Monday 5/1 Call to Action

Hello Resisters.  Monday"s Call to Action is coming to you early because I want you to be ready.  Hopefully you took some time off this weekend to recharge. Tomorrow we need another WAVE of Action.

1.  That Old Pesky Zombie Healthcare Just Won't Die!
Rumor has it that Pence is calling moderate Republican representatives to let them know they have enough votes to pass TrumpCare 2.0.  Truthful or not, we cannot take chances.

Call, write, or visit your members of Congress. Text with Resistbot. You know what to do. Here are some talking points to give you a hand.
https://www.indivisibleguide.com/resource/48-to-save-aca/

Or you could mention that fact that Trump seems to believe that the new health care bill "will 'beautifully' protect those who have preexisting medical conditions." Read more about that here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/…/trump-guarantees-protect…/…

Come on people, you can do it!  Put a little power to it!  Goooooooo contact your representatives!!!!!!  Do it!  Do it!  Do it!


2.  Oh No You Didn't, The New York Times!
Over the weekend journalist Bret Stephens, formally of the Wall Street Journal, joined the New York times.  His inaugural column, an op-ed, discussed the probability that climate science is flawed.  "While acknowledging that the planet has warmed over the past century and that humans have contributed to it, he wrote, 'much else that passes as accepted fact is really a matter of probabilities. That’s especially true of the sophisticated but fallible models and simulations by which scientists attempt to peer into the climate future.'"
Here is a Washington Post article with a link to the original:  https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/a-skeptical-climate-change-column-whips-up-a-storm-among-ny-times-readers/2017/04/30/68b1fe8e-2da6-11e7-9534-00e4656c22aa_story.html?hpid=hp_hp-more-top-stories_nyt-350pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.9f604197c9d4#comments
I don't know about you, but I am so very tired of debating the validity of climate change.  While we are busy letting the naysayers have their time in the spotlight, we are missing opportunities to have real discussions on how to fix our warming planet!
Amirite, Bill Nye, the Science Guy?  http://www.mediaite.com/tv/youre-doing-a-disservice-bill-nye-rips-cnn-for-having-climate-skeptic-on/  Come on people!

If you happen to subscribe to The New York Times and you would like to speak with them about this column, please use this contact information as your guide.
http://www.nytimes.com/help/index.html?WT_nav=user-settings-modalContainer&action=click&contentCollection=&pgtype=Homepage&region=TopBar&redir=myacc


4.  The Bad News
Amy Siskind, President and Co-Founder of The New Agenda has been diligently keeping track of all the changes since Trump won the presidency.  I have to admit, my stomach and my poor eyesight have kept me from reading the whole thing, but I offer it up to you here to keep you abreast of it all.
https://twitter.com/amy_siskind/status/858352156579176451

5.  The Good News
I don't need to tell you twice that these are difficult times.  But much like the phoenix from the ashes, perhaps something great will come from this struggle.  I dare say it already has.  Check out this article: http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/national-party-news/331143-trumps-america-has-a-silver-lining-democratic-women
Women are running for public office like never before!  Perhaps it really is women's time to shine.  I hope this article will inspire you (women and men) to try running for public office.  Start small and work your way up!

6.  Budget Deal
As I am finishing this tonight I see that a budget deal been settled.  More on that for Tuesday!

Franken-202-224-5641
Klobuchar-202-224-3244
House of Representative switchboard: (202) 224-3121
MN Legislators: https://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/legislators
Resistbot: https://resistbot.io/


Out and About

Monday 5/1, 10 AM - 1 PM
2017 American Indian Month Kick-off
Cedar Avenue Field
2500 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404

Monday 5/1 12-4:30 PM
Day Without Immigrants March to the Capitol
239 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55102-1811, United States

Monday 5/1, 3 - 6:30 p.m.
Marcha el 1 de mayo | May 1 march! #DiaSinInmigrantes
East Phillips Park
2307 17th Ave S, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404

Monday 5/1, 4 -7 PM
Fast Food May 1st Strike
2307 S 17th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404-3373, United States

Tuesday 5/9, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Medicare For All Rally at the Capitol
Minnesota State Capitol
75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Tuesday 5/16, 7-8:30 p.m.
The Case for Impeaching Donald Trump
with Prof. David Schultz
Maplewood Ramsey County Library
3025 Southlawn Drive
Maplewood, Minnesota 55109
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-case-for-impeaching-donald…

Saturday 5/20, 12 - 3 PM
Invest in Success Rally for Public Education
Education Minnesota
41 Sherburne Ave, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55103



 As the great Sec. Hillary Clinton says, “Resist, insist, persist, and enlist.”  And also, Pearl Jam.  Pearl Jam- Given to Fly

Friday 4/28 Call to Action

Friday!
1.  Goodness!  How quickly things change in this turbo-charged political circus.  As I drink my coffee and try to wrap my head around this morning's news headlines, this is what I can garner.

