Thursday, April 28, 2011

Ryan running scared

***Did you see yesterday's New York Times front page headline? "Voters attack Republicans on Medicare." Your fellow MoveOn members got specific credit in the paper of record for stirring up Republican town hall meetings across the country.1 But they need your help to keep going. Click here and donate to keep the pressure on the House Republicans who voted to kill Medicare.***

Dear MoveOn member,

Representative Paul Ryan—the architect of the Republican plan to kill Medicare—was booed at his own town hall meeting this week.2 His detractors—including MoveOn members—were among the chorus of constituents across the country denouncing the blatant Republican attack on working Americans.3

Polls show that the Republican plan is deeply unpopular, with 80% of registered voters opposed, including 73% of Republicans and even 70% of tea party supporters.4 Republicans have clearly overplayed their hand, but polling won't be enough to save Medicare from their radical ideology.

If there's one thing we've learned together from years of MoveOn activism, it's that you have to seize the moment. The press is hot on the story, with coverage by CBS, MSNBC, The New York Times and The Washington Post on the voter backlash to the Republican plan. This is the crucial tipping point, but we'll lose out if we don't act on it.

Right now we need to fund advertising, online actions, viral content, and a continued grassroots field effort targeting and punishing every House Republican who voted to kill Medicare (that's all but 4 of them). Can you help fund the fight to save Medicare?

Yes, I can contribute $5 to help oppose the Republican plan

We worked too hard and fought too long for healthcare reform to let this threat to Medicare stand for one moment longer. And we lost too much in the last budget fight to let the Republicans hold Medicare hostage, so they can win their demands to cut programs that create jobs and benefit working families.

There's only one way to understand the Republicans' budget plan. It's a naked, unapologetic attack on working Americans for the sake of Big Insurance and the richest of the rich:

  • It abolishes Medicare's guarantee of medical care for Americans over 65, throwing them at the feet of Big Insurance.5
  • It uses that money to cut taxes for the wealthiest Americans below their already historic lows—down to 25%.6
  • It leads to bigger debts and deficits over the next decade, according to the independent, nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.7
To stop radical ideologues like Ryan and the Republicans who follow him, we have to punish them politically—and punish them in such a way that no one will think to threaten Medicare like this again.

Together we have the power to do that, by harnessing the discontent and anger over this plan, and focusing it into political pain for House Republicans. Many of us, making even a small contribution, can fund that campaign to save Medicare.

Can you contribute $5 to help oppose the Republican plan and help end the threat to Medicare?

Thanks for all that you do.

–Daniel, Joan, Eli, Tate, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "House G.O.P Members Face Voter Anger Over Budget," The New York Times, April 26, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=208121&id=27145-10220574-lPsjsex&t=4

2. Ibid.

3. "Republicans facing tough questions over Medicare overhaul in budget plan," The Washington Post, April 22, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=208122&id=27145-10220574-lPsjsex&t=5

4. "Marist Poll: 73 Percent of Republicans Oppose Cuts to Medicare," The Wonk Room, April 19, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=208123&id=27145-10220574-lPsjsex&t=6

5. "Ludicrous and Cruel," The New York Times, April 7, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=208124&id=27145-10220574-lPsjsex&t=7

6. "FACTBOX-Comparing Obama, Ryan Budget Plans," Reuters, April 14, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=208125&id=27145-10220574-lPsjsex&t=8

7. "Ludicrous and Cruel," The New York Times, April 7, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=208124&id=27145-10220574-lPsjsex&t=9

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on April 28, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

This could be big

Dear MoveOn member,

A few weeks ago, Senator Bernie Sanders released a list of the 10 companies worst at paying their fair share in taxes. We liked it, and our designer Gabe quickly put it into chart form and put it up on our website.

What happened next was exciting: Tens of thousands of people started sharing the chart on Facebook. Blogs started posting links to it. It began to really blow up—and that gave us an idea: What if we could get this popular chart in front of millions of people?

So here we go: We're going to try to saturate Facebook with the chart below, so that everyone sees the shameful behavior of these 10 companies. Can you join in? All you have to do is click this button to share it:


Share This on Facebook

Senator Bernie Sanders Guide To Corporate Freeloaders Click here to share: Bernie Sanders' Guide to Corporate Freeloaders


Thanks for all you do,

–Peter, Eli, Alicia, Gabriel, and the whole MoveOn.org Civic Action team



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Friday, April 22, 2011

For your conservative uncle

Dear MoveOn member,

Do you have a conservative uncle, or someone in your family that you've gone 'round and 'round with over the budget fight that nearly shut down our federal government?

