We had a fun/absurd national moment watching Comey testify today, but now that’s over and as citizens there’s basically nothing we can do to affect the Russia investigation (unless you’re plotting a honeypot mission to Mar-a-Lago in which case: godspeed, heroines). But we CAN do something about (one of) the other terrible thing(s) happening, which is Mitch McConnell wrangling the ACA repeal through the Senate.
Remember when the House passed a monstrosity of a health care bill and we were all sure it was DOA in the Senate? Reports suggest not much has changed in the Senate version of that bill which, even though it doesn’t exist yet (or does and is being kept under wraps), good ol’ Mitch has taken steps to fast-track (skipping committee and going directly on the Senate Calendar for a vote). Ben Wikler has put out the all-call; if you prefer your action on Twitter, this is the link.
–> We need another sustained public outcry against taking a health care bill to the Senate floor that bears any resemblance at all to the House bill.
HERE’S YOUR TO-DO LIST:
1. Program the Capitol switchboard # into your phone: (202) 224-3121
2. Make as many calls as you possibly can every day. Set a phone reminder.
3. Recruit friends from these states to call. ALL reps need their phone lines tied up, but these reps could be the swing votes.
4. Ask for the Health Legislative Assistant for your senator. Here are their names! TELL YOUR STORY. Or your dad/grandma/sister/friend’s story. Healthcare touches us all. It’s their job to listen to this stuff specifically.
5. Go to your local Congressional office: demand to be seen, wait there, take photos and videos, post them online. Don’t wait to see the wave of action to be inspired–start the wave yourself. Everybody can be a hero every day in the Age of Trump.
6. Get creative! Get tambourines and a bullhorn. Make loud signs. Bedazzle your jean jacket with “Save the ACA.” Or just pick up the phone. We are all GLOBALLY EXHAUSTED, and it hasn’t even been 5 months. But we have the power to make enough noise to break through the insanity out there [& in our brains] and make sure health policy remains humane, and represents the best of America, not the worst.
HELLO EVERYONE!!! MY GOD WE’RE SO TIRED, BUT PUTTING IN WORK ACTUALLY HELPS US BE LESS TIRED, OR AT LEAST THE SAME TIRED IN A GOOD WAY. MITCH MCCONNELL STILL WANTS TO FAST-TRACK THE AHCA THROUGH THE SENATE WHICH WILL LITERALLY KILL MILLIONS OF PEOPLE. Inform him, his colleagues and allies that that would be a mistake.
