Call to Action #1062: Heal and Protect Democracy (January 7, 2021)
Note: We are delaying our regular monthly Zoom meeting one week until Monday, January 18. Our topic will be celebrating the not-so-peaceful transfer of power. See you there!
Thirteen Days until Joe Biden and Kamala Harris take their Oaths of Office
***CALL TO ACTION***
Heal and Protect Democracy
After losing the presidency, House, and Senate, Donald Trump led his thugs in a violent assault on the Capitol, risking the lives of House and Senate members. Trump’s DOD initially refused to send the National Guard, while his daughter tweeted that these thugs were patriots (quickly taking the tweet down). He has fomented violence against election officials across the country, violating federal and state laws. Republicans — like our new so-called representative Cliff Bentz — support all of this, some vocally, others with silent complicity.
Senator Josh Hawley’s (R-MO) clinched-fist salute to insurrectionists
Our democracy can be healed. Trump must be removed NOW, and he and all those who participated must be prosecuted. We must acknowledge that Trump and his GOP spew racist hatred, embolden police brutality, call Black votes invalid while discounting disproportionate Black COVID deaths, and lead a party whose goal is maintaining white minority rule at any cost.
Demand that Democrats ACT IMMEDIATELY to heal and protect our democracy by:
- Removing Trump from office NOW, either through the 25th amendment or impeachment and conviction.
- Starting DOJ and Congressional investigations and prosecutions, with special counsels if necessary.
- Passing For the People Act, John Lewis Voting Rights Act, and legislation to reduce race and class disparities.
- Reforming the courts and law enforcement.
- Passing legislation to reduce race and class disparities.
Stronger Together!
We Will Heal and Protect our Democracy!
**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].
I am appalled about what happened yesterday at the US Capitol, and am calling for Trump to be removed from office NOW, either through the 25th Amendment or impeachment and conviction.
Then we need bold, progressive action to heal and protect our democracy.
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/
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 “REP”* CLIFF BENTZ**
SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR REPRESENTATIVE BENTZ:
“My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
I am appalled about what happened yesterday at the US Capitol, and am calling for Trump to be removed from office NOW, either through the 25th Amendment or impeachment and conviction.
Cliff Bentz’s press release regarding Trump’s attempted coup put’s him squarely in the insurrectionist camp. He has already betrayed his oath of office in less than one week! So what’s his plan? Support the white nationalists in ORD2, or uphold the US Constitution?
Thank you.”
ORD2 Representative* Cliff Bentz
Medford: 541-776-4646
DC : 202-225-6730
Twitter: @cliffbentz
Email: As soon as we have it
* Soon to be “Complicit Cliff Bentz,” a title he is busily earning within a week of being sworn in.
**ACTION THREE: BE AN ACTIVIST**
January 8, 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.
**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
Live updates: U.S. Capitol on lockdown as mob breaches building; one person shot inside; D.C. mayor imposes curfew
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/01/06/dc-protests-trump-rally-live-updates/
US Capitol: Pro-Trump mob storms building as armed standoff takes place outside House chamber – CNNPolitics
https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/06/politics/us-capitol-lockdown/index.html
Vote to certify Biden victory suspended as pro-Trump protesters storm Capitol