Check in January 16

[tassosss]

(Sorry it's a day late. The three-day weekend threw me off.)

It's been a busy week of confirmation hearings. More are coming up this week.

Things to read/watch
Racism and Sexism Strongest Predictors of Trump Support, not Economics
Six Democratic Senators Hold Rally for Save ACA
Immigrants Rights Rallies Happenning
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) statement on boycotting the Inaugeration More congresspeople are also boycotting now.
States Might Protect Contraception Access A reminder that State politics is very important to pay attention to.
Argument for Medium Term Strategy Argues that Pence is the lesser of two evils, though not by much.

Obama's Farewell Address

For discussion
Homeland Security Designated as "Critical Infrastructure"
Flocking behavior and how to use it for political defense

Confirmation hearings info
Upcoming
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations: Governor Nikki R. Haley
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: Scott Pruitt
Secretary of the Department of Commerce: Wilbur Ross
Secretary of the Interior: Ryan Zinke
Secretary of Education: Betsy DeVos
Secretary of Health and Human Services: Tom Price

Last week - you can still call your Senators about these people
Secretary of Defense - James Mattis
Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development: Dr Ben Carson
Secretary of the Department of Transportation: Elaine Chao
Director of CIA - Mike Pompeo
Secretary of State: Rex Tillerson

Action
Downloadable posters for the Women's March on Jan 21
Local Women's March Events on Jan 21
How to turn a phone script into a letter
Throw a weekly anger/calling party This is something we can organize here if someone wants to be point person.
Fandom Charity Auction: Fight Back

Healthcare repeal
Weekly reminder to call about saving the ACA
Another Way to Call to Oppose PPACA Repeal - Focuses on damage to Medicare and Medicaid argument

Reproductive Rights
Tuesday Jan 17 Conference call with NARAL to learn more about threats to reproductive rights


Housekeeping: A quick note, please lookout for article paywalls and include a second link on the topic that's fully accessible. We want to make sure everyone can go to a source for more info.


How is everyone doing? I haven't made new badges yet, but I'll get to them this week. They'll be Star Wars themed.

Poll #17890

Open to: Registered Users, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 11

View Respondents

This week I

View Answers

called my one senator
5 (45.5%)

called my other senator
3 (27.3%)

called my represenative
5 (45.5%)

wrote a letter
2 (18.2%)

made plans for the Women's March
5 (45.5%)

took care of myself
9 (81.8%)

other action
5 (45.5%)

Confirmation Hearings - Secretary of the Department of Commerce: Wilbur Ross

[tanaqui]

Nomination Hearing - Wilbur Ross

( Committee Members, what the committee should be concerned about and calling script )

Please use the comments to suggest more reasons why the committee should reject the nomination and to suggest amendments to the calling script.

Confirmation Hearings - Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: Scott Pruitt

[tanaqui]

Hearing on Nomination of Attorney General Scott Pruitt to be Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

When: Wednesday 18 January from 10:00am

( Committee Members, what the committee should be concerned about and calling script )

Please use the comments to suggest more reasons why the committee should reject the nomination and to suggest amendments to the calling script.

Confirmation Hearings: U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations: Governor Nikki R. Haley

[tanaqui]

Nomination Hearing - Nominee The Honorable Nikki R. Haley

When: Wednesday 18 January from 10:00am

( Committee Members and what the committee should be concerned about )

Suggested action:While Governor Haley is a weak candidate compared with previous nominations to this post, she does appear to be far more moderate and international in outlook than most current Republicans. I didn't see any evidence that there's any strong reason to oppose her, apart from her lack of relevant experience, so it's probably not worth calling about this one. But please let us know in comments if there are strong reasons the committee should reject the nomination.

Tips for Writing Editorials and Letters to the Editor

[executrix]

http://ccmc.org/tips/write-and-be-counted-op-eds-and-letters/

Confirmation Hearings - Secretary of Health and Human Services: Tom Price

[tanaqui]

Nomination of Tom Price to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services

When: Wednesday 18 January from 10:00am

( Committee Members, what the committee should be concerned about and calling script )

Please use the comments to suggest more reasons why the committee should reject the nomination and to suggest amendments to the calling script.

Housekeeping note: This is the last of the confirmation hearings currently scheduled for Wednesday 18 January. I'll be back tomorrow with a post on the only hearing scheduled for Thursday 19 January.