245 Days
Until the November 3rd Election
NO SIGN OF END TO GOP BOYCOTT
IN SALEM
“House Republicans walked out of the Oregon Capitol on Tuesday, joining their Senate colleagues in protest of a greenhouse gas emissions cap-and-trade bill.” (Statesman Journal)
The unacceptable behavior of the Oregon GOP state senators and representatives is ongoing as they continue to deny a quorum in both chambers. Action One below addresses actions related to this legislative malpractice.
TRUMP’S DEADLY LIES EXACERBATE OUR CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE
The importance of policy decisions shrinks in the face of dealing with a fundamentally dishonest president. After 16,000 lies, Trump as forfeited any hope of public trust. Worse, he thinks he knows it all. He rejects science as well as experts including doctors, generals and judges. Trump is at war with the truth. Where is the GOP? Where’s Walden?
Rejecting wisdom, Trump disbanded epidemic protection groups in the White House and at Homeland Security. He has already cut more than $1 billion from public health budgets. His 2020 budget cut the CDC by $750 million and reduced the WHO budget by 53%.
He lies repeatedly about the coronavirus outbreak, starting with his first public comments that the outbreak was “very well under control.”
Truth matters. Especially during a possible pandemic outbreak. That’s because public health emergencies are influenced by human behavior, and changing behaviors can lower risks (i.e. “safe sex” and “smoking kills”).
It is obvious that the coronavirus is NOT “under control.” Only FOX—the real fake news— claims otherwise, telling its viewers “you can only trust Trump . . .” Meanwhile, in the theatre of the absurd, Trump also has claimed that the outbreak is a “hoax” designed by the press and Democrats to hurt him politically.
Demand Truthful Coronavirus Responses!
Stop Trump from Killing Us!
**ACTION ONE: GET THE OREGON LEGISLATURE BACK TO WORK**
JUST ANNOUNCED: GATHERING IN SALEM TOMORROW, MARCH 5
Working Oregonians can’t just decide to stop showing up to work and still demand a paycheck, our legislators shouldn’t be able to either! Join like-minded Oregonians as we gather at the State Capital at 11:30 a.m. to demand that the elected officials who are violating their oath of office be held accountable and that they return to work.
TOP PRIORITY: Walkout Subpoena Hearing in House Rules Committee Thursday 3/5 11:30 am (hearing begins at 1 pm,) 900 Court St NE Salem, OR 97301 Hearing Room F.
The New York Times has announced they will be there in order to provide coverage and reporting. We truly don’t know what is going to happen, but we know that those supporting the Republican walkout are already turning out their supporters. Let’s make sure our voices are heard as well.
Also, join the Rural Oregon Climate Political Action Committee (ROCPAC) and citizens from all walks of life who are calling on Republican legislators to return to Salem and do the jobs they were elected to do!
Everyone interested and willing to connect and peacefully protest the walkout by the Oregon State Senate and House Republicans is invited to gather at noon daily at both the Jackson and Josephine County Republican offices.
311 W Main Street, Medford
513 NE 6th Street, Grants Pass
These daily gatherings will continue until the Republicans return to work.
Additionally, this is a link to our RAPID RESPONSE TOOLKIT FOR THE OREGON GOP BOYCOTT. Please read this document for possible actions and sample scripts. We must demand that these people do the work they were elected to accomplish.
Click here to find who represents you. Call or otherwise contact them to demand that they return to work and DO THEIR JOB.
**ACTION TWO: CALL OUR U.S. SENATORS**
SAMPLE SCRIPTS FOR SENATORS MERKLEY AND WYDEN:
“My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [town/city], Oregon [zip code]. I am calling today because:
FOR MERKLEY:
I am grateful for your helpful Coronavirus Resource Page. Thank you. But just developing it shows that Donald Trump and his Administration are not trusted sources of life-saving information. I urge you to demand that a credible spokesperson be named, perhaps NIAID chief Dr. Anthony Fauci. I also ask that you demand a clean funding bill that matches the needs of the outbreak, and to get that done before the March recess. Thank you.
FOR WYDEN:
I want to thank you for pressing HHS on its preparedness for this emergency. I ask that you push for a better understanding about the sorry state of America’s preparedness—including supplies and training—for outbreaks and epidemics. I also ask that you demand a clean funding bill that matches the needs of the outbreak, and to get that done before the March recess. 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 THREE: CALL COMPLICIT GREG WALDEN**
SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR WALDEN:
“My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [town/city], Oregon [zip code]. I am calling today because:
I am concerned about the government’s ability to mount an effective response to the coronavirus outbreak in the United States. We need hearings to understand why health care personnel were not adequately trained, what caused the shortage of personal protection equipment, and why lab tests were made in a contaminated facility, and why are they still in short supply. Tell Greg Walden to protect all Oregonians by demanding a clean funding bill that matches the needs of the outbreak, and to get that done before the March recess.
Thank you.”
