Wednesday, December 31, 2014

What you did in 2014



Dear MoveOn member,

It's hard to believe 2014 was only one year. 

We faced plenty of darkness. There was new misery in Iraq, Syria, and elsewhere around the world. Multiple unarmed Black men were killed by police, igniting anguish and outrage across the country. Millions of Americans went through the year without health care because of Republican officials refusing to expand Medicaid, as Obamacare intended. Millions are still struggling in the face of gaping economic inequality. And of course, there was a Republican takeover of the U.S. Senate.

But at the same time, there've been so many reasons to celebrate and to hope. We've seen signs of progress in the fight against climate change—including the biggest protest march on climate in history. President Obama's executive action on immigration will prevent millions of families from being torn apart. The president embraced Net Neutrality, offering hope that we'll retain a free and open internet. There've been real steps toward a lasting diplomatic solution to the long stand-off over Iran's nuclear program. We're seeing a resurgence of civil rights and women's rights movements. And as we begin to debate the future of the Democratic Party and broader country, MoveOn members have joined a massive, hopeful call for Elizabeth Warren to run for President. 
 
In 2014, MoveOn members fought the darkness—and contributed to those points of light.
 

This is your work. Hundreds of thousands of MoveOn members chipped in—and we met our budget for the year. Thank you! And beyond donations—we are entirely powered by your time, your actions (from phone calls to petition signatures to events you attend), and your vision for what our country can be. 

MoveOn is you.
 
With Republicans in power in both the House and the Senate, passing progressive legislation will be an uphill battle in 2015.  But we've already laid down a marker to challenge Republican extremism, embolden Democrats to stand up and fight for our shared priorities, and to run smart and effective advocacy campaigns that can make concrete improvements in people's lives at the local, state, and national level.

Thanks for all you did in 2014—and for all we'll do together in 2015.

With gratitude,
 
Anna, Ilya, Alejandro, Ben O., Ben W., Bobby, Brian, Corinne, Erica, Jadzia, Jo, Josh, Justin, Manny, Maria, Mark, Matt, Milan, Nick, Robert, Stephen, and Victoria

P.S. Here's that graphic about some of our work in 2014: 

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Start a monthly donation here or chip in a one-time donation 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 December 31, 2014. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

MoveOn, gone?

If you can't imagine a world without MoveOn, will you please chip in a few bucks to help keep us strong and fighting into the new year?
Dear MoveOn member,

Imagine, for just a minute, if there were no MoveOn.

When Elizabeth Warren comes under attack for calling out big banks like Citigroup—no MoveOn to defend her.

When Democrats run from their own shadows on health care or climate change—no MoveOn to hold their feet to the fire.

When corporate lobbyists try to ram through laws that benefit their bottom line at the expense of the public good—no MoveOn to sound the alarm and fight back.

Scary, right?

MoveOn is an independent voice—a way for millions of us to speak truth to power, regardless of who "power" is. To preserve that independence, we don't take big checks from CEO's or corporations—we're funded by small contributions from our members.

And with just 2 days left before 2015, we're $65,231 short of our fundraising goals for the year. If you can't imagine a world without MoveOn—if you love what MoveOn does to fight for our shared values—will you please chip in a few bucks to help keep us strong and fighting into the new year?

Yes, I'll chip in $3.

Thanks for all you do.

–Anna, Robert, Erica, Brian, and the rest of the team 

Want to support our work? MoveOn.org Civic Action is entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Start a monthly donation here or chip in a one-time donation here.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on December 30, 2014. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Monday, December 29, 2014

VIDEO: Here's to you

As we head into 2015, it's important to remember how quickly progressive change that once seemed radical becomes inevitable when enough people make a ruckus!

Dear fellow MoveOn member,

As we head into 2015, it's important to remember how quickly progressive change that seemed radical—if not a crazy pipe dream—at one time becomes inevitable when enough people make a ruckus!

Watch now to see what I mean:


All over the United States, local, state, and national efforts to move our nation forward are gathering force, powered by ordinary people joining together to take action. 

Please watch this video and then share it as a New Year's greeting with family and friends.

Because we must never underestimate the progressive change that we have accomplished—and will continue to accomplish in 2015 and beyond.

Here's to you and your family, and to a great new year.

–Robert Reich 

Want to support our work? MoveOn.org Civic Action is entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Start a monthly donation here or chip in a one-time donation here.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on December 29, 2014. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Just waiting for you

I'm ready to review your petition and look forward to adding your victory to the ever-growing list of progressive causes that MoveOn members across the country have championed.
I'm ready to review your petition and look forward to adding your victory to the ever-growing list of progressive causes that MoveOn members across the country have championed. I'm just waiting on you. Will you start your petition now, and take the first step?

