team is getting a statement opposing this move together, and their phone hasn't stopped ringing. This all sounds like good news to me.

In other news, the folks who wrote the Indivisible guide are in the NY Times today -- fantastic exposure for them and for the resistance:
http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/02/opinion/to-stop-trump-democrats-can-learn-from-the-tea-party.html

I've got a meeting with a bunch of other activists in my town this weekend to organize ourselves Indivisible-style. It's ON.

How did you find these other local activists in your town?

The day after the election, I did some googling and Facebook searching and decided to go to a meeting being held by SURJ (Standing Up for Racial Justice). From signing up with them and attending some events and meeting some folks, I got invited to this big meeting over the weekend.

I like SURJ because it's less old-hippie-style peace-and-love, and more Gen X/Millennial-style let's-mix-it-up. (Personal preference.) There's likely a chapter where you are. You can also check out other affinity groups. Around here there's a Peace and Justice institute, a group called Colorado 350 that's about climate change, LGBTQ organizations, etc.

So, I guess, just find an issue you care about and start going to meetings of that group. Most organizations are thrilled to have new folks involved and they will likely welcome you with open arms if you are willing to pitch in and do stuff.

Kris

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #107 on: January 03, 2017, 11:12:58 AM »
My congressman is Democratic, but I called anyway just to express my concern about this and my support for him in opposing it. The staffer I spoke with seemed glad to hear from me -- she said that the Democrats are outraged about this, their team is getting a statement opposing this move together, and their phone hasn't stopped ringing. This all sounds like good news to me.

In other news, the folks who wrote the Indivisible guide are in the NY Times today -- fantastic exposure for them and for the resistance:
http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/02/opinion/to-stop-trump-democrats-can-learn-from-the-tea-party.html

I've got a meeting with a bunch of other activists in my town this weekend to organize ourselves Indivisible-style. It's ON.

How did you find these other local activists in your town?

The day after the election, I did some googling and Facebook searching and decided to go to a meeting being held by SURJ (Standing Up for Racial Justice). From signing up with them and attending some events and meeting some folks, I got invited to this big meeting over the weekend.

I like SURJ because it's less old-hippie-style peace-and-love, and more Gen X/Millennial-style let's-mix-it-up. (Personal preference.) There's likely a chapter where you are. You can also check out other affinity groups. Around here there's a Peace and Justice institute, a group called Colorado 350 that's about climate change, LGBTQ organizations, etc.

So, I guess, just find an issue you care about and start going to meetings of that group. Most organizations are thrilled to have new folks involved and they will likely welcome you with open arms if you are willing to pitch in and do stuff.

Thanks for this. You've propelled me to commit to attending a local SURJ meeting with this post.

DCKatie09

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #108 on: January 03, 2017, 11:29:04 AM »

jrhampt

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #109 on: January 03, 2017, 11:31:21 AM »
My congressman is Democratic, but I called anyway just to express my concern about this and my support for him in opposing it. The staffer I spoke with seemed glad to hear from me -- she said that the Democrats are outraged about this, their team is getting a statement opposing this move together, and their phone hasn't stopped ringing. This all sounds like good news to me.

In other news, the folks who wrote the Indivisible guide are in the NY Times today -- fantastic exposure for them and for the resistance:
http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/02/opinion/to-stop-trump-democrats-can-learn-from-the-tea-party.html

I've got a meeting with a bunch of other activists in my town this weekend to organize ourselves Indivisible-style. It's ON.

How did you find these other local activists in your town?

The day after the election, I did some googling and Facebook searching and decided to go to a meeting being held by SURJ (Standing Up for Racial Justice). From signing up with them and attending some events and meeting some folks, I got invited to this big meeting over the weekend.

I like SURJ because it's less old-hippie-style peace-and-love, and more Gen X/Millennial-style let's-mix-it-up. (Personal preference.) There's likely a chapter where you are. You can also check out other affinity groups. Around here there's a Peace and Justice institute, a group called Colorado 350 that's about climate change, LGBTQ organizations, etc.

So, I guess, just find an issue you care about and start going to meetings of that group. Most organizations are thrilled to have new folks involved and they will likely welcome you with open arms if you are willing to pitch in and do stuff.

Thanks for this. You've propelled me to commit to attending a local SURJ meeting with this post.

