A message from Ezra Levin Co-Executive Director, Indivisible Project:
A lot is happening in Congress right now, but the most important thing to remember is to keep your eyes on the prize—defeating TrumpCare in the Senate. Repeal efforts in the Senate are fully underway behind closed doors and the time is now to defend it. But let’s begin by addressing the elephant in the room: James Comey.
Impeachment Hearings: Time to Start the Process
On Thursday, former FBI Director James Comey (a Republican) confirmed under oath what many of us already suspected and what the press has reported—that Donald Trump asked him to drop the investigation into disgraced former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn.
Let’s be clear about what this means: the President of the United States knew that the FBI was investigating his associates, tried to stop that investigation, and then fired the person who wouldn’t stop it. This is obstruction of justice, a federal crime, and an impeachable offense.
That’s why we are urging our groups to demand their members of Congress support both an independent commission AND impeachment hearings. Impeachment won’t happen overnight—it will be a long-term fight. We’ve got everything you need to defend democracy here.
It’s Do or Die Time on Defeating TrumpCare
If you’re wondering what you should be focusing on in the month of June, there is only one thing: defending the ACA. In back rooms, Donald Trump and Mitch McConnell are secretly twisting arms, cutting deals, and using everything they can to get the votes to pass TrumpCare. They’re still a few votes short of repeal, but they think they can get there. If they can get the votes, they’ll pass it in the dead of night, without reading the final bill, without public input, and without a CBO Score. And, if they succeed, millions of Americans will lose access to health care. This is a matter of life and death—and they’re planning for a vote for the last week of June.
YOU can stop them. The ONLY way we’re going to kill TrumpCare is if Senators feel the heat from Indivisible groups around the country.
Your Resources to Stop TrumpCare
- June 14 National Call In Day Script
- State-by-state map of TrumpCare’s disastrous impacts on you and your neighbors
- Top 10 worst things about TrumpCare
- Know the facts about TrumpCare
Stay tuned for a TrumpCare Planning Guide to guide your group through the next few weeks of pressure on your Senators!
Counter Protesting “March Against Shariah”
Today, Act for America, the largest anti-Muslim hate group in the United States, is coordinating a wave of rallies that they’re calling the “March Against Shariah.” Let’s be clear about one thing: This group peddles in fear and mongers white supremacy and hatred against our Muslim American friends and neighbors.
As leaders in the progressive movement, we must support Muslim communities under attack. Our friends at SAALT (South Asian Americans Leading Together) have a map of the rallies, as well as social media resources that you can use here.
While Protecting the ACA is our first priority, we know some groups are planning to show up for Muslim communities this weekend, and make clear that we won’t stand for white supremacy or Islamophobia.
It’s important we keep safety in mind when we show up. Remember:
- Bring a buddy. Many of these events will bring together hundreds of anti-Muslim demonstrators on the streets. It’s important that you choose a buddy you trust, and that you look out for each other’s safety throughout the event. Don’t leave the rally without your buddy.
- Practice good de-escalation tactics. If someone becomes aggressive, be confident and do not raise your voice above theirs. Do not engage an aggressor with more aggression. Trust your gut, and watch their body language. If you feel safe, ask them to step to the side to talk with you, removing them from the situation.
- Remain calm. This is simple, but important. The people around will behave different based on the behavior of those around them. Modeling calm protest is good for your image, but also good for your safety.
- Have your exit strategy in mind. Decide when you will leave. There may be road closures, crowds blocking sidewalks, and other unforseen circumstances. Decide before you arrive what the best route is for your exit, and be sure to inform your buddy once you’ve arrived safely home.
Remember: There is no need to stay if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Trust your instincts, and always show up with safety in mind.
New How-To Resource: Making Your Schedule Work for the Long Haul
We know it’s a long road, and easy to feel overwhelmed by how much there is to do. This week’s document covers how you can make advocacy sustainable for the long haul. We’ll cover tips on how you schedule your meetings, manage your own time, and utilize everyone’s talents to help make advocacy a regular habit.
There’s no getting around it—these next few weeks will throw a lot at us. Congressional Republicans will continue to try and push through their dangerous agenda while the whole world watches the continuing developments in the Russia investigation. We’ve got our work cut out for us, but a weeklong recess is just around the corner, and that will be your chance to hold your MoCs accountable for these four weeks of session. Until then, we’re Indivisible, and we will win.
In solidarity,
Ezra Levin Co-Executive Director, Indivisible Project
Indivisible East Contra Costa County 