Yes, I'll Start a Petition
Dear MoveOn member,

You probably didn't recognize my name in your inbox—which is fair because it's probably never been there before. I tend to take on more of a "man behind the curtain" role on the MoveOn Petitions team. In fact there's usually only one way to get an email from me: start a petition. 

Hundreds of progressive petition campaigns pop up on our platform every week. Their goals range from fighting for local school board initiatives to taking on Congress, and all of them have a common denominator: They're led by MoveOn members like you!

So what actually happens once you click "Submit" on your petition? Here's a behind-the-scenes look at what I do once you click submit on your petition. 


I always tell people that I have the best job in the world, because I do. All day long I get to work to help you make your petition campaigns succeed. There are all kinds of ways that we offer you support to help turn your petition into a full-on campaign for change. 

I jump into action as soon as your petition hits just 10 signatures. That's when your petition gets put into our state-of-the-art testing system. From there, I go through each petition by hand—well, by mouse—and find the perfect set of MoveOn members to share your petition with, helping to supplement your own efforts to gather signatures.

As your petition grows, you'll start to see my name in your inbox some more as you receive emails from my teammates and me, giving you step-by-step insider guides to running a successful campaign, based on MoveOn's 16 years of experience. 

You'll also be invited to training calls that will allow you to communicate directly with some of our most seasoned campaign staff. And finally when you've utilized our tools and support, we will even help pay for you to print your petition, so that you can deliver the voices of your signers directly to your targets. 

Nothing makes me happier than when MoveOn members claim victory. There's honestly just no better feeling than seeing that you were able to help someone create change in a meaningful way. I keep a special folder of images sent to me by MoveOn members, like the one below of student leaders in Jefferson County, Colorado who fought for their access to an uncensored American history education. 



I'm ready to review your petition and look forward to getting pictures of your petition delivery soon, and adding your victory to the ever-growing list of progressive causes that MoveOn members across the country have championed. I'm just waiting on you. Will you start your petition now, and take the first step?


Thanks for all you do.

–Ben O., Maria, Corinne, Erica, and the rest of the team

Want to support our work? MoveOn.org Civic Action is entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Start a monthly donation here or chip in a one-time donation here.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on December 25, 2014. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

MoveOn going dark?

If we don't close our fundraising gap before midnight December 31, that means we'll still be be starting the new year behind. Will you help out?
Dear MoveOn member,

On January 3, ten days from today, the new Congress will be sworn in.

And then all hell will break loose.

Republicans have said that their very first votes will be to approve the Keystone XL pipeline. Then they'll move fast to ban abortion nationwide after 20 weeks, and block President Obama from taking action on climate. And that's just the beginning.1,2,3

This will be a huge fight. But we're not ready—because as of this minute MoveOn is still more than $200,000 short of our year-end fundraising goals.

If we don't close that fundraising gap before midnight December 31, that means we'll still be be starting the new year behind—just as all these new fights are getting started.

We can't afford that. Will you make a year-end donation of $3 to help reach MoveOn's fundraising goal for 2014?

Yes, I'll chip in to help reach MoveOn's year-end fundraising goal.

MoveOn counts on our members for 100% of our budget. Unlike our opposition, we don't have big corporations or a bottomless pit of Koch money to pay the bills.

So if we fall short of our fundraising goals, then we simply have to cut back on the amount of campaigning we can do. Either we won't be able to hire as many organizers or we won't be able to take on as many campaigns.

It's just simple arithmetic—if we don't hit our fundraising goals, we'll have less money to spend fighting the right wing.

But if everyone chips in, we'll close our year-end fundraising gap in no time—and we won't have to make hard choices about which campaigns to cancel and which issues to go dark on. In fact, if all 8 million MoveOn members chipped in just a nickel, we'd raise twice as much as we need.

Will you make a year-end donation of $3 to help reach MoveOn's fundraising goal for 2014?

Yes, I'll chip in.

Thanks for all you do.

–Anna, Nick, Ben W., Jo, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "McConnell: Keystone bill first up in new Senate," CNN, December 17, 2014
http://www.moveon.org/r/?r=302095&id=106258-10220574-PSnfpdx&t=1

2. "Republicans promise new congressional push for 20-week abortion ban," Salon, December 8, 2014
http://www.moveon.org/r/?r=302096&id=106258-10220574-PSnfpdx&t=2

3. "Fossil-fuel lobbyists, bolstered by GOP wins, work to curb environmental rules," The Washington Post, December 7, 2014
http://www.moveon.org/r/?r=302097&id=106258-10220574-PSnfpdx&t=3

Want to support our work? MoveOn.org Civic Action is entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Start a monthly donation here or chip in a one-time donation here.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on December 23, 2014. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Friday, December 19, 2014

VIDEO: An electric kickoff in Iowa

Run Warren Run launches in the home state of the first presidential primary caucus--and it's a big success!