Or did you find the whole thing totally impenetrable as the story seemed to change daily?

Well, here's a video that breaks it down. It's a quick, funny, and honest explanation of what's actually happening in D.C. Check it out, and then share it with anyone you think could benefit from a little straight talk.


We need to have a real national conversation about how we can address the deficit. This video can help kick that off, but only if you share it.

Thanks for all you do.

Daniel, Sarah, Laura, Adam Q., and the rest of the team
  

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on April 22, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

We took Tax Day back!

Drop off a thank-you note at Rep. McCarthy's office

House Republicans recently voted to abolish Medicare—but Democrats like Rep. Carolyn McCarthy stood strong against this reckless measure. Can you drop by with a note or call Rep. McCarthy's office to say thanks? 
Make Them Pay highlights: 


To see more great pictures, check out the Make Them Pay slideshow.

Dear MoveOn member, 

We changed April 18 from "Tax Day" to "Make Them Pay Day"—over 15,000 people took to the streets to call out corporations for not paying their fair share! 

We dropped off Tax Bills to corporate tax dodgers at their headquarters, branch offices, and stores—from Boeing's HQ in Chicago, IL, to a Bank of America branch in Naples, FL, to Google's HQ in Mountain View, CA. 

We mingled with friendly and supportive employees, delivered Tax Bills, and encouraged cars driving by to honk in support. Some folks even closed their corporate bank accounts as part of the protest. At hundreds of events, we got our message out and had a blast holding corporations accountable for their tax dodging. 

From coast to coast, we got tons of media coverage—here's a sampling of the day's headlines: 

"Questioning corporate taxes" —Boston Herald

"Protesters: Corporations don't pay enough" —Daytona Beach News-Journal

"Protesters rally against corporate tax breaks" —Northwest Herald (Chicago suburbs)

"Tax Day protests asks corporations to pony up" —Pasadena Star-News

"Protesters rip corporations" —Appeal Democrat (Marysville, CA)

"Targeting 'deadbeat dozen' " —Denver Daily News

There are hundreds more headlines like these—meaning we reached hundreds of thousands more people with our Tax Day message.

Not surprisingly, however, the GOP is back on the attack. AGAIN. Last week, House Republicans voted to abolish Medicare for anyone born after 1957.1 

Unbelievable, right? Thankfully, not one House Democrat voted to end Medicare. Today, tomorrow, or even next week, can you drop by or call Rep. Carolyn McCarthy's district office to say thanks? Here's the address and phone number:

300 Garden City Plaza Suite 200
Garden City, NY 11530
Phone: 516-739-3008

It's critical to support those in Congress taking a stand against reckless GOP proposals like this. Just write a quick thank-you note, and if you have an empty pill bottle around the house, put your note in there and drop it off. Let the staff know you're there to thank Rep. Carolyn McCarthy for opposing the Republican plan to destroy Medicare. 

Thanks for all you do. 

–Lenore, Jason, Ian, Mariana, and the rest of the team 

Source:

1. "House Passes Paul Ryan Budget Proposal in Partisan Vote," ABC News, April 15, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=207968&id=&id=27061-10220574-T5GuARx&t=2


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on April 21, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Monday, April 18, 2011

How was your Tax Day event?

Hi—

Thanks for signing up for a Tax Day: Make Them Pay event! Nearly 15,000 people protested big corporations not paying their fair share today.  

Were you able to make it to your event? 

Yes, I attended

No, I didn't make it

Your feedback is critical—it helps us learn what worked well and what didn't. We'll use your feedback to plan our next steps together.

Also, if you took any digital photos at your event, please submit them by emailing them to taxday2011photo@moveon.org.

Thanks for all you do.

–Lenore, Ryan, Christopher, Holly, and the rest of the team   


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on April 18, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

See you at our Tax Day event today

Dear MoveOn member,

Our Tax Day event is today! Over 14,000 of us are mobilizing across the country to tell big corporations to pay their fair share. 