Thanks!  I've been to a NOW meeting and a NARAL dinner since the election so far...wasn't overly impressed with the now meeting, but I'll keep looking.  Thanks for the ideas.

boy_bye

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #110 on: January 03, 2017, 12:02:44 PM »
Nice to hear you are checking out SURJ, Kris, and good luck finding a group you vibe with, jrhampt.

Just to be clear, I can be pretty critical of meetings/committees/etc. There are several reasons for this -- I don't like inefficiency, sometimes people just want to tell their whole life story, etc. Other times I'm just worked up and looking for an outlet and not in the mood to sit and hash out a bunch of things that seem really elementary to me. In short I can be very arrogant about such things :)

BUT! I'm really trying to put these feelings to the side so that I can connect with other activists, because the task we are facing is much more important than whether I'm feeling annoyed at inefficiency or not. I'm thinking about it as just a way to start, then hopefully opportunities to be more and more useful and connect with more and more like-minded people will appear from that.

Good luck finding your own good-enough way in!
« Last Edit: January 03, 2017, 12:04:22 PM by madgeylou »

Kris

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #111 on: January 03, 2017, 12:20:05 PM »
Nice to hear you are checking out SURJ, Kris, and good luck finding a group you vibe with, jrhampt.

Just to be clear, I can be pretty critical of meetings/committees/etc. There are several reasons for this -- I don't like inefficiency, sometimes people just want to tell their whole life story, etc. Other times I'm just worked up and looking for an outlet and not in the mood to sit and hash out a bunch of things that seem really elementary to me. In short I can be very arrogant about such things :)

BUT! I'm really trying to put these feelings to the side so that I can connect with other activists, because the task we are facing is much more important than whether I'm feeling annoyed at inefficiency or not. I'm thinking about it as just a way to start, then hopefully opportunities to be more and more useful and connect with more and more like-minded people will appear from that.

Good luck finding your own good-enough way in!

I feel the same way. I have "liked/followed" the local SURJ chapter for a few months now, but I have put off trying to go to a meeting precisely because my previous experiences with various organizations has made me kind of impatient in these same ways. Add to that that I'm an introvert and not much of a joiner, and there are lots of reasons that I have resisted participating in groups like this in the past. But I don't really feel like I have that luxury anymore.

jrhampt

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #112 on: January 03, 2017, 03:08:28 PM »
Nice to hear you are checking out SURJ, Kris, and good luck finding a group you vibe with, jrhampt.

Just to be clear, I can be pretty critical of meetings/committees/etc. There are several reasons for this -- I don't like inefficiency, sometimes people just want to tell their whole life story, etc. Other times I'm just worked up and looking for an outlet and not in the mood to sit and hash out a bunch of things that seem really elementary to me. In short I can be very arrogant about such things :)

BUT! I'm really trying to put these feelings to the side so that I can connect with other activists, because the task we are facing is much more important than whether I'm feeling annoyed at inefficiency or not. I'm thinking about it as just a way to start, then hopefully opportunities to be more and more useful and connect with more and more like-minded people will appear from that.

Good luck finding your own good-enough way in!

I feel the same way. I have "liked/followed" the local SURJ chapter for a few months now, but I have put off trying to go to a meeting precisely because my previous experiences with various organizations has made me kind of impatient in these same ways. Add to that that I'm an introvert and not much of a joiner, and there are lots of reasons that I have resisted participating in groups like this in the past. But I don't really feel like I have that luxury anymore.

I know exactly what you mean.  I'm going to keep going and see what happens, but you're probably right that inefficiency and disorganization will ensue no matter what group it is, to some extent.  And yes, being an introvert doesn't help much either. 

Junto Club Gardener

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #113 on: January 05, 2017, 02:47:58 PM »
Following.

Malaysia41

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #114 on: January 07, 2017, 12:40:56 AM »
From my clown / artist friend (yes really) :

Quote

Paul Ryan's office is conducting a phone poll, hoping to hear overwhelming opposition to the Affordable Care Act. Here's how you can participate:
Call 608-752-4050 to weigh in on the issue. YOU'LL FIRST HEAR A VERY LONG SILENCE BUT DON'T HANG UP. Press 2 to listen to a recording about the bill to repeal it, then press 1 to support continuing the Affordable Healthcare Act. It takes less than 2 minutes!
Copy, paste, pass it on!! (Apparently the reason for cutting and pasting instead of sharing has to do with FB and its algorithms.)
I checked this out on Snopes, and it's real. The Snopes page gives two different phone numbers for Ryan, but those numbers just state the mailboxes are full and not accepting new messages. The number above works for voting, though again, the mailbox is full so you can't leave Ryan a message. It has been busy much of the time, but try periodically.