Dear MoveOn member,

On Wednesday night, more than 100 Iowans gathered in a Des Moines coffeehouse to jump-start the Run Warren Run campaign.

They came to show that Iowa—home of the nation's first presidential caucus—is calling for a contested Democratic presidential primary, and for a champion of working- and middle-class families—Elizabeth Warren—to enter the race. The energy was electric all night in a standing-room-only crowd of supporters sporting "Run Warren Run" shirts.

Washington Post analyst Chris Cillizza recently noted, "It's uniquely possible that the populist/'draft Warren' movement ... forces the senator to reconsider her past denials of interest in the race. And if Warren runs, it's a totally different race."1

Cillizza's right. There's a real path for our campaign to be successful—and on Wednesday night in Iowa, we saw proof that this can work. Take a quick look at how it all came together—and get a feel for the memorable kickoff Iowans hosted:

Iowa State college student Meredith Cook spoke of working two jobs and 45 hours a week to pay for school, while carrying a 12% interest rate on her student loan—and how Elizabeth Warren fights for her. A young entrepreneur from Iowa City reminded us that Elizabeth Warren stands up for small business owners like her by fighting against special tax breaks and loopholes for the biggest corporations. And Iowa's State Senate President Pam Jochum called Senator Warren "brilliant" and "courageous" while encouraging her to enter the race.

Then, after a series of rousing speeches, attendees broke into working groups to start strategizing—for many of them, less than an hour after first meeting each other. In Iowa and New Hampshire, we're getting ready to hire staff and open offices to support the volunteers who are ready for action.

None of it went unnoticed. Reporters from The Des Moines Register, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, the Associated Press, The New York Times, local TV, MSNBC, and more covered the kickoff—some live-tweeting throughout the night.2

Our friends at Ready for Warren had a noticeable presence, and before it was all said and done, our allies at Democracy for America had announced an overwhelming vote by their members to join the Run Warren Run movement, and pledged $250,000 to the effort.

Wednesday night provided just the sort of energizing launch that a winning campaign needs. Click here to take a look back at the kickoff—and then let's get ready for kickoffs in other early primary states and beyond.

Thanks for all you do.

–Mark, Alejandro, Kristin, Ilya, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "Amid Warren buzz, Clinton might do well not to wait too long to announce 2016 bid," The Washington Post, December 14, 2014
http://www.moveon.org/r/?r=302054&id=106106-10220574-0AaZaPx&t=1

2. "This is Elizabeth Warren's time, activists tell Iowans," The Des Moines Register, December 17, 2014
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=302056&id=106106-10220574-0AaZaPx&t=2

"Iowa Liberals Try to Will Elizabeth Warren Into 2016," The Wall Street Journal, December 18, 2014
http://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-WB-51632

"Effort to draft Warren into '16 race lands in Iowa," The Associated Press, December 17, 2014
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=302057&id=106106-10220574-0AaZaPx&t=3

"Warren Can Win," The New York Times, December 15, 2014
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=302038&id=106106-10220574-0AaZaPx&t=4

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Start a monthly donation here or chip in a one-time donation 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 December 19, 2014. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

VICTORY: Governor Cuomo bans fracking in New York state

Amazing news from our friends at Food & Water Watch: yesterday, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a ban on fracking in New York State. This victory could not have happened without the amazing work of dedicated anti-fracking activists all over the country, including thousands of MoveOn members—especially the dedicated #FrackingFighters in New York State. 

Check out the note below from Sarah at Food & Water Watch to hear more about this amazing win, and sign the petition to Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley demanding that he ban fracking in his state as well!


Dear MoveOn member,

Huge victory in New York! It's official: The state of New York banned fracking!

This victory is because of the years of education, mobilization and advocacy work to build the political power for holding Governor Cuomo accountable to the people, not the Oil and Gas industry. New Yorkers Against Fracking, a coalition founded by Food & Water Watch, and the strong network of allies and grassroots activists are directly responsible for this victory. But our work is not done—we need to ban fracking everywhere.

Maryland could make a decision on fracking soon, so now we're calling on Governor O'Malley to follow New York's lead and ban fracking!

After activists in New York demanded that the health effects of fracking be studied, a two year investigation by the state's own commission confirmed what the movement has been saying all along, that fracking cannot be done safely.

Acting Commissioner of Health for New York State Howard Zucker even said he would not let his family live in an area that has fracking.