* There will be NO TRUMPCARE VOTE today or tomorrow.*

Why?  Reports say that the House Democrats threatened to withhold votes on a stop-gap spending measure if the Republicans did not back away from the bill.  Also, the GOP was unable to garner enough votes to push through TrumpCare 2.0.  (This is the point where you high five yourself or your neighbor.  You did that, people!  You did!  YOU!!)  In the best quote since Sen. Ted Cruz said "Bat-Crap Crazy", Rep. Nancy Pelosi said Trump was, “really making fools of the members of Congress of his own party” by asking them to support a health bill that is unpopular with the public.
“If they vote on it, the minute they cast that vote, they put doo-doo on their shoe."
Nancy Pelosi said "doo-doo".
But wait.  This get better.
*Our legislators plan to pass legislation to fund the government for one more week.
*There will be no money allotted in the long term spending bill for "The Wall".
*Government will continue to fund cost sharing subsidies for low income insurance holders.
*We made Trump have a tweet tantrum.
Read more here: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/27/us/politics/republicans-propose-short-term-funding-plan-to-avert-shutdown.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0
Or here:  https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/house-republicans-introduce-one-week-spending-bill-to-continue-budget-talks/2017/04/27/5157abee-2b3a-11e7-b605-33413c691853_story.html?hpid=hp_hp-top-table-main_spendingdeal825pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.d12ba6770eb9

The war's not over but I think some battles were won.  That makes me feel good going into this weekend, but it is not the time to stop. I recommend keeping pressure on our representatives (especially, Lewis, Paulsen, and Emmer) regarding this awful healthcare bill. Call, write, Resistbot, and/or visit.

Check out these talking points provided by Andy Slavitt:
https://twitter.com/aslavitt/status/857740632600793089


2.  Rep. Elijah Cummings-The Hero We Need
Rep. Cummings is setting an example for how we want our public servants to fight for right.  He is reporting evidence of former National Security Adviser, Michael Flynn's infractions.  He is calling out the Trump administration for stonewalling requests for documents.  It's a beautiful thing to see and I hope this is the beginning of a new trend in government.  Watch it here:
https://www.facebook.com/newsandguts/videos/238899543181688/?autoplay_reason=all_page_organic_allowed&video_container_type=0&video_creator_product_type=2&app_id=2392950137&live_video_guests=0

Or Rachel Maddow here:  Chaffetz eyes door as Flynn scandal mushrooms http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/chaffetz-eyes-door-as-flynn-scandal-mushrooms-931619907835 via @msnbc

Call your representative and senators today and tell them you appreciate the work Rep. Cummings has done.  Tell them you want  more serious inquiry into the Trump administration's wrongdoings.

Franken-202-224-5641
Klobuchar-202-224-3244
House of Representative switchboard: (202) 224-3121
MN Legislators: https://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/legislators
Resistbot: https://resistbot.io/

Out and About

Friday 4/28, 6-8 p.m.
Tom Emmer - Town Hall
9201 Quaday Avenue NE, Ostego MN 55330

Saturday 4/29, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Stop the Muslim Registry Training
MAS South Metro Islamic Center (SMIC)

Monday 5/1, 3 - 6:30 p.m.
Marcha el 1 de mayo | May 1 march! #DiaSinInmigrantes
East Phillips Park
2307 17th Ave S, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404

Tuesday 5/9, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Medicare For All Rally at the Capitol
Minnesota State Capitol
75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Have a spectacular weekend and don't forget, when it comes to our legislators, sometimes they need a little push.   Salt-N-Pepa - Push It

Thursday 4/27 Call to Action

Thursday Call to Action
You're going to make me do it DJT, aren't you? You are going to make me have to talk about taxes. Taxes make my head hurt, but I will do if for you, TPOM

Taxes!
Yesterday, Trump released a one-page outline of his new tax proposal. From what I've garnered, tax experts believe one page is a paltry proposal and is really just talking points with no real data to back any of Trump's ideas. The new tax plan replaces the current seven income tax brackets with three. (Keep in mind, the richest American's tax rate will be lowered -especially large corporations where the rate goes from 35-15%, but the tax rate for the poorest stays the same.) The plan also abolishes the alternative minimum tax (AMT) and the estate tax. The AMT was created by Ronald Reagan. Remember Trump's "leaked" tax return? The AMT is the reason Trump paid about $30 million instead of $5 million on his $150 million income. The Trump administration thinks that economic growth and closing tax loopholes will compensate for the huge loss of tax money that this new proposal will incur. People with tax knowledge seem to think this plan would make our massive federal deficit even more profound.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/…/2097fe42-2a94-11e7-be51-b3…

It seems that Trump, the businessman, would benefit greatly from this new tax proposal. Of course, we don't really know because DJT won't show us his tax returns and according Steven Mnuchen, has no intention of doing so.
Read more about it here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/…/7a2c0b32-29eb-11e7-b605-33…

Looking for a quick overview of who benefits from this plan? Check this out:
https://mobile.nytimes.com/…/winners-and-losers-in-the-trum…

If you live in a congressional district with a GOP congressperson, this would be a good time to call and ask them why increasing the deficit is okay with him/her. If you live in Jason Lewis' district, you can ask him how this sits with his "fiscal hawk" persona.

