To your point, I’m sure that this escalation strategy was planned to be most prevalent and visible in California, given the history between Trump and Newsom. The fact that Trump is threatening to call out the National Guard and the Marines over the objection of the Governor and LA Mayor despite the fact that there was no rioting, looting or any real violence other than what the ICE officers were engaging in is his typical tough guy, “I’ll show you whose boss” kind of move.
I’m also sure that it’s no coincidence that Trump is purposely fanning the flames of potential military intervention just a week before the scheduled No Kings protest. His point being to scare folks into not showing up. Which is why it will be even more important for us to find ways to continue to show up and push back, peacefully.
Most upsetting is the hypocrisy of "settling" with the Proud Boys for their attack on our Capitol (for millions of dollars), while sending the National Guard to "protect??" Americans who are protesting the aggressive and questionable deportation tactics of ICE.
It’s also interesting to remember that Trump was criticized by MAGA in 2020 for not doing more to quell protests after the George Floyd murder, particularly in blue states. People like Mike Flynn were calling for him to invoke martial law but cooler heads prevailed. Unfortunately those cooler heads don’t exist in Trump 2.0.
General strike? Is that a safe and effective response? A plan I just made up: When they show up in your city, you can stay home and support those who are striking even though they can’t afford to, or reach out to someone who can support you financially, be resourceful and believe in community. Start talking to your employer about the possibility of striking, google “[your industry] strike” to make a plan with coworkers? Get friends and fam to strike and post about it. Look for local political action groups who are organizing resistance. Don’t go back to work until they are out of your city. If you know you’ll be targeted (i.e. BIPOC) stay home, if you know they likely won’t target you (i.e. white, blonde), peaceful protest in the streets. Make it so hard for them to call it a riot. Start planning now. Better to do this right away before it escalates. Stay safe, stay peaceful!
When I can my senators (in PA, so strong shrug emoji) - what do I say? I call every day but I always feel stupid because my thoughts aren’t always fully formed, despite practicing before I call.
This may be a hot take, but I think it's actually okay if your message isn't polished. As long as the staffer can understand the issue about which you're concerned and the action you want your representative to take, your call should be considered effective. I love 5 Calls, scripts, etc., but I actually wonder if it's not more impactful for staffers to hear from folks who aren't just reading the same words provided on the internet or an app. For each call, write on a notepad (or on your notes app, or whatever) two things:
1. The issue about which you're calling
and
2. What you want your rep to DO about it
Having those two essential elements in front of you should keep your message clear and on track, even if you don't feel like you're the most eloquent caller in the world. Again, I actually think that can be a benefit when staffers are hearing literally the same pre-written scripts read to them on many calls (although I am not suggesting people shouldn't use scripts if that's the way they can make themselves engage).
Thanks so much! I really like the advice to write it down. I haven’t done that yet. Usually I just get fired up, go for my morning walk break, and then call. I try to pick a topic but as I’m sure other people can relate, there seem to be so many, it’s hard to narrow it down.
There are so many! I usually write stuff down while am I’m at work, see something on the news that gets me fired up. I do also try and find something that I can thank my rep for (I have blue reps tho), like when they recently killed the part of the ugly bill that would’ve sold off NV public lands
Thanks! I’ve seen the app mentioned but haven’t committed to it yet. It sounds like it could help my nervousness about doing it “wrong” or not effectively.
To get some practice in, if you’re nervous, call after hours and leave a voicemail (if it’s setup). I also write out what I’m going to say after reading what’s 5 calls has
Thanks! I already call everyday but sometimes my anger gets the better of me and my voicemails reflect that. I worry that it’s not doing any good to be so passionate on the voicemails. And twice in the last two weeks someone actually answered at McCormick’s office and I almost dropped the phone I was so surprised.
I hadn’t had any luck for five months. But in the last two weeks I randomly got lucky and talked to a staffer. It was a late in the day call so I’ve tried to call at that same time lately.
The 5calls app takes all the guesswork out of calling. My only suggestion is to pair down the suggested script to a sentence or 2. Usually there is a whole paragraph provided that I find unnecessary
The hypocrisy when it comes to LA with peaceful protests and the pardoning of J6 rioters is just astounding. It is way too clear that there are separate rules depending on if you bow to Trump or believe in democracy.
Emily, thank you for your post about gathering for protests.
Here’s my plan and what I’ve done during two protest/marches and what I plan to do at the dual support and protest march this coming Saturday in Boston:
When I see police, or law enforcement, I smile at them and give a friendly wave.
If I do find myself close enough to speak to them, I’ll say in my most earnest and respectful voice, “Thank you for being here to keep us all safe.”
We have to keep in mind 99.8 % of them are there because they are required or were ordered to be present.
Post script: if I do encounter Ice at the protest/ March, I’ll do my best. If I witness violence against marchers/ protesters, I’m dialing 911, then I will attempt to record on my phone.
To your point, I’m sure that this escalation strategy was planned to be most prevalent and visible in California, given the history between Trump and Newsom. The fact that Trump is threatening to call out the National Guard and the Marines over the objection of the Governor and LA Mayor despite the fact that there was no rioting, looting or any real violence other than what the ICE officers were engaging in is his typical tough guy, “I’ll show you whose boss” kind of move.
