Special Message from Indivisible Houston

As you can see from the news, Houston and surrounding areas were hit hard, and many of my fellow Houstonians and members of surrounding areas lost everything. The City of Houston is about to transform from an area with an economy so strong it weathered the Great Recession into something else entirely.  I’m writing today because of the overwhelming response of Indivisible groups across the nation asking how you can support our city right now.  After the floodwaters recede and the heroic rescues fade from the headlines, the hard part of the disaster recovery will begin. Rebuilding Houston may well take ten years or more, and we will need all the help from the Federal government we can get. As Houston Rep Al Green told NPR yesterday, “We've got to show our people that when we have these tragedies, when they're confronted with catastrophic events, that the federal government is going to do what it's supposed to.” As Indivisible members and groups, we’ve called our representatives all year demanding they stand up to the Trump administration and its repulsive agenda, with pretty damn impressive success. Right now, it’s time to call your member of Congress (MoC) and demand the federal government step up up to rebuild Houston over the long haul. You can check out Indivisible’s new policy explainer here. Here’s what your MoCs need to hear from you: Demand immediate relief for areas affected by Harvey. Members of the Texas delegation are leading efforts to appropriate emergency relief for Houston, coastal Texas, and Louisiana. This is a national crisis and every Member of Congress should support aid for areas affected by Hurricane Harvey. Make sure that your MoCs do, too. Resist funding cuts to disaster preparedness and response.Trump has called for massive cuts to FEMA, the coast guard, and other programs that are essential to prepare for and respond to disasters like Harvey. But funding is the job of Congress, so make sure your MoC doesn’t cut these important programs. Rebuild Houston, not some stupid wall. We need infrastructure, medical help, jobs and economic security to rebuild Houston and the Gulf Coast, not a thousand mile long political posture for Trump’s white supremacist worldview. Demand your members of Congress supply federal funding to rebuild our cities and our communities—not for a costly and unnecessary wall.  Reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program. Even as Houston sits under water, Congress is unsure about whether it should reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program, which is intended to protect Americans from events like Harvey and expires on September 30. Congress needs to not just reauthorize the program, but strengthen it. Address climate change in a meaningful way. Tropical Storm Harvey is real, so is climate change. We need a deliberative grassroots-driven plan that takes into account the strong likelihood of future climate disasters while taking action to avert the worst of the climate crisis. If Congress won’t address climate change, then we need to make sure our local and state governments are. We’re in a terrible situation, and it’s going to take a lot of time, effort and money to get us out. But we will get through it. Indivisible is the broadest, most powerful grassroots political community our nation has ever seen, and y’all can help. And when we do rebuild, come and visit us sometime! For more ways to help specific communities and a list of organizations working on the ground that you can donate to right now, check out my IndivisiBlog post. Lot of love, Daniel Founder, Indivisible Houston

ACTiON: CALL TO PROTECT OUR ECONOMY

From Indivisible Oregon...

**CALL TO ACTION**
Thursday, August 31, 2017
————————————————————————————
WE THE PEOPLE AGENDA -- PROTECT OUR ECONOMY
————————————————————————————
#CleanDebtBill
#CleanBudget
#FairTaxReform

Today, our “We the People” agenda for our Members of Congress focuses on the economy.

An economic train wreck is facing us in September
• Unless the debt ceiling is raised, the government will default on its debts, threatening the world economy http://wapo.st/2xNtZAC
• Unless a budget is passed, the government will shut down
• Trump has threatened to veto a budget doesn’t include funding for his border wall. His threat alone has rattled financial markets. http://nyti.ms/2wTKjU3
• The extreme right wing of the GOP wants draconian spending cuts added to the debt ceiling bill in return for its votes.

Meanwhile, the GOP is pushing tax “reform” that will benefit the wealthy while increasing the deficit and slashing essential programs. http://bit.ly/2fSXoWa

We need our Members of Congress to protect our economy. Call them and tell them to take the lead in passing
(1) a “clean” debt ceiling increase to avoid government shut-down;
(2) a “clean” budget continuing resolution (an extension of last year’s budget with no riders and NO funding for the wall); and
(3)  bipartisan, fair tax reform.

————————————————————————————
**ACTION 1: CALL BOTH SENATORS AND YOUR REP**
(Leave a message if you can’t get through.)

SAMPLE SCRIPT
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [ZIP code]. I am concerned about the risk posed to our economy by threats to default on our debt, shut down the government and pass unbalanced, unfair tax reform that primarily benefits the wealthiest. I am calling to ask that you pledge to protect our economy by insisting on a clean debt ceiling increase, a clean budget continuing resolution and bipartisan tax reform that is fair to working people. Thank you."

————————————————————————————
**ACTION2: SHARE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY**

Share this post with friends and family.  And help them to call their own Members of Congress.

————————————————————————————
**PHONE NUMBERS**

SENATOR MERKLEY
Portland: (503) 326-3386, DC: (202) 224-3753
Salem: (503) 362-8102, Eugene: (541) 465-6750
Medford: (541) 608-9102, Bend: (541) 318-1298
Pendleton: (541) 278-1129

SENATOR WYDEN
Portland: (503) 326-7525, DC: (202) 224-5244
Salem: (503) 589-4555, Eugene: (541) 431-0229
Medford: (541) 858-5122, Bend: (541) 330-9142
La Grande: (541) 960-7691

CONGRESSWOMAN SUZANNE BONAMICI [D1]
DC: (202) 225-0855, OR: (503) 469-6010

CONGRESSMAN GREG WALDEN [D2]
DC (202) 225-6730, Medford: (541) 776-4646,
Bend (541) 389-4408, La Grande (541) 624-2400

CONGRESSMAN EARL BLUMENAUER [D3]
DC: (202) 225-4811, OR: (503) 231-2300

CONGRESSMAN PETER DEFAZIO [D4]
DC 202-225-6416, Eugene: (541) 465-6732,
Roseburg: (541) 440-3523, Coos Bay (541) 269-2609

CONGRESSMAN KURT SCHRADER [D5]
DC: (202) 225-5711, Salem (503) 588-9100,
Oregon City (503) 557-1324

** After you call, please comment below and briefly share your experience!**

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/paloma/the-finance-202/2017/08/29/the-finance-202-harvey-complicates-trump-s-border-wall-plans/59a4dc4c30fb0435b8209024/?utm_term=.0bbf310ceb4c

ACTION: CALL TO PROTECT OUR ENVIRONMENT

From Indivisible Oregon...