2. TrumpCare 2.0
Remember when the GOP said states could decide whether they would protect constituents with pre-existing conditions from being dropped by insurance?
Remember yesterday, when the GOP tried to sneak in a loophole for legislators and their staff so that they would not be subject to their state's rules on pre-existing conditions?
 (Catch up here: http://www.vox.com/…/…/15429982/gop-exemption-ahca-amendment)
Thanks to resistors like you, the GOP has backtracked on that idea. We must remain vigilant and ensure that they don't sneak that one back in.

The new, crappier version of TrumpCare is a hit with the ultra-conservative Freedom Caucus. The pressure is now on moderate Republicans to support this bill. http://www.cnn.com/…/politics/health-care-bill-…/index.html…
This is where you come in. If you live in a "purple" district (Paulsen, Lewis, maybe Emmer), we need to you make a lot of noise about this. Call, send emails/letters, write a letter to the editor of your local paper, make an office visit. We can't let them sneak this past us.

3. America the Beautiful for Sale
In another act of deplorableness, Trump signed an Executive Order to rescind national monument status to many of America's most beautiful places. The goal is to open up these areas for mining, drilling and other such things. Read about it here:http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN17S1MH The shortsightedness of this Order astounds me.

Franken-202-224-5641
Klobuchar-202-224-3244
House of Representative switchboard: (202) 224-3121
MN Legislators: https://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/legislators
Resistbot: https://resistbot.io/

Out and About

Thursday 4/27, 1:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
MN Indivisibles - Health Care Rally at the Capitol!
Minnesota State Capitol
75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Friday 4/28, 6-8 p.m.
Tom Emmer - Town Hall
9201 Quaday Avenue NE, Ostego MN 55330

Saturday 4/29, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Stop the Muslim Registry Training
MAS South Metro Islamic Center (SMIC)

Monday 5/1, 3 - 6:30 p.m.
Marcha el 1 de mayo | May 1 march! #DiaSinInmigrantes
East Phillips Park
2307 17th Ave S, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404

Tuesday 5/9, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Medicare For All Rally at the Capitol
Minnesota State Capitol
75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Finally, check out this commercial from Heineken.  Heineken Commercial

Heineken | Worlds Apart | #OpenYourWorld

Heineken presents ‘Worlds Apart’ An Experiment. Can two strangers with opposing views prove that there’s more that unites than divides us? #OpenYourWorld Fin...

Wednesday 4/26 Call to Action

Wednesday Calls to Action
Hello and I am so glad you are with me.

1.  Revisit Health Care (Because it's that important!)
We discussed last week that the GOP's new health care proposal would allow states to decide whether or not to cover pre-existing conditions.  Well, what's good for the goose is apparently not good enough for the gander.  The GOP has inserted a clause in this new health care bill that would exempt Republican legislators and their staff from being denied coverage for a pre-existing condition.  Deep down they know their health care bill is crappy and they don't want to suffer like the rest of us will.  Read more about it here:  http://www.vox.com/2017/4/25/15429982/gop-exemption-ahca-amendment

In a move that is mostly just symbolic, the United Nations has stated that repealing the Affordable Care Act without a comparable replacement  violates several international conventions.  The United States is getting in trouble with the United Nations!  A letter outlining the offenses was sent to Trump by the U.N.  It was to be disseminated to leadership in both the House and Senate.  Surprisingly, (not surprisingly) no one has seen the letter.  Hmm.  Read more here:  https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/apparently-repealing-obamacare-could-violate-international-law/2017/04/25/2794a77c-29f4-11e7-b605-33413c691853_story.html?utm_term=.e69134a9a716

Use these new talking points to have a discussion with your representative.  All Americans deserve to have reliable, affordable insurance.

2.  Taxes
Ugh.  I am the LAST person who should be discussing money and taxes.  It is definitely not in my wheelhouse. With that caveat in mind, let's proceed.
 Supposedly, Trump is due to release his tax proposal today.  The prediction is that there will be big tax cuts for large and small businesses.  No matter what Trump's new proposal includes, the fact is we should not move forward on ANY tax proposal until we see his tax returns.  We must know if Trump's proposal is streamlined to benefit his own pocketbook.  The Washington Post has a nice video recap of  taxes if you are so inclined.  Check it out:  https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/washington-braces-for-details-of-trumps-tax-reform-plan/2017/04/25/1fba8b30-29df-11e7-a616-d7c8a68c1a66_story.html?hpid=hp_hp-top-table-main_trumptax-0842pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.8480a0dc1204

The moral of this story is, call your representative and senators and tell them that no tax proposal should be considered until Trump releases his own taxes.

3.  Local Affairs at the Capitol
Taken from Watch Your Reps MN.  On the menu for today:

SF704 – Anti-abortion bill. Creates new, unnecessary, licensing requirements for facilities that provide abortion services.