With Republicans proposing to abolish Medicare and further cut programs helping poor and middle-class Americans, we'll call out American companies dodging billions of dollars in taxes and Congress for letting them get away with it. The more people who show up, the louder our voice will be. That's why I'm counting on you to make it. 

Here are the details for our event:

MAKE THEM PAY: Our public coffers are have been drained by corporate and billionaire tax loopholes and cuts
Host(s):
Arlene G.
When:
Monday, April 18, 12:30 PM
Where:
Bryant Park / corner of 42nd St and 6th Avenue
Bryant Park / corner of 42nd St and 6th Avenue
New York, NY

Directions: Closest subway stop at Bryant Park/42nd St and 6th Avenue but many subways take you within a block or two of Bryant Park.

Here's the link to our event page:

http://pol.moveon.org/event/taxday2011/attendees/?id=27006-10220574-L5TxVFx&t=1

Some final reminders:

See you later today,

Arlene G.

And don't worry, this email was sent through the MoveOn system, so your personal contact info is kept private.    

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on April 18, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Sickening

Tax Day is coming on Monday. And Michael Moore has a message about why you should join with other MoveOn members and fellow progressive groups in Rockaway Park to call out the big corporations who aren't paying their taxes while programs to create jobs and help the needy get cut.

Dear MoveOn member,

Do you wonder (like I do) what the tax accountants and executives are doing over at GE this weekend? Frantically rushing to fill out their IRS returns like the rest of us?

Hardly. They're taking the weekend off to throw themselves a big party and have a hearty laugh at all of us. It must really crack them up to see us like suckers scurrying around to make sure we report everything to Uncle Sam—and even send him a check, if necessary.

The joke's on us, folks. GE and tons of other corporations will have a tax bill for 2010 of ZERO. GE had $14.2 billion in profits in 2010. Yet they will contribute NOTHING to the federal government while every last dime is soaked from us.1

In the latest budget deal, our politicians could have tackled the deficit by stopping the flow of these ill-gotten billions to corporations. Instead they cut billions from "wasteful" programs that do "wasteful" things, like create new jobs, drive economic growth, and help the needy and our nation's children. It's Democracy in reverse and it sickens me.

GE spends $20 million a year to lobby Congress to throw themselves this party.2 But do you know what speaks louder than $20 million? 20 million votes! 20 million people, and more, standing together and taking to the streets. That starts now, with you.

This coming Monday, April 18 is Tax Day—and that's the day when "we the people" will demand our country back from these corporations in events all across the country. The folks at MoveOn tell me that the nearest event to you is in Rockaway Park. I hope you'll be there:

Host: Frank G—fellow MoveOn member
Where: In Front of Citibank in Waldbaum Parking Lot in Rockaway Park (in Rockaway Park)
When: Monday, Apr. 18, 2011, at 2:00 PM

RSVP by clicking here 

This Monday, MoveOn members—along with union, community, and environmental allies—will gather outside the headquarters and local offices of the biggest corporate tax dodgers to deliver tax bills from the American people. And we'll demand that our leaders make these corporate deadbeats pay.

We're doing this because we don't buy into the Big Lie: that greedy teachers caused the crash on Wall Street! That the selfish firefighters sent millions of jobs overseas! That pregnant woman, infants, and children are sending us into deficit!

No, it was the big corporations that did this. It was the CEOs and the top 1% of the country. THEY brought on the mortgage crisis. THEY made off with trillions of dollars from our economy. THEY are systematically destroying the middle class. And THEY have bought and sold the very people elected to represent us!

This Monday we will call them out—can you join in?

On Monday, we will have something to say to Exxon, Chevron, and the big banks that crashed our economy and got billions in bailouts, like Citigroup and Bank of America, who pay little or no federal income tax. In fact, the IRS will likely give them a tax REBATE.3 If that doesn't boggle your mind then nothing will.

The Tax Day events are about sending this message: We are coming after you, we are stopping you and we are going to return the money, jobs, and homes you stole from the people. This is your tipping point, Corporate America. And I, for one, am glad it's going to happen this Monday.

If you've never been to an event like this before, this is the time. And don't go alone, because none of us can win this fight by ourselves. Plus, it's more fun and exciting to go along with friends and family to be part of real democracy in action—not the store-bought kind Big Business gets on Capitol Hill.

I really hope you can make it. Click here to RSVP:

http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=113959&id=26978-10220574-vgoucXx&t=5

This is our chance, my friends. Take the time on Monday to make your voice heard. I can guarantee you I will. Please join me.

