The Power of Many - Minnesota: November 2017

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Thursday 11/30 Call to Action

Thursday 11/30

1. The Senate Tax Bill

We are still talking about this garbage tax bill. Krista did a great job of listing what we can do since our Senators are against this bill. Keep up the pressure.

*Call constituents from key states and encourage them to contact their senators. Here is a guide to get that done.

https://www.trumptaxscam.org/calls-to-kill-the-tax-scam/

*Sign this petition from Senator Maggie Hassan.http://act.maggiehassan.com/page/s/stop-the-gop-tax-bill

*Call Sens. Klobuchar and Franken and encourage them to fight for Minnesota. No more Minnesota nice!

*Tweet your heart out, especially if you have a GOP Congressman who voted for the House version of the bill.

Trump has spewed more lies about how this bill will not benefit the wealthy or his family,

2. Net Neutrality

Again, more of the same. These are such big issues!

*Call you members of Congress again and again (and again).

*Contact the FCC commissioners. Two of the five members have said they will vote no. We need to convince one more. Here is the contact information.

A) Ajit Pai:202-518-7399 / email: Ajit.Pai@fcc.gov/ Twitter: @AjitPaiFCC,

B) Michael O'Rielly: 301-657-9092 / email: mike.o’rielly@fcc.gov Twitter @mikeofcc, and

C) Brendan Carr: 202-719-7305/ email: Brendan.Carr@fcc.gov/ Twitter: @BrendanCarrFCC

*Sign Senator Kamala Harris’ petition:https://pac.petitions.moveon.org/s…/tell-the-fcc-to-preserve\

*Here’s a quick and effective way to support net neutrality:

1. On a computer (not your phone!), go to www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings/express

2. Under "Proceeding," enter 17-108.

3. In comments, say: "I support Title 2 oversight of ISPs, and I support net neutrality."

*Fill in the form carefully; they've deliberately made it less friendly to fill in by phone.

*Don't be silenced. DO IT NOW!

*Copy & Paste and Pass it on.

The FCC is due to vote on December 14th. Make a commitment to reach out once a day until then.

3. CHIP

The September 30th deadline to reauthorize CHIP funding has long passed. Because of this some states may not be able to afford to cover health insurance for millions of children and pregnant women. Call your MOC and tell them they need to reauthorize CHIP funding.

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/thousands-kids-lose-health-insurance-month-congress-act/story?id=51407468

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/

Governor Dayton- https://mn.gov/governor/contact-us/

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Wednesday 11/29 Call to Action

Wednesday

I know you’re tired, but I have to write about it again. It’s that important!

1. The Senate Tax Bill
The Senate’s tax package passed through the Senate Budget Committee yesterday with a vote that went along party lines. The bill can now advance to a vote on the floor (which may happen in the next few days!!) Sens. Bob Corker and Ron Johnson, two Republicans who had hinted at voting no for this bill, changed their minds and decided to support it.

Check out this video of the actual vote. Protesters filled the room with chants of “Don’t kill us! Kill the bill!” Those protesters are true American patriots.https://twitter.com/abc/status/935597449057484802

Luckily, our senators are already squarely against this so our options for resistance are limited. Here are some things we CAN do:

*Call constituents from key states and encourage them to contact their senators. Here is a guide to get that done.
https://www.trumptaxscam.org/calls-to-kill-the-tax-scam/

*Sign this petition from Senator Maggie Hassan.http://act.maggiehassan.com/page/s/stop-the-gop-tax-bill

*Call Sens. Klobuchar and Franken and encourage them to fight for Minnesota. No more Minnesota nice!

*Tweet your heart out, especially if you have a GOP Congressman who voted for the House version of the bill.

2. Net Neutrality
The internet is an integral part of our ability to resist Trump/GOP’s terrible takeover of America. This chilling article from Sarah Kendzior states that if the FCC is successful at repealing Net Neutrality, our ability to function will be severely attenuated. A casualty from the loss of free internet will be our ability to access, share, and document information. How will we succeed then? I don’t know about you but that scares the crap out of me.

“For nearly a year, America has stood at the crossroads of a damaged democracy and a burgeoning autocracy. If net neutrality is destroyed, we will cross firmly into the latter, and our return is unlikely.”