AND

SF514 - Elections Omnibus Bill. This bill contains two bad clauses. One will create a provisional ballot system in Minnesota. Since we have same day voter registration we are exempt from having a provisional ballot system. Instead of resolving voter issues on election day, voters will instead have to cast provisional ballots that may or may not be counted. This is unnecessary. The second clause would make election judge party affiliation public information. This role is non-partisan and this appears to be a change that would allow judicial decisions to be called into question for political gain.

Hearing Time: 8:30 am

Committee: Finance

Chair: Rosen

Members: Fischbach, Cohen, Benson, Champion, Eaton, Ingebrigtsen, Limmer, Lourey, Marty, Nelson, Newman, Westrom

Franken-202-224-5641
Klobuchar-202-224-3244
House of Representative switchboard: (202) 224-3121
MN Legislators: https://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/legislators
Resistbot: https://resistbot.io/

Out and About

Thursday 4/27, 1:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
MN Indivisibles - Health Care Rally at the Capitol!
Minnesota State Capitol
75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Friday 4/28, 6-8 p.m.
Tom Emmer - Town Hall
9201 Quaday Avenue NE, Ostego MN 55330

Saturday 4/29, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Stop the Muslim Registry Training
MAS South Metro Islamic Center (SMIC)

Monday 5/1, 3 - 6:30 p.m.
Marcha el 1 de mayo | May 1 march! #DiaSinInmigrantes
East Phillips Park
2307 17th Ave S, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404

Tuesday 5/9, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Medicare For All Rally at the Capitol
Minnesota State Capitol
75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Paramore- Hard Times

Tuesday 4/25 Call to Action

Tuesday.  Good morning here's the news.

1.  Yes, We Still Care about Russia
I don't know about you, but many of my hopes are planted in the success of a thorough investigation of the Trump administration's ties with Russia.  Unfortunately, I am not really surprised that the Senate led investigation is being stymied by a reluctant set of GOP senators. (I'm looking at you Richard Burr from North Carolina!)  Combine that with the debacle in the house (Your turn, Devin Nunes.) and the fact that the head official in the Justice Department just quit,  you get a whole lot of inactivity.  http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/senate-investigation-russia-scandal-faces-gop-resistance?cid=eml_mra_20170424

It has been a few weeks since we put the pressure on our legislators.  Today, let's call our representative and senators and remind them that we expect them to get to the heart of this problem.  If they can't do it, it's time for an independent investigation ASAP.

2.  Is Corruption the New Normal?
Check out what the State Department did.
http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/24/politics/donald-trump-mar-a-lago-state-department-blog/index.html
They created a blog post sent to foreign dignitaries touting the new "Winter White House" -Mar-a Largo, Trump's personal country club.  To me, this seems like blatant use of the presidency for financial gain. So far, these breaches of the Emoluments Clause only garner "tsk-tsk's" and negative tweets.  When will Trump's corruption actually lead to punitive action?  That seems like a good question to ask our representative and senators.

3.  The Fate of Dreamers
Juan Manuel Montes, a 23 year old man who was brought to the U.S from Mexico when he was only nine, was recently deported back to Mexico.  He is the definition of a "Dreamer", a child who was brought to this country illegally by an adult.  Up until now, the consensus was that as long as they obeyed U.S. law, they could stay.  That makes sense since for many of them, the U.S. is they only country they know.  Even Trump has said that he would let Dreamers remain.  The problem is, AG Jeff Sessions did not get the message. In an interview with ABC News, Sessions opened the door to the possibility of more Dreamers being deported.
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/trump-administration-cant-keep-its-story-straight-dreamers?cid=eml_mra_20170424
What is the new policy of this administration?  Our Senators, Klobuchar and Franken, should have some answers for us.  Give them a call and find out!

4.  A Little Bit of Good News
Perhaps because of backlash from resisters like us, Trump is beginning to back down on his dream of "The Wall".  According to this article, he will either modify what "The Wall" means or push off funding until September.  Read more here:  https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/white-house-confident-of-averting-shutdown-as-trump-shows-flexibility-on-wall/2017/04/24/72aa945a-2923-11e7-be51-b3fc6ff7faee_story.html?hpid=hp_hp-top-table-main_wallstrategy-835pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.e887af98a8d5

Franken-202-224-5641
Klobuchar-202-224-3244
House of Representative switchboard: (202) 224-3121
MN Legislators: https://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/legislators
Resistbot: https://resistbot.io/


Out and About

Tuesday 4/25, 12 - 1:15 p.m.
ResistTrumpTuesdays: 100 Days of Resistance
Klobuchar Amy Senator
1200 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415
Please join us for our final weekly #ResistTrumpTuesday rally for a special event. We want to thank all our friends and neighbors who have come out in support of this project with donuts, coffee, special music, and more. If you have joined us once, or many times, please join us again for one last rally outside Senator Amy Klobuchar’s office at 12pm.

