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  • The Reconciliation Bill: Democracy by the Numbers
    2025/05/21
    Action Resources

    State-by-State Program Impact Data

    • Head Start Programs Full data for all states available here
    • Medicaid Cuts Impact by State Complete 50-state data available from KFF

    Call Scripts for Immediate ActionFor Your House Representative (PRIORITY THIS WEEK):

    "Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME], and I'm a constituent from [YOUR CITY/STATE]. My zip code is [ZIP CODE].

    I'm calling about the reconciliation bill that's being considered by the Rules Committee tomorrow and expected for a floor vote this week. I'm deeply concerned about how this bill would harm our community.

    [CHOOSE ONE PERSONAL IMPACT]:

    • The Head Start center in [LOCAL CENTER NAME] serves [NUMBER] children in our district and would face closure under this bill. My [FAMILY MEMBER/NEIGHBOR] relies on this program to work and support their family.
    • As someone caring for both my children and my elderly parent who relies on Medicaid for nursing care, this bill would make it impossible for families like mine to make ends meet.
    • Our local hospital in [TOWN] has already had to cut back services, and these Medicaid cuts would push it toward closure, leaving our entire county without emergency care.
    • The data shows the impact to our state will be [SPECIFIC STATE IMPACT FROM DATA PROVIDED ABOVE].

    I'm asking Representative [NAME] to:

    1. Vote against this bill when it comes to the floor
    2. Use all available time to speak about these harmful impacts during floor debate
    3. Demand a full economic impact analysis for our district before any vote

    Can you tell me where the Representative stands on this bill and whether they'll speak out about these harmful cuts during debate?"

    For Senators (AFTER HOUSE VOTE):

    "Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME], and I'm a constituent from [YOUR CITY/STATE]. My zip code is [ZIP CODE].

    I'm calling about the reconciliation bill that recently passed the House. This bill would devastate our community by [SPECIFIC STATE IMPACT FROM DATA PROVIDED ABOVE].

    I'm asking Senator [NAME] to:

    1. Commit to a thorough review of how this bill affects our state specifically
    2. Hold public hearings with testimony from affected communities
    3. Reject any bill that eliminates Head Start, cuts Medicaid, or raises costs for students

    The rushed process in the House prevented proper analysis. The Senate must not make the same mistake. Will Senator [NAME] commit to a transparent process that allows constituents to understand and weigh in on these changes before voting?"

    Key Advocacy OrganizationsImmediate Action Organizations
    • National Head Start Association: nhsa.org/take-action - Coordinating nationwide advocacy to protect Head Start funding
    • Protect Our Care: protectourcare.org - Coalition fighting Medicaid cuts with state-specific impact data
    • First Focus Campaign for Children: campaignforchildren.org - Advocacy specifically for children's programs

    Legal Advocacy (For Post-Vote Challenges)
    • Southern Poverty Law Center: splcenter.org - Legal challenges to program cuts
    • National Health Law Program:
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    12 分
  • Resist the One Big Beautiful Bill
    2025/05/21
    Action Resources

    State-by-State Program Impact Data

    • Head Start Programs Full data for all states available here
    • Medicaid Cuts Impact by State Complete 50-state data available from KFF

    Call Scripts for Immediate ActionFor Your House Representative (PRIORITY THIS WEEK):

    "Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME], and I'm a constituent from [YOUR CITY/STATE]. My zip code is [ZIP CODE].

    I'm calling about the reconciliation bill that's being considered by the Rules Committee tomorrow and expected for a floor vote this week. I'm deeply concerned about how this bill would harm our community.

    [CHOOSE ONE PERSONAL IMPACT]:

    • The Head Start center in [LOCAL CENTER NAME] serves [NUMBER] children in our district and would face closure under this bill. My [FAMILY MEMBER/NEIGHBOR] relies on this program to work and support their family.
    • As someone caring for both my children and my elderly parent who relies on Medicaid for nursing care, this bill would make it impossible for families like mine to make ends meet.
    • Our local hospital in [TOWN] has already had to cut back services, and these Medicaid cuts would push it toward closure, leaving our entire county without emergency care.
    • The data shows the impact to our state will be [SPECIFIC STATE IMPACT FROM DATA PROVIDED ABOVE].

    I'm asking Representative [NAME] to:

    1. Vote against this bill when it comes to the floor
    2. Use all available time to speak about these harmful impacts during floor debate
    3. Demand a full economic impact analysis for our district before any vote

    Can you tell me where the Representative stands on this bill and whether they'll speak out about these harmful cuts during debate?"

    For Senators (AFTER HOUSE VOTE):

    "Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME], and I'm a constituent from [YOUR CITY/STATE]. My zip code is [ZIP CODE].

