Friday, June 29, 2012

Today: Petition for student loan forgiveness

Hi MoveOn member,

Yesterday, Congressman Hansen Clarke and I delivered 1 million petition signatures—including yours—to Congress calling for the forgiveness of student loan debt.

Armed with stacks of petitions, we're showing our leaders that the student loan debt crisis must not be ignored any longer. It's an amazing moment—the culmination of a huge movement for student debt forgiveness. Can you help keep the momentum going by sharing the petition on Facebook?

Yes, I'll post on Facebook right now, asking my friends to sign!

I'm not on Facebook, but I'll share the petition a different way.

Or you can forward the note below to your friends via email.

Thanks!

–Robert Applebaum


Subject: Two million for student loan forgiveness?

Since 1999, average student loan debt has increased by a shameful 511%. In 2010, total outstanding student loan debt exceeded total outstanding credit card debt in America for the first time ever. In 2012, total outstanding student loan debt is expected to exceed $1 trillion.

In response to this crisis, U.S. Representative Hansen Clarke of Michigan has just introduced H.R. 4170, the Student Loan Forgiveness Act of 2012, which would extend a helping hand to those struggling under massive amounts of student loan debt.

Over 1 million petition signatures in support of the Student Loan Forgiveness Act have been delivered already. But that's only the beginning—stacks of petitions continue to be delivered every day—and we're building a movement too powerful for our leaders to ignore.

Will sign the petition? Click here to add your name, then pass it along to your friends:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=272847&id=44967-10220574-UJGSYax&t=3

The text above was written by Robert Applebaum, not by MoveOn staff, and MoveOn is not responsible for the content. This email was sent through MoveOn's secure system, and your information has been kept private.

Want to support our work? MoveOn Civic Action is entirely funded by our 7 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.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on June 29, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Thank you for signing the "Thank President Obama for Obamacare" petition

Dear MoveOn member,

Thank you for signing my petition yesterday, "Thank President Obama for Obamacare."

But to really make a difference, we need a lot more people to join in. Can you share this petition with all your friends?

Click here to share it on Facebook:

Share on Facebook

Then, forward the email below to everyone you know.

Thanks!

–Jen Job

Here's a sample message to send to your friends:


Hi,

Two years ago, my mother, Rhonda, lost her job. Then she lost her health insurance. She needed major surgery, but was so worried about bankrupting our family with hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills that she waited. She waited until she couldn't hold off any longer without risking her life.

The Affordable Care Act (aka, "Obamacare") came along just in time. It saved her life, and has already helped many more Americans get desperately needed health care. And it happened because we fought for it in Congress, online, on the phones, and in the streets.

Now that the Supreme Court has upheld Obamacare and its protections, my mother--along with millions of other Americans--can feel confident that they'll be able to get the care they need. And that makes me very thankful.

Let's join together in thanking President Obama for his work to pass Obamacare and protect the lives of millions of Americans.

So I created a petition to President Barack Obama, which says:

Thank you for working to pass Obamacare!

Will you sign this petition? Click here:

http://signon.org/sign/thank-president-obama?source=s.fwd&r_by=1922578

Thanks! 



Subscription Management:
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Thursday, June 28, 2012

Romney will repeal Obamacare

The Supreme Court's health care ruling is a huge victory. But Mitt Romney would roll back Obamacare completely. We're taking on Romney with an aggressive campaign that's already won extensive media coverage. But to truly safeguard health care, we need to do everything we can to win. Can you chip in?

Chip in $5

Dear MoveOn member,

Today's Supreme Court health care ruling is a huge victory for people power. Even when millions of dollars are spent against us, we can win!

Millions of people—our neighbors, our parents, our kidswill keep their health care thanks to this decision. 

But Mitt Romney has sworn to repeal Obamacare, so today's victory would turn into a defeat if Romney is elected. And Republicans have said they will end Obamacare and Medicare. 

This amazing Supreme Court decision makes the stakes this November even higher. The Romney campaign raised $100,000 within minutes of the decision, and the Koch brothers just announced that they're launching a $9 million ad campaign against Obamacare. 

We're going to have to kick our campaign way, way up to defeat Romney.1 We can do it if we raise $250,000 today. Can you chip in?

Yes, I can contribute $5.

Romney has no reasonable plan for affordable health care. He refuses to cover everyone with a pre-existing condition,2 even though polls say that 85% of Americans disagree with him.He says, "I want to get health care to act more like a consumer market, meaning like the things we deal with everyday in our lives—the purchases of tires, of automobiles, of air filters."4 

So, if Romney and his rich friends get sick, they'll go to fancy doctors, and if the rest of us are lucky, we'll go to Sears. That's Romney's vision of America, with perks and privileges for the wealthiest 1%, and living in fear of not being able to afford a doctor for the 99%.

The scary thing is that Romney and President Obama are deadlocked in key swing states. We've got to get the truth out right now, while voters are still making up their minds. 

That's why we're aggressively campaigning against Romney. You've probably already seen the extensive media coveragewe've been flying banner-toting planes over his rallies and shadowing his bus tour with our own Romneymobile. And MoveOn members are reaching out to more than 10,000 potential progressive voters a day, helping them register to vote. 

If we can raise enough money this week, we're ready to produce a new round of hard-hitting TV ads that make sure everyone knows Romney would roll back our hard-earned health care victory. We'll also build new technology to turbocharge our voter registration project, and do so much more.

Can you contribute $5 to defeat Romney?

Thanks for all you do.

–Justin, Lenore, Emily, Vicki, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "Romney campaign: $100,000 raised within minutes of Supreme Court decision," Fox News.com, June 28, 2012. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=276847&id=44869-10220574-60%3DdPqx&t=4

2. "Mitt Romney's Health Care Plan Would Not Prohibit Discrimination Based On Pre-Existing Conditions," Huffington Post, June 13, 2012.

3. "Results of The New York Times/CBS News Poll," The New York Times, March 26, 2012.

4. "Romney Outlines How He Would 'Replace Obamacare,'" Kaiser Health News, June 13, 2012.

5. "Obama and Romney in Close Contest in North Carolina," Marist Poll, June 28, 2012. 

 

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 7 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 June 28, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

TODAY in Manhattan: Celebrate Obamacare victory

Today at 5:30 PM, progressives are rallying celebrate a huge victory on health care. There's an ally-led event in Manhattan. Can you join?

RSVP here!

Dear MoveOn member,

BREAKING: The Supreme Court just ruled to uphold the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)! 

Today's decision means millions of Americans—and many MoveOn members—will be able to access affordable, quality health care. In short, justice and fairness was upheld.  

Millions of MoveOn members and progressives fought to win health care—and today's ruling reaffirms that people power works. Dozens of progressive groups are joining forces to CELEBRATE and show that our movement is emboldened. We're gathering in Manhattan at 5:30 PM. Can you make it?

Yes, I'll be there!

Thanks for all you do.

–Lenore, Elena, Ryan, Robin, and the rest of the team

 

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 7 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 June 28, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

I'm grateful for Obamacare, are you?

Below is an email from Jen Jobs, a MoveOn member who created a petition on SignOn.org, the nonprofit site that allows anyone to start their own online petition.


Dear MoveOn member,

Two years ago, my mother, Rhonda, lost her job. Then she lost her health insurance. She needed major surgery, but was so worried about bankrupting our family with hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills that she waited. She waited until she couldn't hold off any longer without risking her life.

The Affordable Care Act (aka "Obamacare") came along just in time. It saved her life, and has already helped many more Americans get desperately needed health care. And it happened because we fought for it in Congress, online, on the phones, and in the streets.

Now that the Supreme Court has upheld Obamacare and its protections, my mother—along with millions of other Americans—can feel confident that they'll be able to get the care they need. And that makes me very thankful.

Let's join together in thanking President Obama for his work to pass Obamacare and protect the lives of millions of Americans.

Click here to sign my SignOn.org petition telling President Obama, "Thank you for Obamacare."

Under the Affordable Care Act, my mother was able to afford a state health insurance plan that included the highest-ranked surgeon in the state. She had her surgery and is almost completely recovered. There are thousands of stories like hers out there, showing how Obamacare literally saves lives.

My mom is joined by 86 million Americans who have gotten free preventive care through the Affordable Care Act, 105 million who no longer need to worry about lifetime benefits caps, and 17 million children who can't be denied care because of pre-existing conditions.

I'm glad to be a part of the millions who came together to fight for the Affordable Care Act, and to have a president who stood up for health care for all Americans.

Thank President Obama by signing my SignOn.org petition that reads, "Thank you for Obamacare."

Thanks!

–Jen Jobs


This petition was created on SignOn.org, the progressive, nonprofit petition site that will never sell your email address and will never promote a petition because someone paid us to. SignOn.org is sponsored by MoveOn Civic Action, which is not responsible for the contents of this or other petitions posted on the site. If you have concerns or feedback about this petition, click here.

Want to support our work? MoveOn Civic Action is entirely funded by our 7 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.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on June 28, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Last week: We delivered democracy

A few photos from last week's petition deliveries:


Dear MoveOn member,

Yesterday, the conservative Supreme Court took one more punch at our democracy. In a 5-4 ruling, the Court upheld Citizens United and used it to overturn Montana's 100-year old state law limiting corporate spending in elections. 

It's a low blow—and it only underscores the fact that the Supreme Court is not budging from their position. Overturning Citizens United is a long-term fight, and last week's Deliver for Democracy actions demonstrated that the grassroots passion is alive and well. 