**CALL TO ACTION**
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
——————————————————————————
WE THE PEOPLE AGENDA – PROTECT OUR ENVIRONMENT
——————————————————————————
#ActOnClimate
#KeepItPublic

Today marks the third day of the “We the People” agenda that we’re presenting our Members of Congress. Monday’s priority was healthcare. Tuesday’s was civil rights. Today we focus on the environment

Trump has disregarded the environment, exiting the Paris Accord, eliminating protective regulations, and promoting dirty energy. http://bit.ly/2wRdc3a

Trump’s budget will:
• Privatize Bonneville's transmission assets for pennies on the dollar. http://bit.ly/2wjTwSg
• Eliminate over 50 EPA programs that: protect drinking water, fight climate change, protect natural resources, test chemicals safety, cleanup contamination http://wapo.st/2mvKhZy

Meanwhile, Congressional Republicans intend to get their anti-environmental bills through Congress by attaching them to unrelated legislation.  Watch out for legislative “riders,” including: threats to endangered wolves, relaxed limits on asthma-causing smog, and risky storage of nuclear waste.  http://bit.ly/2q9hOdG   http://on.nrdc.org/2uIEU1i

Here in Oregon: Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke wants to downsize the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument and other environmental treasures. But, according to Oregon's Attorney General, Ellen Rosenblum, "neither the President nor Secretary Zinke has the power to unilaterally revoke or reduce a monument of this nature”. http://bit.ly/2xHOtuo

Tell your MoC to stop any policy rider that weakens environmental laws in must-pass legislation, like the budget.
———————————————————————————
**ACTION 1: CALL BOTH SENATORS AND YOUR REPRESENTATIVE
(Leave a voice mail if after hours!)

SAMPLE SCRIPT
My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon, [zip code]. I am very concerned about attempts by Trump and the GOP to undermine environmental protections. I am asking the [Senator/Congressperson] lead the charge in Congress to protect the environment and to oppose any policy rider that waters down environmental laws. “

———————————————————————————
**ACTION 2: SHARE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY**
Share this post with friends and family.   Help them to call and tell their MoCs protect the environment.

————————————————————————————
**ACTION 3: TAP INTO OTHER GROUPS **

— Use the #HandsOff toolkit to find out what’s at stake in your congressional district: https://handsoff.org/index.html

— Use the Union of Concerned Scientists’ toolkit to protect funding of science, public health, and environmental agencies: http://www.ucsusa.org/take-action/protect-funding-for-science-health-environment

**PHONE NUMBERS**

SENATOR MERKLEY
Portland: (503) 326-3386, DC: (202) 224-3753
Salem: (503) 362-8102, Eugene: (541) 465-6750
Medford: (541) 608-9102, Bend: (541) 318-1298
Pendleton: (541) 278-1129

SENATOR WYDEN
Portland: (503) 326-7525, DC: (202) 224-5244
Salem: (503) 589-4555, Eugene: (541) 431-0229
Medford: (541) 858-5122, Bend: (541) 330-9142
La Grande: (541) 960-7691

CONGRESSWOMAN SUZANNE BONAMICI [D1]
DC: (202) 225-0855, OR: (503) 469-6010
 
CONGRESSMAN GREG WALDEN [D2]
DC (202) 225-6730, Medford: (541) 776-4646,
Bend (541) 389-4408, La Grande (541) 624-2400
 
CONGRESSMAN EARL BLUMENAUER [D3]
DC: (202) 225-4811, OR: (503) 231-2300
 
CONGRESSMAN PETER DEFAZIO [D4]
DC 202-225-6416, Eugene: (541) 465-6732,  
Roseburg: (541) 440-3523, Coos Bay (541) 269-2609
 
CONGRESSMAN KURT SCHRADER [D5]
DC: (202) 225-5711, Salem (503) 588-9100,  
Oregon City (503) 557-1324

** After you call, please comment below and briefly share your experience!**

http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2017/08/cascade-siskiyou_national_monu.html

ACTION: CALL TO PROTECT OUR CIVIL RIGHTS

From Indivisible Oregon...

**CALL TO ACTION**
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
———————————————
PROTECT OUR CIVIL RIGHTS
———————————————
#StopTheHate
#CensureTrump
#VotingRights

With Congress returning to DC next week, we at Indivisible Oregon are presenting our “We the People” agenda. Each day this week, we will communicate a top priority to our Members of Congress, and ask them to fight for it in September. Monday was healthcare. Today it’s civil rights.
 
The President is stoking the fires of racist violence on one hand and providing cover for voter suppression on the other. Congress must immediately counteract the President’s strategy for pitting groups against one another:

• Censure the President for sympathizing with Nazis, white nationalists and militias, and for denigrating the rule of law by pardoning Sheriff Joe Arpaio http://bit.ly/2wj1bjX.

• End Trump’s election commission. By stoking “zombie” claims of voter fraud http://wapo.st/2vyPyEi the commission seeks to justify measures that suppress voting by minorities, students, the elderly and people with disabilities http://wapo.st/2vmffvB.

• Restore protections in the Voting Rights Act that were gutted by the Supreme Court. It’s possible that the 2016 election was tilted by voter suppression, not voter fraud. Congress needs to strengthen the Voting Rights Act.

