Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Remember the Tax Day protests?

We're gathering together in July to meet and create our American Dream agenda. Can you host a house meeting in Inwood?

Host a house meeting
Dear MoveOn member,

The right wing has a vision for our economy, and they've been pushing it for 40 years: slash government services, shelter corporations and the rich from taxes, and attack workers' rights.

This year things are different. From the protests in Wisconsin to the outrage over plans to destroy Medicare, people across the country have stood up against the right-wing agenda in a big way. And you were part of it yourself on Tax Day in April when thousands of us protested corporate tax dodgers for not paying their fair share.

With more and more working Americans rejecting the conservative vision, there's an opening—and a need—for new ideas. This is our chance to develop a progressive economic vision that can lead a movement to rebuild the American Dream.

But, unlike the right, we're going to do it differently. We're going to build our vision together from the grassroots up. We'll gather at homes, church basements, and community centers to share our personal stories about what's really going on in the economy and then we'll put our heads together to come up with and recommend the very best and most inspiring ideas for transforming our economy.

Over two days, July 16 and 17, we're going to meet in all 435 congressional districts for American Dream house meetings. We're not just starting another campaign with these meetings. We're building a movement with a new vision for the American Dream—with enough power to hold Congress accountable to it. 

You stepped up to protest corporate tax dodgers in April—can you host an American Dream house meeting in Inwood?

Yes, I'm interested in hosting!

This is our opportunity to turn the anger and energy we've seen from progressives this year into a movement with a strong vision for how to fix our economy, stop the right wing agenda, and make sure the American Dream doesn't disappear forever.

But none of that's going to happen unless people like you step forward all across to country. Can you help by hosting a meeting in Inwood?

Yes, I want to take the next step!

Thanks for all you do.

–Lenore, Carrie, Adam Q., Eli, and the rest of the team

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on May 31, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Halliburton's scheme

Click here to sign your name:
 "President Obama: Ban political spending by military contractors and other corporations that get most of their business from the federal government."

Sign the Petition!



Dear MoveOn member,

Right now giant defense contractors like Lockheed-Martin, Halliburton, and Blackwater are allowed to funnel taxpayer money from government contracts into lobbying and secret political contributions for their friends in Congress.

President Obama is taking on this perverse cycle by considering an executive order that would require corporations doing business with the government to disclose their political spending.1 That would be a good start but we need to do more. 

In a new video, former Labor Secretary Robert Reich calls on President Obama to go further and ban all political spending by corporations that get most of their business from government contracts.

Check out the video and then sign the petition supporting a complete spending ban:

Secretary Reich goes over how the "Military-Industrial-Congressional Complex" uses our tax money to lobby and fund politicians who, in turn, award those same companies ever more lucrative contracts for high-tech weapons and private security forces. 

It's a perverse cycle. Corporations that get most of their money from taxpayers shouldn't be allowed to spend that money backing candidates for office and lobbying in Congress.

The President doesn't have to wait for Congress to act. He can issue the order immediately and stop the flow of tax dollars into political and lobbying campaigns by giant government contractors.

Watch the video and ask President Obama to stop the political spending:

http://pol.moveon.org/militarycontractors?id=27605-10220574-gcs.i5x&t=5

Thanks for all you do.

–Robin, Tim, Stephen, Sarah, and the rest of the team

Source:

1. "Obama order could make corporate political spending public," Los Angeles Times, May 8, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=208428&id=27605-10220574-gcs.i5x&t=6

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on May 27, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

The plan to stop the war

In the next day, the House is voting on legislation requiring a plan to end the war in Afghanistan, including an accelerated return of our troops. Can you call Rep. McCarthy and urge her to vote for the McGovern-Jones Amendment?

Representative Carolyn McCarthy
Phone: 202-225-5516

Report Your Call!
Dear MoveOn member,

Since the death of Osama bin Laden, pressure has been building to end the war in Afghanistan, including from nearly a quarter of a million Americans calling on President Obama to start bringing our troops home.

And it's having an impact—because now the House is voting on legislation that would put that call into action.

In the next day, the House will vote on the bipartisan McGovern-Jones Amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, which calls for an "accelerated transition" of U.S. troops out of Afghanistan.

