CALL TO ACTION #934: Racism, Poverty and COVID-19 (June 2, 2020)



154 Days

Until the November 3rd Election


***Today’s Call To Action***

RACISM, POVERTY and COVID-19


Trump inciting violence and his lack of decency are nothing new. He is now escalating his fascism, calling for “domination” of Blacks and their allies peacefully protesting white supremacists murdering without consequences. Trump ignored evidence that his white supremacist followers are instigating violence, instead threatening protesters and opponents of turning America into a fascist nation.  

“Trump’s call to shoot protesters is an incitement to murder those who call out injustice.” (Senator Jeff Merkley)

Thank you, Senator Merkley for speaking truth to power. Where are Walden and the rest of the Republicans? Are they content to watch Trump shred our Constitution and the civil rights guaranteed by it? Trump’s GOP’s is complicit, remaining silent.

Four centuries of institutionalized racism have left Black communities medically and financially devastated by the pandemic Trump’s GOP is complicit, prioritizing their donors’ demands.

Congress must lead where Trump refuses. Congress must address the impacts of racism: police brutality, white supremacist violence, poverty, illness, and early death. Congress must take the lead on two intersecting crises that we face: systemic racism and COVID-19. 



Demand that Congress immediately:  

  • Censure Trump’s racist hate speech and calls for lethal violence
  • Pass the House resolution condemning police brutality
  • Pass the Heroes Act in the Senate
  • Extend Unemployment Insurance
  • Enact Universal Basic Income

Martin Luther King, Jr said, “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” 

We Will NOT Be Silent!

Stand up! Speak Up!

Make America Care Again!


**ACTION ONE: CALL OUR U.S. SENATORS**

SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR SENATORS MERKLEY and WYDEN:

“My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. 

Thank the Senator for all he does! Sadly, I am calling today because I need him to do more. Congress must take lead on the two intersecting crises we face: institutionalized racism and COVID-19. They must immediately censure Trump and pass Representatives Pressley and Omars resolution condemning police brutality.The Senate must also pass the Heroes Act and legislation to continue unemployment benefits and enact universal basic income. 

We are counting on the Senator to make these things happen. If Congress does not act, it will share responsibility for the consequences of Trump and his GOP’s actions. 

Thank you.”

SENATOR JEFF 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
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/contact/

 

SENATOR RON 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
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/contact/

 


**ACTION TWO: CALL COMPLICIT GREG WALDEN**

SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR WALDEN:

“My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [town/city], Oregon [zip code]. 

Congress must immediately censure Trump and pass Representatives Pressley and Omar’s resolution condemning police brutality. The Senate must also pass the Heroes Act and both must pass legislation to continue unemployment benefits and enact universal basic income. 

If Congress does not act, it will share responsibility for the consequences of Trump’s actions in addition to their own failure to act. So far it appears Greg Walden is content to follow Donald Trump all the way to a fascist America. I hope I’m wrong; as his constituent, I am still hoping he will put country before party and do the right thing. Now would be a very good time for him to do that. 

Thank you.”

COMPLICIT GREG WALDEN

DC (202) 225-6730, Medford: (541) 776-4646
Bend (541) 389-4408, La Grande (541) 624-2400
https://walden.house.gov/contact-greg/email-me


**ACTION THREE: BE AN ACTIVIST**

Non-ORD2 Indivisible Sponsored Ongoing Event: Oregon Health Authority Coronavirus Update Zoom Conference Calls
June 3, 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Ongoing every Monday, Wednesday and Friday
#MyORHealth  Support is available for Oregon’s “helpers”

Lines for Life has created a Virtual Wellness Room to offer support to helpers, mental health professionals, first responders, social workers and anyone considered an essential worker during the COVID-19 pandemic in Oregon. Each check-in call will have a facilitator to guide the conversation.

“We at Lines for Life want to thank you for all the work you do to keep our communities safe,” the organization said. “We are offering a place for helpers to exchange stories of hope and areas of need. We especially want to hear what things are coming up for you personally and explore how we can cheer one another on to continue the good work you are already doing. We ultimately want to create space to breathe out stress and breathe in hope.”

The meetings are held using Zoom conference calls from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at this link: https://zoom.us/j/4848426773. Please share this invite with anyone in your network of Oregon helpers.

ORD2 Indivisible Virtual General Meeting
June 8 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
https://ord2indivisible.org/event/ord2-indivisible-virtual-general-meeting/

Ongoing Action: ORD2 Indivisible Virtual Postcard and Letter Writing Parties

Postcards to Voters:

Our postcard team is temporarily suspending the delivery of postcards to your door. However, the good news is that you will find everything you need to continue writing from home (including templates to print your own or purchase pre-printed cards) here: https://postcardstovoters.org

You can sign up through https://postcardstovoters.org/volunteer/

To avoid unnecessary trips to the post office, order stamps directly from the USPS:
https://store.usps.com/store/product/buy-stamps/coral-reefs-postcard-stamp-S_745104

…and voila, you’re ready to go! Send an e-mail to with any questions.

Letters to Voters

We encourage our team of volunteers to sign up with Swing Left to start writing letters to voters in 12 swing states.  It is super easy to join. Check out their website, sign up, and let’s start writing! https://swingleft.org/

Send an e-mail to if you would like more information about how to get involved.

Virtual Letter-writing Parties

We encourage you to join virtual letter-writing parties hosted by Oregon Indivisible / Swing Left. The parties are held at noon every Saturday and on the last Tuesday of every month. Here are the links for the next two parties:

https://www.mobilize.us/swingleft/event/267146/

**Visit the ORD2 Indivisible Event Calendar on a regular basis to keep updated on local activities. Participate with us as often as you can. We also encourage you to submit events to be added to the ORD2 Indivisible Event Calendar and help us keep current with our event postings. https://ord2indivisible.org/submit-your-event/


SOURCES: