From the Franconia Notch Visibility Brigade!
Hi, all, and happy Tuesday.
I hope you had as good a three-day weekend as possible under the current circumstances. It’s rough out there.
I, for one, attended a glorious protest in Northeast Los Angeles on Sunday evening. I hope many of you were able to attend a similar local event—it’s so restorative! I arrived feeling depleted, and left absolutely walking on air! Big or small, protests really pour Miracle Grow on one’s resolve, don’t they?
And we will need such resolve, as it seems that Democrats in Congress are once again failing us. I’m hearing credible rumors that they are poised to cave on the DHS funding bill, making a “deal” that contains virtually no meaningful restrictions on ICE.
From the DC Download:
The deal cuts ICE’s enforcement and removal funding by $115 million. It also makes new investments in body cameras and de-escalation training, alongside new transparency requirements. Because the Homeland Security bill does not include more guardrails on ICE that Democrats sought, House leaders agreed to hold a separate vote on DHS to keep the larger deal on track even if Democrats defect on that measure. Even with a negotiated deal in hand, the final votes will be the real test—and could expose fractures among Democratic and Republican lawmakers over a bill that sits at the center of the immigration fight.
$115 million is, of course, a laughably small amount to an agency with 145B in funding. Body cameras and de-escalation training are, as we know, wholly ineffective. “Transparency requirements” won’t save a single person from having their life destroyed—or taken—by ICE. This is weak tea, indeed.
While we are in the minority and therefore limited in what we can achieve, this settlement for the bare minimum shows a lack of resolve, an unwillingness to actually fight, and a stunning lack of imagination on Democratic leadership’s part. It provides more irrefutable proof that Schumer and Jeffries are unfit for the job.
We will keep calling and demanding a better deal until the thing is done, of course, because that’s what we do. It sounds, however, like it may be a fait accompli.
Look. The Democratic party is the one we vote for—we have no choice—but it doesn’t mean that they will be the ones to save us. We already knew they wouldn’t. WE will save us. If that weren’t entirely clear before, it is now.
The good news is that we can save us. We will do so by calling our representatives and pushing them to do better, yes. But we will also do it through nonviolent resistance (read this Jay Kuo piece on that, by the way—it’s wonderful.) We will do it through economic boycotts. Through massive protests. Through Visibility Brigades. Through billboards. Through elections. And more!
We can and will use every peaceful lever at our disposal. We must.
It’s a disappointing way to start the week, folks, but we’ve been here before. We know how to keep trudging even when Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries let us down—heck if we didn’t we’d have given up long ago!
We will save us. We are saving us. We, together, are the heroes we’ve been waiting for.
So let’s get to work one more time.
Call Your Senators (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I’m a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
[If your Senator is a Democrat start with this:]
First, I am appalled that Democrats are caving on the DHS spending package. Extracting no meaningful concessions when they actually have leverage is a slap in the face to every US resident being devastated by ICE’s abuses. Democrats must get a better deal. They also need new leadership and they need it now.
[Then to all:]
I am horrified at the letter Trump just sent to Norway. His pathetic obsession with the Nobel Prize, his decision to send a letter that’s made us a global laughingstock, and his inability to distinguish between Norway and Denmark all show him to be unfit for office. It’s time for the 25th amendment.
In the meantime Congress needs to make clear to Trump and the world that the US will not be invading Greenland. They should pass a War Powers Resolution at once, and/or the NATO Unity Protection Act, which would bar the use of Defense or State Department funds to attack a NATO member. Congress needs to re-assert its power before we’re in World War III.
Call Your House Rep (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I’m a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
[If your rep is a Democrat start with this:]
First, I am appalled that Democrats are caving on the DHS spending package. Extracting no meaningful concessions when we actually have leverage is a slap in the face to every US resident being devastated by ICE’s abuses. Democrats must get a better deal. They also need new leadership and they need it now.
[Then to all:]
First, I am horrified at the letter Trump just sent to Norway. His pathetic obsession with the Nobel Prize, his decision to send a letter that’s made us a global laughingstock, and his inability to distinguish between Norway and Denmark all show him to be unfit for office. It’s time for the 25th amendment.