Let’s keep our eyes on the prize. Ask our MoCs to stand up for equal rights, the rule of law and stronger civil rights protections!

———————————————
**ACTION 1: CALL YOUR SENATORS and REPRESENTATIVE**
(Leave a message if you can’t get through.)

SAMPLE SCRIPT
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [ZIP code]. I am calling to ask [Senator -- / Representative --] to fight for civil rights when Congress returns from its break. Three actions that would go a long way are:  1) Censure the President for fanning the flames of racism after Charlottesville and denigrating the rule of law by pardoning Arpaio. 2) Defund Trump’s so-called election commission that is only encouraging more voter suppression. 3) Strengthen the Voting Rights Act. Thank you.”

——————————————
**ACTION 2: CONTACT FRIENDS IN RED DISTRICTS
“Share” or copy / paste this action.

———————————————
**PHONE NUMBERS**

SENATOR MERKLEY
Portland: (503) 326-3386, DC: (202) 224-3753
Salem: (503) 362-8102, Eugene: (541) 465-6750
Medford: (541) 608-9102, Bend: (541) 318-1298
Pendleton: (541) 278-1129

SENATOR WYDEN
Portland: (503) 326-7525, DC: (202) 224-5244
Salem: (503) 589-4555, Eugene: (541) 431-0229
Medford: (541) 858-5122, Bend: (541) 330-9142
La Grande: (541) 960-7691

CONGRESSWOMAN SUZANNE BONAMICI [D1]
DC: (202) 225-0855, OR: (503) 469-6010

CONGRESSMAN GREG WALDEN [D2]
DC (202) 225-6730, Medford: (541) 776-4646,
Bend (541) 389-4408, La Grande (541) 624-2400

CONGRESSMAN EARL BLUMENAUER [D3]
DC: (202) 225-4811, OR: (503) 231-2300

CONGRESSMAN PETER DEFAZIO [D4]
DC 202-225-6416, Eugene: (541) 465-6732,
Roseburg: (541) 440-3523, Coos Bay (541) 269-2609

CONGRESSMAN KURT SCHRADER [D5]
DC: (202) 225-5711, Salem (503) 588-9100,
Oregon City (503) 557-1324


** After you call, please comment below and briefly share your experience!**

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2017/08/28/video-president-trumps-zombie-claim-of-widespread-voter-fraud-in-the-2016-election/

INCO WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 8/28

ACTION PRIORITIES From Indivisible Guide, our national resource.  Tell your Members of Congress to: 1. Stand Up for the rule of law by condemning Trump's pardon of Joe Arpaio. He's the former Arizona sheriff who boasted of defying court orders, profiling Hispanics, fabricating causes for arrests, treating prisoners inhumanely, and neglecting the actual law enforcement duties of his office. One attorney says this pardon shows Trump's "presidential contempt for the Constitution.” Read more here and here. 2. Stand Up for DACA youth by co-sponsoring legislation that provides permanent relief to childhood arrivals. Read more here. 3. Denouce Trump's ban on transgender troops - an insult to all Americans, especially those who serve in the military. 4. Condemn Trump's increasing warlike talk and actions. He threatens war with North Korea, Venezuela, Afghanistan, and our trading partners. Google "Trump war talk" for more information. The '5 calls' app is a convenient way to make those calls. The app provides phone numbers and scripts so calling is quick and easy. Sign up here.   "In Our America" was the spirit at Senator Ron Wyden's Town Halls in Seaside and Manzanita (left , with Deb Vanasse, INCO co-leader; Senator Wyden, and Laura Rochelois, of Indivisible OR-1,) on August 25th. Full houses at both events, with spot-on questions, concerns, and outrage about this administration. Full determination to stay vigilant and work together to defend our democracy. VOTE THE FUTURE Organizing Team Meeting Wednesday, August 30 • 6:30 pm Near Sunset Beach   Prep for 2018 by encouraging others to vote and practicing proven strategies for voter persuasion. At this INCO Vote the Future team meeting, we'll organize around a central tenet of democracy - every vote counts! This is a new team that welcomes everyone wanting to make positive change with INCO. Contact incoregon@gmail.com for location and directions. We are indivisible! Some 40,000 people marched in Boston August 19th opposing the 100 white supremacists, Nazis, and KKK who claimed to be holding a "free speech" rally.

HAPPENINGS Check for details and new posts on our events page. THIS WEEK Wednesday, August 30 - Vote the Future Team Organizing Meeting, 6:30 pm. Near Hwy 101 and Sunset Beach Road. Contact incoregon@gmail.com for location and directions. UPCOMING Tuesday, September 5 - Astoria INCO Monthly Meeting, 6 pm - social & snacks; 6:30 - 8 pm - meeting. 3 Cups Coffee House, 279 West Marine Drive Thursday, September 14, 2017, Resistance School -  How to Sustain the Resistance Long-term, 6-8 pm, Seaside Library Community Room, 1131 Broadway, Seaside             Saturday, September 16 - Immigration 101, 1 pm, Columbian Theater, 11th & Marine Drive, Astoria; presented by Oregon's Rural Organizing Project and hosted by Astoria INCO. Saturday, September 23, Warrenton INCO monthly meeting, 11 a.m. Strategy session with Deb Vanasse. One-time venue change to accommodate everyone. Uptown Cafe meeting room, in Warrenton near Staples and Petco. Tuesday, September 26 -  INCO Vote the Future Non-partisan Voter Registration Drive, 10 am - 2 pm, Towler Hall, 3rd floor Commons; part of National Voter Registration Day Thursday, September 28 - INCO Book Club, 6:30 - 8 pm, member's home in Astoria. This month's book is NO IS NOT ENOUGH, by Naomi Klein. For location and more info, contact incoregon@gmail.com. Kate loves animals, graphic design, and parades. Read more about this INCO member who designed our Vote the Future banner here. "(Charles) Stover believed — and his life proves — that it is possible to make a difference in the world without yelling. It is easy to get caught up in the shouting of politicians, or to want simply to walk away from it all. That is why it is more important than ever to listen to the stories of those around us." - - Ariella Rosen, "A Whisper in an Age of Shouting" COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS DIY-mocracy!  What’s the Trump administration doing while Trump tweets and plays golf?  Read about regulations, legislation, and budget and staff cuts here.    Do you agree with INCO's mission to defend democracy by opposing authoritarianism, bigotry, and corruption? If yes, then get involved with your INCO Community Group today in Manzanita-Cannon Beach, Seaside, Warrenton, Astoria, Washington Peninsula.     Questions, concerns, & photos to INCO at incoregon@gmail.com Share this newsletter and our website with other resisters. They can join INCO here and find out about our closed Facebook page. INCO is supported entirely by your donations! Donate here. INCO Weekly Newsletter   August 28, 2017

