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Call to Action #1065: Restoring Democracy with Equality (January 26, 2021)

 ***CALL TO ACTION***

Restoring Democracy with Equality

President Biden calls for equality. Equality begins with addressing our history of racism and racist policies. It includes eliminating private prisons, cash bail, and mandatory minimums.

Equality continues with new policies. Biden’s pandemic and immigration plans and Executive Orders reflect his commitment to reducing disparities that harm individuals and weaken democracies. The For the People (HR1/S1), John Lewis Voting Rights, and George Floyd Justice in Policing Acts build equality and strengthen democracy.

The filibuster must be eliminated to keep the Senate minority Republicans from blocking the progress contained within these bills.

The contrast between Democrats and Republicans could not be more stark:

  • The 2017 GOP tax bill enriched the already-rich and raised taxes on everyone else.
  • McConnell’s GOP Senate relegated Democratic House bills passed in 2019 and 2020 to his legislative “graveyard.”
  • Republicans oppose pandemic relief and promote racist policies.
  • They block or delay legislation to avoid accountability to We the People.
  • They decry Biden’s proposals to help us, yet are happy to help themselves whenever possible.

We will work together to support anti-racist, equality-building policies. We will work together to encourage Democrats to force their Republican colleagues to take a stand with their votes.

Together, we will amplify the message that caring for everyone strengthens 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 thank the Senator for supporting President Biden’s call for equality, the Justice for Us (COVID relief) and For the People (S1) Acts, an end to the filibuster, and the conviction of Trump for inciting insurrection.

However, I remain concerned that Democratic leadership often compromises away the power of the majority, rather than forcing Republican colleagues to take a stand against their own constituents with their votes. I ask the Senator to please push Democratic leadership to use their majority and to make everyone — especially GOP Senators — take votes on these important bills.

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 EXTREMIST CLIFF BENTZ**

SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR BENTZ:

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

I am calling to demand that Cliff Bentz abandon his extremist right-wing positions, to let him know he must support his constituents and our democracy by voting for the For the People Act (HR1) and the President’s pandemic relief bill, to ease the racial and financial disparities that the pandemic has worsened and that weaken our democracy and hurt us all. Given his vote to overturn our election, I will be watching closely for any votes cast against helping us and against strengthening our democracy.

Cliff Bentz WILL BE held accountable to all of his constituents, not just those who voted for him. He has sworn an oath; please remind him he must live up to it. 

Thank you.”

ORD2 Extremist Cliff Bentz

Medford: 541-776-4646
DC : 202-225-6730
Twitter: @cliffbentz

Email: DC office refused to give it to us; said fill out the form on the website. We already did that last week. We have met the enemy and he is Bentz.

**ACTION THREE: BE AN ACTIVIST**

January 27, 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/