Miss Stachio

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #115 on: January 07, 2017, 05:19:57 PM »
Any ideas for the upcoming congressional cabinet confirmation hearings?

boy_bye

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #116 on: January 07, 2017, 05:33:14 PM »
Any ideas for the upcoming congressional cabinet confirmation hearings?

I have a Republican senator who came out against Trump when the whole pussy-grabbing thing happened. Our state went blue in the election, so I am getting together with other folks I know to work on him hard.  I'm going to call Senator Gardner every day and tell him that the cabinet officials are not qualified, they need to be vetted, and this process can't be rushed.

I'm following the Indivisible playbook -- contact your member of congress, go to their Town Hall meetings, request meetings with your activist group, ask them for specific things, let them know that you are paying attention, and make sure they understand you are communicating with other activists to oppose their re-election if your concerns aren't taken into account.

MonkeyJenga

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #117 on: January 08, 2017, 07:28:48 PM »
Go madgeylou! And let us know what you end up doing, Miss Stachio!

Jan 9th, 2017: Make A Call to Flip Virginia Blue!

https://www.wall-of-us.org/weekly-acts-of-resistance/2017/1/7/action-2-help-virginias-senate-and-house-of-delegates-turn-blue-on-january-10th

There is a special election happening this Tuesday, January 10th for two seats in Virginia’s Senate and a seat in the House of Delegates.

There are currently 2 vacant seats up for grabs in the Virginia Senate comprised of 18 Democrats and 20 Republicans. One race is basically a lock for the Democrat, but the other-District 22-is a tougher race. By flipping District 22 from Republican to Democrat, Ryant Washington could alter the balance of the Virginia Senate.

The Virginia House of Delegates is also Republican controlled (65/34), and changing that will require great effort from Democrats over the next couple election cycles. We need to start working on it now. Cheryl Turpin is the Democratic candidate currently running for an open seat in the 85th District, which was just vacated by a Republican.

What can we do? The campaign managers for these two candidates worry that voters are fatigued and won’t vote. Special election turnout is also historically low. Democrats from all over the country have been stepping up and the campaigns are banking on volunteer phone bankers.

All-of-us must make sure that Virginia turns blue.

1. Volunteer for Ryant Washington, the Senate candidate. Here’s all the info to get started, including phone bank links and scripts.

2. Volunteer for Cheryl Turpin, the House of Delegates candidate.
Here’s all the info to get started, including phone bank links and scripts.

Commit to making just three phone calls on Wednesday! I made a lot of calls for HRC, and it's easy with the script in front of you. If you're nervous, read through it a couple times beforehand. Don't worry about getting it perfect, though.

Kris

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #118 on: January 09, 2017, 11:21:40 AM »
Here is an important action for today. 

BlueHouse

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #119 on: January 09, 2017, 12:48:34 PM »
I'm hosting 6 strangers in my house for the March on Washington on Jan 21. 

iris lily

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #120 on: January 10, 2017, 08:12:21 AM »
I'm hosting 6 strangers in my house for the March on Washington on Jan 21.
that is great! A wonderful way to support free speech in America!
« Last Edit: January 10, 2017, 03:36:10 PM by iris lily »

deadlymonkey

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #121 on: January 10, 2017, 08:20:38 AM »
I live on a military base so can't host, bit I have called and emailed my Senators (1D and 1R) about he confirmation process being rushed with ethical reviews.  I would call about the ACA repeal but I secretly want that to happen so that people get what they voted for.

boy_bye

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #122 on: January 10, 2017, 10:33:25 AM »
I live on a military base so can't host, bit I have called and emailed my Senators (1D and 1R) about he confirmation process being rushed with ethical reviews.  I would call about the ACA repeal but I secretly want that to happen so that people get what they voted for.

There are a lot of people who didn't vote for it who will get shafted too, tho :(

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #123 on: January 10, 2017, 10:39:57 AM »
Following... Just for the entertainment ;)

Poundwise

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #124 on: January 11, 2017, 08:32:56 AM »
Though lots like me can't afford to go to DC to march, we can join local demonstrations on Inauguration day.  Right now I'm looking for babysitters so I can join the Manhattan march on Trump Tower.

I'm not generally politically active, and I've never been to a protest before, but I've never seen anything like Trump and his cronyism before. The whole situation is nuts.
« Last Edit: January 11, 2017, 08:38:44 AM by Poundwise »

MonkeyJenga

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #125 on: January 11, 2017, 10:22:34 AM »
The DNC created a site for calling representatives. It is supposed to have updated scripts and a lookup tool for phone numbers.

https://makecalls.democrats.org

iris lily

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #126 on: January 11, 2017, 07:29:51 PM »
The DNC created a site for calling representatives. It is supposed to have updated scripts and a lookup tool for phone numbers.

https://makecalls.democrats.org
Ths reminded me to send my Democratic Senator a "bad girl!" message that she voted against Rand Paul's balanced budget bill. i reminded her that, once agan, she voted against my interests.
« Last Edit: January 11, 2017, 08:42:43 PM by iris lily »

Cressida

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #127 on: January 11, 2017, 08:15:30 PM »
The DNC created a site for calling representatives. It is supposed to have updated scripts and a lookup tool for phone numbers.

https://makecalls.democrats.org
Ths reminds nded me to send my Democratic Senator a "bad girl!" message that she voted against Rand Paul's balanced budget bill. i reminded her that, once agan, she voted against my interests.

I'm sure that will go over well.

iris lily

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #128 on: January 11, 2017, 08:41:39 PM »
The DNC created a site for calling representatives. It is supposed to have updated scripts and a lookup tool for phone numbers.

https://makecalls.democrats.org
Ths reminds nded me to send my Democratic Senator a "bad girl!" message that she voted against Rand Paul's balanced budget bill. i reminded her that, once agan, she voted against my interests.


I'm sure that will go over well.

From Monkey Jenga:

"...Please do not let finger-pointing and arguments derail this thread. As previously mentioned, if anybody wants to start a new thread about the validity of these actions or who should've won or why, you are welcome to. I would like to keep the focus on actions and constructive advice..."



Cressida

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #129 on: January 12, 2017, 12:58:24 AM »
The DNC created a site for calling representatives. It is supposed to have updated scripts and a lookup tool for phone numbers.

https://makecalls.democrats.org
Ths reminds nded me to send my Democratic Senator a "bad girl!" message that she voted against Rand Paul's balanced budget bill. i reminded her that, once agan, she voted against my interests.


I'm sure that will go over well.

From Monkey Jenga:

"...Please do not let finger-pointing and arguments derail this thread. As previously mentioned, if anybody wants to start a new thread about the validity of these actions or who should've won or why, you are welcome to. I would like to keep the focus on actions and constructive advice..."

mm-hmm. I will desist, and allow anyone on this thread who agrees that calling one's senator a "bad girl" is "constructive" to chime in.

Malaysia41

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #130 on: January 12, 2017, 07:37:14 AM »
Please don't be fooled by Rex Tillerson. He has made a career of talking out of both sides of his mouth.

He is all for sanctions? So why did Exxon Mobil use a subsidiary to trade oil with Iran and Sudan in the 2000s?

He's all for a carbon tax and says global warming is real? So then why, under his leadership, did Exxon Mobil spend tens of millions on global warming denial disinformation?

I'm putting this here, because if you watched his confirmation hearing, you may have gotten a favorable impression (esp in contrast to INCOMING ASSHAT in CHIEF).  If you had previously intended to demand your reps oppose him, you may be having second thoughts. Don't. He's still an awful pick for SoS. He has a long history of saying what sounds good, and then doing things that are quite different.

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #131 on: January 12, 2017, 08:54:41 AM »
mm-hmm. I will desist, and allow anyone on this thread who agrees that calling one's senator a "bad girl" is "constructive" to chime in.
Hehe, sure its constructive... and will go over well ;)

iris lily

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #132 on: January 12, 2017, 09:34:01 AM »
The DNC created a site for calling representatives. It is supposed to have updated scripts and a lookup tool for phone numbers.

https://makecalls.democrats.org
Ths reminds nded me to send my Democratic Senator a "bad girl!" message that she voted against Rand Paul's balanced budget bill. i reminded her that, once agan, she voted against my interests.


I'm sure that will go over well.