COMPLICIT GREG WALDENDC (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 FOUR: BE AN ACTIVIST**
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/
De-escalation Training – Talent
March 7 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
https://ord2indivisible.org/event/de-escalation-training-talent/
Non-ORD2 Indivisible Sponsored Event: Save Our Democracy Organizing Kick-Off – Ashland
March 7 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
https://ord2indivisible.org/event/non-ord2-indivisible-sponsored-event-save-our-democracy-organizing-kick-off-ashland/
Flash Mob Dance Rehearsals for “Break the Chain” for the Women’s March Southern Oregon on March 29 – Ashland
March 8 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
https://ord2indivisible.org/event/flash-mob-dance-rehearsals-for-break-the-chain-for-the-womens-march-southern-oregon-on-march-29-ashland/
ORD2 Indivisible General Meeting Featuring Representative Pam Marsh – Phoenix
March 9 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
https://ord2indivisible.org/event/ord2-indivisible-general-meeting-featuring-pam-marsh-phoenix/
Rogue Indivisible Spring Fundraising Event & Silent Auction – Grants Pass
March 11 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
https://ord2indivisible.org/event/rogue-indivisible-spring-fundraising-event-silent-auction-grants-pass/
Flash Mob Dance Rehearsals for “Break the Chain” for the Women’s March Southern Oregon on March 29 – Central Point
March 15 @ 12:00 pm – April 19 @ 1:00 pm
https://ord2indivisible.org/event/flash-mob-dance-rehearsals-for-break-the-chain-for-the-womens-march-southern-oregon-on-march-29-central-point/
VOTER ISSUES PROJECT ROLLOUT & PIZZA PARTY – TALENT
March 16 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
https://ord2indivisible.org/event/voter-issues-project-rollout-pizza-party-talent/
Non-ORD2 Indivisible Sponsored Event: ÚNETE / LOCAL Meet and Chat – Medford
March 17 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
https://ord2indivisible.org/event/non-ord2-indivisible-sponsored-event-unete-local-meet-and-chat-medford/
Women’s March Southern Oregon – Medford
March 29 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
https://ord2indivisible.org/event/womens-march-southern-oregon-medford-2/
ORD2 Indivisible 2020 Fundraising Campaign
As we approach what will be the most important election of our lifetimes, ORD2 Indivisible wants to be in a secure financial position to help engage as many voters in our district in the election process as possible. To accomplish this goal we are conducting the ORD2 Indivisible 2020 fundraising campaign. Click on the image below to donate.
To make a donation by check, please make the check payable to ORD2 Indivisible and mail to:
ORD2 Indivisible
P.O. Box 1242, Phoenix, OR 97535
ORD2 Indivisible is partnering with Jobs With Justice Southern Oregon and Washington Federal Bank to gather warm adult clothing for the homeless. We are also asking for tarps, throw blankets and sleeping bags.
Please donate generously!
SOURCES:
- Sen. Jeff Merkley’s Coronavirus Resource Page: https://www.merkley.senate.gov/coronavirus
- CDC’s Coronavirus page: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
The Atlantic, Jan. 30, 2020: “Coronavirus Is Coming—And Trump Isn’t Ready. In order to combat the disease, the president will have to trust the kind of government experts he has disdained and dismissed.” https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/01/now-trump-needs-deep-state-fight-coronavirus/605752/
Politico, Feb. 21, 2020: “White House fears coronavirus could shape Trump’s 2020 fortunes” https://www.politico.com/news/2020/02/21/coronavirus-trump-white-house-116650
Washington Post, Feb. 27, 2020: “President Trump made it harder to fight coronavirus by actions he took two years ago” https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/paloma/the-health-202/2020/02/27/the-health-202-president-trump-made-it-harder-to-fight-coronavirus-by-actions-he-took-two-years-ago/5e56cfdf602ff108c8ca3368/
Washington Post, Feb. 28, 2020: “Fact-checking President Trump’s coronavirus news conference” https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/02/28/fact-checking-president-trumps-coronavirus-news-conference/
New York Times, : “White House Asks Congress for Billions to Fight Coronavirus” https://www.newsweek.com/mike-pence-coronavirus-science-hiv-aids-smoking-evolution-climate-change-1489458
Washington Post, Feb. 27, 2020: “Trump just pushed one of his worst conspiracy theories yet” https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/02/27/trump-just-pushed-one-his-worst-conspiracy-theories-yet/
Politico, Feb. 24, 2020: “Trump backers see a coronavirus conspiracy” https://www.politico.com/news/2020/02/26/trump-backers-coronavirus-conspiracy-117781
The Hill, Feb. 25, 2020: “Sen. Kennedy [Republican and Trump defender] slams acting DHS secretary for lack of coronavirus answers” https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/484523-sen-kennedy-slams-acting-dhs-secretary-on-coronavirus
Newsweek, Feb. 27, 2020: “From ‘Smoking Doesn’t Kill’ to Conversion Therapy—Mike Pence’s Most Controversial Science Remarks” https://www.newsweek.com/mike-pence-coronavirus-science-hiv-aids-smoking-evolution-climate-change-1489458
Vanity Fair, March 2, 2020: “Coronavirus Is Creating a Fake-News Nightmarescape” https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2020/03/coronavirus-is-creating-fake-news-nightmarescape-social-media
Washington Post, March 3, 2020: “Trump’s go-to tactics for reassuring his base are wildly insufficient for coronavirus” https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/03/02/trumps-go-to-tactics-reassuring-his-base-are-wildly-insufficient-coronavirus/?utm_source=reddit.com
Politico, March 3, 2020: “‘You don’t want to go to war with a president’ How Dr. Anthony Fauci is navigating the coronavirus outbreak in the Trump era.” https://www.politico.com/news/2020/03/03/anthony-fauci-trump-coronavirus-crisis-118961