Sincerely,
Michael Moore

P.S. Can't make this event? Here are a few other events near you:

Tax Day: Make Them Pay
Bell Blvd. Between 39th & 40th Aves, Bayside at 4:00 PM—RSVP

Tax Day: Make Them Pay
Citibank Old Country Road Mineola, Mineola at 12:00 PM—RSVP

Tax Day: Make Them Pay
Citibank Plaza on Long Island City, Long Island City at 12:00 PM—RSVP

Tax Day: Make Them Pay
Bryant Park / corner of 42nd St and 6th Avenue, Manhattan at 12:30 PM—RSVP

Sources:

1. "G.E.'s Strategies Let It Avoid Taxes All Together," The New York Times, March 24, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=207848&id=26978-10220574-vgoucXx&t=8

2. Ibid.

3. "Tax Time? Not for Giant Corporations," release from Senator Bernie Sanders, March 27, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=207847&id=26978-10220574-vgoucXx&t=9

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on April 15, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Monday in Rockaway Park

You're Invited:
Protest corporate tax dodgers:
Monday—Tax Day—in Rockaway Park


Host: Frank G., MoveOn member

Where: In Front of Citibank in Waldbaum Parking Lot in Rockaway Park (in Rockaway Park)

When: Monday, Apr. 18, at 2:00 PM

Can you come?
Click below for more details and to RSVP:

I'll be there
I can come.

Can't make it
Sorry, I can't make it this time.

What: While vital government services get cut, corporations like GE are making huge profits, but paying no federal taxes. So, on Monday—Tax Day—in Rockaway Park, and at hundreds of events across the country, we'll gather outside the headquarters and local offices of the biggest corporate tax dodgers to deliver tax bills from the American people. We'll demand that our leaders make them pay up, instead of cutting billions from programs that would create new jobs, drive economic growth and help the needy and our nation's children.

 
And don't worry, this email was sent through the MoveOn system, so your personal contact info is kept private.

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on April 13, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

30,000 people fasting


Dear MoveOn member,

So far, more than 30,000 people are participating in a rolling fast to protest the immoral budget cuts Republicans are pushing in Washington. We never imagined this would spread so far, so quickly. In fact, 28 progressive members of Congress have now joined in.

With some help from Grammy-nominated recording artist Moby, we've put together a short, powerful video about this fast. Please check it out and then help spread the message by passing it on: http://www.moveon.org/r?r=207766&id=26912-10220574-pFmJ1Fx&t=1

Watch the powerful new videoWatch the video

This is about sending the message that balancing the budget on the back of the most vulnerable is simply immoral—and the need for that message has never been greater.

Last week's budget agreement—now public—contains cuts to critical programs but does little to make corporations and the rich pay their fair share.1

More than half of the $38 billion in cuts target education, labor, and health programs.2

The worst cuts and riders didn't make it into the budget—but that was the Republican plan all along: propose the unthinkable, threaten to shut down the government, and then walk away with cuts that would have been beyond the pale just a few months ago.

Now Republicans are pushing a new round of proposals to abolish Medicare and make far deeper cuts to education, nutrition, health care, and other essential programs—while giving even bigger tax breaks to millionaires and corporations. And this time, after winning so much in the last round, the Republicans actually have a shot at getting every last cut they want.

We need to restore a moral dimension to the warped debate going on in Washington. Sharing this video is a simple way to start.

Thanks for all you do.

–Daniel, Michael, Tate, Sarah, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "Historic Spending Cuts the Centerpiece for Final Continuing Resolution (CR) for Fiscal Year 2011," House Committee on Appropriations, April 12, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=207753&id=26912-10220574-pFmJ1Fx&t=4

2. "Budget deal: Cuts of $38 billion include accounting gimmicks, target Obama priorities," the Washington Post, April 12, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=207751&id=26912-10220574-pFmJ1Fx&t=5

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on April 12, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

We need a host in Inwood

Most Americans pay our taxes—but billion-dollar corporations are paying little or nothing. It's disgraceful. Can you host a "Tax Day: Make Them Pay" event on April 18 in Inwood to call out these corporate deadbeats?

Yes, I can host!

Dear MoveOn member,

Nobody knows the details of Friday night's budget agreement to keep the government from shutting down.