From Monkey Jenga:

"...Please do not let finger-pointing and arguments derail this thread. As previously mentioned, if anybody wants to start a new thread about the validity of these actions or who should've won or why, you are welcome to. I would like to keep the focus on actions and constructive advice..."

mm-hmm. I will desist, and allow anyone on this thread who agrees that calling one's senator a "bad girl" is "constructive" to chime in.
I didnt call her a "bad girl" in my message to her, I told her she didnt represent my interest.

llorona

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #133 on: January 13, 2017, 01:04:27 PM »
For those who are interested, here is a list of health care rallies taking place around the country on Sunday, January 15: http://heavy.com/news/2017/01/health-care-healthcare-rallies-protests-january-15-list-of-locations-city-state-time-how-to-join-attend-aca-obamacare-bernie-sanders-our-first-stand/

Tris Prior

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #134 on: January 13, 2017, 01:18:26 PM »
This might be a really dumb question.... but can you call a senator or rep who doesn't personally represent you? All of mine are deep, deep blue, always agree with me on all the issues, and always vote accordingly. Sure, I could call to say thanks for supporting (whatever issue's on the table), but I guess that doesn't seem terribly productive?


Kris

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #135 on: January 13, 2017, 01:45:50 PM »
This might be a really dumb question.... but can you call a senator or rep who doesn't personally represent you? All of mine are deep, deep blue, always agree with me on all the issues, and always vote accordingly. Sure, I could call to say thanks for supporting (whatever issue's on the table), but I guess that doesn't seem terribly productive?

You can, but... it probably doesn't do much.

What you can do, though, is call your own reps and senators, anyway. You can thank them when they do a good thing, and more importantly, you can urge them to take even stronger stands, and lead the fight on issues instead of just voting the right way. That encourages less weak-kneed leadership. And the Dems have a really big problem with being weak-kneed.

DavidAnnArbor

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #136 on: January 13, 2017, 06:31:46 PM »
 I wish I could go to the healthcare rally but I'm working.

BlueHouse

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #137 on: January 13, 2017, 07:13:48 PM »
This might be a really dumb question.... but can you call a senator or rep who doesn't personally represent you? All of mine are deep, deep blue, always agree with me on all the issues, and always vote accordingly. Sure, I could call to say thanks for supporting (whatever issue's on the table), but I guess that doesn't seem terribly productive?

You can, but... it probably doesn't do much.

What you can do, though, is call your own reps and senators, anyway. You can thank them when they do a good thing, and more importantly, you can urge them to take even stronger stands, and lead the fight on issues instead of just voting the right way. That encourages less weak-kneed leadership. And the Dems have a really big problem with being weak-kneed.
My rep doesn't even get to vote, so what's the point?

llorona

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #138 on: January 15, 2017, 11:34:06 PM »
The healthcare rally in SF had a great turnout! I appreciated the feeling of unity. http://abc7news.com/health/thousands-gather-for-obamacare-rally-in-san-francisco/1704119/

Please consider attending the Women's March or a sister march near you next Saturday, January 21. Here's where you can find nearby events: https://www.womensmarch.com/sisters
« Last Edit: January 15, 2017, 11:43:40 PM by llorona »

Poundwise

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #139 on: January 16, 2017, 06:02:03 AM »
The healthcare rally in SF had a great turnout! I appreciated the feeling of unity. http://abc7news.com/health/thousands-gather-for-obamacare-rally-in-san-francisco/1704119/

Please consider attending the Women's March or a sister march near you next Saturday, January 21. Here's where you can find nearby events: https://www.womensmarch.com/sisters

I've registered and I'm going!!  Have found some friends to go with, now just have to think about what to write on poster. 

Here's the direct link to NYC march on the Trump Tower.
https://thehumanfirstsociety.org/
« Last Edit: January 16, 2017, 06:06:12 AM by Poundwise »

MonkeyJenga

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #140 on: January 16, 2017, 06:24:05 AM »
I'll be going to a march in NYC!

Paul Ryan has reportedly stopped taking calls, stopped taking faxes, and stopped accepting office visitors with petitions.

Some folks are sending postcards and letters to his home address to tell him NO to defunding Planned Parenthood, NO to repealing Affordable Care Act, and NO to privatizing Medicare.

Paul Ryan
700 Saint Lawrence Ave
 Janesville, WI
 53545-4040

Also call your congressional representatives and senators! Even Democrats.

Cressida

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #141 on: January 17, 2017, 12:06:01 AM »
Please consider attending the Women's March or a sister march near you next Saturday, January 21.