ACTION: CALL TO PROTECT OUR HEALTHCARE

From Indivisible Oregon...

**CALL TO ACTION**
Monday, August 28, 2017
——————————————————————————
THE “WE THE PEOPLE” AGENDA: PROTECT OUR HEALTHCARE
——————————————————————————
#NoRepeal
#ProtectACA
#ReauthorizeCHIP

With Congress returning to DC next week, we at Indivisible Oregon are presenting our “We the People” agenda. Each day this week, we will communicate a top priority to our Members of Congress, and ask them to fight for it in September. First up: healthcare. 

Republicans failed spectacularly at repealing Obamacare because of our resistance. As their attacks continue, we need to keep up the pressure. 

Trump continues to threaten to stop paying the subsidies to insurance companies, which are a core part of Obamacare. The CBO estimates that stopping these payments will increase premiums by 20% and the deficit by $194 million http://nyti.ms/2vGlNSE. 

Senator Graham's repeal bill would allow states to fund healthcare with block grants – getting the money by ending Medicaid expansion and private insurance subsidies http://bit.ly/2hl1hUu. Block grants are budget cuts in disguise http://lat.ms/1UhWnmW. 

Some Republicans are putting the health of almost 6 million kids on the line: they are threatening not to reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) unless parts of Obamacare are repealed http://to.pbs.org/2hbyUIh. 
• CHIP expires on Sept. 30, just weeks after Congress reconvenes.
• States will begin to run out of CHIP funds within weeks or months. Oregon's funds will dry up by March 31, 2018 http://bit.ly/2ixnCOU.

Trump and the GOP are playing politics with our healthcare. Healthcare is a human right. Our Members of Congress must lead the charge to protect it.

———————————————————————————
**ACTION 1: CALL BOTH SENATORS AND YOUR REPRESENTATIVE
(If you can’t call during business hours, leave a voice mail! It all makes a difference!)** 

SAMPLE SCRIPT for both Senators and all Reps except Walden

"My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon, ZIP code [--]. I am very concerned about the GOP’s and Trump’s attempt to sabotage our healthcare to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy. Thank you for all you did to stop the ACA repeal. I am counting on you to lead the charge in Congress to fix the ACA and protect CHIP. We deserve quality healthcare for all." 

SAMPLE SCRIPT for Walden
"My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon, ZIP code [--]. I am very concerned about the GOP’s and Trump’s attempt to sabotage and take away our healthcare to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy. I remember your vote to repeal the ACA. You can make up for it by leading the charge in Congress to fix the ACA and protect CHIP. We deserve quality healthcare for all."
———————————————————————————
**ACTION 2: SHARE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY**
Share this post with friends and family. And help them to call and tell their MoCs fix the ACA and reauthorize CHIP.
————————————————————————————

**PHONE NUMBERS**

SENATOR MERKLEY 
Portland: (503) 326-3386, DC: (202) 224-3753
Salem: (503) 362-8102, Eugene: (541) 465-6750
Medford: (541) 608-9102, Bend: (541) 318-1298
Pendleton: (541) 278-1129

SENATOR WYDEN 
Portland: (503) 326-7525, DC: (202) 224-5244
Salem: (503) 589-4555, Eugene: (541) 431-0229
Medford: (541) 858-5122, Bend: (541) 330-9142
La Grande: (541) 960-7691

** After you call, please comment below and briefly share your experience!** 

http://www.pbs.org/…/get-ready-next-big-health-care-fight-…/

ACTION: CALL TO FIGHT RACISM

From Indivisible Oregon...

**CALL TO ACTION**
Friday, August 25, 2017
———————————————
FIGHT RACISM: PROTECT OUR COURTS FROM EXTREMIST JUDGES
———————————————
#FightRacism
#ProtectOurCourts
#NoExtremistJudges

When Congress reconvenes, they will be voting on Trump’s judicial nominees—vetted by Federalist Society, an organization that assists conservative students’ career path—including securing lifetime judicial appointments http://bit.ly/2wJDSC2. These biased nominees threaten our judicial branch.

There are 32 district, circuit and federal claims court nominees--4 awaiting confirmation (Palk, McFadden, Kelly, Schiff) and 3 awaiting votes in Judiciary Committee [Erickson, Friedrich, Schwartz)—who are right wing ideologues (http://bit.ly/2vtKose) and will aid Trump’s racist agenda by:
• Favoring corporate interests and far-right policies with hostility to civil rights and civil liberties http://bit.ly/2sTRk4f
• Championing unchecked executive power http://slate.me/2thzSGZ
• Advocating limiting government’s regulatory power http://bit.ly/2nTrxmN

With filibuster’s elimination, confirmations need only 51 votes. Senators can veto outrageous choices through “blue slips”, but only for the senator's own state.