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/…/gutting-…/article37088279/

Free internet should be a non partisan issue. Take time today to talk to your friends and colleagues. Encourage them to speak out.
*Call you members of Congress again and again (and again).

*Contact the FCC commissioners. Two of the five members have said they will vote no. We need to convince one more. Here is the contact information.
A) Ajit Pai:202-518-7399 / email: Ajit.Pai@fcc.gov/ Twitter: @AjitPaiFCC,
B) Michael O'Rielly: 301-657-9092 / email: mike.o’rielly@fcc.gov Twitter @mikeofcc, and
C) Brendan Carr: 202-719-7305/ email: Brendan.Carr@fcc.gov/ Twitter: @BrendanCarrFCC

*Sign Senator Kamala Harris’ petition:https://pac.petitions.moveon.org/s…/tell-the-fcc-to-preserve\

*Here’s a quick and effective way to support net neutrality:
1. On a computer (not your phone!), go to www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings/express
2. Under "Proceeding," enter 17-108.
3. In comments, say: "I support Title 2 oversight of ISPs, and I support net neutrality."
*Fill in the form carefully; they've deliberately made it less friendly to fill in by phone.
*Don't be silenced. DO IT NOW!
*Copy & Paste and Pass it on.

The FCC is due to vote on December 14th. Make a commitment to reach out once a day until then.

3. Protecting Our Right to Vote
Let’s take a moment to appreciate how lucky we are to have Amy Klobuchar as our senator. She gets things done and sets an example of how all elected officials should behave. Sen. Klobuchar is working with Sen. Lindsey Graham to propose a new bill that would allow states to apply for federal grants so that they can update their election technology. In light of Russia’s dirty hands being all over the 2016 election, this bill is important. If you have some time today, call Sen. Klobuchar and give her your support.

https://www.politico.com/…/election-cybersecurity-hackers-m…

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/
Governor Dayton- https://mn.gov/governor/contact-us/

The Jayhawks - Trouble (Audio & Lyrics)

From "Sound of Lies". Trouble, thats what we had And everything that goes around Comes around in a bittersweet…

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Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Tuesday 11/28 Call to Action

Tuesday

1. The tax bill and net neutrality are still on the table. (You should still be making noise!!)

2. H.R. 3905 – Minnesota’s Economic Rights in the Superior National Forest Act
Before leaving office, President Obama’s administration decided to protect a quarter-million acres of land near the Boundary Waters and Superior National Forest from any mining activity for up to 20 years. This week in the House, Rep. Tom Emmer is looking to reverse this move.

These areas are rich with copper and nickle valued up to $300 billion. The huge value is offset by the risk factors of mining it out of the ground. Sulfide ore mining can have negative effects on the area’s watershed. Once these pristine lands are disturbed they may never be the same again. Emmer argues that mining these metals would provide good paying jobs for northern Minnesotans. He argues that we should trust the government to mine safely. I don’t know abut you, but my trust in the government has grown thin.

Read more on the subject here:
https://www.countable.us/…/hr3905-115-minnesota-s-economic-…

Rep. Emmer’s argument for mining: http://www.startribune.com/u-s-rep-tom-emmer-why-i-m-pus…/…/

Rep Betty McCollum’s argument against disturbing Minnesota’s forests:http://thehill.com/…/343746-dont-rewrite-the-rules-to-mine-…

3. H.R. 3115 – Superior National Forest Land Exchange Act of 2017
Also on the docket this week is a land exchange proposed by Rep. Rick Nolan (he is for the above HR 3905, by the way). From what I can tell, the mining company, PolyMet is going to give away 6,690 acres of Superior National Forest land to get 6.650 acres of surface land around its existing NorthMet mining area. I can’t figure out how to feel about this. My jaded self wonders if there are ulterior motives involved.

Not much information out about this bill. Here’s one:http://www.businessnorth.com/…/article_b8555bc0-600a-11e7-b…

4. Child Care for Working Families Act
Good leaders know the importance of early childhood care and education. Sens. Patty Murray, Bob Casey, and Rep. Bobby Scott have introduced a new bill that will ensure that lower and middle-class families will be able to afford quality child care, prepare 3- and 4-year old kids for kindergarten, and make sure people who work in the childcare/early education workforce get paid a livable wage. If this bill makes your heart happy, call your members of Congress and encourage them to support it.