I did consider it, and there is one in Seattle: website = https://womxnsmarchseattle.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/press-release-womxns-march.pdf

I find myself in a quandary, though. You might have noticed the "womxn" terminology in the link. Here's their explanation of this choice:

Quote
The spelling of “Womxn’s March” has been adapted to highlight and promote intersectionality in the movement for civil right [sic, because I am a jerk] and equality. Intersectionality acknowledges that different forms of discrimination intersect, overlap, and reinforce each other, and recognizes the impact of discrimination based not only on gender, but also race, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, faith, class, disability, and other backgrounds.

I have a problem with this. I think women should be able to have a protest/march referencing women's issues, full stop. I do not understand why a women's event needs to fall all over itself to acknowledge that there are other forms of oppression. Of course there are other forms of oppression, but why is it women's job to make room for these To The Point That We're Not Even Allowed To Use The Word WOMEN? I know the answer. It's because women are expected to put everyone else's needs ahead of theirs. No one expects this of any other group. No one expects African-American activists to name their events "Blxck Lives Matter" and to reference sexual orientation and disability.*

This pisses me off enough that I don't want to participate. I'm willing to listen to arguments to the contrary.

MJ, sorry if this is off topic - I honestly wasn't sure. I'll remove it to my own journal if that would be better.


*I support the Black Lives Matter movement 100%. And, as such, I do not think they should have to involve other types of oppression in their movement. HINT.

jrhampt

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #142 on: January 17, 2017, 04:00:18 AM »
Please consider attending the Women's March or a sister march near you next Saturday, January 21.

I did consider it, and there is one in Seattle: website = https://womxnsmarchseattle.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/press-release-womxns-march.pdf

I find myself in a quandary, though. You might have noticed the "womxn" terminology in the link. Here's their explanation of this choice:

Quote
The spelling of “Womxn’s March” has been adapted to highlight and promote intersectionality in the movement for civil right [sic, because I am a jerk] and equality. Intersectionality acknowledges that different forms of discrimination intersect, overlap, and reinforce each other, and recognizes the impact of discrimination based not only on gender, but also race, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, faith, class, disability, and other backgrounds.

I have a problem with this. I think women should be able to have a protest/march referencing women's issues, full stop. I do not understand why a women's event needs to fall all over itself to acknowledge that there are other forms of oppression. Of course there are other forms of oppression, but why is it women's job to make room for these To The Point That We're Not Even Allowed To Use The Word WOMEN? I know the answer. It's because women are expected to put everyone else's needs ahead of theirs. No one expects this of any other group. No one expects African-American activists to name their events "Blxck Lives Matter" and to reference sexual orientation and disability.*

This pisses me off enough that I don't want to participate. I'm willing to listen to arguments to the contrary.

MJ, sorry if this is off topic - I honestly wasn't sure. I'll remove it to my own journal if that would be better.


*I support the Black Lives Matter movement 100%. And, as such, I do not think they should have to involve other types of oppression in their movement. HINT.

I think liberals are easy to make fun of when we do things like this (I'm talking about the women spelling, not about your conflict about whether to attend).  I also think this election has brought up so many social justice issues that it's overwhelming people.  For me, I think it's important enough to show up that I'm ignoring any in-fighting.  If you want to show up and just focus on women's issues, then do that!  Make your sign, wear your feminist slogan, march with your local planned parenthood or NOW chapter. I think division was partly what lost us the election, and we need to unite in opposition.  No one's saying that gender equality isn't a huge impetus behind this march, but we want to encourage everyone to show up.  They're also saying this isn't an explicitly anti-trump march, but for me it sure is.  I'm okay with not agreeing with everything.
« Last Edit: January 17, 2017, 04:02:59 AM by jrhampt »

LifeHappens

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #143 on: January 17, 2017, 04:16:10 AM »
I think liberals are easy to make fun of when we do things like this (I'm talking about the women spelling, not about your conflict about whether to attend).  I also think this election has brought up so many social justice issues that it's overwhelming people.  For me, I think it's important enough to show up that I'm ignoring any in-fighting.  If you want to show up and just focus on women's issues, then do that!  Make your sign, wear your feminist slogan, march with your local planned parenthood or NOW chapter. I think division was partly what lost us the election, and we need to unite in opposition.  No one's saying that gender equality isn't a huge impetus behind this march, but we want to encourage everyone to show up.  They're also saying this isn't an explicitly anti-trump march, but for me it sure is.  I'm okay with not agreeing with everything.

+1. Now is not the time to argue with people who basically agree that all humans deserve rights. I understand your annoyance, Cressida, but if I could I would march regardless.