A more drastic tactic is to place “hold” on one or more nominees—a permissible Senate tactic http://bit.ly/2vlAee4, and one used by Sen, Wyden http://cbsn.ws/2itBPfK

All available weapons must be used to preserve federal courts as impartial, legitimate branch of government, and to stop Trump’s racist agenda. Until Trump agrees to work with both parties to pick mainstream judges, our MoCs should put holds on all judicial nominees.

———————————————
**ACTION 1: CALL YOUR SENATOR
(if you can’t call during business hours, leave a voice mail! It all makes a difference!)**

SAMPLE SCRIPT
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am very concerned about the extremist judicial nominees that Trump is sending to the Senate for confirmation. The tactics being used so far to oppose them don’t seem to be working. So I am asking the Senator to put HOLDS on all pending judicial nominees until Trump agrees to send ones with bipartisan credentials. Thank you.”

 ——————————————
**ACTION 2: GO TO A TOWN HALL AND ASK OUR SENATORS TO PROTECT OUR COURTS FROM RACIST, EXTREMIST JUDICIAL NOMINEES
(http://bit.ly/IO_Events)
 
SAMPLE SCRIPT
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].  We look to the courts to protect our civil rights and maintain checks and balances within our government. This is why I am very concerned about the extremist judicial nominees that Trump is sending to the Senate for confirmation. They are outside the mainstream. If appointed, these judges will fail to protect citizens from government overreach. What steps are you prepared to take to prevent the confirmation of these right-wing racist, sexist, homophobic judges? Are you willing to place holds on all pending judicial nominees? What about halting all business in the Senate until Trump agrees to send nominees with bipartisan credentials?”

If you can’t get to a town hall, please call Senators Wyden’s and Merkley’s office and ask them the above questions.

———————————————
**ACTION 3: SHARE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY**
Share this post with friends and family.  And help them to call and tell their Senators put holds on all judicial nominees until Trump agrees to send judges with bipartisan credentials.

——————————————
**PHONE NUMBERS**

SENATOR MERKLEY
Portland: (503) 326-3386, DC: (202) 224-3753
Salem: (503) 362-8102, Eugene: (541) 465-6750
Medford: (541) 608-9102, Bend: (541) 318-1298
Pendleton: (541) 278-1129

SENATOR WYDEN
Portland: (503) 326-7525, DC: (202) 224-5244
Salem: (503) 589-4555, Eugene: (541) 431-0229
Medford: (541) 858-5122, Bend: (541) 330-9142
La Grande: (541) 960-7691

** After you call, please comment below and briefly share your experience!**

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/trump-judicial-nominees-federalist-society_us_59497166e4b04c5e50256f0c
http://www.thedailybeast.com/to-ram-through-judges-gop-senators-consider-yielding-power-to-trump-white-house

ACTION: CALL TO FIGHT RACISM

From Indivisible Oregon...

**CALL TO ACTION**
Thursday, August 24, 2017
——————————————————————————

FIGHT RACISM – PROTECT VOTING RIGHTS AND 2020 CENSUS
——————————————————————————
#Fund2020Cenus
#StopGerrymandering
#RestoreVRA

The lack of funding for the 2020 census is the latest attempt by the GOP to suppress the voting power of minorities. 

The House and Senate Appropriations Committees have drastically underfunded the census, which will be devastating http://wapo.st/2uSrBLM. 

Minority communities are already undercounted in the census. This lack of funding will make it worse. Minorities will be underrepresented in:
• Federal Medicaid funding
• Federal education funding
• Redrawing federal congressional districts
• http://bit.ly/2vSSSuM

Minority voting rights are under constant attack:
• Republican states have gerrymandered districts strategically drawn to disenfranchise minority voters http://wapo.st/2wrQcXg
• the GOP exploited the rollback of the Voting Rights Act to close hundreds of polling places http://bit.ly/2f9jIGy
• Trump’s election fraud commission is suppressing the vote – especially minority communities http://bit.ly/2ttyuBC

The GOP wants to keep control for the next decade. An underfunded census, the gutted Voting Rights Act, and Trump’s election fraud commission make this possible – at the expense of minority voters.

The census and the right to vote are bedrock American ideals. We must fight guarantee these rights – for all communities. Our MoCs must fully fund the census, reinstate the voting rights act and disband Trump’s election fraud commission. 

———————————————————————————
**ACTION 1: CALL OUR SENATORS AND YOUR REPRESENTATIVE (if you can’t call during business hours, leave a voice mail! It all makes a difference!)** 

SAMPLE SCRIPT
My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon, zip code [--]. I am very concerned about GOP voter suppression and underfunding the 2020 census. I ask you to do all you can to fully fund the census, reinstate the voting rights act and disband Trump’s election fraud commission. We must have free and fair elections in which every community can participate.

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**ACTION 2: Check out these resources to stop voter suppression
https://www.letamericavote.org/
https://www.flippable.org/

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**ACTION 3: SHARE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY**
Share this post with friends and family. And help them to call and tell their MoCs to fully fund the census, reinstate the voting rights act and disband Trump’s election fraud commission.
————————————————————————————

**PHONE NUMBERS**

SENATOR MERKLEY 
Portland: (503) 326-3386, DC: (202) 224-3753
Salem: (503) 362-8102, Eugene: (541) 465-6750
Medford: (541) 608-9102, Bend: (541) 318-1298
Pendleton: (541) 278-1129

SENATOR WYDEN 
Portland: (503) 326-7525, DC: (202) 224-5244
Salem: (503) 589-4555, Eugene: (541) 431-0229
Medford: (541) 858-5122, Bend: (541) 330-9142
La Grande: (541) 960-7691

CONGRESSWOMAN SUZANNE BONAMICI [D1] 
DC: (202) 225-0855, OR: (503) 469-6010 

CONGRESSMAN GREG WALDEN [D2] 
DC (202) 225-6730, Medford: (541) 776-4646, 
Bend (541) 389-4408, La Grande (541) 624-2400 

CONGRESSMAN EARL BLUMENAUER [D3] 
DC: (202) 225-4811, OR: (503) 231-2300 

CONGRESSMAN PETER DEFAZIO [D4] 
DC 202-225-6416, Eugene: (541) 465-6732, 
Roseburg: (541) 440-3523, Coos Bay (541) 269-2609 

CONGRESSMAN KURT SCHRADER [D5] 
DC: (202) 225-5711, Salem (503) 588-9100, 
Oregon City (503) 557-1324 

** After you call, please comment below and briefly share your experience!** 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/…/926c8b58-81f3-11e7-902a-2a…

Member Spotlight | Kate Giese

What’s a highlight of your involvement so far?

