Weekly Steps of Activism

The election of Donald Trump as the next President of the United States is a scary and horrific thing for many of us. He and his cabinet, full of unqualified and unsuitable candidates, threaten civil rights, voter rights, climate control, health care, public education, social security, the first amendment, foreign relations, free press, and the values of most good and decent people everywhere. We must resist his actions to destroy the fabric of democracy and the security of our citizens. In an effort to do that, each week I share some acts of resistance and steps of activism you can take. Here are this week’s:

This week, Trump, unbelievably, will be sworn-in as our 45th president — an office he doesn’t deserve to even step a toe into. Please help #BOYCOTTRUMP by not watching or listening to the inauguration on TV or on the internet or on the radio or in person or wherever. Join a march to express your outrage and your intention to resist the incoming administration. Of course, there’s the Women’s March on Washington, but, if you can’t make that one, there are sister marches all over the country and the world (I’ll be at the NYC March on Saturday). There are also rallies and marches during the inauguration (here’s one in NYC; and here’s a comprehensive list of anti-Trump inauguration rallies and meetings by state). Call your local representatives and your state senators and urge them to skip the inauguration so as not to normalize an illegitimate President. If your representative is among the many already planning to boycott the inauguration, as mine is, call her and thank her.

While you’re making calls, be sure to continue calling to protest Trump’s unfit cabinet. These are the most dangerous of the cabinet picks, so ask your senators to oppose confirming them (see scripts below).

Attorney General: Jeff Sessions
Education: Betsy DeVos
Secretary of State: Rex Tillerson

Nominee: Jeff Sessions
Position: Attorney General

“I’m —- —-, a constituent. I want Senator _____ to vote AGAINST Sessions’ confirmation. The Attorney General must make sure that our laws apply equally to ALL Americans, and Sessions’ record shows he’s not up to the task.

In addition to the accusations of racism that resulted in his rejection for federal judgeship, he has a long history of civil and human rights opposition. He has staunchly opposed immigration reform, the Voting Rights Act, and efforts to address pay equity for women. In addition, he supported a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, voted against expanding hate crimes to include sexual orientation, and criticized a federal law that protects disabled children in the classroom.

Jeff Sessions’ values are in direct opposition to an America that upholds liberty and justice for all. I expect Senator ____ to reject Sessions’ confirmation and I’ll be paying close attention to the vote.”

Nominee: Rex Tillerson
Position: Secretary of State

“I’m — —-, a constituent. I want Senator ___ to vote against Tillerson’s confirmation. Tillerson has no true diplomatic experience. His experience negotiating with foreign powers for energy deals has not prepared him for serving as Secretary of State. In fact, Tillerson’s ties with Russia and ExxonMobil are instead conflicts of interest that will make it impossible for him to oversee foreign policy ethically and effectively. I expect Senator ____ to protect the integrity of the State Department by rejecting Tillerson’s confirmation, and I’ll be paying close attention to the vote.”

Nominee: Betsy DeVos
Position: Secretary of Education

“I’m — —, a constituent. I’m and I would like to ask Senator ____ to vote AGAINST Betsy DeVos’s confirmation. DeVos doesn’t have an education degree or even teaching experience. Rather, she’s a powerful donor who advocates for school choice, which is useless without regard for school quality. Instead of specializing in pedagogy or curriculum, DeVos’ skillset is commandeering public funding for private education. She was a key player in shaping the Michigan charter school system, which is severely lacking in oversight, demanding little accountability for how tax dollars are spent or how well students are educated. I don’t want to see the same thing happen nationally, and I expect Senator ___ to take a stand for quality education. I want to reject DeVos’s confirmation, and I’ll be paying close attention to the vote.”

In addition, take a few minutes to call the five Republican senators who have broken away from the GOP to demand a slow-down of the repeal. Tell them how much you appreciate their efforts.

They are:
Senator Bob Corker (TN) – (202) 224-3344 (DC); 901-683-1910 (Memphis); 731-664-2294 (Jackson)
Senator Lisa Murkowski (AK) – (202) 224-6665 (DC); 907-271-3735 (Anchorage)
Senator Rob Portman (OH) – (202) 224-3353 (DC);614-469-6774 (Columbus)
Senator Susan Collins (ME) – (202) 224-2523 (DC); 207-622-8414 (Augusta)
Senator Bill Cassidy (LA) – (202) 224-5824 (DC); 225-929-7711 (Baton Rouge); 337-261-1400 (Lafayette)

Scripts for Thanking GOP Congress
“I’m calling to thank Senator _____ for breaking away from the GOP’s quest to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. Please let the senator know that I’m grateful that has put principle above party and stood up for millions of Americans’ access to health care. “