    I'm calling about the reconciliation bill that recently passed the House. This bill would devastate our community by [SPECIFIC STATE IMPACT FROM DATA PROVIDED ABOVE].

    I'm asking Senator [NAME] to:

    1. Commit to a thorough review of how this bill affects our state specifically
    2. Hold public hearings with testimony from affected communities
    3. Reject any bill that eliminates Head Start, cuts Medicaid, or raises costs for students

    The rushed process in the House prevented proper analysis. The Senate must not make the same mistake. Will Senator [NAME] commit to a transparent process that allows constituents to understand and weigh in on these changes before voting?"

    Key Advocacy OrganizationsImmediate Action Organizations
    • National Head Start Association: nhsa.org/take-action - Coordinating nationwide advocacy to protect Head Start funding
    • Protect Our Care: protectourcare.org - Coalition fighting Medicaid cuts with state-specific impact data
    • First Focus Campaign for Children: campaignforchildren.org - Advocacy specifically for children's programs

    Legal Advocacy (For Post-Vote Challenges)
    • Southern Poverty Law Center: splcenter.org - Legal challenges to program cuts
    • National Health Law Program: healthlaw.org - Legal advocacy focused on Medicaid access
    • Education Law Center:
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    14 分
  • The Birthright Citizenship Attack
    2025/05/17
    Take Action:1. Support the Legal Defense Organizations Fighting This Battle

    Donate to: The ACLU, Asian Law Caucus, Make the Road New York, and the National Immigration Law Center—the groups that immediately challenged this order in court. These organizations have the legal expertise and established infrastructure to fight constitutional violations in real-time. Unlike general political donations that fund campaigns, these contributions directly fund active litigation protecting birthright citizenship.

    2. Contact Your Representatives About Nationwide Injunctions

    Call/write: Your senators and House representatives to express support for judges' ability to issue nationwide injunctions against unconstitutional presidential policies. This sounds technical, but it's crucial—the Supreme Court is considering whether to limit this judicial power, which would allow future presidents to implement illegal policies in most of the country while challenges slowly move through courts.

    Email Template:

    Subject: Protect the Constitutional Right of Birthright Citizenship Crisis

    Dear [Representative/Senator Name],

    I am writing as your constituent to express my deep concern about the Trump administration's executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship and the Supreme Court case challenging federal judges' authority to issue nationwide injunctions against unconstitutional presidential policies.

    The 14th Amendment states clearly that "all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States." This language has been unambiguous for 157 years, and no president should have the power to reinterpret constitutional text through executive order. When federal judges across the country called this order "blatantly unconstitutional," they were simply upholding their oath to defend the Constitution.

    However, the Supreme Court is now considering whether to limit federal judges' ability to issue nationwide injunctions that protect constitutional rights across the entire country. If these judicial powers are restricted, future presidents could implement clearly illegal policies in most states while legal challenges slowly work through the courts. This would fundamentally tip the balance of power toward the executive branch and away from the judicial checks our democracy requires.

    I urge you to speak publicly in support of judicial independence and the constitutional principle of birthright citizenship. Congress has a responsibility to defend constitutional interpretation from executive overreach, especially when the legislative branch cannot act quickly enough to check presidential power. Please make clear that you stand with the Constitution's plain text and the judicial authority to enforce it nationwide.

    This is not about any particular policy preference—it is about whether constitutional rights remain beyond the reach of political manipulation. I ask that you defend these foundational principles that protect all Americans, regardless of party affiliation.

    Thank you for your attention to this urgent constitutional crisis. I look forward to your response and your public statements defending judicial independence and constitutional rights.

    Sincerely,

    [Your Name]

    3. Talk About Constitutional Stakes in Your Community

    When people bring up this issue, focus on the Constitution, not immigration policy. Simple talking points: "The 14th Amendment says 'all

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    13 分
  • We Are Standing at Democracy's Crossroads
    2025/05/15

    Take Action:

    1. Become Information Guardians

    • Archive crucial data: Use WayBack Machine to save government pages—enter agency URLs (EPA.gov, CDC.gov, etc.) and click "Save Page Now"
    • Secure your personal records: Download your Social Security Statement today and every 6 months; use encrypted storage like ProtonDrive, Tresorit, or Cryptomator
    • Support quality journalism: Subscribe to independent sources like ProPublica or The Marshall Project
    • Protect digital communication: Use Signal for messaging and recognize manipulation with Mind Over Media

    2. Make Power Feel Your Presence

    • Contact representatives strategically: Use 5calls.org for proven scripts and direct numbers
    • Show up in person: Attend town halls (even empty chair townhalls)
    • Program democracy into your phone: Save your House Rep, Senators, and Congressional Switchboard (202-224-3121)
    • Vote in every election: Register, verify your status, and make a voting plan for all elections