Thursday 4/27 1:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
MN Indivisibles - Health Care Rally at the Capitol!
Minnesota State Capitol
75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Saturday 4/29, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Stop the Muslim Registry Training
MAS South Metro Islamic Center (SMIC)

Monday 5/1, 3 - 6:30 p.m.
Marcha el 1 de mayo | May 1 march! #DiaSinInmigrantes
East Phillips Park
2307 17th Ave S, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404

Here is my wishful song for you.  Someday I will play it again and the words will be true!  Carbon/Silicon-The News

Monday 4/24 Call to Action

Happy Monday everyone!  What a beautiful weekend it was.  Let's get right back to it.

1.  Corruption at the White House
The great Rachel Maddow is my spirit guide.  She leads me to the stories that matter.  Last Friday, she reminded me about Florida's Attorney General Pam Bondi.  Remember, when Bondi was going to investigate fraudulent activity at Trump University but then didn't after receiving a check from the Trump Foundation?  Now one of Bondi's top lawyers has joined the Department of Education.  Ugh.
Watch Rachel Maddow here:  http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/new-trump-hire-resurrects-corruption-questions-927063107558?cid=sm_fb_maddow

Call your representative and senators and ask them why this corruption is being swept under the rug.  At any other time, this would have been front page news for weeks.

2.  Local Affairs
I swear, politics has become a horrible game of Red Light, Green Light.  I feel the minute I turn my back to focus on something, all the other things sneak up behind me.  Well,  "RED LIGHT"  legislators!

Lots of important things are happening in Minnesota right now.  Take a moment today to call your state representative, senator, or Governor Dayton about the topics that cause your heart to flutter.  Here is a good overview of the big ones:  https://maryturck.com/2017/04/23/just-say-no-final-month-for-mn-legislature/

Use Watch Your Reps:  https://watchyourrepsmn.tumblr.com/ or
Indivisible MN Local:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/MinnesotaIndivisibleLocal/
Indivisible MN Local is now using Amplify, a free app. that will help you stay up to date on local legislation that's important to you.  Check it out!

3.  Help the EPA
The EPA is looking for public comments on their regulations.  If you love the EPA, take a few moments to tell them so.  Go here for more information:
https://www.risestronger.org/newsroom/pledge-to-support-the-epa-today

4.  Friday's Call to Action is still relevant.  Check it out here:
http://powerofmanymn.blogspot.com/2017/04/friday-421-call-to-action.html

Franken-202-224-5641
Klobuchar-202-224-3244
House of Representative switchboard: (202) 224-3121
MN Legislators: https://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/legislators
Resistbot: https://resistbot.io/

Out and About

Tuesday 4/25, 12 - 1:15 p.m.
ResistTrumpTuesdays: 100 Days of Resistance
Klobuchar Amy Senator
1200 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415
Please join us for our final weekly #ResistTrumpTuesday rally for a special event. We want to thank all our friends and neighbors who have come out in support of this project with donuts, coffee, special music, and more. If you have joined us once, or many times, please join us again for one last rally outside Senator Amy Klobuchar’s office at 12pm.


Thursday 4/27 1:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
MN Indivisibles - Health Care Rally at the Capitol!
Minnesota State Capitol
75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155


Today's CTA is dedicated to my sweet daughter on her birthday.  I am off to make her some birthday pancakes.  Stevie Wonder- Isn't She Lovely

Friday 4/21 Call to Action

Hello Friday! Nice to meet you. Remember that song from DMX called Party Up? That song's been going through my mind while reading the news these past 24 hours.
 Y'all gon' make me lose my mind
Up in here, up in here
Y'all gon' make me go all out
Up in here, up in here
Y'all gon' make me act a FOOL
Up in here, up in here
Y'all gon' make me lose my cool
Up in here, up in here
Casey Kasem's dedicating that song to you Trump and the GOP.

1. Crappy Health Care: Round 2
In an attempt to give DJT something to brag about for his 100th day in office, Congress is going to give passing a substandard health care bill another try. The new GOP plan will allow states to apply for waivers that let them opt out of the ACA's rule that insurance companies cannot charge extra to cover for preexisting conditions. Instead, states can create high risk pools for people with complex diseases. The new plan will reinstate coverage of Essential Health Benefits (remember that list that included: pharmacy, lab test, ER visits, etc), but will allow states to apply for waivers to opt out of this as well.
 Read more here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/…/the-gop-has-a-new-plan-t…/…

I am sure this new insurance will work great if you never get sick but it will result in massive increases in premium surcharges if you do something crazy like, have a baby, or get cancer. ($17K for baby, $143K for cancer on average)
https://twitter.com/TopherSpiro/status/855067932623347712
This plan allows the GOP to state that "everyone is covered", but the premiums will be so high that those who truly need insurance will not be able to afford it.

This plan still phases out Medicare and gives a big tax break to the rich.

The silver lining of this debacle is that this new health care plan has made the ACA more popular that it has ever been.
http://www.vox.com/…/republicans-made-obamacare-more-popular

Another positive is that we have been down this road before and we know how to fight. And fight we will.