Food & Water Watch was the first national group to call for a ban on fracking in the U.S., and this is proof that when you fight for what you want, you can win. Thank you for everything you have done to contribute to this victory. We will take this victory and the example that New York has set to the rest of the country to make sure that families in every state are protected from fracking.

Sign the petition to tell Governor O'Malley to follow New York's lead and protect Maryland families from fracking!

Onward!

Sarah Alexander
Deputy Organizing Director
Food & Water Watch
act(at)fwwatch(dot)org

Want to support our work? MoveOn.org Civic Action is entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Start a monthly donation here or chip in a one-time donation here.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on December 18, 2014. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Citigroup action tomorrow in Manhattan: Break up "too big to fail" banks

Can you join Senator Elizabeth Warren's call to break big banks into pieces by participating at an action--tomorrow--in front of Citigroup's national headquarters?
Tomorrow at 11 a.m., MoveOn members will join allies at Citigroup's headquarters to call on Congress to break up "too big to fail" banks! Can you be there?

Join the Citigroup action!
Dear New York MoveOn member,

I imagine cheers erupting from Wall Street last weekend as news spread that bank lobbyists had undermined important financial regulations in a must-pass spending bill.1 

But Wall Street lobbyists must've been less happy when their stealth campaign was brought into the open and triggered a massive backlash from millions of Americans.

Last week, thousands of MoveOn members joined Senator Elizabeth Warren by calling Congress to demand that it strip out a provision written by Citigroup lobbyists that gutted some important protections in the Dodd-Frank Act—Wall Street reform safeguards put in place after the 2008 financial crisis.2

And tomorrow, we're joining our friends at the Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC) who have called for an in-person action in front of Citigroup headquarters, beginning at 11 a.m., echoing Sen. Warren's call for Citigroup to be broken into pieces.3

Can you join tomorrow's action calling on Congress to break up "too big to fail" banks like Citigroup?

Yes! I'm in.

Wall Street gave tens of millions of dollars to Congress during the midterm elections.4 This spending legislation proves those campaign contributions was money well spent. But Congress doesn't answer to big banks such as Citigroup, JP Morgan, and Bank of America. Congress answers to us, the American people.

Can you show up tomorrow and stand shoulder to shoulder with progressive champion Elizabeth Warren who has come out swinging in opposition to this reckless legislation?

Yes! I'm in.

Here are all the details you need to participate:

What: Action outside of Citigroup's corporate headquarters, in support of Senator Warren's call to break up the big banks. Organizers will provide signs to hold.

Where: 399 Park Avenue (Midtown Manhattan)

When: Tomorrow—December 18—beginning at 11 a.m.

Who: Other MoveOn members, our friends at PCCC and the Working Families Party, money-in-politics reformer Zephyr Teachout, and more

Thanks for all you do.

–Anna, Justin K., Ben W., Erica, and the rest of the team

P.S. If you haven't yet, please take a moment to watch Sen. Elizabeth Warren shine a national spotlight on Citigroup. Listen to her call to arms from the Senate floor, where she says, "There is a lot of talk coming from Citigroup about how Dodd-Frank isn't perfect. So let me say this to anyone who is listening at Citi—I agree with you. Dodd-Frank isn't perfect. It should have broken you into pieces."  Please watch and share the video right now.

Sources:

1. "Obama quietly signs $1.1 trillion spending bill," Wall Street Journal, December 17, 2014
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=302044&id=106010-10220574-AUNpQkx&t=4

2. "Wall Street seeks to tuck Dodd-Frank changes in budget bill," The New York Times, December 9, 2014
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=301995&id=&t=4&id=106010-10220574-AUNpQkx&t=5

3 "Elizabeth Warren slams spending bill's Dodd-Frank provision," MSNBC, December 12, 2014
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=302045&id=106010-10220574-AUNpQkx&t=6

4. "Wall Street donors dump Democrats," CNN Money, November 3, 2014
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=301994&id=&t=5&id=106010-10220574-AUNpQkx&t=7

Want to support our work? MoveOn.org Civic Action is entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Start a monthly donation here or chip in a one-time donation here.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on December 17, 2014. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Elizabeth Warren (let's go!)

Momentum is on our side. But the next step is crucial: We need to start building the kind of powerful field program it will take to win in Iowa and New Hampshire if she decides to run. And it needs to be ready the moment Sen. Warren says go.
Dear MoveOn member,

When we started talking about convincing Senator Elizabeth Warren to run for President, some people literally laughed out loud.

No one's laughing now.

Last week, Sen. Warren shook up Washington by blowing the whistle on a Wall Street bailout hidden in the must-pass spending bill to keep the government from shutting down.

Then, a group of 300 former Obama campaign officials joined the movement in calling on her to run for President.

And all the while, she's forcing a real debate over the appointment of a Wall Street multi-millionaire to a key position in the Treasury Department.