I’m also sure that it’s no coincidence that Trump is purposely fanning the flames of potential military intervention just a week before the scheduled No Kings protest. His point being to scare folks into not showing up. Which is why it will be even more important for us to find ways to continue to show up and push back, peacefully.
Completely agree. It's making some of our friends with kids second guess their plans to all join.
Thank you for this. As always it seems they are projecting their own actions on others.
Most upsetting is the hypocrisy of "settling" with the Proud Boys for their attack on our Capitol (for millions of dollars), while sending the National Guard to "protect??" Americans who are protesting the aggressive and questionable deportation tactics of ICE.
It’s also interesting to remember that Trump was criticized by MAGA in 2020 for not doing more to quell protests after the George Floyd murder, particularly in blue states. People like Mike Flynn were calling for him to invoke martial law but cooler heads prevailed. Unfortunately those cooler heads don’t exist in Trump 2.0.
General strike? Is that a safe and effective response? A plan I just made up: When they show up in your city, you can stay home and support those who are striking even though they can’t afford to, or reach out to someone who can support you financially, be resourceful and believe in community. Start talking to your employer about the possibility of striking, google “[your industry] strike” to make a plan with coworkers? Get friends and fam to strike and post about it. Look for local political action groups who are organizing resistance. Don’t go back to work until they are out of your city. If you know you’ll be targeted (i.e. BIPOC) stay home, if you know they likely won’t target you (i.e. white, blonde), peaceful protest in the streets. Make it so hard for them to call it a riot. Start planning now. Better to do this right away before it escalates. Stay safe, stay peaceful!
When I can my senators (in PA, so strong shrug emoji) - what do I say? I call every day but I always feel stupid because my thoughts aren’t always fully formed, despite practicing before I call.
This may be a hot take, but I think it's actually okay if your message isn't polished. As long as the staffer can understand the issue about which you're concerned and the action you want your representative to take, your call should be considered effective. I love 5 Calls, scripts, etc., but I actually wonder if it's not more impactful for staffers to hear from folks who aren't just reading the same words provided on the internet or an app. For each call, write on a notepad (or on your notes app, or whatever) two things:
1. The issue about which you're calling
and
2. What you want your rep to DO about it
Having those two essential elements in front of you should keep your message clear and on track, even if you don't feel like you're the most eloquent caller in the world. Again, I actually think that can be a benefit when staffers are hearing literally the same pre-written scripts read to them on many calls (although I am not suggesting people shouldn't use scripts if that's the way they can make themselves engage).
Thanks so much! I really like the advice to write it down. I haven’t done that yet. Usually I just get fired up, go for my morning walk break, and then call. I try to pick a topic but as I’m sure other people can relate, there seem to be so many, it’s hard to narrow it down.
There are so many! I usually write stuff down while am I’m at work, see something on the news that gets me fired up. I do also try and find something that I can thank my rep for (I have blue reps tho), like when they recently killed the part of the ugly bill that would’ve sold off NV public lands
I'm in PA as well. I use the 5calls app to help me to know what to say. You select issues and they provide a script.
Thanks! I’ve seen the app mentioned but haven’t committed to it yet. It sounds like it could help my nervousness about doing it “wrong” or not effectively.
To get some practice in, if you’re nervous, call after hours and leave a voicemail (if it’s setup). I also write out what I’m going to say after reading what’s 5 calls has
I always leave voicemails
Good strategy, Jennifer!
That settles me before I call.
Thanks! I already call everyday but sometimes my anger gets the better of me and my voicemails reflect that. I worry that it’s not doing any good to be so passionate on the voicemails. And twice in the last two weeks someone actually answered at McCormick’s office and I almost dropped the phone I was so surprised.
That is surprising…I’ve heard that his office rarely answers the phone!
I hadn’t had any luck for five months. But in the last two weeks I randomly got lucky and talked to a staffer. It was a late in the day call so I’ve tried to call at that same time lately.
The 5calls app takes all the guesswork out of calling. My only suggestion is to pair down the suggested script to a sentence or 2. Usually there is a whole paragraph provided that I find unnecessary
Thanks for that insight. Much appreciated!!
I also just use the website as I have my reps on speed dial (wow I'm old) I mean saved in my phone already
It really helped me make calling my reps more of a regular practice.
The hypocrisy when it comes to LA with peaceful protests and the pardoning of J6 rioters is just astounding. It is way too clear that there are separate rules depending on if you bow to Trump or believe in democracy.
The amount of "I know you are but what am I" that Republicans engage in is truly astonishing
Emily, thank you for your post about gathering for protests.
Here’s my plan and what I’ve done during two protest/marches and what I plan to do at the dual support and protest march this coming Saturday in Boston:
When I see police, or law enforcement, I smile at them and give a friendly wave.
If I do find myself close enough to speak to them, I’ll say in my most earnest and respectful voice, “Thank you for being here to keep us all safe.”
We have to keep in mind 99.8 % of them are there because they are required or were ordered to be present.
Post script: if I do encounter Ice at the protest/ March, I’ll do my best. If I witness violence against marchers/ protesters, I’m dialing 911, then I will attempt to record on my phone.
This is super helpful, thanks!
Well said, Emily!