Today, tomorrow, and all next week, call your representative (especially if your Rep's name is Lewis, Paulsen, or Emmer) and tell them NO, NO, NO. Want to change up your delivery? Try Resistbot https://resistbot.io/

2. The Wall
In the ongoing saga that is the border wall between Mexico and the U.S., Trump has stated that he wants to see funding (now estimated at 70 BILLION dollars) included in the spending bill Congress is due to pass next week. Without an agreement on financing, Congress risks a partial government shutdown. (Hey, aren't Republicans fiscally conservative? The hypocrisy of this border wall cannot be understated!)
If the Democrats do not capitulate, they may lose funding that helps keep ACA premiums affordable.
 Read more here: http://www.washingtontimes.com/…/donald-trump-wants-border…/

I have not heard nearly enough mention about the effect this border wall will have on the local wildlife. This wall could spell disaster for countless species!
http://www.defendersblog.org/…/closer-look-border-wall-imp…/

When you are done calling your representatives about health care, call them again and express your disdain for the wall.

3. In Defense of Mother Earth
In honor of Earth Day, (after you have marched, of course) take some time to design a garden oasis for our friends, the insects. While green lawns are pretty, they are a barren wasteland for pollinating insects. Even a small garden of native, flowering plants can give these tiny super heroes the help they need.
http://msue.anr.msu.edu/…/growing_a_variety_of_flowering_pl…

Friend's Plant Sale
If you are looking for an adventure, check out the Friend's School plant sale. All of their plants are neonicotinoid free and the proceeds benefit a local St. Paul school. This event is entirely volunteer run and it is astounding. Check it out:
http://www.friendsschoolplantsale.com/

Franken-202-224-5641
Klobuchar-202-224-3244
House of Representative switchboard: (202) 224-3121
MN Legislators: https://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/legislators
Resistbot: https://resistbot.io/

Out and About

Saturday 4/22, 9:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Kids Climate March [in partnership w/ the March for Science MN]
This march is just for kids and will join up with the other March for Science
Science Museum of Minnesota
120 Kellogg Blvd W, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102

Saturday 4/22 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
March For Science - Minnesota
March starts at Cathedral Hill Park at 11am -- Rally at Minnesota State Capitol at 12 noon

Tuesday 4/25, 12 - 1:15 p.m.
ResistTrumpTuesdays: 100 Days of Resistance
Klobuchar Amy Senator
1200 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415
Please join us for our final weekly #ResistTrumpTuesday rally for a special event. We want to thank all our friends and neighbors who have come out in support of this project with donuts, coffee, special music, and more. If you have joined us once, or many times, please join us again for one last rally outside Senator Amy Klobuchar’s office at 12pm.

Thursday 4/27 1:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
MN Indivisibles - Health Care Rally at the Capitol!
Minnesota State Capitol
75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Happy Earth Day to you!  Happy Earth Day-Tom Chapin

Happy Earth Day by Tom Chapin

Tom Chapin Happy Earth Day Billy the Squid This song is a part of Tom Chapin's "Billy the Squid" family album. He's a Grammy award winning singer songwriter ...

YOUTUBE.COM

Thursday 4/20 Call to Action

Thursday.  Remember the excitement you felt when your teacher came into the classroom pushing the television cart?  A movie in class!  Well today is the audio visual version of TPOM's Call to Action.  Hooray!!

1.  Science is real!
An important message from Neil deGrasse Tyson.  This man is smart.  We should listen to him.  When you are done, contact your representatives and senators (state and U.S.) and ask them what steps they are taking to protect science.
https://www.facebook.com/neildegrassetyson/videos/10155195888806613/?autoplay_reason=gatekeeper&video_container_type=0&video_creator_product_type=2&app_id=2392950137&live_video_guests=0

2.  This Fight is Our Fight
Sen. Elizabeth Warren visited The Rachel Maddow Show to share her new book.  Please, carve out some time to watch these clips.  I found her message so inspiring.  If you are weary like me, this is the half-time pep talk you need.  I love smart people

Part 1: Warren: Trump poised to deliver knock-out blow to middle class http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/warren-trump-poised-to-deliver-knock-out-blow-to-middle-class-924959299911 via @msnbc

Part 2:  Warren: Turn heat up on Trump Russia case http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/warren-turn-heat-up-on-trump-russia-case-924966467797 via @msnbc

Part 3:  Warren: 'Democracy can't be a spectator sport' http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/warren-democracy-can-t-be-a-spectator-sport-924975171933 via @msnbc

Your Call to Action today is take at least one step to put yourself in the fight for democracy.  Attend a march or a meeting, make a phone call, volunteer to do good.
Remember:  Clear Eyes.  Full Hearts.  Can't Lose.