Momentum is on our side. But the next step is crucial: We need to start building the kind of powerful field program it will take to win in Iowa and New Hampshire if she decides to run. And it needs to be ready the moment Sen. Warren says go.

We can do it—but it'll take money. That's why we've set an audacious goal of raising $1 million to convince Elizabeth Warren to run for President of the United States. Will you chip in $3?

Yes, I'll chip in to help convince Senator Elizabeth Warren to run for President.

Raising $1 million will send a huge message to the media, party leaders, and Sen. Warren herself that she can raise the money necessary to win.

And we'll use that money to open campaign offices in Iowa and New Hampshire, to recruit volunteers and meet with local party leaders. Then we'll organize "Run Warren Run" chapters, to help identify potential precinct captains in every little town and county.

But the truth is, we don't have much time. I know, 2016 seems like a long way off. It's not. Local party leaders in Iowa and New Hampshire are already deciding whom they'll support. Debates could be just a few months away. And the Iowa caucuses themselves are just over a year away.

That's why, to make sure we have the resources to get this campaign off the ground, we're aiming to raise $1 million. Will you chip in $3?

Yes, I'll chip in to help convince Senator Elizabeth Warren to run for President.

Thanks for all you do.

–Anna, Maria, Alejandro, Mark, and the rest of the team

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Start a monthly donation here or chip in a one-time donation 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 December 16, 2014. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Monday, December 15, 2014

VIDEO: Elizabeth Warren slams Citigroup

You need to watch this speech. It's electrifying. It's historic.
Dear MoveOn member,

You've got to see what Elizabeth Warren said to Citigroup executives. It's electrifying. It's historic.

And it could put Elizabeth Warren "into serious contention to be the next President of the United States."1

Ready? Then turn up your speakers and watch the whole thing.

When big banks wrecked our economy, they went to Congress for a half-a-trillion-dollar bailout. Now—six years later—Citigroup thought they could quietly sneak a provision into a must-pass spending bill to let them gamble with taxpayer money again. But Senator Warren fought back hard, and is winning in the court of public opinion.

Barack Obama's 2004 Democratic Convention speech launched him into the running for president. This could do the same for Elizabeth Warren.

Please watch the video right now. And then chip in to help MoveOn as we support Elizabeth Warren's work in the Senate and encourage her to run for president.

Thanks for all you do.

–Mark, Robert, Kristin, Ilya, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "The Speech That Could Make Elizabeth Warren the Next President of the United States," The Huffington Post, December 13, 2014
http://www.moveon.org/r/?r=302028&id=105927-10220574-kmh4CNx&t=1

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Start a monthly donation here or chip in a one-time donation 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 December 15, 2014. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Friday, December 12, 2014

Raise your voice for Mike Brown and Eric Garner

We need immediate federal action to seek justice for Mike Brown and Eric Garner.

Can you call President Obama and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder now? Tell them:


"You have the power to prosecute Officer Darren Wilson and Officer Daniel Pantaleo under federal law. I am calling to urge you to do everything in your power to seek justice for Mike Brown and Eric Garner. But don't stop there. We also need federal action and reforms now."

President Barack Obama:
202-456-1111

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder:
202-353-1555


Report Your Call!
Dear MoveOn member,

This moment—sparked by the failure of grand juries in St. Louis and Staten Island to indict the police officers responsible or the deaths of Mike Brown and Eric Garner—is literally history in the making.  

Hundreds of thousands of people across the country are taking action at all levels—filling the streets with songs, chants, and solidarity; staging powerful "die-ins" and walkouts; and adding their names to calls for justice.

The momentum can't stop now.

While local communities continue to push for larger reforms to our criminal justice system—a system that puts communities of color at far greater risk of harassment and life-altering confrontations—MoveOn members are joining that call and demanding justice for Eric Garner and Mike Brown.

President Obama and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder have the power to launch a federal investigation and prosecute Officer Darren Wilson and Officer Daniel Pantaleo.

It will take all of us to bring the pressure necessary to spur federal action.

That's why we're joining with our friends at ColorOfChange to make these important calls today. Can you call President Obama and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder now?

Here's where to call:

President Barack Obama:
202-456-1111

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder:
202-353-1555

You can say:

"You have the power to prosecute Officer Darren Wilson and Officer Daniel Pantaleo under federal law. I am calling to urge you to do everything in your power to seek justice for Mike Brown and Eric Garner. But don't stop there. We also need federal action and reforms now."

Then, please report your call by clicking here.

By refusing to indict the police officers responsible for the deaths of these unarmed Black men, the local judicial systems in St. Louis and Staten Island have failed our communities and our entire justice system. It's clear they cannot be trusted to police themselves.