The media and the public will be using this vote to gauge where Congress stands on the war. So, pass or fail, every vote counts. That's why it's vital that we all contact our representatives immediately, before they take to the floor and take their stand on the war.

Can you call Rep. McCarthy right now and let her know you're counting on her vote for the McGovern-Jones Amendment?

Representative Carolyn McCarthy
Phone: 202-225-5516

Then click here to report your call.

Over 1,500 troops have been killed and tens of thousands more wounded in the Afghanistan war.1 Over $440 billion has been spent and over $100 billion more requested for 2012, when we need that money spent at home, not on endless conflict.2

After 10 long years, the American people deserve a plan to end this war and our troops deserve to be reunited with their families.

The McGovern-Jones Amendment, sponsored by Representatives Jim McGovern (D-MA) and Walter Jones (R-NC), requires President Obama to provide Congress with a plan, including a time frame and completion date, for an accelerated transition of military operations to Afghan authorities.

Right now, the president is deciding how many troops to bring home to honor the pledge he made in 2009 to start bringing them home this July. The more representatives who vote for the McGovern-Jones Amendment, the more pressure will build on the president to bring this war to a swift end.

Rep. McCarthy is voting soon—there isn't a moment to spare. Please pick up the phone now and ask her to support the McGovern-Jones Amendment:

Representative Carolyn McCarthy
Phone: 202-225-5516

Then click here to report your call.

Thanks for all you do.

–Justin, Tim, Eli, Amy, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. Department of Defense, updated statement of casualties
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=208644&id=27556-10220574-zKmVBix&t=4

2. "The financial cost of bin Laden: (At least) $1.3 trillion," Salon, May 2, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=208645&id=27556-10220574-zKmVBix&t=5

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on May 25, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Monday, May 23, 2011

No cuts to Medicare

Dear MoveOn member,
 
Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich is back, and this time he's got some excellent advice for Democrats: Take Medicare cuts off the table.

With the budget debate in Washington heating up, we know Republicans will try to muddy the waters to hide their own plan to abolish Medicare. That's why it's so important that Democrats are unequivocal in their opposition to Medicare cuts.

Check out Secretary Reich's newest video and then pass it on so we make sure Medicare is protected:


Thanks for all you do.

Daniel, Peter, Carrie, Eli, and the rest of the team

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on May 23, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

It's bad--really bad

Republican governors and state legislators are pushing a frightening far-right agenda to slash funding for public education, cut off Medicaid for millions of poor and elderly people, and more. Can you chip in $5 to stop the Republican onslaught in the states?

Contribute Now


Dear New York MoveOn member,

Imagine if tea party Republicans were in charge of everything—without President Obama to veto their worst bills.

That's pretty much the situation in 20 states—almost half the country—and what we're seeing is absolutely horrifying.

Millions of poor and disabled seniors are being dumped from Medicaid. Republican politicians are cutting billions from education. Unions are being attacked on every front. And New York isn't immune from the right-wing tide—the more this stuff passes elsewhere, the easier it is to get traction here.1

The clock is ticking: With just a couple weeks left in many state legislative sessions, Republican politicians across the country are racing to pass the most extreme right-wing bills while they still can.

That's why we've launched a major new initiative to fight back against the worst Republican officials—but we need to raise $200,000 to make sure we have the resources to take on so many fights at once.

Can you chip in $5 right now?

Here's the plan: To take on the right-wing assault in so many different states and communities, we've launched a whole new online organizing platform called SignOn.org.

SignOn.org allows local progressive organizations and leaders to run their own MoveOn-style campaigns by creating online petitions, sending timely email alerts to their grassroots supporters, and connecting with other local progressives who can help.

By linking MoveOn's online organizing know-how with the best local progressive leaders, we will have the grassroots muscle we need to win. Here are some great examples of SignOn at work: 

  • In Florida, pro-choice Representative Scott Randolph used SignOn to fight back against a raft of bills attacking abortion rights.
  • In Pennsylvania, a coalition of progressive leaders are using SignOn to stop Governor Tom Corbett from cutting one billion dollars from public schools.
  • And in Maine, more than 18,000 people have signed a SignOn petition supporting legislation to allow voters to recall the state's tea party governor, Paul LePage.