Thousands of MoveOn members joined allies to deliver hundreds of thousands of petitions to elected officials all across the country.

Here are some highlights from the petition deliveries: 

  • In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, local Council members met with Senator Mary Landrieu's staff to deliver petitions and ask about the Senator's support for a constitutional amendment. They gave her office two weeks to get back to them with an answer.
  • On a blistering hot day in Massapequa, New York, MoveOn members delivered petitions to Representative Peter King. They met with one of his staffers and told them that they expected an answer by the end of June and if they did not hear back from Mr. King by then that they would take their concerns to the public.
  • In Las Cruces, NM, MoveOn members met with Representative Steve Pearce's office urging him to support a constitutional amendment. Even members of the local Tea Party were also there showing their support.

Over the next few weeks we need to go back to those elected officials who are still on the fence and find out where they stand once and for all. Can you make a follow up call to your elected official? Just click here to find your state and federal elected officials and make the call:

http://pol.moveon.org/amendmentwhip/#all?id=44703-10220574-Jp3cyCx&t=1

Thanks for all you do. 

–Robin, Mariana, Elena, PaKou, and the rest of the team 

P.S. It's clear now more than ever that if we are going to change our broken democracy we need an amendment overturning Citizens United and getting big money out of politics. Take a moment to look at this video about the recent Supreme Court decision upholding Citizens United: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ditFMj2EhUQ.

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 7 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 June 26, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Monday, June 25, 2012

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 7 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.moveon.org/r?r=263094&id=44560-10220574-97xHs6x&t=1

Thanks!

Steven, Stefanie, Christine, Bobby, and the rest of the team

Want to support our work? MoveOn Civic Action is entirely funded by our 7 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.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on June 25, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

We beat Romney

We're only just getting started, and we've already got Romney literally on the run. But to win the election, we need to go all out to make sure voters know that Romney would be "President of the 1%." Can you chip in?   

Chip in $5

Dear MoveOn member,

This past week, we tried a new grassroots strategy to take on Mitt Romney. And it worked, better than we could have ever dreamed! 

Right now, President Obama is sinking in the polls, and the race looks very tough. But the more people know about Mitt Romney's economic plans—tax breaks for millionaires, layoffs and cutbacks for the rest of us—the less support he gets.  That's why we're launching a huge program to make sure that swing voters realize that Romney isn't just some rich guy who happens to be running for office—he's running to raid America for the 1%. 

Our first action already had great results: we followed Mitt on his bus tour with our own "Romneymobile", a Cadillac covered in corporate NASCAR-style decals (with a fake dog strapped to the roof). MoveOn members came out to join the Romneymobile wherever Mitt went, carrying "President of the 1%" signs. 

There were so many of us at a WaWa in Pennsylvania where Romney was scheduled to stop that his bus just drove right by, leaving his supporters and reporters baffled.Romney's lavish and carefully orchestrated tour was focused on getting him positive local news stories—but our message about Romney and the 1% made it into much of the tour press coverage!2 

In our MoveOn member vote yesterday, 91% of us voted endorse President Obama. It's time to go all-in to stop Mitt Romney and use people power to counter Super PAC dollars. Our campaign has just gotten off the ground and is already getting great media coverage in key swing states. But we need to raise $350,000 this week to replicate our success everywhere Mitt goes. Can you chip in? 

Yes, I can chip in $5 to help keep Mitt Romney on the run.

We've launched "99Airlines," our plan to fly a plane overhead at all of Romney's big events with a message from MoveOn members. Our banners were getting so much attention that Romney got his own plane with a banner in the air. Only his team didn't quite think it through. 

The Romney campaign's banner read: "Romney for President 2012." Our plane was following right behind it with one that read "Romney: Every Millionaire Counts Tour." It looked like the Romney campaign was saying our message himself! The media loved it and wrote tons of stories.

Getting the real truth out about Mitt Romney is priceless. But keeping the planes in the air, funding the "Romneymobile," and all the other elements of our election program cost money. If we can raise $350,000 we can make sure that swing voters nationwide know that Romney truly would be "President of the 1%." Can you chip in today?

Yes, I can chip in $5 to help stop Mitt Romney.

MoveOn is independent of political parties and politicians, and we know that re-electing the president will not bring progress in itself, but rather is a precondition to progress. We're going all-in not just to win this election, but to keep building progressive power for the battles to come.

Thanks for all you do.

–Justin, Garlin, Victoria, Emily, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "Obama supporters disrupt Romney event," CBS News, June 16, 2012 
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=276535&id=44263-10220574-i0v6FAx&t=5

2. Here's a list of some of our press hits: http://s3.moveon.org/pdfs/romneytour_press.pdf?id=44263-10220574-i0v6FAx&t=6

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 7 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 June 21, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

**OFFICIAL BALLOT** Should MoveOn endorse Obama? Vote today!


Dear MoveOn member,

We have a big decision to make.