It will take intervention at the federal level to ensure a just response to these tragedies.

Please, call President Obama and U.S. Attorney General Holder and tell them to authorize full federal investigations of these police officers and other police departments responsible for killing unarmed Black Americans and to initiate much-needed, longer-term reforms to ensure communities are safe from police violence.

Thanks for all you do.

–Corinne, Ben O., Justin R., Joan, and the rest of the team

P.S. Check out FergusonAction.com to find ongoing, peaceful demonstrations in your community.

 

Want to support our work? MoveOn.org Civic Action is entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Start a monthly donation here or chip in a one-time donation here.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on December 12, 2014. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Calls needed this morning: Congress doesn't work for Wall Street

Congress is about to open the door to another taxpayer-funded bailout of our nation's largest banks—unless we act right now.

Can you call Rep. Meeks? Tell him, "Congress works for us, not Wall Street. Please save the Dodd-Frank Act and pass a clean budget."

Representative Gregory Meeks
Phone: (202) 225-3461

Report Your Call!
Dear MoveOn member,

Congress is about to open the door to another taxpayer-funded bailout of our nation's largest banks—unless we act right now.

You may have heard that members of the House and Senate submitted a spending bill to fund the majority of government programs for the rest of the fiscal year.1

But here's the deal: this spending bill has been corrupted by Wall Street banks that are actively working to undermine rules that currently prevent them from wrecking the economy. In fact, Citigroup lobbyists reportedly wrote the part of the bill that would actually gut some important protections in the Dodd-Frank Act—safeguards that were put in place after the 2008 financial crisis.2

Simply put, the spending bill as it stands raises the risk of more taxpayer-funded bailouts for the big banks. It is unacceptable in its current form and must be defeated. Here's where we come in.

Reports are that this bill may be decided as early as 10 a.m. TODAY. Can you call Representative Gregory Meeks right now?

Tell him, "Congress works for us, not Wall Street. Please save the Dodd-Frank Act and pass a clean budget."

Here's where to call:

Representative Gregory Meeks
Phone: (202) 225-3461

Then, please report your call by clicking here:

http://pol.moveon.org/call?tg=FHNY_05&cp_id=2176&id=105738-10220574-VLI6gfx&t=2

Americans know all too well what happens when financial institutions deemed too big to fail gamble with funds backed by the government. Our families still carry the residual burden of taxpayer-funded bank bailouts.

Wall Street gave tens of millions of dollars to Congress during the midterm elections.3 This spending legislation proves that was money well spent. But Congress doesn't answer to big banks such as Citigroup, JP Morgan, and Bank of America. Congress answers to us, the American people.

By making calls this morning, we're standing shoulder to shoulder with progressive champion Elizabeth Warren and others who have come out swinging in opposition to this reckless legislation.4

Thanks for all you do.

–Anna, Stephen, Jadzia, Matt, and the rest of the team

Sources: 

1. "Mammoth spending bill poised for passage," Politico, December 10, 2014
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=301996&id=105738-10220574-VLI6gfx&t=3

2. "Wall Street seeks to tuck Dodd-Frank changes in budget bill," The New York Times, December 9, 2014
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=301995&id=105738-10220574-VLI6gfx&t=4

3. "Wall Street donors dump Democrats," CNN Money, November 3, 2014
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=301994&id=105738-10220574-VLI6gfx&t=5

4. "Elizabeth Warren is really angry about Dodd-Frank change," CNN Money, December 10, 2014
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=301993&id=105738-10220574-VLI6gfx&t=6

Want to support our work? MoveOn.org Civic Action is entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Start a monthly donation here or chip in a one-time donation here.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on December 11, 2014. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

VIDEO: Run Warren Run: 81% voted yes. Game on.

Watch this video to see why we need Elizabeth Warren's vision and track record in the race for president.

Dear MoveOn member,

The results are in—with 81.3% of all votes cast in favor, MoveOn members overwhelmingly agree that it's time we urged Senator Elizabeth Warren to enter the race for president.

Her life's story and record in public service all point to one truth: Elizabeth Warren is not afraid to stand up to Wall Street banks and powerful corporate interests—she's a fighter for working people and a champion for the middle class. And in this time of historic inequality, we need her vision and her track record in the race for president.

Watch this video to see why—then, if you're convinced that she'd make a great candidate, sign the petition today to say that Sen. Warren should run.

Run Warren Run Launch Video

We've heard from tons of MoveOn members who want to see Sen. Warren in the race for president. Like Eric A., from Pennsylvania, they're saying, "Sen. Warren is a true progressive, who can run as the People's Candidate" and, like Brad G. from Texas, that she's "a non-establishment candidate with the charisma to run, win, and change the nation!"