In the meantime Congress needs to make clear to Trump and the world that the US will not be invading Greenland. Pass a War Powers Resolution at once, and/or the No Funds for NATO Invasion Act, to prohibit the use of federal funds for an invasion of any NATO member state or NATO-protected territory. Congress needs to re-assert its power before we’re in World War III.
Extra Credit ✅
[H/T Chris Armitage—read the full piece here]
Since there’s still been no action on arresting Jonathan Ross let’s call the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office at 612-348-5550. Tell them you want Mary Moriarty to issue an arrest warrant for Jonathan Ross. Tell them that if she won’t use the authority she has, she should resign and let someone else do the job. If you get voicemail, leave a message. If the line is busy, call back.
If you can’t get through by phone, email citizeninfo@hennepin.us (I made a quick- send email that you can send by [clicking here](mailto:citizeninfo@hennepin.us ?subject=Charge%20Jonathan%20Ross&body=To%20whom%20it%20may%20concern%20at%20the%20Hennepin%20County%20Attorney’s%20Office%2C%0D%0A%0D%0AI’m%20writing%20to%20ask%20Hennepin%20County%20Attorney%20Mary%20Moriarty%20to%20issue%20an%20arrest%20warrant%20for%20Jonathan%20Ross.%20Ross%20murdered%20Renee%20Nicole%20Good%20in%20your%20county%20and%20must%20be%20held%20accountable.%0D%0A%0D%0AThis%20isn%E2%80%99t%20only%20about%20justice%20for%20Renee%20Good%2C%20though%20it%20is%20certainly%20that.%20This%20is%20about%20whether%20local%20prosecutors%20will%20use%20the%20authority%20they%20have%20to%20hold%20federal%20agents%20accountable%20when%20the%20federal%20government%20is%20fully%20corrupted.%0D%0A%0D%0AIf%20a%20federal%20agent%20can%20kill%20someone%20on%20video%2C%20while%20filming%20her%20himself%2C%20while%20five%20other%20cameras%20roll%2C%20while%20experts%20line%20up%20to%20say%20it%20was%20unjustified%2C%20and%20face%20no%20charges%20because%20the%20federal%20government%20controls%20the%20investigation%20and%20refuses%20to%20share%20evidence%2C%20then%20there%20is%20no%20rule%20of%20law.%20There%20is%20only%20rule.%0D%0A%0D%0AMary%20Moriarty%20can%20change%20that.%20We%20need%20her%20to%20do%20her%20job%20and%20put%20out%20an%20arrest%20warrant.%20There’s%20enough%20evidence%20for%20a%20trial%3B%20let%20a%20jury%20sort%20this%20out%20like%20they%20would%20for%20anyone%20else.%20Want%20to%20calm%20the%20situation%3F%20Show%20the%20public%20that%20you%20won’t%20allow%20murderers%20to%20walk%20free%20just%20because%20Trump%20sent%20them.%0D%0A%0D%0AIf%20Ms.%20Moriarty%20won%E2%80%99t%20use%20the%20authority%20she%20has%2C%20she%20should%20resign%20and%20let%20someone%20else%20do%20the%20job.%20We%20need%20brave%20patriots%20now.%20Please%20ask%20her%20to%20be%20one.%0D%0A%0D%0AThank%20you!) BUT PLEASE PERSONALIZE AND SIGN!) or write to 300 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55487. Find Moriarty on social media at @MaryMoriarty or the official office account @HennepinAtty. The office is also on Facebook at facebook.com/HennepinAttorney and Instagram at @HennepinAttorney.
One prosecution won’t fix everything. But it plants a flag. It proves there’s still a rule of law. Not just a ruler.
P.S. — You can and should also call your State and Local Prosecutors and demand they commit to prosecuting ICE crimes. A wonderful toolkit to help you do so is here, courtesy of the terrific .
Extra Extra Credit! ✅✅
Section 401 of the Clean Water Act has historically given state and tribal governments the authority to challenge large energy projects with long-term impacts on water quality, like oil and gas pipelines. But under Trump’s proposed new rule, states and tribes would only be able to consider the immediate water quality impacts of a project when choosing to approve or reject it, regardless of long-term impacts.
Climate Action Now has made it really easy to comment on this rule by going here. Please do so!