Franken-202-224-5641
Klobuchar-202-224-3244
House of Representative switchboard: (202) 224-3121
MN Legislators: https://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/legislators

Out and About


Saturday 4/22, 9:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Kids Climate March [in partnership w/ the March for Science MN]
This march is just for kids and will join up with the other March for Science
Science Museum of Minnesota
120 Kellogg Blvd W, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102

Saturday 4/22 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
March For Science - Minnesota
March starts at Cathedral Hill Park at 11am -- Rally at Minnesota State Capitol at 12 noon

Tuesday 4/25, 12 - 1:15 p.m.
ResistTrumpTuesdays: 100 Days of Resistance
Klobuchar Amy Senator
1200 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415
Please join us for our final weekly #ResistTrumpTuesday rally for a special event. We want to thank all our friends and neighbors who have come out in support of this project with donuts, coffee, special music, and more. If you have joined us once, or many times, please join us again for one last rally outside Senator Amy Klobuchar’s office at 12pm.

Thursday 4/27 1:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
MN Indivisibles - Health Care Rally at the Capitol!
Minnesota State Capitol
75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Owl City - Fireflies

Wednesday 4/19 Call to Action

It's Wednesday! Time to get to work. Today there are many tidbits to share.

1. Updates:
a. Where is the "armada" of carriers and submarines?
Yesterday, I posted that the Trump administration had sent an "armada" (Trump's term) of aircraft carriers and submarines to the Korean peninsula. This report was backed up by WH Press Secretary Spicer, Defense Secretary Mattis, and National Security Adviser McMaster. Well, it turns out that the fleet in question was actually 3,500 miles away. Did the Trump administration not know, or were they lying? I am not sure which one is worse. Read more about it here:
https://www.nytimes.com/…/aircraft-carrier-north-korea-carl…
Or watch this video clip here:
http://www.msnbc.com/…/fleet-trump-sent-to-korea-not-actual…
Whatever the cause, the Trump administration is playing a dangerous game!

b. More conflicts of interest.
On April 6th, the president's daughter Ivanka Trump dined with Chinese President Xi Jinping at Mar-a-Lago. That same day, the Chinese government approved three new trademarks for Ivanka's retail business. Hmm. Seems fishy, doesn't it? It appears the Trumps like to make their own rules. Check this out:
http://money.cnn.com/…/n…/ivanka-trump-trademarks/index.html

c. So long Bill O'Reilly
The Wall Street Journal reports that Fox's mainstay, Bill O'Reilly may be out after multiple accusations of sexual harassment and millions of dollars in settlements. This change comes thanks to the efforts of grass-roots movements like Sleeping Giants (https://twitter.com/slpng_giants…).
SG's campaign to target advertisers of O'Reilly's show hit Fox in the pocketbook. This is a BIG WIN!!! Remember this day. The actions you are taking really do make a difference. Read about it here:
https://www.wsj.com/…/fox-is-preparing-to-cut-ties-with-bil…

d. Jon Ossoff, a winner in my book
Jon Ossoff, a Democrat running for Congress in Georgia, missed getting 50% of the vote by merely a few points (48%!). This is despite a gully washer thunderstorm, missing voting machines, and some strange voting mishaps. While it is disappointing that he didn't surpass the 50% margin, this is a huge win for Democrats in a very red district. Flipping the House will not be easy. Mr. Ossoff will participate in the election this summer. Let's commit to continue the fight by supporting this and other important elections.
https://mobile.nytimes.com/…/politics/georgia-special-elect…

2. Local Calls to Action
Minnesota legislators are getting back to work. Many of the Omnibus Bills are going on the floor today and Thursday. Read more about it here: https://watchyourrepsmn.tumblr.com/…/mn-action-alert-for-ap…

If you are inclined, please contact your representative or senator about HF812. Here is an overview:

HF812 – Anti-abortion bill. Attempts to shut down abortion facilities by requiring them to be licensed similar to an outpatient surgery center, including random, no notice, inspections. Also includes a fee of $3,712 annually.

Hearing Time: 2:00 pm
Committee: Ways and Means (generally the last stop before a floor vote)
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/comm/committeemembers.asp…
Chair: Jim Knoblach
Members:
Bob Vogel, Lyndon Carlson, Sarah Anderson, Dave Baker, Tony Cornish, Greg Davids, Matt Dean, Bob Dettmer, Steve Drazkowski, Dan Fabian, Pat Garofalo, Bob Gunther, Rod Hamilton, Alice Hausman, Debra Hilstrom, Frank Hornstein, Tina Liebling, Jenifer Loon, Paul Marquart, Erin Murphy, Bud Nornes, Gene Pelowski, Jeanne Poppe, Paul Torkelson, Dean Urdahl, Jean Wagenius

3. Earth Day FYI
In honor of Earth Day, check out these posters made by Hannah Rothstein depicting what our National Parks will look like in 2050, if global warming is left unchecked.
http://www.climatecentral.org/…/posters-imagine-national-pa…

Franken-202-224-5641
Klobuchar-202-224-3244
House of Representative switchboard: (202) 224-3121
MN Legislators: https://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/legislators

