So much for summer doldrums. Between the Big, Terrible Bill over July 4th, the Alaska Summit, DC takeover, and more, there is a lot going on.
My social media was filled this week with clever Traylor memes and reposts, especially political ones. This one from the AFL-CIO is one of my favorites. Happy Labor Day, thank you unions.
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Happy June. I hope everyone is taking some time this month to celebrate Pride & Juneteenth. We need all the joy we can get.
This weekend demonstrated the stark contrast between the politics of authoritarianism and the politics of the people. We saw our own government send troops to Los Angeles to quell peaceful protests, a United States Senator wrestled to the ground and handcuffed, and our military used as a prop for a birthday parade. And we saw political violence take the life of a beloved state legislator, as the assassin targeted other politicians and abortion rights advocates. But we also saw millions of people peacefully take to the streets to say, No Kings! and denounce the current administration.
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I am sure by now we have all seen the amazing video of Maine Gov. Janet Mills standing up to President Trump. This was the first time in many weeks I felt an inkling of hope. The Trump Administration’s slow coup has been awful in its own right but our elected “leaders” have left me dispirited (with Gov. Mills, Sens. Chris Murphy, Brian Schatz, Tina Smith, Elizabeth Warren and the evergreen AOC among notable exceptions). I even went on the record with The New York Times to express my displeasure and that of nearly every person I have spoken with since January 20 -- whether a donor or a fellow school bus stop Mom -- over the business as usual response.
Democrats are in the minority in both the House and the Senate. But they can still DO SOMETHING to demonstrate that this moment is unprecedented, unlawful, and unacceptable. Too many leaders are relying on litigation and Trump’s likely implosion to save us. That is an insufficient response, to say the least. I have heard, “Oh, not everything is a five-alarm fire” and “We have to pick our battles and not respond to everything” or that “Democrats should roll over and play dead.” NO. That is WRONG.
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Giving Tuesday is upon us and I wanted to pass on some advice for how to maximize your donations and impact. This year, I am particularly focused on communities and issues that will be targeted by the Trump Administration.
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Well, it’s been a few days since our souls were crushed. I am still deep in the sad/despair stage of grief. I had my heart broken in 2000, 2004, and 2016. I tried so hard not to be overly optimistic until the last few days when I really thought things were moving towards us (I curse you, Ann Selzer). In 2016, we were mad. Trump’s win felt like a fluke and we had boogeymen to point to -- James Comey, Bernie bros, the media, etc. This time, we know it’s not a fluke. It’s a pattern. Voters chose Trump with eyes wide open. We’ll learn more about the why over time. And I’m just so, so sad.
So, what now? Here are my initial take-aways:
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Don’t need to give today! But get ready for recounts at all levels and likely post-election protection, litigation, ballot curing, and messaging. Today is Election Hero Day. Please take a moment to thank election workers you come into contact with today, tomorrow, and always.
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