Thursday, July 28, 2011

Fwd: A dramatic turn

Dear MoveOn member,

Things are shifting fast in the debt ceiling fight. Wanted to make sure you saw the email below—please chip in if you haven't yet:

Yes, I can contribute $5 to help keep up the fight.


Dear MoveOn member,

In the last 24 hours things took a dramatic turn in the fight over whether we'll default on our debt. 

Progressives organized over 800 rallies nationwide that generated a flood of pressure on Republicans. The president's speech led to so many people contacting Congress that the switchboard jammed. And Speaker Boehner is struggling to get enough votes to pass his terrible proposal through the Republican House. 

Suddenly, there's a path to a deal that doesn't simply cut Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid to pay for tax breaks for the rich.

But the next 3 days are crucial, and we need to turn up the heat even further. We're planning an emergency rally on the Capitol steps tomorrow, recording new ads targeting swing Republicans, and keeping the pressure on Democrats so they stand strong. 

But we can't do this without money. Every minute counts—which is why this email is short—and every dollar will help us do more. Can you chip in $5?

Yes, I can contribute to help keep up the fight.

Thanks for all you do.

–Daniel, Justin, Elena, Robin, and the rest of the team



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Wednesday, July 27, 2011

The homestretch

We have just six days left to stop Republicans from forcing the U.S. into default. Now's the moment to throw everything we have into this fight—to make the rich pay their share and protect Social Security and Medicare. Can you chip in $5?

Contribute Now
Dear MoveOn member,

In the next six days, we'll find out if Republicans are willing to force America into default for the first time in our history—if they're willing to cut off paychecks to soldiers and Social Security checks to seniors.

We're in the homestretch of this fight and we can't let up. We have to hold Republicans accountable for their hostage-taking and make sure Democrats stand firm against them.

In just the last week, MoveOn members have flooded Congress with more than 50,000 phone calls, organized rallies at more than 800 congressional offices, and targeted big Republican donors. 

This week, we're working around the clock and trying everything we can think of. We're recording ads targeting the swing votes who will decide this battle, holding a critical rally on Capitol Hill with progressive members of Congress, and making sure Americans never forget who caused this crisis and why.

Our only limit is raising enough money to make it all happen. Can you chip in $5 so we can protect Social Security and Medicare and make the rich pay their share?


Thanks for all you've done in this fight, and thanks for all you do.

Daniel, Justin, Elena, Robin, and the rest of the team



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Tuesday, July 26, 2011

How was your visit?

Dear MoveOn member,

Incredible. As the GOP is pushing our country and the world to the brink of financial meltdown, over 20,000 people stood up to tell Congress: don't destroy the American Dream!

It's important to report back on how today went so we can let the media know. Were you able to drop by the office of your representative today?
Also, if you took photos of today's event, please email them to debtdropbyphoto@moveon.org.

As the debt ceiling fight continues, our American Dream movement needs to remain on guard to make politicians fight for—not against—the majority of us. While the GOP lobbies to place more money into the pockets of millionaires and tax-dodging CEOs, tens of millions of Americans are struggling to find decent work. The job crisis is real, but not enough of the leaders in Washington are stepping up to address it.

It's vital that our American Dream movement organize in August while Congress is home for a month-long break. That's why on August 10 we're organizing hundreds of "Where are the Jobs?" protests at congressional offices to demand a response to the jobs crisis. We know that if the super-rich and biggest corporations paid their fair share in taxes, we'd have enough revenue to keep programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security strong AND create millions of new jobs. So we'll wear our red, white and blue while bringing our jobs crisis to them. 

Can you help by hosting a "Where are the jobs?" event on August 10?


Today's national mobilization was just a small piece of our collective power—now, let's turn up the heat on Congress in August!

Thanks for all you do.

Daniel, Wes, Elena, Tim, and the rest of the team



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Monday, July 25, 2011

IMPORTANT: For your Tuesday action

Dear MoveOn member,

Thanks for stepping up to call out the Republicans for their willingness to crash our economy to protect tax giveaways for the rich. On Tuesday at noon, we're delivering a critical message to Rep. McCarthy: We're counting on you to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Click here to print signs, spread the word, and get the local media to cover our event: 

http://civic.moveon.org/default/dems.html?id=29195-10220574-2fa5SKx&t=1

At the event, take the lead—encourage people to share their stories with the group gathered and any media, make sure people are holding signs for maximum visibility, and lead the group into Rep. McCarthy's office to deliver our message. 

Thanks for all you do. 

–Daniel, Elena, Tate, Robin, and the rest of the team

P.S. Don't forget to double check the address of the office listed below—our records indicate that this is the right address, but it's a good idea to confirm before you head out. 