But there are so many more fights we need to take on—and the repercussions of these fights go far beyond each state's borders, because a terrible law passed in one state often becomes a model for others, like Arizona's radical anti-immigration law.

It's only with the support of our members that we can follow through on all these key fights.

Click here to chip in $5—or as much as you can

Thanks for all you do.

–Anna, Steven, Adam, Michael, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "Governors are Proposing Further Deep Cuts in Services, Likely Harming Their Economies," Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, March 21, 2011
http://www.cbpp.org/cms/?fa=view&id=3389


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on May 18, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

What Google and Facebook are hiding

Dear MoveOn member,
 
MoveOn wouldn't be possible without the open Internet. But according to our own Eli Pariser, the Internet itself is changing. His book on the topic, The Filter Bubble, comes out this week (you can check it out here).

In March, the TED conference invited him to preview the argument. When I talked to Eli beforehand, he was really nervous—in the audience were top executives from Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and a number of other companies he critiques. But his call for an open, ethical Internet—he actually called out the Google founders and Bill Gates in the audience by name—got a standing ovation. And it's been burning up the TED website ever since.

We're sharing it today because we think it's a really important point. Increasingly, the Internet is hiding things from us, and we don't even know it. Take a moment to watch Eli's TED talk today: 


Click here to see the talk
 
The Filter Bubble, Eli's book, has been getting good reviews, too. Here's a particularly good one from author and 350.org organizer Bill McKibben:
 
"You spend half your life in Internet space, but trust me—you don't understand how it works. Eli Pariser's book is a masterpiece of both investigation and interpretation; he exposes the way we're sent down particular information tunnels, and he explains how we might once again find ourselves in a broad public square of ideas. This couldn't be a more interesting book; it casts an illuminating light on so many of our daily encounters."
 
If you're interested in the book, you can check it out by clicking on the image to the left or this link—all of Eli's profits from this email will go to MoveOn.org Civic Action.

It's not a given that the Internet will remain fertile ground for democracy. We need to make sure it does, and Eli's argument is an important part of that fight.

Thanks for all you do.

–Daniel and the MoveOn.org Civic Action Team
  



Subscription Management:
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Monday, May 16, 2011

Have an idea for a petition?

Dear MoveOn member,

Ever heard Margaret Mead's famous saying? "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

That's the story of MoveOn. In 1998, when a Republican Congress was focusing all its efforts on impeaching President Clinton, two people with no political experience started a simple online petition: "Censure President Clinton and Move On to Pressing Issues Facing the Nation."

They shared their petition with their friends, and within days they had hundreds of thousands of signatures. Today, MoveOn has over 5 million members—mostly folks who got involved by signing an online petition, and have stayed active in helping to fight for a progressive America.

That's why we've just launched a new website where you can start your own online petition and invite your friends to sign it. We'll send the most popular petitions to other MoveOn members to help build support for your cause.

It's easy to get started—just click here:

http://www.signon.org/create_start.html?id=27431-10220574-vKmi.6x&t=1

Thanks!

–Anna, Julia, Michael, Wes, and the rest of the team



Subscription Management:
This is a message from MoveOn.org Civic Action. To change your email address or update your contact info, please visit:
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To remove yourself (eddie alfaro) from this list, please visit our subscription management page at:
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Friday, May 13, 2011

Republicans running scared

A special election in a conservative New York congressional district has become a referendum on Republican plans to end Medicare—and the Democrat is tied in the polls! A win here will send shock waves through Washington. Please support the efforts of our local allies at the Working Families Party. 

Help save Medicare
Dear MoveOn member,

A special congressional election in upstate New York has suddenly become the most important battleground in the fight against Republican plans to abolish Medicare.

This is a solidly Republican district, but the Republican candidate is in free-fall ever since she said she would vote to abolish Medicare.1 Now The New York Times is calling this "the first electoral test of the Republican agenda."2 And recent polls show Kathy Hochul, the Democratic candidate, tied in the polls! 

