Hi, all, and happy Friday.
This opening will consist mostly of a couple of housekeeping bits. Why? Because I’m not sure it’s worth delving into Trump’s illegal new tariffs—the biggest news of the day—until we’re sure they’ll actually take effect in a week. I do know the markets are already freaking out about them—if they continue that way I almost guarantee Trump will “TACO” again. This has become predictable, ironically, as the only thing Trump does seem to care about is the stock market. But who knows? Maybe this time he’ll actually stick to his guns. Either way, I’ll weigh in once we know what’s actually real.
On to the housekeeping:
First, I’m aware that the link for dontinflateourplates.com didn’t work for everyone yesterday. I’m not sure why, as it worked for me. Anyway, sorry about that! Here it is again; this one works for sure. The timing on this website couldn’t be better, as inflation is worsening rapidly and it’s important that we draw a line between high prices and Trump’s policies.
Next, a word to anyone who attended last night’s You Tube event with Senator Wyden. I know that I, for one, was initially underwhelmed by it, mostly because I’d been expecting something longer. Upon further reflection, however, I do think there was some quite explosive information contained therein, and that Senator Wyden’s line of inquiry could prove to be critical over time.
Basically, Wyden’s staff has been researching the financial aspect of Epstein’s crimes for over three years now, working with Republican Senators’ staffers in a bipartisan way through the Senate Commerce Committee. They got access to a classified Treasury file and found over 4000 wire transfers related to Epstein, all through one bank, and worth 1 billion dollars in total. Wyden believes the transfers involve sex trafficking and that if we could see their details we would learn an enormous amount about who was involved in Epstein’s activities. It does seem as if there are ties to Russia there, as well. The whole thing stinks to high Heaven. I’m encouraged to know that Wyden and his staff are doggedly pursing this line of inquiry.
You can watch the 8-minute video here.
We will keep tabs on this investigation and do what we can to demand transparency from the DOJ. We likely won’t get it under this administration, of course, but if we make enough noise we might be able to move the needle a bit. And, of course, when we flip the House next year we will have subpoena power again. This will help immeasurably.
The takeaway from all of this? Let’s not let the Epstein issue die. It’s crucial that we get justice for the victims, and that whomever is involved not escape accountability.
Finally, I want to let you know that next week I will be taking a one-week break from the newsletter. I hate to do this—in fact I only do do it twice a year—but sometimes even I need to rest. By Saturday, too, we will have 17 family members here in Nova Scotia, and I want to enjoy them as much as I can.
Obviously if anything explosive happens I’ll pop in.
Barring that, have a glorious week, my friends. Don’t forget that 5 Calls is always there with scripts if you need them. But I hope you, too, get a bit of rest.
But for now let’s forgo talk of rest and get to work!
Call Your Senators (find yours here or use this list to find staffer contact info) 📲
Hi, I’m a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
First, I just learned that Trump has quietly put a Texas wealth manager with no conservation experience in charge of our national parks and wildlife refuges. His name is Kevin Lilly. Trump has a track record of keeping unqualified people like Lilly in their positions in an acting capacity because they would never get Senate confirmation. I want the Senator to make sure this doesn’t happen here. Our National Parks deserve qualified, Senate-confirmed leadership. Lilly is not it.
Second, I know that Democrats reintroduced the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act this week; I want the Senator to co-sponsor it. Every American, regardless of zip code, skin color, or income level, deserves to have their voice heard at the ballot box. We need this bill now. Thanks.
Call Your House Rep (find yours here or use this list to find staffer contact info) 📲 📲
Hi, I’m a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
I know that Democrats reintroduced the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act this week; I want the Congressmember to co-sponsor it. The bill number in the House is HR 14. Every American, regardless of zip code, skin color, or income level, deserves to have their voice heard at the ballot box. We need this bill now. Thanks.
Extra Credit ✅
Call your state’s Governor (find contact info for yours here) and say:
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent from [CITY.]
I’m calling to ask that the Governor publicly condemn the radical redistricting process happening in Texas. All state leaders must speak out against the dangerous precedent established by this blatantly partisan gerrymandering.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
[H/T 5 Calls]
Get Smart! 📚
Help Improve Local TV News — at the FCC and in our home towns!
The Media and democracy Project is hosting an event on Monday August 4 at 8pm ET with legendary media reform activist Sue Wilson (an Emmy-winning investigative journalist turned media reformer).