Can you drop by Rep. McCarthy's office and remind her that we're counting on her to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid? Click below to sign up and drop by this local office Tuesday at noon:

300 Garden City Plaza, Garden City, NY 11530

Drop By Tuesday!
Dear MoveOn member,

This weekend, it became 100% clear that Republicans would rather see America default, Social Security checks stop going out, the stock market plummet, and unemployment soar than give one inch on their position: that the very richest people and most profitable corporations shouldn't pay one penny more in taxes.

Even after the president offered Republicans a debt-ceiling deal most MoveOn members probably consider unconscionable—with trillions in cuts, even to Medicare and Social Security—Speaker Boehner still walked away from the table.

Republicans hope the threat of default will be enough to force Democrats to sacrifice and compromise even more.

Over the next few days, Democrats like Rep. McCarthy will face growing pressure to let irresponsible threats win out and to cave into Republican demands to slash Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

That's why, with other leaders of the American Dream movement, we're putting out an urgent call for every patriotic American to show up outside Democratic congressional offices nationwide on Tuesday at noon to deliver a crucial message: "We're counting on you to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. "

Can you deliver the message to Rep. McCarthy at her office on Tuesday at noon?

Yes, I can drop by on Tuesday!

We'll follow up with all the details and a link to print your own "We're counting on you" signs to bring to Rep. McCarthy.

Then you just have to show up on Tuesday here:  

300 Garden City Plaza, Garden City, NY 11530

We need to show as much public support as possible, so please pass this along to anyone else you know who could join in on Tuesday. This is a moment when we need to bring the the progressive movement together to show our strength and show our boldest leaders that we're with them.

Our best shot to stop a terrible deal is to get as many House Democrats as possible to join Leader Nancy Pelosi, who's been strongly saying that benefit cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are unacceptable.2 Leaders of the Congressional Progressive Caucus are circulating a "Dear Colleague" letter, backing Leader Pelosi, that already has 80 co-signers. We need to convince Rep. McCarthy to get on board and sign the letter right away.

Let's get out there on Tuesday and let leaders like Rep. McCarthy know how important it is to stand up to Republican threats to crash the American economy in order to protect tax giveaways for the rich.

Click here if you can drop by Rep. McCarthy's office on Tuesday at noon:

http://civic.moveon.org/debtdropby.html?id=29195-10220574-2fa5SKx&t=4

Thanks for all you do.

–Daniel, Elena, Tate, Robin, and the rest of the team

Source:

1. "Pelosi: Medicare, Social Security Benefit Cuts Are Line In The Sand On Debt Limit Bill," Talking Points Memo, July 7, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=210945&id=29195-10220574-2fa5SKx&t=5



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Sunday, July 24, 2011

Tuesday: Emergency drop by at Rep. McCarthy's office

Can you drop by Rep. McCarthy's office and remind her that we're counting on her to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid? Click below to sign up and drop by this local office Tuesday at noon:

300 Garden City Plaza, Garden City, NY 11530

Drop By Tuesday!
Dear MoveOn member,

This weekend, it became 100% clear that Republicans would rather see America default, Social Security checks stop going out, the stock market plummet, and unemployment soar than give one inch on their position: that the very richest people and most profitable corporations shouldn't pay one penny more in taxes.

Even after the president offered Republicans a debt-ceiling deal most MoveOn members probably consider unconscionable—with trillions in cuts, even to Medicare and Social Security—Speaker Boehner still walked away from the table.

Republicans hope the threat of default will be enough to force Democrats to sacrifice and compromise even more.

Over the next few days, Democrats like Rep. McCarthy will face growing pressure to let irresponsible threats win out and to cave into Republican demands to slash Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

That's why, with other leaders of the American Dream movement, we're putting out an urgent call for every patriotic American to show up outside Democratic congressional offices nationwide on Tuesday at noon to deliver a crucial message: "We're counting on you to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. "

Can you deliver the message to Rep. McCarthy at her office on Tuesday at noon?

Yes, I can drop by on Tuesday!

We'll follow up with all the details and a link to print your own "We're counting on you" signs to bring to Rep. McCarthy.

Then you just have to show up on Tuesday here:  

300 Garden City Plaza, Garden City, NY 11530

We need to show as much public support as possible, so please pass this along to anyone else you know who could join in on Tuesday. This is a moment when we need to bring the the progressive movement together to show our strength and show our boldest leaders that we're with them.

Our best shot to stop a terrible deal is to get as many House Democrats as possible to join Leader Nancy Pelosi, who's been strongly saying that benefit cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are unacceptable.2 Leaders of the Congressional Progressive Caucus are circulating a "Dear Colleague" letter, backing Leader Pelosi, that already has 80 co-signers. We need to convince Rep. McCarthy to get on board and sign the letter right away.