Out and About

Wednesday, 4/19, 7-8:30 p.m.
Immigration in the Trump Era
12601 Ridgedale Dr Minnetonka, MN 55305
Saturday, 4/22 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Saturday 4/22, 9:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Kids Climate March [in partnership w/ the March for Science MN]
This march is just for kids and will join up with the other March for Science
Science Museum of Minnesota
120 Kellogg Blvd W, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102

Saturday 4/22 11 a.m.
March For Science - Minnesota
March starts at Cathedral Hill Park at 11am -- Rally at Minnesota State Capitol at 12 noon

Tuesday 4/25, 12 - 1:15 p.m.
ResistTrumpTuesdays: 100 Days of Resistance
Klobuchar Amy Senator
1200 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415
Please join us for our final weekly #ResistTrumpTuesday rally for a special event. We want to thank all our friends and neighbors who have come out in support of this project with donuts, coffee, special music, and more. If you have joined us once, or many times, please join us again for one last rally outside Senator Amy Klobuchar’s office at 12pm.  Marvin Gaye-Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)

MARVIN GAYE - MERCY MERCY ME (The Ecology)

WHAT'S GOING ON (1971) Eli Fontaine: alto saxophone Wild Bill Moore: tenor saxophone Marvin Gaye: piano, mellotron, box drum Johnny Griffith: celeste, keyboa...

YOUTUBE.COM

Tuesday 4/18 Call to Action

Hello team TPOM! Another day, another call to action. CTA's are difficult while the legislature is in recess. There are no concrete actions to oppose. While they are away, I will keep the engine idling with topics I find important. Call your public servant's office if you feel moved to do so. Otherwise, gather this information to use as arsenal when they get back to work.

1. U.S. Roll in Paris Climate Accord

The Paris Climate Accord is a commitment from almost 200 countries to take concrete actions to reduce greenhouse gasses. An historic and important decision that will help to save the Earth for the next generation.

https://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/13/world/europe/climate-change-accord-paris.html

Unfortunately, our new president made it one of his campaign promises to "cancel" the deal. Why, you ask? To gain influence with big companies and to "give Mr. Trump bragging rights in coal country." Anyone with the ability to read and evaluate facts understands that the era of coal has passed. Clean energy is the key to economic and environmental success! It seems that Trump may be wavering on his resolve to pull out from the Paris Climate Accord.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/18/us/politics/trump-advisers-paris-climate-accord.html?ref=politics&_r=0

Take time today and contact your representative and senators and let them know that America's participation in the Paris Climate Accord is important to you.

2. North Korea

In another episode of "why are you poking that hornet's nest", VP Pence made a visit to the border between North and South Korea yesterday announcing that ‘the era of strategic patience is over." There are now Navy ships and submarines parked in Korean waters. Will the current administration continue this posturing and escalate their actions? Do they have a strategic plan? Read more about it here:

https://www.countable.us/articles/390-era-strategic-patience-north-korea-ends%E2%80%AC

Or here:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/josh-rogin/wp/2017/04/17/south-koreas-turmoil-could-spoil-trumps-north-korea-plan/?utm_term=.08bc74e9a467

Give your representative a call and let him/her know your concerns about Korea. Tell them actions of war against North Korea should not occur without the consent of Congress.

3. An Invitation to Jason Lewis

Representative Jason Lewis represents the constituents of Congressional District 2. In 2016, he won his election by the slimmest of margins. It has been predicted that his seat is one of the most flippable in 2018. Despite these facts, he as been mirroring Trump and GOP policies without compromise. Tonight will be the fifth town hall meeting created for him. Wouldn't it be great if he would attend and listen to the needs and concerns of his constituents?

If you live in his district, please call his office and formally invite him to the event. If you are free tonight, head to Northfield and attend the town hall sponsored by Cannon Valley Indivisible. FYI, this group is know for their singing.

https://www.facebook.com/events/623540007839210/?acontext=%7B%22source%22%3A4%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D&source=4&action_history=null

Franken-202-224-5641

Klobuchar-202-224-3244

House of Representative switchboard: (202) 224-3121

MN Legislators: https://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/legislators

Out and About

Tuesday 4/18, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Support Rep. Melissa Hortman

Minnesota State Capitol

75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Tuesday 4/18 12-1 p.m. Resist Trump Tuesdays at Sen. Klobuchar's Office 1200 S Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55415-1227, United States

Tuesday 4/18, 7-8:30 p.m.

Health Care in the Trump Era with Andy Slavitt

5735 Country Club Rd, Excelsior, MN 55331-8926, United States

Tuesday 4/18, 7:30-9 p.m.

Jason Lewis Congressional Recess Town Hall

St. John's Lutheran Church - Northfield, MN

500 3rd St W, Northfield, Minnesota 55057

Wednesday, 4/19, 7-8:30 p.m.

Immigration in the Trump Era

12601 Ridgedale Dr Minnetonka, MN 55305

Saturday, 4/22 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.

March For Science - Minnesota

March starts at Cathedral Hill Park at 11am -- Rally at Minnesota State Capitol at 12 noon