SisterX

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #144 on: January 17, 2017, 09:38:32 AM »
Cressida, I'm annoyed by the wording too. Yet another instance of women having to defer to other groups, as if our complaints alone are not legitimate and reasonable and damn infuriating.

That being said, I'm still considering going. Not sure, though, as it would require getting going early in the morning (have been exhausted this week--so much that I think I'll actually drink a coffee today). BUT, I originally thought that another complication would be needing to find someone to watch the Demon Child, but now I'm wondering if it might not be better to bring her along. If nothing else, I want her to grow up seeing her mom Actually Do Stuff. I don't want to just talk about this, I want her to see me participating.

So, maybe we could talk each other into going?* And meeting up? If I go, I will definitely be wearing my "Notorious R.B.G." shirt.

I almost feel a responsibility to go on behalf of all the others who can't but would love to.

*Part of me is really hoping you'll say, "Nah. Maybe next time." :)

MonkeyJenga

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #145 on: January 17, 2017, 10:02:15 AM »
SiX, you should go and bring DC. On one of my door knocking trips to Philly for HRC, one woman brought her young son along. That was cool, showing that even young kids can get involved. And that involved a two hour bus ride both ways!

jrhampt

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #146 on: January 17, 2017, 10:05:17 AM »
I think there are so many people who are angry about this election for so many different reasons and they all need an outlet. So why not invite everyone to join? This March is still being led entirely by women. 


On another note, I just called my congresswoman and encouraged her to consider joining others in congress who are boycotting the inauguration.

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #147 on: January 17, 2017, 10:14:42 AM »
Cressida and SisX, have you read at all about "white feminism" -- i.e. the tendency of white feminists to think about the issues that impact *us* without considering issues that impact black women, disabled women, etc?

Like, when people say "women got the right to vote in 1920," well, nope, that's not even remotely true. White women were able to vote starting in 1920. Black women in Southern states didn't get to exercise that right until the Civil Rights movement. In this way, the experiences of black women have been erased from the feminist movement for a long time.

I see where you are coming from, but do you really think that intersectionality is about women deferring to other groups? I guess it's possible to read it that way, but I don't think that's what is intended or even really what is happening. I see it more as an understanding that all women are impacted by many issues, and the oppression that women suffer based on their gender is often multiplied by race, disability, poverty, etc. If any march for women didn't consider those issues, then there would be a lot of women who'd be left out.

It kind of reminds me of, just after the election, when a bunch of (mostly white dude) liberals were calling for an end to "identity politics" because they are "divisive." But if you look at the liberal platform, and you start taking out planks that apply to the various groups in our culture -- take out disability rights, take out reproductive health, take out Black Lives Matter, etc etc -- then you end up with a platform that is made up exclusively of things that everyone white dudes care about.

It's an example of the centering of white dude perspective that takes place every moment of every day in our culture. The white male perspective is the "default" one, it's the one that is meant when people say "issues that everybody cares about," and the rest of us are just "special interest groups."

My guess is that the organizers of this march are trying to avoid that happening to their platform. They don't want to center on only the issues that impact middle class white women. They want to include the concerns of *all* women, which means explicitly including disabled women, women of color, poor women, etc.

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #148 on: January 17, 2017, 10:27:54 AM »
Cressida and SisX, have you read at all about "white feminism" -- i.e. the tendency of white feminists to think about the issues that impact *us* without considering issues that impact black women, disabled women, etc?

Like, when people say "women got the right to vote in 1920," well, nope, that's not even remotely true. White women were able to vote starting in 1920. Black women in Southern states didn't get to exercise that right until the Civil Rights movement. In this way, the experiences of black women have been erased from the feminist movement for a long time.

I see where you are coming from, but do you really think that intersectionality is about women deferring to other groups? I guess it's possible to read it that way, but I don't think that's what is intended or even really what is happening. I see it more as an understanding that all women are impacted by many issues, and the oppression that women suffer based on their gender is often multiplied by race, disability, poverty, etc. If any march for women didn't consider those issues, then there would be a lot of women who'd be left out.

It kind of reminds me of, just after the election, when a bunch of (mostly white dude) liberals were calling for an end to "identity politics" because they are "divisive." But if you look at the liberal platform, and you start taking out planks that apply to the various groups in our culture -- take out disability rights, take out reproductive health, take out Black Lives Matter, etc etc -- then you end up with a platform that is made up exclusively of things that everyone white dudes care about.