Let's get out there on Tuesday and let leaders like Rep. McCarthy know how important it is to stand up to Republican threats to crash the American economy in order to protect tax giveaways for the rich.

Click here if you can drop by Rep. McCarthy's office on Tuesday at noon:

http://civic.moveon.org/debtdropby.html?id=29156-10220574-sgu8fGx&t=3

Thanks for all you do.

–Daniel, Elena, Tate, Robin, and the rest of the team

Source:

1. "Pelosi: Medicare, Social Security Benefit Cuts Are Line In The Sand On Debt Limit Bill," Talking Points Memo, July 7, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=210945&id=29156-10220574-sgu8fGx&t=4



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Friday, July 22, 2011

URGENT: Bad deal imminent

URGENT UPDATE
Looks like a terrible deal is taking shape on the debt ceiling. Can you call Rep. McCarthy and urge her to stand strong against any deal that cuts Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid benefits, and any deal without real revenue increases?

Representative Carolyn McCarthy
Phone: 202-225-5516

Report Your Call!

Dear MoveOn member,



If you've been tuning out the fight in Washington over the "debt ceiling," it's time to tune in. Right now. 


The New York Times reports that President Obama and Speaker John Boehner are close to reaching a secret agreement that includes deep cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, but have no immediate plan to make millionaires and corporations pay their fair share.1, 2

This is an absolutely critical moment for MoveOn members to make an impact.

Democratic Leaders in Congress—including Minority Leader Pelosi and Majority Leader Reid—have consistently said that a lopsided deal like this is a non-starter.3 But if a backroom deal is reached, they'll be under extraordinary pressure to go along. They need to hear loud and clear from their donors, volunteers, and voters that such a deal would be completely unacceptable.

Things are moving very quickly right now, so we're joining other key progressive groups for today's Emergency Call-In Day to Demand They Stand Strong. Democrats in Congress need to hear that if they stand firm against any debt ceiling deal that goes after the elderly and poor, we'll have their backs.


Will you call Rep. McCarthy and ask her to make clear that she will not vote for a deal that cuts Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid benefits or a deal that doesn't make corporations and the rich pay their fair share?

Representative Carolyn McCarthy
Phone: 202-225-5516

Then, click here to report your call.

Current reports suggest that the deal that's being negotiated may trade deep cuts to Social Security and Medicare for an end to the Bush tax breaks for the rich.4 But here's the thing: those tax cuts are already scheduled to expire. There's no need to make a deal including severe cuts in order to end them.

Even more upsetting: the change President Obama is reportedly offering to Social Security would cut already-meager benefits by almost 10% for millions of Americans.5 But this is totally unnecessary: simply asking the rich to pay payroll taxes on all their income, like middle class folks and poor folks already do, could make Social Security solvent without cutting benefits.

The president doesn't need to give in to Republicans' hostage-taking. Congressional Republicans are beginning to feel the pressure from their rich donors to find a compromise to lift the debt ceiling, even if they don't get the huge cuts they're looking for. If we can get congressional Democrats to stand strong, we can force a better deal, one that protects Social Security and Medicare and does more to ensure that corporations and millionaires pay their fair share.

We can't let the White House cave to their demands now.

Time is critical. That's why it is so urgent that you call Rep. McCarthy right now. Tell her to tell the White House: no deals with deep cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid and no deals without real revenue increases.

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=1609&id=29111-10220574-kBeG98x&t=3

Thanks for all you do.



–Justin, Elena, Daniel, Julia, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "Boehner and Obama Nearing Deal on Cuts and Taxes," The New York Times, July 21, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=211627&id=29111-10220574-kBeG98x&t=4

2. "McConnell-Reid Debt Deal Close To Being Scrapped, Larger Package Reportedly In Reach," The Huffington Post, July 21, 2011

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=211626&id=29111-10220574-kBeG98x&t=5

3. "Senate Democrats: We Will Not Let GOP Cut Medicare," The Huffington Post, June 14, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=211511&id=29111-10220574-kBeG98x&t=6

4. "Boehner and Obama Nearing Deal on Cuts and Taxes," The New York Times, July 21, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=211639&id=29111-10220574-kBeG98x&t=7

5. "Ripping off needy seniors through the 'chained CPI,'" The Los Angeles Times, July 13, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=211640&id=29111-10220574-kBeG98x&t=8

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 July 22, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

The end of Fox News

If Rupert Murdoch's companies, including Fox News, have been as corrupt and criminal here as it looks like they've been in the U.K., then we might just see Murdoch's media empire crumble. Can you chip in $5 to help launch a campaign for full investigations starting with a new hard-hitting TV ad?