But here's one thing we can be pretty sure of: the pain will fall mainly on poor and middle-class Americans, while billions in tax breaks, loopholes, and handouts for corporations will remain untouched. 

Those same billions could keep food in the mouths of hungry women and children, fund critical medical research, and do the actual work of reducing our deficit.

But nothing will change until we tell that story. Congressional Republicans won't listen to the man and woman in the street until we take to the streets—thousands of taxpayers and voters in their states and home districts calling out the billion-dollar corporations that pay little or nothing in taxes.

So, on Tax Day—Monday, April 18—we're holding hundreds of events across the country to call out the corporate tax deadbeats.

People are ready to speak out in Inwood, but they won't be able to until someone volunteers to host. Can you host a "Tax Day: Make Them Pay" event? It's fun and easy and will make sure people in Inwood can participate.

Yes, I can host

On April 18, MoveOn members and fellow progressives will gather outside the headquarters and local offices of corporations not paying their fair share. For instance, we'll target corporations like General Electric, which made $14.2 billion in profits last year—but paid NO federal taxes.1

At the events, we'll deliver tax bills to the biggest corporate tax dodgers and demand that our elected leaders make them pay.

If you've never hosted an event before, it's a simple and fun way to have a powerful impact. Just pick a location—we'll give you suggestions on how to choose—and invite your friends. We'll make sure you have all the tips and tools you'll need to organize the event, and we'll invite other MoveOn members in your area to come.

People in Inwood are ready to act. Can we count on you to host a "Tax Day: Make Them Pay" event?

Yes, I can host

Thanks for all you do.

Lenore, Mark, Julia, Tate, and the rest of the team

Source:

1. "G.E.'s Strategies Let It Avoid Taxes Altogether," The New York Times, March 24, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=207259&id=26871-10220574-wRMen9x&t=4

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on April 10, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Big win in Wisconsin!

The progressive challenger for the Wisconsin Supreme Court closed a 30-point gap in 2 months to win on Tuesday, all thanks to Governor Walker's radical attack on workers. This can be a major turning point, but we have to keep the momentum going. Can you help keep up the fight in Wisconsin and take it national by chipping in $5?

Contribute Now


A message from Wisconsin MoveOn volunteer and Regional Organizer Steve Hughes:

Dear fellow MoveOn member,

I'm writing to you from Wisconsin, ground zero in the fight between Republicans and the middle class, where we just had a HUGE win!!

I'm literally breathless. I'm witnessing history. Incumbent candidates for the Wisconsin Supreme Court generally get re-elected in a landslide. But in the general election yesterday, progressive JoAnne Kloppenburg closed the gap and, with 100% of precincts reporting, has beating conservative justice David Prosser!

It's a HUGE change from the primary where she lost 25% to 55% to conservative Justice David Prosser before Walker's attacks on workers began. And it's proof that the grassroots army that formed to battle Governor Scott Walker is a force to be reckoned with.

Tuesday night, all of us volunteers sat around the Kloppenburg office, right next to the Wisconsin 14, and watched these historic returns come in together.

And I knew it was happening because thousands of us MoveOn members, along with our friends and allies, voted, volunteered, knocked doors, hit the phones, and got out the vote through our emails, posts and tweets. We're a part of this, but now we need to make sure what happened in Wisconsin doesn't stay in Wisconsin.

The Republicans in Washington are copying Walker's radical "my way or the highway" tactics, threatening to shutdown the government in order to force the Democrats to cave on the budget. They're willing to harm countless Americans in order to impose their agenda on the rest of us.

But MoveOn is fighting back, just like we are in Wisconsin. They're planning a huge nationwide campaign, capturing the energy from our victory to win this massive battle for our nation's future against the Republicans' plans to destroy decades of progressive legislation, including our entire social safety net.


I read a quote the other day from the Tea Party Express, and while I wouldn't normally agree with them, they could not be more right about the stakes in this election:

"If...liberal Joanne Kloppenburg wins, then Barack Obama and his union...allies will have won...If conservative Justice David Prosser wins, then Gov. Scott Walker and the tea party movement will have won in Wisconsin. The stakes could not be higher."1

The result of this election will have an important impact right here in Wisconsin on the battle to protect workers' rights. But a Kloppenburg victory is also sending a message nationally that Americans are rejecting the radical right-wing Republican agenda sweeping across other states and our federal government.