Now, the work begins—for all of us.

Check out the video, and then if you're convinced that Sen. Warren should run, add your name to the growing petition.

It's not every day that we have a chance to change history—but this could be exactly that kind of moment. Thanks for being part of it, and thanks for all you do.

–Ilya, Jadzia, Corinne, Justin K., and the rest of the team
#RunWarrenRun

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Start a monthly donation here or chip in a one-time donation 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 December 10, 2014. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Should Elizabeth Warren run for president?

It was a grassroots, people-driven "draft Warren" movement that convinced Elizabeth Warren to run in 2012.

Dear MoveOn member,

Should MoveOn encourage Senator Elizabeth Warren to run for president?

Launching an effort like this is a decision so important that it can only be made by MoveOn members like you. This email is your ballot. Voting starts now.

Here's why this idea is on the table: This moment was made for Elizabeth Warren. We're at a crossroads in American history, with inequality soaring to levels not seen since the 1920s and an economic playing field rigged to favor Wall Street and corporate interests. Inequality, and the corrupting political power of big money, threatens to undermine every issue we hold dear—from climate change to racial justice, from student debt to the fate of Social Security.

And in the midst of all that, we hear the voice of Elizabeth Warren—rallying the nation with her transformative vision of giving everyone a fighting chance.

After listening closely to MoveOn members for the last several months, we've come to believe that Warren's powerful voice is needed right now on the nation's biggest stage—the 2016 race for president.

Warren's not in the race yet. But there's a precedent here: She was inspired to run for Senate in 2012 by a people-powered "Draft Warren" campaign. This fall, when asked by People magazine whether she might be on board for a run at the presidency, she answered, "If there's any lesson I've learned in the last five years, it's don't be so sure about what lies ahead. There are amazing doors that could open."1

It's up to us to help open that door. If we join our voices together, if we show her a groundswell of support, if our millions-strong community can make clear to Warren that if she runs, she'll have the grassroots army she needs to not only win a primary, to not only win the White House, but to create real change for middle-class Americans who urgently need help—then we believe she can be persuaded to run.

We think she can win. And even if she doesn't, we believe that a contested primary is best for everyone—for the eventual nominee, for the progressive movement, and for the country.

MoveOn is its members. This decision rests in your hands. As we have with all of our biggest decisions, we're putting this question to a vote.

Voting starts now, and closes at 9 a.m. ET/6 PT on Wednesday, December 10. Cast your official ballot by clicking below: Should MoveOn launch a major effort calling on Elizabeth Warren to run for president?

Yes, MoveOn should encourage Sen. Elizabeth Warren to run for president.

No, MoveOn should not do this.

If MoveOn members do vote to move forward, we'll go to bat to demonstrate to Senator Warren that if she runs, we'll be right there with her. We'll show her that Americans are hungry for a leader who is unafraid to stand up to the megabanks and corporate interests, and who will never stop fighting for families on the ragged edge of the middle class.

Our campaign would be called "Run Warren Run," and it would be 100% positive: lifting up the case for a Warren candidacy, not pulling anyone down.

Above all, it would be based on the belief that we need all our best candidates in the race. The 2008 primary ensured that President Obama was battle-tested by the time he reached the general election. And if it weren't for Hillary Clinton and John Edwards calling for health care reform in the primary, we may never have gotten the Affordable Care Act that millions of Americans rely on today. A contested primary means that progressives have a voice, the best ideas get an airing, and the eventual nominee is ready to face the best (or worst) that the Republicans and the Koch brothers have to offer.

That's what we've heard from countless MoveOn members. And it's why MoveOn's staff believes it's so important for Elizabeth Warren to enter the race. But now it's up to you.

Do you agree? Should MoveOn launch a "Run Warren Run" campaign encouraging her to enter the race?

Yes, MoveOn should launch a campaign encouraging Sen. Elizabeth Warren to run for president.

No, MoveOn should not do this.

Again, voting will remain open until 9 a.m. ET/6 PT on Wednesday, December 10. All MoveOn members are eligible to vote. Only your first click will be recorded, so please take care in making your choice. 

Thanks for all you do.

–Ilya, Anna, Ben, Mark, and the rest of the team

Source:

1. "An Early Halloween Fright for Wall St.: Elizabeth Warren for Treasury Secretary?" People, October 22, 2014 
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=301987&id=105671-10220574-PRDUy5x&t=3

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Start a monthly donation here or chip in a one-time donation 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 December 9, 2014. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Monday, December 8, 2014

Tell Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today: Diplomacy with Iran!

We're flooding key Senate offices with a clear and unwavering pro-diplomacy message: Any Democrat who sides with Republicans in calling for increased sanctions on Iran—or any other measure that could undermine diplomatic efforts—will pay a hefty political price.