A win here will send shock waves through the Washington establishment. It'll put Republicans on the defensive and slow their attacks on the middle class. And it'll embolden Democrats to stand up and fight. Winning here may be the best way to save Medicare.

Our allies at the Working Families Party are running a massive on-the-ground campaign that could swing the election. But after Karl Rove's corporate front group dumped $650,000 into the race this week,3 grassroots efforts are even more important—and they need help from progressives nationwide. This is a huge and urgent opportunity. PLEASE HELP!
 
 
The Working Families Party is New York's independent, progressive "third party," and it has helped Democrats win time and time again. They have the best field operation in the state—maybe the country.

Their energy at the doors is the difference that matters in a close election, especially with outside groups like Karl Rove's trying to buy the election. They have delivered the margin of victory in dozens of races, including for two congressional races just last year. Now they aim to do it again in New York's 26th congressional district, helping Democrat Kathy Hochul beat Republican Jane Corwin.

If we win this race, it'll be a huge setback for John Boehner, Paul Ryan, and Karl Rove in their efforts to kill Medicare.

 
Thank you.
 
—Adam R., Steven, Laura, Tate, and the rest of the team
 
Sources:
1. "Poll: Hochul Leads 26th Race; Davis Taking GOP Votes," WBEN, accessed May 12, 2011 

2. "G.O.P. Medicare Plan Shakes Up Race for House Seat," The New York Times, May 5, 2011

3. "Crossroads enters NY-26," Politico, May 10, 2011

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on May 13, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Tell President Obama: Take Medicare cuts off the table

Dear MoveOn member,

On Monday, Speaker John Boehner threatened to do something that he admitted would bring on "financial disaster not only for our country but for the worldwide economy,"1 unless Democrats meet his demands.

The ransom he wants in return for not doing it? Democrats have to agree to huge spending cuts. They have to start with cuts to Medicare, and they can't, under any circumstances, end any tax breaks for millionaires.2 

At issue is the looming, must-pass bill to keep the U.S. from defaulting on its debts. But rather than negotiating in good faith, Boehner is threatening economic armageddon to gain leverage in his attempts to abolish Medicare. 

President Obama is meeting with Senate Democrats today to plan their strategy, and they have to know we'll have their backs if they stand up to this Republican hostage-taking. 

Can you call the White House right now, and ask President Obama to make clear to Republicans, and the country, that he's not cutting Medicare and he won't negotiate with hostage takers?

The White House: (202) 456-1111

Then, click here to let us know what they said.

We've seen this story before: Republicans stake out a radical position and demand big concessions in return for a deal. It happened on the Bush tax cuts in December, and again on the budget last month.  

But this time can be different. Republican leaders all agree that the bill to keep the country from defaulting on its debts must pass. Boehner himself admitted in January that the consequences would be disastrous.3 In other words, he's already admitted that he's bluffing and that he'll eventually agree to pass the bill in question.

But if Democrats don't stand up to Boehner, Republicans could push through a "Medicare kill switch" and get bipartisan cover to do it. Can you call the White House to make sure that doesn't happen? 

Tell President Obama to take Medicare cuts off the table, and not to negotiate with Republicans as long as they're holding the economy hostage.

The White House: (202) 456-1111

Then, click here to let us know what they said.

Thanks for all you do.

Daniel, Julia, Tate, Tim, and the rest of the team

P.S. To help expose Boehner's threats for what they really are, we put them in the most appropriate format—a ransom note. You can share the note by going to http://front.moveon.org/john-boehners-ransom-note/?id=27315-10220574-WW9EiHx&t=3

 

 

Sources:

1. "White House: Boehner is holding economy 'hostage'," The Washington Post, May 10, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=208371&id=27315-10220574-WW9EiHx&t=4

2. "FULL TEXT: Speaker Boehner's Address to the Economic Club of New York on Jobs, Debt, Gas Prices," The Office of the Speaker of the House, May 9, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=208372&id=27315-10220574-WW9EiHx&t=5

3. "White House: Boehner is holding economy 'hostage'," The Washington Post, May 10, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=208371&id=27315-10220574-WW9EiHx&t=6

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on May 11, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Tell Sens. Schumer and Gillibrand: Oppose the Medicare kill switch

Some Senate Democrats are supporting spending caps that sounds reasonable, but really contain a "Medicare kill switch." Can you call Sens. Schumer and Gillibrand and tell them to oppose spending caps, because independent analyses1 show they would wreck Medicare?