Get Smart on Voting Rights! 📚
Right now, the Supreme Court is considering a decision that could take away a core American freedom: the right to fair and equal representation.
This case is part of a broader push to weaken protections that have stopped politicians from drawing voting maps designed to silence Black, Latino, Asian American and Pacific Islander, and Native communities.
If these protections are weakened, politicians across the country would be given a green light to rig elections by manipulating maps, making it harder for communities of color, especially across the South, to choose leaders who reflect their needs and fight for their families; from affordable housing and health care to good jobs and strong public schools, there will be immediate harms people will face.
That’s why the Declaration for American Democracy Coalition is hosting a virtual call to break down what’s at stake and how people can act. This call will prepare volunteers, advocates, and concerned community members to stand up for fair representation, defend our freedom to vote, and mobilize at the local, state, and federal levels. Our voices matter, and together, we can make sure they are heard.
Wednesday, January 21 at 8PM ET
Get Smart on ICE in MN! 🧊
Join Big Tent USA today, Tuesday, January 20 at 7pm ET for a timely virtual conversation with public policy analyst and creator of the The Existentialist Republic newsletter Christopher Armitage (he suggested the Extra Credit action above!) and political strategist and co-founder of The Lincoln Project Reed Galen, as we unpack what’s happening with ICE enforcement and federal immigration operations, including the recent fatal shooting in Minneapolis and the broader national response. With protests, policy clashes, and urgent questions about the rule of law and democratic accountability in the balance, this discussion will explore the implications of these events and what Americans can do to push back, advocate for accountability, and protect civil liberties.
This one-hour virtual event will combine expert analysis with actionable takeaways for civic engagement at a pivotal moment for our democracy.
Get in the Streets! 🪧
Minnesota activists are holding a BIG day of action this Friday, and are asking allies across the country to hold solidarity actions to keep the focus on ICE’s brutality in the state and advance the call to get ICE out of our cities now. As soon as I know more I’ll post it here. And if you’re in MN please check out the website to learn what’s happening!
Chop Wood, Save the Planet 🔥
The Plastic Problem: Solutions for Greener Living
Thursday, Jan 22 at 12PM PT / 3PM ET
Plastics and PFAS are everywhere—from our food containers to our clothing. Join Green America to learn about the hidden health risks of these materials in your everyday life and discover practical, affordable solutions to create a safer home for your family. We’ll cover easy swaps, what to avoid, and actionable steps you can take today. Plus, bring your questions for our live Q&A!~All registrants will receive the recording by email or you can find it on our youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Iamagreenamerican
Resistbot Letter (new to Resistbot? Go here! And then here.) 💻
[To: all 3 reps] [H/T Rogan’s List] [Text SIGN PTCKBJ to 50409, or to @Resistbot on Apple Messages, Messenger, Instagram, or Telegram]
(Note that for the most effective RESISTBOT it’s best to personalize this text. More about how to do this here. But if you’re short on time just send it as is using the above code.)
It’s becoming impossible to ignore that the Trump Administration is extremely serious about their bizarre fantasies of conquering Greenland. They are openly and explicitly threatening the use of military force.Let’s talk plainly: Donald Trump is suggesting he’ll send our young men and women into battle, to fight and kill and die, against NATO.There’s no polite way to express how outrageous this is. These are the Putin-esque battle cries of a rogue state, threatening wars of conquest against anyone who does not bend to their will. This all may sound great to corporate interests and Trump’s billionaire donors, one of whom gave him the whole idea for annexation. But this is a war the American people don’t want to conquer people who don’t want to be Americans aimed at goals that can be easily served by working with Greenlanders and Denmark instead of treating them like enemies. It would be a waste of resources at a time when the White House is claiming we can’t afford to make health care and child care affordable. The threats alone are shattering the alliance that helped us win the Cold War.As your constituent, I am asking you to immediately publicly denounce the threat of military action against another NATO state and to reject any push to annex Greenland. I am also urging you to commit to supporting any upcoming war powers resolution to block an invasion, and to support Senator Ruben Gallego’s amendment to the defense appropriations bill and use the government funding process to prevent our money from being used to attack or purchase Greenland.Enough is enough. No more forever wars.
OK, you did it again! You’re helping to save democracy! You’re amazing.
Talk soon.
Jess
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