Donate
Dear MoveOn member,

Could this be the end of Rupert Murdoch and Fox News?

Allegations in the U.K. against Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation, Fox's parent company, just keep coming. Hacking into the phone of a 13-year-old murder victim, bribing government officials, and now claims of hacking into the voice mail of 9/11 victims and their families.1

Now, the key is to find out how far Fox and the rest of Murdoch's news outlets went here in the U.S. If they've been as corrupt and criminal here as it looks like they've been in the U.K., then we might just see Murdoch's media empire crumble.

So we're launching a new campaign to build unavoidable public pressure for full investigations. We'll start tomorrow with a hard-hitting new ad asking whether Murdoch is "running a company or a crime syndicate." But first we need to the raise the money to get it on the air and ramp up the campaign.

Can you help hold Fox and Rupert Murdoch accountable here in the U.S.?

Yes, I can chip in $5 hold Murdoch accountable!

Rupert Murdoch has a huge amount of influence in this country. He owns some of the most influential news outlets in America including not only Fox News but The Wall Street Journal, The New York Post, and dozens more. 

But his influence shouldn't mean that his companies can get away with crimes. In the U.K. we've seen what a tough investigation spurred by public outrage and pressure can do to expose the truth.

We deserve the same here in the U.S. We deserve to know whether Fox News or other Murdoch outlets have violated our laws. But just like in the U.K., it won't happen unless we can generate enough public pressure to force a real investigation and real accountability.

We're ready to ramp up a campaign for accountability right away by hitting the airwaves with our new ad as soon as we can raise the money.

Click here to chip in $5 so we can start running ads and building the pressure on Fox and the rest of Rupert Murdoch's media empire:

https://civic.moveon.org/donatec4/news_crime.html?bg_id=hpc5&id=29076-10220574-IEkBOnx&t=3

Thanks for all you do.

–Daniel, Robin, Tim, Elena, and the rest of the team

Source:

1. "US politicians demand phone-hacking investigation after 9/11 claims," The Guardian, July 14, 2011.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=211528&id=29076-10220574-IEkBOnx&t=4



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Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Defaulting on the American Dream

Can you drop by Rep. McCarthy's office and give her this message: Don't Let Them Default on the American Dream? Click below to get your "Don't Let Them Default" sign and drop it off here: 

300 Garden City Plaza Garden City, NY 11530

Drop By Today!
Dear MoveOn member,

In less than two weeks, Republicans could force America into default and crash our whole economy in order to protect tax breaks for corporations and millionaires—unless Democrats like Representative Carolyn McCarthy stop them.

In this moment of crisis, Rep. McCarthy needs a clear message from you: Don't Let Them Default on the American Dream.

Because that's what will happen if the nation defaults on our debt or Republicans get a debt deal that cuts Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits.

In the past two weeks, MoveOn members have signed a petition and made thousands of calls to the White House and their Democratic representatives urging them to protect the American Dream. But nothing will have quite the same impact on Rep. McCarthy as concerned constituents arriving at her office doorstep, letting her know she can count on our support if she holds the line.

Can you join with other members across the country in a rapid-response congressional drop-off today? It's simple. Just click on the link below to print out a "Don't Let Them Default" sign, which you can personalize with your American Dream priorities message for Rep. McCarthy. Then take it straight to her office.

Can you urge Rep. McCarthy to hold the line against Republican efforts to default on the American Dream?

Here's where you can go:

300 Garden City Plaza Garden City, NY 11530

Across the country this weekend, over 25,000 MoveOn members and others met at more than 1,500 house meetings to begin the work to rebuild the American Dream.

But that work could be set back years by a national default or if Republicans strip away the victories won by progressives over the past 60 years. And that's where the negotiations seem headed, unless we can change them.

Many of the American Dreamers who took part in this weekend's meetings are already out in force at Democratic offices across the country with this clear message: Don't Let Them Default on the American Dream. Can you back them up by delivering it to Rep. McCarthy too?

Just print out your sign, write your personal message about what's most important to you about the American Dream that you want protected in these debt negotiations, and then drop it off at Rep. McCarthy's office today.

Can you urge Rep. McCarthy to hold the line against Republican efforts to default on the American Dream?

Thanks for all you do.

–Daniel, Eli, Milan, Elena, and the rest of the team

P.S. MoveOn members in Republican districts will also be out in force this week, delivering the message: Don't Default on The American Dream. Together, we've also raised funds for viral videos and a targeted advertising campaign and made thousands of calls to Republican representatives.