I need your help to keep the momentum going. We're doing great here in Wisconsin, but MoveOn needs your support to make sure the growing grassroots movement to protect the American Dream doesn't stall at our state's border. 

They need to raise $215,000 today to do it—for ads, field mobilizations, and polling. Can you help?

Click below to chip in $5:


Thank you for all that you're doing.

–Steve Hughes

Sources:

1. "Big money, union fight shape Wisconsin court race," Politico, accessed April 7, 2011 
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=207497&id=26837-10220574-gWMvGmx&t=7


 

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on April 7, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Passing the baton

Dear MoveOn member,

The fast is spreading! 

I end my fast today, and I'll be "passing the baton" to progressive hero Rep. Barbara Lee! She's the first member of congress to join the fast. She, in turn, will pass the baton to Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Rep. Keith Ellison, Rep. James McGovern, Rep. Rosa DeLauro, Rep. Sam Farr, and Rep. Marcy Kaptur.

It's been a humbling and powerful experience to share this fast with so many of you. 

And meanwhile, the urgency just keeps going up. Yesterday, Republicans announced their plan for next year's budget and it's even worse than the one that drove us into action last week. It would abolish Medicare, make devastating cuts to Medicaid, repeal the health care reform we all fought so hard for, and give millionaires huge tax breaks.1

That's why we need to keep spreading the word. So I have two requests:

1) When you are done with your fast, will you consider finding someone to "pass the baton" to, as I'm doing with Rep. Lee?

2) Will you post your experience fasting, or the reason you're doing it, on the MoveOn Facebook page? Not only will other MoveOn members be inspired by your words, your friends will see it as well.


Thanks for all you do.

-Justin Ruben
Executive Director, MoveOn

PS. Fasting can be dangerous. Those with health issues or concerns that may be affected by fasting should not participate. Anyone unsure or with questions should consult their doctor before participating.

Sources:

1. "CBO: Seniors Would Pay Much More For Medicare Under Ryan Plan," Kaiser Health News, April 5, 2011 

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on April 6, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Fasting: Meeting with Pelosi

Can you call Representative Carolyn McCarthy and tell them why you are fasting right now, before a deal on the budget is struck?

Representative Carolyn McCarthy
Phone: 202-225-5516

Report Your Call!

Dear MoveOn member,

I just got back from Washington, D.C., where I, along with the religious leaders who launched this fast and a few others who joined, met with Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and other members of congress. 

I want you to know that I brought your words, and stories, and energy into the room with me. 

I told them about the tens of thousands of us fasting, many of us people who would suffer directly from these cuts—about the folks who've been through tough times and only made it because of the programs that would be cut.

I told them about the enormous outpouring of both anger and hope that I've seen since we invited MoveOn members to join the fast.

Leader Pelosi thanked you for your courage, and promised to help inject a much needed moral dimension into the debate. She's a true progressive, and she talked about her own faith and her commitment to protecting the most vulnerable. 

But even as we were meeting, budget negotiators were huddled in different part of the Capitol and the news coming out of that process is not good. Republicans are still insisting on devastating cuts.

Representative Carolyn McCarthy needs to hear from you now, before a deal is reached. Can you give her a call and tell them why you are fasting?

Here's where to call: 

Representative Carolyn McCarthy
Phone: 202-225-5516

You can say something like:

Hi, can I speak to the staffer dealing with the budget?

When the staffer picks up:

Hi, my name is XXXX and I am a constituent. I'm participating in a fast led by religious leaders and citizens groups to protest the terrible budget cuts aimed at our nation's most vulnerable that are being discussed in Washington.

Letting children starve while giving handouts to giant corporations is wrong. Forcing veterans into homelessness and cutting food aid to pregnant women and children, while giving tax breaks to billionaires is immoral.

I urge Rep. McCarthy to ensure that the budget that is passed reflects our nation's morality, instead of protecting corporations and the rich while hurting folks who are already in trouble.

Then, please report your call by clicking here:

http://pol.moveon.org/call?tg=FHNY_04&cp_id=1556&id=26803-10220574-rw64xQx&t=2

Thanks for all you do.

–-Justin Ruben
  Executive Director, MoveOn.org

PS. Fasting can be dangerous. Those with health issues or concerns that may be affected by fasting should not participate. Anyone unsure or with questions should consult their doctor before participating.

