National Call to Action: Demand Federal Government Promote the General Welfare! (CTA# 2075 – March 30, 2021)
***NATIONAL CALL TO ACTION***
Demand Federal Government Promote the General Welfare!
The Constitution defines the primary function of the federal government as promoting the “General Welfare.” Unfortunately, over time our government has been converted into a machine to enrich the ruling class. That’s why mass shootings never leads to gun safety laws — even with 70% public support — but tax loopholes quickly slide through Congress.
COVID highlights the consequences of our distorted government; billionaires’ bank accounts jumped 40% during the pandemic as hardships crush the poor. The pandemic and income inequality are just two of the crises confronting Americans. Others include climate change, rushing at us faster than predicted, and the pervasive structural racism that has left POC hobbled and dead. Congressional Democrats are promoting the THRIVE Agenda as a guide for moving forward on all of these issues.
The President’s vision is contained in his expansive two-part infrastructure bill packed with general welfare provisions. Biden’s goal is not only to confront these crises with targeted responses but “ . . . to prove to the American people that their government can deliver for them.”
We’ve suffered through four tragic years of government failures. It’s time to demand a federal government that works for all of us.
Call Your Members of Congress!
Tell Them to Promote the General Welfare!
**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].
For MERKLEY:
I thank the Senator for supporting the THRIVE agenda and committing to a recovery that is grounded in racial, economic, and environmental justice. The crises we face can only be confronted by a government committed to the general welfare of all the people, not just the rich. That means fighting for S1 and, if necessary, filibuster reform.
SEN. WYDEN: Portland office: 503-326-7525 | D.C. office: 202-224-5244
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
I thank the Senator for supporting the THRIVE agenda and committing to a recovery that is grounded in racial, economic, and environmental justice. The crises we face can only be confronted by a government committed to the general welfare of all the people, not just the rich. That means fighting for S1 and, if necessary, filibuster reform.
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 BENTZ:
“My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
The crises we face can only be confronted by a government committed to the general welfare of all the people, not just the rich. I’m asking Cliff Bentz to think beyond politics, take care of his constituents, and to support the THRIVE agenda.
Thank you.”
ORD2 Extremist Cliff Bentz
Medford: 541-776-4646
DC : 202-225-6730
Twitter: @cliffbentz
Email: Working on this one
**ACTION THREE: BE AN ACTIVIST**
**Attend a Virtual Town Hall:
We will update this list with new links as they become available. You can check your MoCs’ websites for town halls as well.
Senator Wyden’s Recovery Recess town hall:
**Please 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
Can Joe Biden Restore America’s Belief That Government Is Good for People? | The New Yorker
If polls say people want gun control, why doesn’t Congress just pass it? – The Conversation
Democrats eye bigger role for government – The Washington Post