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Saturday, July 16, 2011

40 great ideas

Rebuild the Dream, Powered by MoveOn.org Civic Action

contract for the American dream

We are Rebuilding the American Dream

You helped pick the top 40 Contract for the American Dream ideas out of more than 25,000. Can you join in to help rate the top ideas?

JOIN

Dear Contract for the American Dream writer,

When I first wrote to you two weeks ago about the Contract for the American Dream, I could only hope that others would be as fired up as I was.

Well, they're more fired up and ready to rebuild the American Dream than I even imagined. Over 25,000 ideas have been submitted for the Contract, and they've been rated more than 5.5 million times!

From all of the great ideas, you've helped pick the list of the top 40. And this weekend, in every congressional district, more than 23,000 people are gathering in living rooms to discuss them. They'll share what the American Dream means to them, and vote on which ideas should be in the final Contract.

Even if you're not able to make it to an American Dream House Meeting this weekend, I still want to make sure you can help pick the ideas that will make it into the Contract. So please take a few minutes this weekend to give your feedback on the top 40 ideas.

You can start rating them here:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=210806&id=28916-10220574-PxlLMUx&t=6

Thanks for all you've done so far, and thanks for all you'll do to help make this Contract a reality.

–Van Jones



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Friday, July 15, 2011

Rebuild the Dream Sunday in South Ozone Park

You're Invited:
Join the American Dream movement 
Sunday in South Ozone Park

Host: Patricia K.

Where: Ajax park (in South Ozone Park)

When: Sunday, Jul. 17, at 4:00 PM

Can you come?
Click below for more details and to RSVP:

I'll be there
I can come.

Can't make it
Sorry, I can't make it this time.

What: Right now, many of our leaders in Washington are arguing over how to protect tax breaks for the rich, rather than actually fixing our broken economy. That's why this weekend over 25,000 people are meeting to create the "Contract for the American Dream"—our movement-wide plan to build an economy that works for all of us. We need more people in South Ozone Park to pick the best ideas and make our plan to fight for the American Dream. Can you come on Sunday?
 
And don't worry, this email was sent through the MoveOn system, so your personal contact info is kept private. 



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Thursday, July 14, 2011

Crisis

To keep Republicans from pushing our economy off a cliff we need a strong local campaign with a powerful national impact. Can you contribute $5, so we can call out vulnerable Republicans for threatening to crash our economy to keep the rich from paying their fair share?

Contribute Now
Dear MoveOn member,

Can you help us stop Republicans from pushing the economy off a cliff August 2 by failing to lift the debt ceiling?

A plunging dollar.1 Crashing markets.2 A huge increase in unemployment.3 A stop to Social Security and veterans' checks.4 All that is being risked by Republicans to protect tax breaks for the rich and corporations. 

We can't campaign against every Republican all at once. But if enough of us contribute, we can have a big impact on the most vulnerable Republicans right with their own voters.

These "bellwether Republicans" stand at the edge of defeat at the next election. We can push them over that edge by telling their voters how they're siding with the rich and big business against everyone else. That will show every vulnerable Republican, and the party leadership, how politically destructive their radical position is.

So, we're launching a hyper-targeted campaign on these bellwether Republicans that includes viral video and an advertising campaign in production right now. Our media buyers are poised to book spots depending on what we raise.

Can you donate $5 to keep Republicans from pushing our economy off a cliff?

Who are some of these bellwether Republicans?

  • Rep. Joe Walsh (IL 08) won in 2010 by a razor thin margin of 0.2%;5
  • Rep. Blake Farenthold (TX 27) won his seat back by a bare 0.8%;6 and
  • Rep. Chip Cravaack (MN 08) squeaked by on 1.6%.7 
For these Republicans, and others like them, shifting just a few thousand votes can have a big impact. But by acting together, as a movement of millions, we can do much more than that.

They say all politics is local, so that's exactly where we're going, by tailoring videos and ads to vulnerable Republicans—by name.

It's painstaking work, but worth the effort if we can raise enough money to make vulnerable Republicans hear their own name called out on the airwaves for protecting the rich and damning everyone else. And put the fear of defeat into every Republican thinking of crashing our economy.

Can you donate $5 to call Republicans out for pushing our economy off a cliff?