I love the opportunity INCO has afforded to learn new skills—working with a blog and Facebook page in this instance. Joining up also represents a new social connection that’s at once stimulating and comforting. It’s a joy to be around so many like-minded people who’re bright, hard-working and very welcoming. I invariably come away from meetings and events with renewed energy and optimism.

What’s your vision for a better future?

Trump is soon relegated to history books

Diversity is welcomed

Immigration policies aren’t punitive or biased

There’s concern for our deteriorating environment

Making and keeping corporations accountable

Providing good access to jobs (and equal pay concerns), health care and education for all

Improving the current state of foreign relations

Ensuring the integrity of our elections

Taking both houses of Congress back in 2018 and the White House, in general, in 2020

What’s one book, quote, or action that you recommend to everyone who’ll listen?

I’ve always been partial to Eleanor Roosevelt’s comment, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Her words reflect how we, as individuals, can so easily get in our own way as we go through life.

What prompted you to get involved?

I’m not ashamed to admit it; I cried when Trump got elected. I’d walk around in a sort of daze, envisioning all kinds of nightmare scenarios. I had trouble sleeping and my stomach kept knotting. There was simply no way for me to look at the outcome of 2016 presidential election as anything other than a ghastly disaster for America. After a bit, I thought, “This is silly; it’s time to do what I can to make things better… time to take action and volunteer.”

Tell us a little about yourself and the ways you’re active with Indivisible North Coast Oregon (INCO).

I already knew a bit about INCO. Then I saw Deb Vanasse’ email looking for someone to maintain INCO’s Vote the Future page on Facebook and on their Indivisble North Oregon Coast blog. Communication—written and visual—is an area of interest (reflected in my work as a writer and graphic designer for assorted local publications and non-profits). With a bit of coaching up front, I felt I could help.

Until joining INCO, I’d volunteered (and continue to do so) for nearly a decade--helping cats and dogs at the Animal Shelter in Warrenton and helping promote the Astoria arts scene, e.g., the North Coast Chorale, Tempo Gallery and Astoria Performing Arts Center, mainly. I confess to shying away from politics; they tended to be so controversial and effecting real change seemed too elusive. But my INCO affiliation has changed all that. It’s become clear that there’s real power in grassroots organizing and speaking out—we can make a difference!

ACTION: CALL TO FIGHT RACISM

From Indivisible Oregon...

**CALL TO ACTION**
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
————————————————————————————
FIGHT RACISM: ASK CONGRESS SAY NO TO WHITE SUPREMACY
————————————————————————————
#StopTheHate
#StandUp
#LoveTrumpsHate

White Supremacist groups are armed, growing, and must be stopped. Congress must do its part by holding congressional hearings, reinstating funds for anti-domestic terrorism programs, and passing sensible laws to prevent gun violence.

• Far right attacks outnumber those by Islamic terrorists by nearly 2:1 http://bit.ly/2uZQHs8.
• DHS and the FBI recently warned Congress about the growing power of white nationalists http://cbsn.ws/2v98MAa.
• Yet Trump proposes to cut funding to fight right wing violence http://bit.ly/2wyA32o .

Violent right-wing groups are here in Oregon, working inside political structures:

• 21 of the 36 Oregon sheriffs have signed an oath circulated by a militia group refusing to enforce new laws to prevent gun violence http://bit.ly/2xlHk2Y.
• The Multnomah County Republican Party has elected to allow local right-wing militias to provide security at their events  http://bit.ly/2vj39yo.
• White nationalist candidates nearly won local seats in Oregon’s 2016 election cycle http://bit.ly/2xlHk2Y.

Republican leadership is avoiding hearings on the issue, but Democrats are organizing. http://politi.co/2viL6IV, http://politi.co/2x768ME .

Let’s ask our MoCs to press for:
• Hearings on hate groups in the House and Senate committees on DHS and the Judiciary.
• Sensible policies to prevent gun violence
• Federal funding to neutralize the influence of Nazi, racist and militia groups.

————————————————————————————
**ACTION 1: CALL YOUR SENATORS and REPRESENTATIVE**
(Leave a message if you can’t get through.)

SAMPLE SCRIPT
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [ZIP code]. I am calling to ask [Name] to push for Congressional hearings on white supremacy. Congress also should reinstate funding for anti-hate programs and most importantly, pass sensible legislation to prevent gun violence. Thank you.”

————————————————————————————
**ACTION 2: GO TO A TOWN HALL AND ASK A QUESTION.
(http://bit.ly/IO_Events)
 
SAMPLE SCRIPT for both Senators and all Reps,
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city].  I am very concerned about the rise of white nationalism, as seen at Charlottesville. We have a serious problem with white nationalism and hate groups in Oregon. What will you do to stop the growing power of militant hate groups, and disarm them? Thank you.