OK Go - Obsession - Official Video

This video has a lot of flashing colors. If you're susceptible to seizures, be careful, please. Your viewing experience will look…

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Sunday, November 26, 2017

Monday 11/27 Call to Action

Monday

Welcome back! Have I ever mentioned it's hard to keep up? I've been away from a computer much of the weekend.

1. Taxes

Today is the national day of action on the Trump tax scam. I'm not sure if there are any local events, but please do something.

- 13 million Americans will lose their insurance coverage by 2027 - 4 million of them in 2019.
- Premiums would increase about 10% annually, on top of expected increases.
- Because premiums would be considerably higher, people with pre-existing conditions could be priced out of the market.

https://www.indivisible.org/resource/national-day-action-trumptaxscam-sit-ins/

2. Net Neutrality

On May 18, the FCC voted to begin a proceeding that will completely gut consumer protections for the open internet. The 2015 Open Internet Order was an historic victory for Americans everywhere, protecting our rights online in the face of big-monied cable interests. Now, Trump’s FCC Chairman Ajit Pai wants to strip those away, allowing cable and Internet Service Provider (ISP) giants to swoop in and pick winners and losers online—to decide what you can or can’t do, see, or say. The fight starts NOW to stand up for the open internet as the essential tool for free speech and civic engagement. Call your Senator or House Representative today and tell them to oppose Pai’s rollback of net neutrality protections.

https://www.indivisible.org/resource/dont-let-trump-destroy-internet-protect-net-neutrality/

3. Payouts on sexual harassment claims in Congress

From Rogan's List:
While Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) has asked for an investigation on his alleged sexual misconduct years ago, we now learn that our government has paid over $15 million in hush money for “payouts [that] not only includes sexual harassment claims but also racial, religious and disability related discrimination claims.” http://wjla.com/news/bottom-line/opinion-congress-should-not-use-taxpayer-dollars-to-settle-harassment-claims In this era of #metoo, our MoCs need to know that we do not find this an acceptable way to use our tax dollars and we want this use of this money identified and explained.

Bookmark these sites and visit them often!
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/
Governor Dayton- https://mn.gov/governor/contact-us

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Wednesday 11/22 Call To Action

Wednesday, 11/22

I’m keeping today’s calls short, but more of the same, as they are big ones. We will be taking a short break over the holiday to relax and get ready for next week, so there won’t be any call to actions until Monday. We hope you all have a nice Thanksgiving. Thank you for being a part of this community.

1. Tax Bill

Do you like that billionaires will get a tax break while 82 millions middle class families will pay more in taxes? I don’t either. I’m reposting what Krista wrote yesterday since our Senators are opposed to this bill.

Let Indivisible help you call like minded constituents from key states. Encourage those citizens to act now to stop this tax bill before it becomes the law of the land. Check out this link for the steps to get started.

https://www.trumptaxscam.org/calls-to-kill-the-tax-scam

2. Net Neutrality

It looks like the FCC wants to eliminate or raise the ownership caps for big media companies with stations for more than 39 percent of households with a television. In a notice, Pai said he wanted to "seek public input on whether to modify, retain, or eliminate the 39 percent national cap." This just seems like if the cap is lifted it leads to FOX news television, and authoritarian state run tv.

https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/21/fcc-to-reconsider-us-television-station-ownership-cap-report.html

This may actually be a great topic to bring up at the Thanksgiving. The internet connects all of us with a way of communication, and how we access and share information. It’s important. What is at stake? Internet service providers like Comcast, AT&T, Charter, these companies could charge more for service, they could block content that is not in line with their business. For rural communities it could make the infrastructure with getting faster internet more difficult. This is not a republican vs. democrat issue. Almost everyone uses the internet. Both of our Senators support net neutrality. Your homework is to talk about with your friends and family in red states/areas.

https://www.teenvogue.com/story/what-is-net-neutrality-and-why-it-matters?mbid=social_twitter

3. Attentions Resisters in CD2!

I want to call attention to two fantastic websites that are available to resisters in congressional district 2.