Thanks for all you do,

–Daniel, Wes, Elena, Peter, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "Moody's Cracks Dollar's Foundations," The Wall Street Journal, July 14, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=211235&id=28842-10220574-hgs9RKx&t=4

2. "Debt Ceiling Warning: Inaction Would Double Interest Rates, Crash Market," U.S. News & World Report, May 10, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=211236&id=28842-10220574-hgs9RKx&t=5

3. "The Risks of Debt Default on the Economy and Jobs," Center for American Progress, July 7, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=211238&id=28842-10220574-hgs9RKx&t=6

4. "Obama ends tense debt talks with a warning," Los Angeles Times, July 14, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=211239&id=28842-10220574-hgs9RKx&t=7

5. "Election 2010: Illinois," The New York Times
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=211232&id=28842-10220574-hgs9RKx&t=8

6. "Election 2010: Texas," The New York Times
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=211243&id=28842-10220574-hgs9RKx&t=9

7. "Election 2010: Minnesota," The New York Times
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=211233&id=28842-10220574-hgs9RKx&t=10


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 July 14, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Can you come by on Saturday in Jamaica?

Tens of thousands of people are gathering at meetings all across the country this weekend to share stories and craft a plan for working together to fix our broken economy. I'm hosting a meeting here in Jamaica and I hope you'll join us. Can you make it on Saturday?

Attend a Meeting
Dear MoveOn member,

On Saturday I'm hosting a meeting in Jamaica to help shape a new progressive plan for fixing our broken economy. Tens of thousands of people are gathering at meetings just like this one all across the country this weekend. I hope you'll join us here in Jamaica.

Right now our leaders in Washington don't have a plan to solve our economic problems. Instead they're just threatening to destroy vital programs to protect tax cuts for the rich.

At the meeting we'll share our stories and work together to craft our plan—the Contract for the American Dream—to create an economy that works for all of us.

My goal for the meeting on Saturday is to connect at a human level with people in our community who are ready to have conversations we too often avoid—conversations about our own dreams, about what really matters in our lives, and about what it would take for us to work together to turn our aspirational visions into lasting change.

Can you join us in Jamaica this Saturday, Jul. 16, 2011, at 11:00 AM?

Yes, I can make it!

I'm hosting this meeting because we're seeing, right now, what happens in Washington when we don't come together to put forward a strong progressive economic vision—our leaders end up debating how to slash funding for Medicare and Social Security in order to protect tax cuts and loopholes for giant corporations and the rich.

It's up to us to show them a better way by building a real progressive vision for how to create good jobs and get our economy moving again.

Over the past ten days more than 23,000 ideas have been submitted online for the Contract for the American Dream, and together we've rated them over 5.4 million times. Now, at this weekend's meetings, we're going to zero in on the top-rated ideas and figure out together what belongs in our plan.

There's a lot of energy out there and the response so far has been huge. These meetings are shaping up to be bigger than any MoveOn events of the 2008 presidential election. I hope you'll come and bring your story, your enthusiasm, and your best ideas.

Will join me in Jamaica on Saturday?

Yes, I'll be at the meeting!

Hope to see you there,

Desean b.

And don't worry, this email was sent through the MoveOn system, so your personal contact info is kept private.  



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Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Time to stand up

Can you call Rep. McCarthy right now and urge her to sign on to the letter from the Progressive Caucus that says no to any debt deal that includes cuts to Social Security, Medicare, or MedicaidShe should call Rep. Grijalva's office to sign on. 

Representative Carolyn McCarthy
Phone: 202-225-5516

Report Your Call!
Dear MoveOn member,

From the Huffington Post: "When word leaked out this past week that Obama was proposing cuts to entitlements, Democrats in Congress and outside advocates kicked their opposition into high gear...[which] may have broken the back of the bargain."1

But despite the quick progress won by MoveOn members and our allies, cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are still on the table. So we have to do more, today.

Our best shot is to get more House Democrats to join Leader Nancy Pelosi, who's been strongly saying that benefit cuts to such vital programs are unacceptable.2 If enough do, a deal like that can't pass.

The Congressional Progressive Caucus, led by Representatives Raúl Grijalva and Keith Ellison, is circulating an emergency "Dear Colleague" letter to stop any deal that cuts these benefits. Dozens have already signed, but they need our help to get dozens more today. 

Can you pick up the phone right now and call Representative Carolyn McCarthy's office? Tell her: "The Progressive Caucus is circulating a letter saying they won't accept a debt deal that includes cuts to Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid benefits. I urge you to contact Rep. Grijalva immediately to sign on."

Representative Carolyn McCarthy
Phone: 202-225-5516

Then, please click here to report your call.

If enough House Democrats sign this letter, they'll have the power to block a deal that places all the burden of reducing our deficit on seniors and middle and working class Americans. As New York Times political analyst Nate Silver put it:

Even if Mr. Boehner gets his 121 [Republican] votes, he'd still need help from 96 Democrats for the bill to pass...[and only] 166 Democrats to pick from...About 80 of them, in fact, are members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus...3

That means we just need to convince about 45 more Democrats to sign on to their letter. Then the deal being cooked up to cut Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits becomes politically impossible.