————————————————————————————
**ACTION 3: CALL, TEXT, AND EMAIL YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN RED DISTRICTS TO DO THE SAME. “SHARE” OR COPY / PASTE THIS ACTION!
————————————————————————————
**PHONE NUMBERS**

SENATOR MERKLEY
Portland: (503) 326-3386, DC: (202) 224-3753
Salem: (503) 362-8102, Eugene: (541) 465-6750
Medford: (541) 608-9102, Bend: (541) 318-1298
Pendleton: (541) 278-1129

SENATOR WYDEN
Portland: (503) 326-7525, DC: (202) 224-5244
Salem: (503) 589-4555, Eugene: (541) 431-0229
Medford: (541) 858-5122, Bend: (541) 330-9142
La Grande: (541) 960-7691

CONGRESSWOMAN SUZANNE BONAMICI [D1]
DC: (202) 225-0855, OR: (503) 469-6010

CONGRESSMAN GREG WALDEN [D2]
DC (202) 225-6730, Medford: (541) 776-4646,
Bend (541) 389-4408, La Grande (541) 624-2400

CONGRESSMAN EARL BLUMENAUER [D3]
DC: (202) 225-4811, OR: (503) 231-2300

CONGRESSMAN PETER DEFAZIO [D4]
DC 202-225-6416, Eugene: (541) 465-6732,
Roseburg: (541) 440-3523, Coos Bay (541) 269-2609

CONGRESSMAN KURT SCHRADER [D5]
DC: (202) 225-5711, Salem (503) 588-9100,
Oregon City (503) 557-1324


** After you call, please comment below and briefly share your experience!**

https://news.vice.com/story/vice-news-tonight-full-episode-charlottesville-race-and-terror

ACTION: CALL TO STOP TRUMP'S WAR ON IMMIGRANTS

From Indivisible Oregon...

**CALL TO ACTION**
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
————————————————————————————
FIGHT RACISM: STOP TRUMP’S WAR ON IMMIGRANTS
————————————————————————————
#FightRacism
#ProtectImmigrantRights
#ProtectDACA

Trump and GOP are scapegoating immigrants. They claim immigrants are violent criminals, take American workers’ jobs, and need to be forcibly removed. We need to act now to stop this anti-immigrant agenda.

H.R.3004 is a xenophobic bill premised on the myth that undocumented immigrants are inherently criminals.  If it passes the Senate, immigrants will face harsh penalties which benefit private prisons http://wapo.st/2vTaFC8

Ten GOP attorneys general are threatening to sue Trump if DACA isn’t dismantled by Labor Day http://politi.co/2u6IdLM.  DACA provides protection for DREAMers (undocumented immigrant youth here since childhood) and grants relief from deportation.

Eliminating DACA would devastate nearly 800,000 young adults who are making important contributions to the American economy and their families—harming the communities where they live, work and study. DHS has warned the administration won’t defend DACA against legal challenge. http://politi.co/2x355xf

To preempt the threatened lawsuit, Dream Act (S.1615/HR.3440) and American Hope Act (HR.3591), were introduced. Their passage would give all childhood arrivals path to permanent legal status and eventual citizenship http://bit.ly/2eUu0i3, http://bit.ly/2uK63On

The time to act is now. Our MoCs have their work cut out for them. We must demand:
• quick passage of the Dream Act and American Hope Act to protect DREAMers
• stop HR.3004 in the Senate, as done in 2015

————————————————————————————
**ACTION 1: CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVE**
(Leave a message if you can’t get through.)

SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR BLUMENAUER, BONAMICI, AND SHRADER
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. Thank you for co-sponsoring the American Hope Act (HR.3591), I urge you to push for quick passage of this Act and the DREAM Act (HR.3440), so that young immigrants can continue to contribute to our society without fear of deportation. Thank you."

SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR DEFAZIO AND WALDEN
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am calling to express my support for the DREAM Act (HR.3440) and the American Hope Act (HR.3591). I urge you to push for votes on these bipartisan efforts to give those who arrived in the United States as children a path to permanent legal status and eventual citizenship. Thank you."
————————————————————————————
**ACTION 2: CALL OUR SENATORS**
(Leave a message if you can’t get through.)

SAMPLE SCRIPT
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am very concerned about Trump’s war against immigrants. I urge you to co-sponsor the DREAM Act (S.1615) and push for its quick passage. Please also stand firm against HR.3004 which criminalizes immigrants and benefits private prison corporations. Thank you."
————————————————————————————
**ACTION 3: CALL ELLEN ROSENBLUM, OREGON’S ATTORNEY GENERAL (503-378-6002) **
“My name is [--] and I live in [city]. I’m calling to express my serious concern about the legal challenge threatened by 10 State Attorneys General to end the DACA program. I urge you to defend the Dreamers and the DACA program in our state and to do everything in your power to work against this racist, anti-immigrant legal challenge. Thank you.”
——————————————————————————
**PHONE NUMBERS**

SENATOR MERKLEY
Portland: (503) 326-3386, DC: (202) 224-3753
Salem: (503) 362-8102, Eugene: (541) 465-6750
Medford: (541) 608-9102, Bend: (541) 318-1298
Pendleton: (541) 278-1129

SENATOR WYDEN
Portland: (503) 326-7525, DC: (202) 224-5244
Salem: (503) 589-4555, Eugene: (541) 431-0229
Medford: (541) 858-5122, Bend: (541) 330-9142
La Grande: (541) 960-7691

CONGRESSWOMAN SUZANNE BONAMICI [D1]
DC: (202) 225-0855, OR: (503) 469-6010

CONGRESSMAN GREG WALDEN [D2]
DC (202) 225-6730, Medford: (541) 776-4646,
Bend (541) 389-4408, La Grande (541) 624-2400

CONGRESSMAN EARL BLUMENAUER [D3]
DC: (202) 225-4811, OR: (503) 231-2300

CONGRESSMAN PETER DEFAZIO [D4]
DC 202-225-6416, Eugene: (541) 465-6732,
Roseburg: (541) 440-3523, Coos Bay (541) 269-2609