Do you want to know what events are happening in your district? Check out MN 02 Progressive Action Network.mn02progressiveactionnetwork.com

Would you like to know more about legislation passed by Rep. Jason Lewis? Do you want a convenient hub for all kinds of information and resources? Check out MN02 Congress Watch.

mn02congresswatch.org

Bookmark these sites and visit them often!

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/

Governor Dayton- https://mn.gov/governor/contact-us/

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Tuesday 11/21 Call to Action

Tuesday
In the next few weeks Congress will be voting on bills that will affect our lives for years to come. The actions you take today and through November can really make a difference. Push yourself out of your comfort zone and make sure your voice is heard.

1. Tax Bill
Here we are nestled in Minnesota with our two senators firmly against this crappy tax bill. What can we do to help? Here’s an idea from Indivisible Guide. Let Indivisible help you call like minded constituents from key states. Encourage those citizens to act now to stop this tax bill before it becomes the law of the land. Check out this link for the steps to get started.
https://www.trumptaxscam.org/calls-to-kill-the-tax-scam

Give it a try and let us know how it worked.

2. Net Neutrality
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai is planning a vote to overturn net neutrality. What does net neutrality mean? It’s the principle that Internet service providers should allow all content and applications to be delivered to you regardless of the source. Net neutrality prevents Internet service provides from playing favorites, allowing some products and websites through while limiting others. If net neutrality is overturned our Internet will become Fox News on steroids. It will be more difficult to discern real facts. Without net neutrality, small businesses, low-income individuals, and much of rural America would lose access to affordable, reasonably-fast internet service. Scary stuff, no?

Or this: https://www.wired.com/…/why-net-neutrality-matters-even-in…/

Give your members of Congress a call and let them know that this is a terrible idea. Feel free to call Ajit Pai as well.
Ajit Pai, FCC Chairman
202-418-1000

Here’s a script courtesy of 5 calls:
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I'm a concerned customer from ________.
I'm calling to express my disapproval that the FCC is trying to kill net neutrality and the strong Title II oversight of Internet Service Providers. Preserving an open internet is crucial for fair and equal access to the resources and information available on it.
[Optional: Explain why net neutrality is personally important to you or your work]
Thank you for your time and attention.
I am sure we will visit this again soon. This is an important one!

3. While you are gathered with your family this Thanksgiving, why not have a post card party for Doug Jones? Good, clean fun, I say! Here’s more information on how to get it done.
https://twitter.com/voteforusa2017/status/932278240453959680

4. Attentions Resisters in CD2!
I want to call attention to two fantastic websites that are available to resisters in congressional district 2.
Do you want to know what events are happening in your district? Check out MN 02 Progressive Action Network. mn02progressiveactionnetwork.com

Would you like to know more about legislation passed by Rep. Jason Lewis? Do you want a convenient hub for all kinds of information and resources? Check out MN02 Congress Watch.
mn02congresswatch.org

Bookmark these sites and visit them often!

Audioslave - Doesn't Remind Me

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Sunday, November 19, 2017

Monday 11/19 Call To Action

Monday

It's Thanksgiving week! Check out this fantastic article, with some helpful infographics to help steer your Thanksgiving conversations, depending on whether or not your goal is to start a huge fight.

https://tinyletter.com/MattGlassman/letters/five-points-your-thanksgiving-briefing-book

Congress isn't actually in session this week, but...

1. HR 1 Tax Bill

I'm not sure I have anything new to write. This article pretty much sums up my thoughts. We can call our senators. If you are having Thanksgiving with anyone who has one of these Senators: Shelley Moore Capito (WV), Susan Collins (ME), Dean Heller (NV), John McCain (AZ), Rob Portman (OH), Lamar Alexander (TN) and Lisa Murkowski (AK), GIVE THEM TURKEY ONLY IF THEY WILL CALL AND COMPLAIN ABOUT THE TAX MONSTROSITY.

"The GOP tax cut now working its way through Congress will be the start of a decades-long economic policy disaster unlike any other that has occurred in American history.