But we have to act urgently. Key Democratic and Republican leaders are negotiating with the president right now on a deal that could cut benefits. If an agreement is reached, pressure will mount quickly on House Democrats to agree. So we have to kill this deal before it even happens.

Please pick up the phone right away and call Representative Carolyn McCarthy. Ask her to sign on to the Progressive Caucus letter to save Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits by calling Rep. Grijalva's office today.

Representative Carolyn McCarthy
Phone: 202-225-5516

Then, please click here to report your call.

Thanks for all you do.

–Daniel, Adam Q., Elena, Eli, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "John Boehner Rejects Obama's Grand Bargain On Debt Ceiling," Huffington Post, July 9, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=211094&id=28778-10220574-AaBYsSx&t=4

2. "Pelosi: Medicare, Social Security Benefit Cuts Are Line In The Sand On Debt Limit Bill," Talking Points Memo, July 7, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=210945&id=28778-10220574-AaBYsSx&t=5

3. "Liberal Democrats Have Leverage on Debt Deal," The New York Times, July 7, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=210946&id=28778-10220574-AaBYsSx&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 July 12, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Strong communities

Rebuild the Dream, Powered by MoveOn.org Civic Action

Contract for the American Dream

We are Rebuilding the American Dream

Today we need as many of us as possible to rate ideas that will help protect the foundation for strong communities and a thriving middle class in this country. Click here to join in:

JOIN

Dear MoveOn member,

Three weeks ago, I announced the launch of Rebuild the Dream, and we started the process to create a Contract for the American Dream. I was hopeful and optimistic. But honestly, the whole idea was unproven. I wasn't quite sure if everyone else felt the same sense of energy and opportunity that I felt.

Now I'm convinced—because in the past three weeks more than 13,000 people have signed up to gather at American Dream house meetings, 16,000 ideas have been submitted for possible inclusion in the Contract for the American Dream, and together we've rated them more than 3.5 million times!

Today I'm writing to ask you to help finish collecting and rating the very best solutions. We will feed these ideas into our discussions at next week's meetings about what belongs in the Contract.

The final area we're focusing on is how to protect the foundation for strong communities and a thriving middle class in this country: good schools, access to healthcare, a clean environment, robust Social Security, and a strong safety net for when hard times hit.

To remind us how we ended up here, we put together a funny and informative new video that lays out how the middle class got in trouble in the first place.

Check it out. Then let's finish choosing the best Contract for the American Dream ideas:

Watch the video and rate ideas!

Next week—at more than 1,400 American Dream house meetings—people will gather in living rooms to sort through the top ideas and discuss what the American Dream is really all about.

People with opposing ideas to ours crafted their vision nearly 40 years ago. Ever since, they've been systematically dismantling the middle class in this country. Now it's up to us, right now, to unite as a movement, craft our vision, and stop them in their tracks.

I've already watched something amazing happen this year that's given me confidence. Ever since the protests in Wisconsin this winter, I've watched the whole progressive movement come together. I've seen the energy spread from the Capitol in Madison to nearly every corner of this country.

This is a big opportunity, and I'm excited that you're already a part of it. Today I hope you'll join in one more time and help find the very best ideas for how we can ensure access to great healthcare, provide for our seniors, run a great public school system, and do everything we can to keep our families and communities strong.

Click here to join in and start rating ideas:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=210999&id=28713-10220574-PQTfhlx&t=4

Thanks for all you do.

–Van Jones



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Friday, July 8, 2011

Our democracy isn't working

We're putting our heads together to choose the best ideas for a plan to create an economy that works for ALL of us—a new "Contract for the American Dream." Today we need as many of us as possible to rate ideas that will help us build a working democracy. Click here to get started:

Rate Ideas
Dear MoveOn member,

66% of Americans think we should cut the deficit by raising taxes on the rich.1 Less than 4% think we should start by cutting Social Security and Medicare.2

In a working democracy, these would be settled questions. And yet, yesterday, reports broke that President Obama offered up cuts to Social Security and other vital programs as part of a deal on the deficit. All while Republicans refuse to even consider raising taxes on the rich.

It's clear that we'll never make the economy work for regular folks until our democracy does too—until we take the power to make decisions away from corporate lobbyists and the super-rich and put it back in the hands of the the people.

So today, as part of our Contract for the American Dream, we're looking for ideas that will help us build a working democracy. To prime the pump, we made a great, funny video about one of the most important tools regular folks have used over the years to make their voices heard: unions.  

Check out the video, then help identify the best ideas for making our democracy work for all of us.