CONGRESSMAN KURT SCHRADER [D5]
DC: (202) 225-5711, Salem (503) 588-9100,
Oregon City (503) 557-1324


** After you call, please comment below and briefly share your experience!**

http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-immigration-kates-sanctuary-20170629-story.html

INCO WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 8/21

YOU Can Make a Difference! Stand up against Trump's sympathy for white supremacists, Nazis, and other bigots. 1. Attend a Senator Wyden Town Hall this week, his second time this year on the coast:  - SEASIDE: Friday, August 25, 11 am, Seaside City Council chambers, 989 Broadway - MANZANITA: Friday, August 25, 2 pm, Pine Grove Community House, 225 Laneda Avenue 2. A boycott of companies that support Trump is having a big impact. Check out Grab Your Wallet for info and updates. 3. Write a Letter to the Editor (LTE) about an issue you care about, such as health care, education policy, the EPA, etc. LTEs are one of the most popular parts of newspapers, including the Daily Astorian. Write a paragraph or up to 350 words, and include your full name and contact info. Here are hints for writing an effective letter. Send your letter to editor@dailyastorian.com or via its website. 4. Get active with INCO's Anti-Bigotry Team and/or our Events Team. With your help, we can inform people, build bridges, and defeat hate. Contact incoregon@gmail.com. ACTION PRIORITIES From Indivisible Guide, our national resource.  1. Tell your Members of Congress to fight white supremacy policies - and the people in the White House who appear to support that agenda. Specific actions here. 2. Tell your Members of Congress to fight the Trump administration's work to dismantle and defund the EPA - and the health and safety of Americans. Specific actions here. 3. Tell your Members of Congress to work for a common-sense budget that reflects the priorities of Americans, not just the wishes of the 1% who back Trump and some of his key appointees. Specific actions here. 4. Tell your Members of Congress to use the correct labels for the bigots trying to call themselves "the alt-right." They are neo-Nazis, KKK, white supremacists, and white nationalists. Don't let them confuse Americans by trying to disguise their vicious, venomous, and hateful goals. We mourned at our vigil on August 13 for the horror at Charlottesville. This editorialbeautifully expresses our grief and our determination to reject and defeat bigotry in our communities. This map shows other vigils held around the country.   CONFEDERATE FLAG: Neighbors Respond     Following a discussion in our Facebook group regarding a Confederate flag flown in our area, one of our INCO members wrote this to send to the property owners. She plans to include an American flag with the letter. Shared here with her permission, we offer it as a resource to those dealing with similar issues.   Dear Neighbor, We hope this message finds you well. We wanted to talk to you about the Confederate flag that you’ve been flying. There is something special about flying a flag. It must harken back to the days of our forefathers when flags sent messages of hope and determination, or distress, or ownership. A raised flag has spirit and when it catches the wind, it is that much stronger. We can only assume that this particular flag means something special to you. Read more.

HAPPENINGS Check for details and new posts on our events page. THIS WEEK Monday, August 21 - "Now is the Time", a free informational film about why healthcare for all is a financially sound decision for the nation; 6 pm, Adrift Hotel, 409 Sid Snyder Dr, Long Beach, WA, presented by Washington INCO.   Thursday, August 24 - INCO Book Club, 6:30 pm, in Astoria. This month's book is Erich Fromm's “The Revolution of Hope: Toward a Humanized Technology." Contact Carolyn Eady at cebeady@outlook.com for information about location. Friday, August 25 - Senator Ron Wyden Town Hall, 11 a.m., Seaside City Council chambers, 989 Broadway Friday, August 25, Senator Ron Wyden Town Hall, 2 pm, Pine Grove Community House, 225 Laneda Avenue, Manzanita UPCOMING Wednesday, August 30 - Vote the Future Team Organizational Meeting, 6:30 pm. Near Hwy 101 and Sunset Beach Road. Contact incoregon@gmail.com for more info. Tuesday, September 5 - Astoria INCO Monthly Meeting, 6 pm - social & snacks; 6:30 - 8 pm, 3 Cups Coffee House, 279 West Marine Drive Thursday, September 14, 2017, Resistance School -  How to Sustain the Resistance Long-term, 6-8 pm, Seaside Library Community Room             Saturday, September 16 - Immigration 101, 1 pm, Columbian Theater, 11th & Marine Drive, Astoria; presented by Oregon's Rural Organizing Project and hosted by Astoria INCO. Saturday, September 23, Warrenton INCO monthly meeting, 11 a.m. Strategy session with Deb Vanasse.  One-time venue change to accommodate everyone.  Uptown Cafe meeting room, in Warrenton near Staples and Petco. Tuesday, September 26 -  INCO Vote the Future Non-partisan Voter Registration Drive, 10 am - 2 pm, Towler Hall, 3rd floor Commons; part of National Voter Registration Day Kathleen organized Resistance School and keeps her cool despite a cantankerous computer/projector. Read more about this INCO community leader here. “If I am not for myself, then who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, then what am I? And if not now, when?” --  Rabbi Hillel COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS DIY-mocracy!    INCO is supported entirely by your donations. Your contribution will help provide the yard signs, buttons, printing, and other supplies INCO uses. A heartfelt THANK YOU to our donors! Donate here and on our website.  Here's a spot-on guide for responding to hate and building community, from the Southern Poverty Law Center. Tell your FB friends they can also get our weekly INCO e-newsletters and emailed action alerts. Send email addresses and zip code to incoregon@gmail.com. Don't let Trump eclipse our democracy - or your energy and patriotism. Get involved with your INCO Community Group today in Manzanita-Cannon Beach, Seaside, Warrenton, Astoria, Washington Peninsula.   Check out the resources on our website and on our Facebook page.  Questions, concerns, & photos to INCO at incoregon@gmail.com Share this newsletter and our website with other resisters. They can join INCO here. INCO is supported entirely by your donations! Donate here.