It's an example of the centering of white dude perspective that takes place every moment of every day in our culture. The white male perspective is the "default" one, it's the one that is meant when people say "issues that everybody cares about," and the rest of us are just "special interest groups."

My guess is that the organizers of this march are trying to avoid that happening to their platform. They don't want to center on only the issues that impact middle class white women. They want to include the concerns of *all* women, which means explicitly including disabled women, women of color, poor women, etc.

I think this is well said. I would guess that most women of color wouldn't think that intersectionality is about women deferring to other groups.


SisterX

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Re: Small Daily Acts of Political Resistance
« Reply #149 on: January 17, 2017, 11:38:55 AM »
Cressida and SisX, have you read at all about "white feminism" -- i.e. the tendency of white feminists to think about the issues that impact *us* without considering issues that impact black women, disabled women, etc?

Like, when people say "women got the right to vote in 1920," well, nope, that's not even remotely true. White women were able to vote starting in 1920. Black women in Southern states didn't get to exercise that right until the Civil Rights movement. In this way, the experiences of black women have been erased from the feminist movement for a long time.

I see where you are coming from, but do you really think that intersectionality is about women deferring to other groups? I guess it's possible to read it that way, but I don't think that's what is intended or even really what is happening. I see it more as an understanding that all women are impacted by many issues, and the oppression that women suffer based on their gender is often multiplied by race, disability, poverty, etc. If any march for women didn't consider those issues, then there would be a lot of women who'd be left out.

It kind of reminds me of, just after the election, when a bunch of (mostly white dude) liberals were calling for an end to "identity politics" because they are "divisive." But if you look at the liberal platform, and you start taking out planks that apply to the various groups in our culture -- take out disability rights, take out reproductive health, take out Black Lives Matter, etc etc -- then you end up with a platform that is made up exclusively of things that everyone white dudes care about.

It's an example of the centering of white dude perspective that takes place every moment of every day in our culture. The white male perspective is the "default" one, it's the one that is meant when people say "issues that everybody cares about," and the rest of us are just "special interest groups."

My guess is that the organizers of this march are trying to avoid that happening to their platform. They don't want to center on only the issues that impact middle class white women. They want to include the concerns of *all* women, which means explicitly including disabled women, women of color, poor women, etc.

I think this is well said. I would guess that most women of color wouldn't think that intersectionality is about women deferring to other groups.

This is true, and an excellent point. I think my irritation is about the fact that "women's issues" doesn't already cover the issues for women of color and transgender women, etc. Those are women's issues, whether or not it's explicitly stated! Annoying that the blanket term is considered either too broad, too exclusive, or whatever. And yes, annoying as hell that the needs, opinions, and experiences of certain groups of women are regularly shunted aside. I just don't feel like a march about women's issues should have to explicitly state that it's about all women's issues, that should be a given.

Of course, this is also my opinion as a straight white middle-class woman.

The wording made it sound like this policy of inclusivity is about more than just non-white, not-straight women's issues but basically all issues that would be affected by Trump's presidency. That's great, and those issues really, really need attention. But I sort of feel like we're going to get into the problem of trying to cover too much and covering none of it really well. Civil rights marches worked in part because there was one big overarching issue which was being brought to the country's attention. They didn't focus on each individual right, but all of them together. I feel like when we break stuff down to the smallest possible section then it's much easier to dismiss.

I understand the need and desire to make all women feel included, but again that should be a given. The fact that it's not because of historical trends infuriates me. Of course these women are included because they are women, and their problems are a problem for all of us. Non-straight, white, CIS women, or poor women, don't, in my understanding, necessarily have specialized problems, it's more that the problems all women have are amplified. All women face workplace discrimination, but some more than others. All women fear rape, but some are more likely to experience it than others, etc. Feel free to tell me how I'm wrong about this, though, because it might just be me missing something and I'm open to that possibility.

I definitely don't want to be one of those idiots who's trying to patronizingly tell BLM protestors that "all lives matter", but in this case I feel like we have more in common than we have to specialize ourselves about. And having a rally of millions of women who are described merely as women rather than white women and women of color and Muslim women and trans-women is so much more powerful. We are an awesome group, and our diversity should be celebrated and the issues that that diversity faces should be considered thoughtfully and always. But, I also feel like we should focus on our similarities rather than our differences. We are all women, and what happens to other women affects us all no matter what sub-group of womanhood we claim. We need to raise each other up, not compartmentalize ourselves further. That just creates divides where I don't think there need to be any.