Watch the video and rate ideas! 

Corporations and the super-rich are doing everything they can to silence and overwhelm our voices in the workplace, in our communities, and at the ballot box. They're spending huge sums of money to buy elections and hire lobbyists, pushing anti-immigrant legislation in the states, making it harder for minorities to vote, and trying to block the rights of workers and unions to organize nationwide.

Together it all adds up to a broad attack on our right to have our voices heard and ultimately have control over our economy and our democracy.

All week we've been looking for the best ideas to include in the new Contract for the American Dream—ideas for fixing our economy and uniting our movement. The response has been amazing and so far we've collected more than 13,000 ideas for creating good jobs and making sure we all pay our share. Together, we've rated those ideas more than 3 million times!

Today it's time to focus on solutions that will make sure that we, the people, call the shots in the economy—and that no one gets left out.

Can you add your ideas, and then help find the very best ones by rating a few ideas from others?

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=210937&id=28686-10220574-G8cDlHx&t=4

Thanks for all you do.

–Justin, Tate, Robin, Elena, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "More Blame Wars than Domestic Spending or Tax Cuts for Nation's Debt," Pew Research Center, June 7, 2011.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=210934&id=28686-10220574-G8cDlHx&t=5

2. "Poll: To Reduce Deficit, Most Americans say Tax the Rich More," cbsnews.com, January 3, 2011.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=210872&id=28686-10220574-G8cDlHx&t=6



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Thursday, July 7, 2011

Stunning

The news just hit that President Obama may be offering cuts to Social Security to get a debt deal with Republicans. Can you call the White House and tell President Obama: "No deal where seniors pay—No deal where the rich don't"?

The White House:
(202) 456-1111

Report Your Call!

Dear MoveOn member,

There are breaking news reports that President Obama is offering to cut Social Security to convince Republicans to keep the country from defaulting on its debts.1 After months of affirming that Social Security doesn't add to the deficit,2 and ruling out benefit cuts in the State of the Union,3 the White House's reversal is stunning.

Eight key Democrat and Republican leaders are coming to the White House today to address the crisis over our country's looming default.

Republicans are dominating this negotiation, because their tea party supporters are demanding that they take a hard line. If we want the president and the Democratic leadership to have any leverage in these negotiations, we have to do the same.

We have to make it absolutely clear that a deficit reduction deal that puts the primary burden on seniors and the middle class is unacceptable. It's unacceptable to the very people who vote for Democrats, donate, volunteer, and knock on door after door to get them elected.

Call right now to flood the White House with calls. Tell the president: No deal where seniors pay. No deal where the rich and corporations don't.

The White House: (202) 456-1111
Then, please report your call by clicking here.

The head of Strengthen Social Security, a coalition of 300 groups—including MoveOn—said this today:

If true, President Obama's proposal to cut Social Security benefits represents a betrayal of America's seniors, people with disabilities and their families... Money would be ripped out of the pockets of millions of vulnerable Americans. Women, low-income and very old retirees would be hit hardest.4

He's not alone. Polls clearly show that the American people want the rich to pay their fair share to reduce our deficit, and want Medicare and Social Security protected.5

Yet, a radical minority bent on doling out more tax breaks for the rich while slashing our government beyond recognition has taken over our politics. They've captured the Republicans, and they are trying to run over the Democratic leaders that the majority of Americans elected.

We have to change that. It's time for the reasonable majority to outdo and outflank the radical minority. That starts with your phone call.

Please pick up the phone now and let the president know that enough is enough when it comes to cuts to seniors and everyday Americans. It's time for the rich and America's corporations to do their part.
The White House: (202) 456-1111
Then, please report your call by clicking here.

Thanks for all you do.

–Justin, Adam Q., Elena, Stephen, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "In Debt Talks, Obama Offers Social Security Cuts," The Washington Post, July 6, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=210871&id=28657-10220574-huTdRpx&t=4

2. "Top Obama Economic Aide: Social Security Reform Not A Part Of Discussion On Fiscal Future," Huffington Post, February 22, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=210876&id=28657-10220574-huTdRpx&t=5

3. "Remarks by the President in State of Union Address," The White House, January 25, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=210877&id=28657-10220574-huTdRpx&t=6

4. "Reports of Obama Plan to Cut Social Security, if True, Represent a Betrayal to America's Seniors and Families, Charges Leader of Coalition Representing 300 Organizations," Strengthen Social Security, July 7, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=210880&id=28657-10220574-huTdRpx&t=7

4. "Poll: To Reduce Deficit, Most Americans Say Tax The Rich More", CBS News, January 3, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=210872&id=28657-10220574-huTdRpx&t=8

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 July 7, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.