Senator Charles Schumer
Phone: 202-224-6542

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
Phone: 202-224-4451

 

Report your call
Dear MoveOn member,

Republicans want to kill Medicare. And until recently, they weren't shy about it—235 House Republicans voted to eliminate Medicare outright.2

But after facing heated criticism at town halls, they're changing their tactics. Now, instead of attacking Medicare head-on, they're using more reasonable-sounding proposals to disguise their plan to eliminate Medicare—basically a hidden Medicare kill switch.

And unfortunately, some Democrats are helping them.

Democratic Sens. McCaskill3, Manchin4, and Mark Udall5 have all endorsed spending caps that would actually trigger massive cuts to Medicare within a few years—that's the Medicare kill switch.6 Republicans are going to try to force a Medicare kill switch into the upcoming, must-pass bill to keep the U.S. from defaulting on its debts, and bipartisan cover from Democrats helps them do that.

Can you call Sens. Schumer and Gillibrand right now and tell them you're counting on them to oppose spending caps that contain a Medicare kill switch?

Senator Charles Schumer
Phone: 202-224-6542

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
Phone: 202-224-4451

Then, please report your call by clicking here.

"Government spending cap" sounds much more reasonable than "eliminating Medicare," which is why Republicans want to use the cap to disguise the Medicare kill switch.

But the CAP Act, which Sen. McCaskill is co-sponsoring with Republican Sen. Bob Corker, has been called "the second worst idea in Washington."7 And an analysis from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found that it would "inevitably force enormous cuts in Medicare, Medicaid, and possibly Social Security."8

Sen. Udall's plan is no better. And any Democrat who signs on to a plan containing a Medicare kill switch is just giving Republicans the bipartisan cover they need. Can you call Sens. Schumer and Gillibrand right now and tell them not to fall for the Republican tricks? We need them to oppose any plan containing a Medicare kill switch.

Senator Charles Schumer
Phone: 202-224-6542

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
Phone: 202-224-4451

Then, please report your call by clicking here.

Thanks for all you do.

–Daniel, Amy, Michael, Eli, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "Proposed Cap on Federal Spending Would Force Deep Cuts in Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security," Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, April 15, 2011  
http://www.cbpp.org/cms/index.cfm?fa=view&id=3471

2. "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 277," Clerk of the House of Representatives, April 15, 2011 
http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll277.xml

3. "McCaskill & Corker Introduce Bill to Cut Spending Over 10 Years," Office of Senator Claire McCaskill, February 1, 2011
http://mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1183

4. "Manchin Endorses Spending Caps, Giving Bill Momentum," Roll Call, April 26, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=208334&id=27289-10220574-4SkMNEx&t=4

5. "Udall Co-sponsors Balanced Budget Amendment," Office of Senator Mark Udall, February 1, 2011
http://markudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=893

6. "Proposed Cap on Federal Spending Would Force Deep Cuts in Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security," Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, April 15, 2011  
http://www.cbpp.org/cms/index.cfm?fa=view&id=3471

7. "The second worst idea in Washington," The Washington Post, April 15, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=208287&id=27289-10220574-4SkMNEx&t=5

8. "Proposed Cap on Federal Spending Would Force Deep Cuts in Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security," Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, April 15, 2011
http://www.cbpp.org/cms/index.cfm?fa=view&id=3471

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on May 9, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Great Mother's Day video


Check out this great Mother's Day video from our friends at MomsRising.org—and pass it along to all the moms in your life:


Watch the video

Dear MoveOn member,

Mother's Day is today, and with all the incredible things mothers do, I'm sure you know a mom or two (or three!) who deserve to be celebrated.

Well, this year our friends at MomsRising.org have made it possible for you to thank all the moms you know with a customizable video announcing them as the star of an upcoming movie, "World's Greatest Mom."