    3. Document and Report Violations

    • Witness and Create Evidence that cannot be denied: Use ProofMode app to add verification data to photos/videos, making them usable as evidence. Send footage to the ACLU, National Immigration Law Center, trusted journalists, and secure cloud storage that you control.
    • Report abuses to proper channels: Report civil rights violations to the ACLU by phone (212-549-2500), election issues (866-OUR-VOTE), hate crimes (1-844-9-NO-HATE), and immigration abuses to independent organizations like the National Immigration Law Center (213-639-3900) or RAICES (210-226-7722).
    • Create community witness networks: Form neighborhood text groups using Signal for secure communications, ready to document ICE or police activities

    4. Know and Exercise Your Rights

    • Learn your rights thoroughly: Study the ACLU's Know Your Rights resources for police encounters, protests, and
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    17 分
  • First El Salvador, Now Libya
    2025/05/07

    Take Action

    If this concerns you, take action with those in this situation showing courage. Here's how you can make sure your elected officials and the public hear from you — and can't say they didn't know.

    📧 Email Template

    Subject: Stop Forced Transfers to Libya - Take Action Now

    Dear [Representative/Senator/Official's Name],

    I am writing as your constituent about the Trump administration's attempt to send migrants to Libya, a country experiencing civil war and humanitarian crisis. This is unacceptable and I expect you to act.

    Let's be clear about what this is: These migrants are not Libyan nationals. Sending people from Vietnam, the Philippines, and Mexico to a dangerous third country they have no connection to isn't deportation — it's forced exile. Our own State Department warns Americans against all travel to Libya due to terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict.

    The administration tried to bypass a federal court order by using military planes for this transfer. Without journalists exposing this plan and legal advocates filing emergency motions, these people would now be in Libya's detention facilities, which our government describes as "harsh and life-threatening."

    As my representative, I expect you to:

    - Publicly condemn these forced transfers to dangerous third countries

    - Use your legislative and oversight powers to prevent such actions

    - Ensure our immigration enforcement respects court orders and basic human rights

    I am not asking for comprehensive immigration reform or open borders. I am demanding that our government follow its own laws and court orders, and not deliberately place people in harm's way.

    I will be following this issue closely and expect a response outlining your specific position and actions. This will influence my voting decisions in future elections.

    Not in my name,

    [Your Name]

    ☎️ Phone Script

    Hello, my name is [Your Name] and I'm a constituent from [Your City/Town]. I'm calling about the Trump administration's attempt to forcibly transfer migrants to Libya.

    I'm deeply concerned that the administration tried to send people from countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, and Mexico to Libya - a country experiencing civil war where our own State Department warns Americans not to travel due to terrorism and armed conflict.

    This isn't deportation - it's exile to a dangerous third country, and it violates federal court orders. It was only stopped because journalists exposed it and legal advocates took emergency action.

    I expect [Representative/Senator's Name] to publicly condemn these transfers, use their oversight powers to prevent similar actions, and ensure our immigration enforcement follows the law and respects human rights.

    This issue is important to me as a voter. Could you please tell me what specific actions [Representative/Senator's Name] is taking on this matter?

    Thank you for your time.

    📣 Sample Social Media Post

    ⚠️ Trump admin just tried to send migrants to war-torn Libya. This isn't deportation—it's forced exile. Courts blocked it this time. What about next time? Call your reps NOW. Not in our name. #StopForcedExile #RefugeesWelcome #ProtectAsylumSeekers

    https://player.captivate.fm/episode/6ff5b8f4-51c8-49fe-9bf6-7e15a3aa0d39/

    Sources

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    10 分
  • When a President Questions His Duty to Uphold the Constitution
    2025/05/05

    Take Action

    If this concerns you, take action with those in this situation showing courage. Here's how you can make sure your elected officials and the public hear from you — and can't say they didn't know.

    📧 Email Template

    Subject: URGENT: Constitutional Crisis - President Questioning Duty to Uphold Constitution

    Dear [Representative/Senator/Official Name],

    I write to you with grave concern regarding an unprecedented constitutional crisis. On May 4, 2025, President Trump stated on national television that he "doesn't know" if he needs to uphold the Constitution as President of the United States. This is not a partisan issue—this is an existential threat to our constitutional republic and demands immediate action.

    When the President of the United States questions whether he must uphold the document he swore to "preserve, protect and defend," we face nothing less than a direct assault on the rule of law. This statement fundamentally undermines the constitutional order that has sustained our democracy for over 230 years. It is the definition of a constitutional crisis.