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on April 5, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Monday is going to be huge

The entire labor movement is calling for an unprecedented day of solidarity this Monday, April 4.

Can you attend an event in your area?

Yes, I'll be there!
Did you hear? Democrats in Wisconsin have enough signatures to recall the first of eight targeted Republican state senators. Local volunteers, including many MoveOn members, are out in force collecting signatures to recall the remaining seven. Read the full story.
Dear MoveOn member,

The protests in Wisconsin changed the game in America when it comes to workers' rights and standing up for the American Dream.

There's new energy out there and the entire labor movement has come together to keep the momentum going by calling for an unprecedented day of solidarity this Monday, April 4—the anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination.

Progressives nationwide have stood up to join with the labor movement in overwhelming numbers. Already nearly 1000 solidarity events including rallies, teach-ins, work site discussions, vigils, faith events, and more are planned for the next few days.

The April 4 day of action is going to be huge, and the bigger the crowd at each event the better.

Can you join in? Click here to sign up for an event in your area:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=207320&id=26757-10220574-hpCl4vx&t=4

This is our chance to show the nation that the spirit of the working people who rose up in Wisconsin is only spreading, growing, and getting stronger—but the day of the events, April 4, is also significant itself.

It's the anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. in Memphis 43 years ago. Dr. King was in Memphis to stand in solidarity with striking sanitation workers who were demanding their rights and their chance to live out the American Dream. And this week's events, under the shared name "We Are One," are our chance to stand up for the very same rights and the same American Dream. It is a grassroots effort being led by a broad coalition of unions and progressive allies committed to realizing Dr. King's goal of economic justice for all.

Yesterday, as part of the lead-up to this day of action, MoveOn Executive Director Justin Ruben and thousands of MoveOn members joined in a fast to protest Republican budget cuts that target the most vulnerable among us.

Poor and middle class Americans are under increasing attack. But more and more of us are standing up and fighting back. Will you join us and help show our strength and unity this week?

Sign up here:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=207320&id=26757-10220574-hpCl4vx&t=5

Thanks for all you do.

–Daniel, Justin, Julia, Robin, and the rest of the team   

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on April 2, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Fasting

Dear MoveOn member,

We don't have a budget crisis in Washington. We have a moral crisis.

When Congress can seriously debate forcing veterans into homelessness and cutting food aid to pregnant women and children, while giving tax breaks to billionaires, something is very, very wrong.

That's why this morning, I joined, along with the heads of seven other major progressive organizations, in an ongoing fast launched by religious leaders to protest the brutal and unjust budget cuts being debated in Washington. 

Those who will go hungry because of these cuts are largely invisible to decision-makers in Congress. By fasting in solidarity, we have an opportunity to make their suffering visible, and expose the immorality of this policy. 

Will you join in? You can fast for a day or part of a day, for a meal or a week—whatever you can do.


This began on Monday, when Reverend Jim Wallis and a group of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim clergy launched a prayer fast to highlight what they called the "selective cruelty" in the budget debate. As word spread, thousands more folks have begun fasting as well.

I joined today because all week long I've been looking into the eyes of my 2-year-old daughter, and thinking about the hundreds of thousands of kids who will get kicked out of preschool, who will lose access to health care, who will go to bed hungry each night if these cuts pass.  

I joined because I keep picturing other parents like me, many of them MoveOn members, who will be left with no way to provide for their families if right-wing Republicans get their way.

I joined because according to my faith and my conscience, letting children starve while giving handouts to giant corporations is wrong, plain and simple. And I feel compelled to speak out.

A number of other MoveOn staff are joining the fast with me this morning. I hope you will too, in whatever way speaks to your conscience.


I grew up reading these words from the Prophet Isaiah and they've returned to me powerfully today.

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?

While this cause will speak to all of us differently—to our faith, or to our ethics, or simply through the eyes of our children—it is grounded in our common humanity and a common passion to defend those most in need.


Thank you for all that you do,

Justin Ruben
Executive Director
MoveOn.org

PS. If you didn't see it, the most-emailed article on the New York Times website yesterday was food writer Mark Bittman's beautiful column about why he's fasting too.

PPS. Fasting can be dangerous. Those with health issues or concerns that may be affected by fasting should not participate. Anyone unsure or with questions should consult their doctor before participating.

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on April 1, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.