Can you call Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand? Tell them:

"
Don't cave to Republican pressure! Diplomacy takes time. Members of Congress must avoid any new sanctions or other measures that could undermine negotiations with Iran and put our nation on a path to another war." 

Senator Charles Schumer
Phone: (202) 224-6542

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
Phone: (202) 224-4451

Report Your Call!
Dear MoveOn member,

On November 24, the U.S., negotiators from five other world powers, and Iran agreed to extend talks surrounding Iran's nuclear program until July 2015.1

And as Congress returned from recess and negotiators made plans to resume talks, GOP pressure on Senate Democrats who are more likely to side with hawkish Republicans on Iran mounted—rapidly.

That's why MoveOn members, CREDO, Win Without War, and our allies have committed to flooding key Senate offices with a clear and unwavering pro-diplomacy message: Any Democrat who sides with Republicans in calling for increased sanctions on Iran—or any other measure that could undermine diplomatic efforts—will pay a hefty political price.

Can you take a moment right now to phone Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand?

Here's where to call:  

Senator Charles Schumer
Phone: (202) 224-6542

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
Phone: (202) 224-4451

You can say this:
Don't cave to Republican pressure! Diplomacy takes time. Members of Congress must avoid any new sanctions or other measures that could undermine negotiations with Iran and put our nation on a path to another war.
Then, please report your call by clicking here:

http://pol.moveon.org/call?tg=FSNY_1.FSNY_2&cp_id=2169&id=105636-10220574-dMLH%3D9x&t=2

As part of extending negotiations, all parties agreed to keep a November 2013 deal in place, continuing to freeze Iran's nuclear program.2 Additionally, in exchange for modest sanctions relief from the U.S. and our international partners, Iran will:
  • Provide expanded access to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors, who will now double the frequency of their visits and also conduct so-called snap or no-notice inspections at centrifuge production sites
  • Curtail research and development efforts on advanced centrifuges and laser enrichment processes3
These are significant—and hard-won—gains.

If negotiators succeed in reaching their ultimate goal, they'll demonstrate the power of tough, principled diplomacy in lieu of a rush to use military force. Secretary of State John Kerry indicated yesterday that we'll know well before the June 30 deadline if a deal with Iran can be brokered—so it's imperative that the U.S. stay the course.4

With stakes this high, every single call today is important.

Thank you for making sure that key senators hear a strong pro-diplomacy message today.

And thanks for all you do.

–Jo, Anna, Justin K., Josh, and the rest of the team

P.S. There's so much happening in our nation and world. I hope you had a moment to check out the resource page our team put together around the death of Eric Garner, including an audio recording of his last words. If you haven't yet, I urge you to take a look and share with others. 

Sources:

1. "U.S. and Allies Extend Iran Nuclear Talks by 7 Months," The New York Times, November 24, 2014
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=301825&id=&t=3&id=105636-10220574-dMLH%3D9x&t=4

2. "Iran nuclear talks extended seven months after failing to meet deadline," Reuters, November 24, 2014
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=301826&id=&t=5&id=105636-10220574-dMLH%3D9x&t=5

3. "Iran to limit centrifuge R&D under extension," Al-Monitor, December 1, 2014
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=301913&id=105636-10220574-dMLH%3D9x&t=6

4. "Kerry predicts Iran nuclear talks will be settled long before June deadline," The Washington Post, December 7, 2014
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=301983&id=105636-10220574-dMLH%3D9x&t=7
 

Want to support our work? MoveOn.org Civic Action is entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Start a monthly donation here or chip in a one-time donation here.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on December 8, 2014. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Two lesbians raised a baby and this is what he did

Dear MoveOn member,  

Trust me. Take a moment and listen to the first five minutes of this podcast. 

It's the story of Zach Wahls who, when he was 19, gave a speech to defend his family. He was trying to stop a proposed ban on same-sex marriage. His speech was as personal as it gets—because Zach was raised by two moms. 

That speech changed the world. It became one of the most viral political videos ever on YouTube—and for the tens of millions of people who saw it, it ended the myth that gay parents are bad for kids. And after that speech, Zach took on another fight, and changed the world again. 

His story will move you, it will make you want to cheer—and, if you're anything like me or my wife, it will probably make you cry. 


Try listening to it now—click on this link to hear the podcast on iTunes:

Or you can listen on our website here, or Stitcher (for Android or iOS), or subscribe via RSS.

If you like it, please subscribe via iTunes, post a review, and spread the word. Thanks for checking it out. And thanks for all you do. 

Warmly,

–Ben Wikler 

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Start a monthly donation here or chip in a one-time donation 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 December 7, 2014. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.