There's no economic justification whatsoever for a tax cut at this time. U.S. GDP is growing, unemployment is close to 4 percent (below what is commonly considered 'full employment'), corporate profits are at record levels and stock markets are soaring. It makes no sense to add any federal government-induced stimulus to all this private sector-caused economic activity, let alone a tax cut as big as this one."

https://www.forbes.com/sites/stancollender/2017/11/19/gop-tax-bill-is-the-end-of-all-economic-sanity-in-washington/

Also, keep an eye on this:

"President Donald Trump's budget director said Sunday that the White House is willing to remove a contentious provision taking aim at the Affordable Care Act from the GOP tax overhaul plan if politically necessary, a move that would fundamentally reshape the effort in the Senate."

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/politics/ct-obamacare-mandate-repeal-tax-bill-20171119-story.html

2. Republicans nixed blue slips, eliminating the ability of senators to nix judicial appointments for their own states. And then we've got this totally unqualified guy, Brett Talley.

"The 36-year-old lawyer nominated by President Donald Trump for a lifetime federal district judgeship who had never tried a case, was deemed "not qualified" by the American Bar Association, and failed to disclose that he is married to a top White House lawyer also has a history as a ghost hunter, The Daily Beast reported Tuesday."

http://www.businessinsider.com/brett-talley-trump-judge-ghost-hunter-wife-2017-11

3. And Puerto Rico. I've called about this a couple times, but it's worth calling again... this wouldn't be this bad if we had competent and caring leadership in the White House.

"A lack of reliable electricity coupled with massive destruction to roads and bridges have led hundreds of thousands to flee Puerto Rico for the mainland U.S., and some economists predict decades of stagnation for an island that already was struggling financially.

In recent days, Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello announced that the island, through the work of Puerto Rico's Electric Power Authority, had restored power to 50% of the commonwealth."

http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-puerto-rico-electricity-20171118-story.html

4. Attentions Resisters in CD2!
I want to call attention to two fantastic websites that are available to resisters in congressional district 2.
Do you want to know what events are happening in your district? Check out MN 02 Progressive Action Network. mn02progressiveactionnetwork.com

Would you like to know more about legislation passed by Rep. Jason Lewis? Do you want a convenient hub for all kinds of information and resources? Check out MN02 Congress Watch.
mn02congresswatch.org

Bookmark these sites and visit them often!
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/
Governor Dayton- https://mn.gov/governor/contact-us/

Friday, November 17, 2017

Friday 11/17 Call to Action

Friday

1. HR 1 Tax Bill
Yesterday, the House version of the dastardly tax bill passed. All of our Republican congressmen voted “yes” for it. This was expected, but still disappointing. We will keep fighting against the Senate version next week. If you have a GOP Congressman, feel free to call and give them some shame.

2. Supporting Gun Safety, Fix NICS Act
A group of senators has introduced legislation designed to strengthen the national firearm background check system. The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) is used by licensed firearm dealers to decide if someone is allowed to purchase a gun. Many states and federal agencies do not consistently send reports to NICS. Private firearm dealers are not required to do a background check. This bill will work to change that.
Read more about it here: http://thehill.com/…/360654-senators-introduce-bipartisan-g…
Or here: https://www.countable.us/…/1495-bipartisan-legislation-seek…

This idea is popular with Americans regardless of their political leanings. According to multiple polls, 90% of Americans support better background checks for firearms. http://www.politifact.com/…/dnc-sen-chris-murphy-says-90-a…/

Give your members of Congress a call and encourage them to support this bill.

3. Assault Weapons Ban
While you are on the phone, why not support Senator Feinstein’s proposal to ban assault weapons as well. http://www.latimes.com/…/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updat…

https://www.countable.us/…/hr4269-114-assault-weapons-ban-o…

Do you need a reason to call? Just last week, Kevin Janson Neal went on a shooting spree in California. Armed with a semiautomatic rifle and two handguns, he shot a woman he knew and random people on the street. He entered an elementary school, but thankfully they had locked the classroom doors so he couldn’t get in. Two children suffered gun shot wounds because they were caught in the hallway. It sends chills down my back to think of how close this came to another Sandy Hook tragedy. My children have five lock down drills each school year to prepare for scenarios like this. It is absurd and horrible that this is their reality. It is time to do something about this.

Would you like to know more about legislation passed by Rep. Jason Lewis? Do you want a convenient hub for all kinds of information and resources? Check out MN02 Congress Watch.
mn02congresswatch.org

Bookmark these sites and visit them often!

Dr. Octagon - Earth People

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