October 16, 2023
Chaos in the House, horror in the Middle East, the next big climate battle, and more
*** SUBMITTING YOUR ACTIONS TO ROGAN’S LIST ***
We’ve set up a “tip line” so Rogan’s List subscribers can send in their ideas or submissions for action items at roganslisttips@gmail.com. Please don’t hesitate to email and pass on your suggestions, we look forward to hearing from you!
Contact all members of Congress:
- By phone: (202) 224-3121
- By email: democracy.io
- By US mail: Representatives / Senators
- By fax: Representatives / Senators
- By Resistbot: Resist.bot
Contact White House or other federal agencies:
- URGE THE HOUSE FOR BIPARTISAN SOLUTION TO SPEAKER CRISIS
The latest GOP nominee for speaker, extremist Jim Jordan, is a staunch far-right Trump ally who played a leading role in the conspiracy to steal the election and has never been held accountable for turning a blind eye to sexual abuse of young men in his care. While he is far from the number of votes needed to win the job, we should still do everything we can to make sure he is not selected and urge our Republican reps to move toward a bipartisan unity government as a way forward, as discussed in this article from Axios. Let’s tell our rep not to vote for Jordan and instead vote for a moderate speaker who can work across the aisle. - DONATE FOR HUMANITARIAN RELIEF IN ISRAEL AND GAZA
The war between the State of Israel and Hamas is quickly turning into a humanitarian disaster, and innocent civilians from both Israel and Palestine are in dire need of assistance. Here’s some folks are doing the work to help who we can boost and donate to:- J Street has compiled a list of humanitarian organizations providing first responder, medical care, trauma care, supplies for displaced families, and more we can review and share
- The International Committee of the Red Cross is a neutral, independent organization that provides support no matter which “side” they’re on, and accepts donations here
- Doctors Without Borders has long provided medical and psychological care to those caught up in the conflict
- ZAKA volunteers work to ensure a full and proper Jewish burial for victims of terror attacks and mass casualty incidents
- Americans Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA) has been mobilizing resources for emergency relief for refugees in Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan since 1968
- Mercy Corps has been helping Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza access critical services since 1986
- TELL THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION TO BLOCK CP2
In the wake of the hottest September on record, the Biden Administration has a huge decision to make. The Calcasieu Pass 2 (CP2) liquefied methane gas export terminal planned for Louisiana’s Gulf Coast would enable 20 times the climate pollution expected from the Willow Project – emissions that would not technically count against America’s numbers because they will take place overseas but that will drag us into a hotter, more dangerous world nonetheless. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has already given its environmental approval and will consider its final approval this month. If FERC gives the okay, the Department of Energy will need to decide whether to grant CP2 a license to export, if it’s in “the public interest.” Let’s reach out to FERC, the Energy Department and the White House and urge them to recognize the climate emergency we face and say no to CP2. We can also urge our members of Congress to follow the lead of Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and put out public statements opposing this project, and donate to and get updates from the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, which is leading opposition to this project on the ground.
- PREVENT COMPANIES FROM PASSING COSTS OF DEFAMATION SUITS TO TAXPAYERS
When FOX settled its defamation suit against Dominion Voting Systems and admitted to telling lies about the 2020 election, they were allowed to deduct the $787 million payment along with their legal costs from their income taxes as an ordinary business expense. A new bill, the Defame Act, introduced in the Senate by Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and in the House by Brendan Boyle (D-PA) would prevent companies from getting tax breaks for defamation settlements. Let’s tell our MoCs to co-sponsor this bill and get it through committee and onto the floor for a vote.
- GET INFORMED ON YOUR SCHOOL BOARD“School Board Spotlight shines a light on school board members who are putting politics ahead of America’s students. SBS empowers grassroots organizations with information on school board members, districts, and populations served so they know where to focus their efforts around school boards in a strategic and impactful way. Together, we are building a long-term, data-informed strategy to protect and support school board members to lead and pass policies that serve the educational needs of all students.” We can use their interactive infographic to search up information on our school boards and how we can support them. Find out more at schoolboardspotlight.org.
STATE-SPECIFIC ACTIONS
- MA – VOLUNTEER FOR RENT CONTROL
For all the advantages of living in Massachusetts, not nearly enough people can afford to do it. Fair market rent here is nearly 50% higher than the national average. Led by State Rep. Mike Connolly, activists are trying to help change that by putting a question on next year’s ballot to allow local governments to implement rent control. Organizers need to collect 75,000 signatures by November 22nd, and they’re looking for volunteers. We can sign up to help this initiative succeed here.
AND FINALLY, SOME GOOD NEWS
- LAST WEEK’S WINS
The last seven days have been marked by chaos and tragedy beyond description. It can be hard in the face of so much pain to maintain the hope you need to keep working for change. But we still took steps towards a better world, too, and we cannot stop pushing for more. Here’s a summary of some of last week’s biggest from our friend and ally Jessica Craven at Chop Wood, Carry Water, including a new proposed rule banning junk fees from the FTC, courtroom victories against drag bans and for voting rights, and justice for Elijah McClain.