The event has two purposes: discuss what’s brewing in local TV ownership and why that matters to democracy; and alsohow to engage as individuals and communities in media reform and advocacy.
Monday August 4, 2025 8pm ET via Zoom.
Messaging! Messaging! Messaging! 📣
Here are some key facts on Trump’s recent economic failures, courtesy of Defend America Action. Make sure you share them widely!
Today’s jobs report showed that the economy added just 73,000 jobs in July — well below market expectations
Layoff announcements are at their highest level since the first half of 2020.
Nearly two-thirds of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of inflation
Stellantis will lose $2.7 billion due partly to tariffs
GM’s second-quarter profits fell 32% due to Trump’s tariffs
Trump tariffs added $1.1 billion in costs to GM
Canada tariffs could add $14,000 to the cost of building a home by 2027
Beef prices are hitting record highs, rising nearly 9% this year
On Trump’s Deep Unpopularity:
Just 1 in 4 American adults say Trump’s policies have helped them
56% disapprove of Trump’s handling of the presidency
6 in 10 Americans oppose Trump and Republicans’ big, ugly bill
69% of Americans believe the Trump administration is hiding information about Jeffrey Epstein
Only 16% approve of the Trump administration’s handling of its investigation into the Epstein case
Give 💰!
Lots of us are worried about the Trump Administration’s attacks on the environment and our climate progress. Fortunately there’s one organization that’s fighting back and winning. That’s Earthjustice. It’s a nonprofit legal organization that has been fighting in the courts and alongside communities for planet earth–and clean air and water–since 1971! Simply put, they’re the Earth’s lawyers because our planet really needs a good one. They’re also in need of our support!
Earthjustice fights at every level to accelerate the transition to clean, renewable energy and end dependence on fossil fuels and protect public health. They represent hundreds of clients and partners – big and small – always free of charge. Why? Well, they believe that justice shouldn’t have a price tag. I agree!
Since Trump has been in office this second time around, Earthjustice has already filed several major lawsuits against his Administration—including against his huge EPA cuts and the building of a detention camp the Florida Everglades.
Earthjustice knows that at this moment, it’s not enough to focus solely on a strong defense against regulatory rollbacks.They are also committed to actively continue the work to build the thriving, sustainable, healthy world that is still within reach.
Anyway, if you’ve been wanting to support an environmental org, Earthjustice would be the one I’d pick. In fact I’m partnering with them to help them raise money because, well, I want my kid to have a livable future. If you do, too, please consider donating if you can. Individual supporters help to power their ability to fight back. We want them to keep being able to do the good work we really need! Donate Here!
P.S.
Check out their litigation tracker here–it’s really impressive. And if you want to see how often they’ve won just this year read this!
Win Races! 🗳
Want to write postcards that are data-proven to turn out environmentally-minded voters?
Sign up for the Environmental Voter Project’s postcarding training on Aug. 6, 1pm ET / 10am PT so you can take part in their upcoming Georgia postcarding efforts. Note: even if you’ve written postcards for other organizations, you still must attend an EVP training before writing postcards with them. But it’s worth it, I promise! EVP will send you the postcards and their scripts are blissfully short and effective!
Resistbot Letter (new to Resistbot? Go here! And then here.) 💻
[To: all 3 reps] [H/T] [Text SIGN PIBWZV 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.)
Senators Ron Wyden, Mike Crapo, and a bipartisan group of staffers have found evidence of over 4,000 wire transfers associated with Jeffrey Epstein’s sex-trafficking ring. Details of those transfers, which total over a billion dollars, are in the possession of the Treasury Department. I’m writing to say that they must now be made available to the Senate Finance Committee so that the bipartisan team there can uncover the truth. This is something that Pam Bondi can require immediately, and she should.
Senator Wyden’s team saw the names of women and girls in these transfers. It is almost certain that this money was for sex trafficking. We need more information about who was wiring this money and to whom.
No matter who was involved with Jeffrey Epstein the truth must come out. Please push the Dept. of Treasury to release all of these files to the Senate Finance Committee now. Thanks.
OK, you did it again! You’re helping to save democracy! You’re amazing.
Talk soon.
Jess
Chop Wood, Carry Water is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
From Chop Wood, Carry Water via this RSS feed
You must log in or # to comment.