Good morning! Since my last action I have protested in three different locations. I can’t tell you enough how this wave of support fuels my resolve. I hope you have a chance to experience this! I have some catching up to do. In today’s message there are several actions on different topics. Take a look.
GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE PURGE
The Trump Administration’s new policy of firing federal employees and replacing them with political loyalists can be fought with official public comments. Do public comments have any effect? Yes, they do. When Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed reducing certain Medicare reimbursements for health care providers commenters pointed out errors with the studies cited by HHS. A court struck down the HHS rule because of the issues pointed out by comments. (Excerpted from ProtectDemocracy.)
Click here: ProtectDemocracy for information on how to comment.
Or go directly to the Comment page.
The deadline for comment posting is May 23rd.
CLIMATE CHANGE
A nationwide movement “Make Polluters Pay” is putting pressure on the big fossil fuel companies to cover some of the costs of the climate change they have caused It’s called and has resulted in bills passed in New York and Vermont to hold Exxon, Chevron and other oil companies accountable.
For all states:
You can sign up for updates from the Polluters Pay Project here.
For Massachusetts residents:
Advocate for two Acts Establishing a Climate Change & Superfund H.3369 S.1674
The bills will fund climate mitigation and adaptation efforts across the state of such as building retrofits and funding solar energy and public transport.
urging Governor Healey, Senate President Spilka, Speaker Mariano to support this legislation.
- Check if your representative has signed on to the bill
- Check if your senator has co-sponsored the bill here and scroll to PETITIONER tab.
- Send a letter to your state reps. If they have signed, thank them! If not, ask why they haven’t.
- Sign this petition urging Governor Healey, Senate President Spilka, Speaker Mariano to support this legislation.
INFORMATION AMPLIFICATION
I often see posts (and re-posts) on FB about protests and taking actions. Who has the time to check if the information is legit or just a personal idea? If you want to post/email/INSTA/BlueSky a message DefendAmericaAction has vetted key stories, videos and press releases.
As always there’s Snopes for reality checks.
STAR WAR FANS!
Each week before, during, and after Andor’s final season, Project Fulcrum is sending short newsletters with either historic or current events that are relevant to the show, along with an action to take. Rebel against imperialism in the United States here!
Happy Mother’s Day! Betty
And now the music:
It would be impossible for me to NOT include John Williams’ fantastic music! This compilation of some of his movie themes by the Harvard Glee Club is one of my favorite versions.
May the Force be with you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Odq2p2P-_rM