Each mom you send the video to will see her name appear as the inspiration throughout a faux movie trailer of an upcoming film. Check it out—and then send to your favorite mom(s) here:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=208266&id=27277-10220574-_PN9Pux&t=3

MomsRising is a great organization dedicated to building a more family-friendly America. They created this video to spread the love for all moms out there—and remind us all of the economic challenges that moms deal with every day.

Take a look and send it to all the great moms you know:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=208266&id=27277-10220574-_PN9Pux&t=4

We bet the moms in your life will love it.

Thanks for all you do.

–Justin, Peter, Tim, Marika, and the rest of the team

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on May 8, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Absolutely outrageous

Republicans are waging an all-out war on women. The latest assault—a bill that would subject certain rape and incest survivors to IRS investigations—is simply inhumane. Sign the petition from EMILY's List and MoveOn.org today to tell the Senate: Stop the War on Women!

Sign the Petition!

Dear MoveOn member,

The House just passed a bill that could force rape and incest survivors to prove to the IRS that they were assaulted.1

And now they are even threatening hold our entire economy hostage over it by attaching the contents of the bill to essential legislation that raises the debt ceiling. If the debt ceiling bill does not pass then it would devastate our economy—and Republicans want to use this threat to force Senate Democrats into voting for a bill with these anti-choice provisions included.2

It's absolutely outrageous. That's why we are teaming up with our friends at EMILY's List to pressure the Senate to reject this and other terrible attacks on the rights and well-being of women.

Can you sign our joint petition right now? Tell the Senate to stand up against this terrible bill—and speak out against the Republican war on women.

Click here to sign the "Stop the War on Women" petition.

H.R. 3 would impose tax penalties on small businesses and individuals who buy abortion coverage with their own money—with exceptions only for cases of rape, incest, or when a woman's life is in danger.3

The result? Survivors of rape and incest who seek abortion care could be forced to detail their assaults and provide proof to IRS investigators.4

Reliving a horrific sexual assault to the police and in court is awful enough. Forcing women to prove to IRS investigators that they were assaulted is simply inhumane. 

Unfortunately, H.R. 3 is just one horrendous part of a full-scale war on women. House Republicans have been churning out one vile bill after another that impinges on women's rights, health, and the constitutionally protected right to choice. It's clear their top priorities are not jobs and the economy.

Republicans clearly have no boundaries when it comes to attacking women's rights. But just as when they attempted to redefine rape, we can stop them from passing this anti-choice bill and subjecting rape survivors to inhumane interrogations—if we all speak out.

Can you sign the petition today? Just click below—and share this email with your friends, family, and social networks today.

http://pol.moveon.org/noaudits/?id=27256-10220574-AvrSw7x&t=3

Thanks for all you do.

Kat, Wes, Carrie, Michael, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "GOP Bill Would Force IRS to Conduct Abortion Audits," Mother Jones, March 18, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=207116&id=27256-10220574-AvrSw7x&t=4

2. "Republicans Could Force Anti-Abortion Bill Into Debt Limit Compromise," Firedoglake, May 4, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=208259&id=27256-10220574-AvrSw7x&t=5

3. "If H.R. 3 Becomes Law: One Woman's Story,'" National Women's Law Center, April 27, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=208261&id=27256-10220574-AvrSw7x&t=6

4. "GOP Bill Would Force IRS to Conduct Abortion Audits," Mother Jones, March 18, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=207116&id=27256-10220574-AvrSw7x&t=7

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on May 6, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Really really dangerous

Dear MoveOn member,

Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich has an urgent message about a new plan gaining traction in Washington. He calls it "the Republican plan with lipstick," and it's really dangerous. It includes a "Medicare kill switch" that we have to stop.

To find out how it works, check out Reich's warning and then pass it on so we can stop this plan before it gets off the ground.


Thanks for all you do.

Daniel, Tate, Milan, Laura, and the rest of the team

P.S. If you want to read more about why this is so dangerous, check out economist Dean Baker's post on Huffington Post or Robert Reich's post on his blog.