    Most alarming, the President's uncertainty extended to whether citizens deserve due process rights guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment. This isn't merely about immigration policy—it's about whether any American's constitutional protections can be swept aside at the whim of the executive. History teaches us that once such protections become optional for some, they quickly become optional for all.

    Make no mistake: this is precisely how democracies have fallen throughout history. When leaders begin suggesting that constitutional constraints are merely optional, the erosion of democratic institutions accelerates rapidly. The President's oath isn't a technicality—it's the most fundamental guarantee that executive power remains bound by law rather than exercised through unchecked authority.

    I demand that you, as my elected representative, condemn this statement immediately and unequivocally. Constitutional duty transcends party loyalty. Your silence in this moment would signal complicity in the undermining of our constitutional foundation. This is not the time for measured political calculations—it is the time for moral courage and fidelity to your own oath of office.

    I expect you to speak out forcefully on the Congressional floor, issue a public statement, and use every available means to defend our Constitution. The American experiment in self-governance hangs in the balance. Where do you stand?

    With the utmost urgency,

    [Your Name]

    ☎️ Phone Script

    Hello, my name is [Your Name] and I am a constituent from [Your City/Town].

    I'm calling about President Trump's statement on NBC's "Meet the Press" this Sunday where he said he "doesn't know" if he needs to uphold the Constitution as President. This admission came when asked about due process rights for both citizens and non-citizens.

    This statement represents a constitutional crisis. The President has sworn an oath to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution," yet he's now questioning whether this fundamental duty applies to him.

    This goes beyond partisan politics—it threatens the foundation of our republic. When the highest official in our government expresses uncertainty about whether constitutional protections apply to all people in America, our entire system of rights and freedoms is at risk.

    I'm calling to ask what specific actions [Representative/Senator's Name] is taking to address this crisis. Will they be making a public statement condemning the President's remarks? Will they be introducing or supporting any measures to reaffirm constitutional protections?

    Given the severity of this situation, I believe silence or inaction amounts to complicity in the erosion of our constitutional order. I would appreciate knowing where [Representative/Senator's Name]

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    11 分
  • Justified as Security. Designed to Undermine Civilian Rule.
    2025/05/03

    Take Action

    If this concerns you, take action with those in this situation showing courage. Here's how you can make sure your elected officials and the public hear from you — and can't say they didn't know.

    📧 Email Template

    Subject: Oppose the Militarization of U.S. Land—This Is a Red Line

    Dear [Senator/Representative] [Last Name],

    I’m writing to demand that you speak out against the executive order placing the Roosevelt Reservation—federal land along the U.S.-Mexico border—under military control.

    This is not about border security. It is a deliberate expansion of executive power, achieved by reclassifying public land as a military base and granting active-duty troops the authority to operate on U.S. soil. No congressional debate. No public input. Just a unilateral move to give the military enforcement power over civilians—on American land.

    This crosses a line. The Posse Comitatus Act was written to keep military force out of civilian life. That principle is now being tested. If we accept this reclassification without resistance, we open the door to permanent military enforcement zones—not just at the border, but wherever the president declares a threat.

    And it’s not just civilians at risk. This move is also unfair to the military. Our armed forces are trained to defend the nation from external threats—not to police American communities. Forcing them into this role compromises their mission, erodes public trust, and entangles them in a political agenda that risks long-term damage to the institution itself.

    This is how authoritarianism advances: quietly, and with just enough plausible justification to discourage outrage.

    I urge you to oppose this order publicly, demand immediate oversight, and make clear that using the U.S. military as a domestic police force is unacceptable in any democracy.

    This isn’t just a policy disagreement. It’s a test of whether civilian rule still holds in the United States. I’m asking you to meet this moment—not with silence, but with action.

    Sincerely,

    [Your Name]

    ☎️ Phone Script

    Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [Your City, State].

    I’m calling to urge [Senator/Representative] [Last Name] to speak out against the executive order placing part of the U.S.–Mexico border under military control. Turning public land into a National Defense Area undermines civilian oversight and violates the spirit of the Posse Comitatus Act.

    This isn’t just about border policy—it’s about creeping authoritarianism. I want to see my elected officials protect constitutional boundaries and push back against this dangerous overreach. Thank you.

    📣 Sample Social Media Post

    Trump just gave the military control over public land at the border—no debate, no oversight. This isn’t security. It’s a warning. Civilians should not be policed by troops. We need action now. #NoMilitaryZones #AuthoritarianWarning #BiggerThanMe #DefendDemocracy

    https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c082de60-99b8-45b5-b543-80cdbfaf6ded/

    Sources

    続きを読む 一部表示
    10 分