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on May 5, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

What 73% of Americans want

As President Obama decides how many troops to bring home and how quickly, add your name to this petition to bring our troops home: "President Obama, we need to end the war in Afghanistan. Please keep your commitment to begin an accelerated withdrawal of troops in July."

Add your name
Dear MoveOn member,

It's already started—hawks in the media and military saying that the killing of Osama bin Laden is proof that the war in Afghanistan is working and that we should redouble our efforts.

Even though bin Laden was captured in another country entirely. Even though the operation was executed by a small, specialized force and not the continued occupation of a nation by over 100,000 of our soldiers. Even though the man we ostensibly invaded Afghanistan to capture is no longer a threat.

And even as the war continues to be a drain on our resources at a time when we need them spent at home, more than ever.

In 2009, President Obama committed to begin bringing troops home from Afghanistan this July. Right now he's deciding how many troops to withdraw and how quickly. The New York Times reports that people in his Administration are divided, with pressure from some senior figures to minimize the withdrawal, and some voices of reason calling for an accelerated drawdown.1

But he hasn't heard from us yet. At this moment of decision, a collective call from hundreds of thousands of Americans to bring our troops home will give the President the public support he needs to begin a swift, safe, and significant withdrawal of our troops. You can do your part by adding your name:

Click here to sign the petition to bring our troops home.

We are not alone in wanting to bring this war to an end. Representative Chellie Pingree has her own petition for a significant troop drawdown, which she plans to deliver to the White House. If we can get over 125,000 signatures on our petition, she'll deliver it too.

She's one of 81 members of Congress who signed a letter to President Obama, organized by Representative Barbara Lee, calling on him to make a "significant and sizeable" withdrawal of troops this July.

And even before this week, 73% of Americans believed we should be making a substantial withdrawal this Summer.2 So we're joining with other progressive groups who are mobilizing their members to support President Obama in his commitment to bring our troops home.

Can you help reach that goal of 125,000 signatures so we can stand up to the warmongers and have Rep. Pingree deliver our message of encouragement to the White House?

Yes, I can sign the petition to bring our troops home.

–Justin, Adam Q., Eli, Laura, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "Killing Adds to Debate about U.S. Strategy and Timetable in Afghanistan," The New York Times, May 2, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=208244&id=27213-10220574-bSjCNxx&t=4

2. Washington Post-ABC Poll, March 13, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=208245&id=27213-10220574-bSjCNxx&t=5

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on May 4, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Proving rape to the IRS

Can you call Rep. McCarthy? Tell her to vote no on H.R. 3 tomorrow and stop this radical assault on a woman's right to choose.

Representative Carolyn McCarthy
Phone: 202-225-5516

Report Your Call!
Dear MoveOn member,

The House is set to vote Wednesday on a bill that could force rape and incest survivors to prove to the IRS that they were assaulted.1

It's beyond outrageous, it's horrifying.

And to make matters worse, the bill would impose tax penalties on small businesses and many individuals who buy abortion coverage with their own money—with exceptions only for cases of rape, incest, and when a woman's life is in danger.Their goal is to make abortion coverage unaffordable. 

We've already stopped the radical anti-choice legislators from redefining rape. Now we have to win this critical battle in the "War on Women." It will take a flood of calls to stop this assault that could set women's right to choose back by decades. 

The vote is tomorrow, Wednesday—can you pick up the phone right now and call Representative Carolyn McCarthy? Tell her: "Vote no on H.R. 3's radical assault on a woman's right to choose."

Here's where to call:

Representative Carolyn McCarthy
Phone: 202-225-5516

Then, please report your call by clicking here:

http://pol.moveon.org/call?tg=FHNY_04&cp_id=1568]&id=27198-10220574-cQ0HMwx&t=2

Thanks for all you do.

–-Kat, Tate, Sarah, Stephen, and the rest of the team

Sources: 

1. "GOP Bill Would Force IRS to Conduct Abortion Audits," Mother Jones, March 18, 2011 
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=207116&id=27198-10220574-cQ0HMwx&t=3

2. "Oppose the Dangerous and Misleading 'No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act,'" National Women's Law Center, February 4, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=207136&id=27198-10220574-cQ0HMwx&t=4

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on May 3, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.