At MoveOn, members vote on any election endorsements we make. Today we need to decide whether to make an endorsement in the presidential race. The outcome of the election is far from decided—polls are showing that this could be a very tight race—so our work could make a big difference.

If MoveOn members vote to endorse President Obama, we'll campaign hard to re-elect Obama and to defeat Mitt Romney. If MoveOn members choose not to endorse Obama, we won't spend our time and resources on the presidential election. It's up to you.

So it's time to ask the question: Should MoveOn endorse President Obama?

Yes.

No.

By clicking Yes or No, you are casting your vote. This email is your personal endorsement ballot—unique to you. Please don't forward it.

If you want to encourage your friends who are MoveOn members to vote, tell them to look for their personal MoveOn ballot email. It's important to vote immediately. Voting lasts until 9 a.m. Eastern tomorrow—Thursday, June 21.

We all need to weigh in on this crucial question—please take a moment to cast a vote. It only takes a few seconds.

Should MoveOn endorse President Obama?

Yes.

No.

Thanks for all you do.

–Justin, Adam, Alejandro, Amy, Angela, Carrie, David, Elena, Eliza, Emily, Eric, Garlin, Holly, Jason, Jessica, Julia, Justin, Laura, Lenore, Mariana, Marika, Mark, Melanie, Milan, Nick, Nick, PaKou, Reshad, Robin, Ryan, Stephen, Susan, Susannah, Tate, Tim, Vicki and the MoveOn.org Political Action Team

P.S. Here are the complete rules:

  • Everyone who is a MoveOn member as of noon Eastern on Tuesday, June 19, is eligible to vote.
  • Voting lasts now through 9 a.m. Eastern tomorrow—Thursday, June 21.
  • MoveOn will only endorse President Obama if two-thirds of the votes cast by members are in favor of endorsement.
  • Only your first vote will be counted, you can't use this email to vote a second time.

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 7 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 June 20, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Gov. Cuomo: Raise New York's Minimum Wage

Below is an email from Myrna Capaldi, a MoveOn member from Kingston, New York. Myrna created a petition on SignOn.org, the nonprofit site that allows anyone to start their own online petition. If you have concerns or feedback about this petition, click here.


Dear New York MoveOn member,

My name is Myrna, and I'm from Kingston, New York. I am a low-wage worker, making just over the minimum wage—and it's impossible to make ends meet. I wait until 5pm to go grocery shopping, because I can get bread at a discount. I just hope I can provide a better future for my daughter.

The minimum wage in New York is just $7.25/hr. That's just over $15,000 a year. That's a poverty wage, and no family in New York should have to survive on it.

My family, like hundreds of thousands of low wage workers across New York, deserves a raise. And Governor Cuomo has proved he can get his priorities done in Albany. For example, when gambling bigwigs showed up with big contributions for the Committee to Save New York, Gov. Cuomo listened. 

Low-wage families don't have millions of dollars, but we need Governor Cuomo's help too. That's why I started a petition to Governor Cuomo on SignOn.org, which says:

Governor Cuomo, please raise New York's minimum wage to $8.50 per hour.

Will you sign the petition? Click here to add your name, and then pass it along to your friends:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=276206&id=44095-10220574-24k24%3Dx&t=2

Thanks!

–Myrna Capaldi

This petition was created on SignOn.org, the progressive, nonprofit petition site that will never sell your email address and will never promote a petition because someone paid us to. SignOn.org is sponsored by MoveOn Civic Action, which is not responsible for the contents of this or other petitions posted on the site.


Want to support our work? MoveOn Civic Action is entirely funded by our 7 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.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on June 19, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Wednesday in Brooklyn: Stand for a strong democracy

You're Invited:
Stand for a Strong Democracy:
Wednesday in Brooklyn


Host: Lynn R. 

Where: conklin Street and 94 (in Brooklyn)

When: Wednesday, Jun. 20, at 12:00 PM

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

Yes I'll be there!
I can come.

I can't make it.
Sorry, I can't make it, but I'm interested in getting more updates.

WhatIf we can get a majority of elected officials to agree that our democracy shouldn't go to the highest bidder, we can actually go after big money in politics and amend the Constitution. It won't happen overnight, but we can lay the groundwork for victory. That's why we're delivering thousands of petitions to elected officials urging them to stand up for our democracy—not the 1%. Can you join us this week to deliver our petition to amend the Constitution in Brooklyn on Wednesday? 
 

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 7 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 June 18, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Can you call Debra?

We're launching a brand new project to make sure members of the Rising American Electorate are registered and vote in November. Our programmers have built a brand-new calling tool to register thousands of new voters. Can you spend 15 minutes reminding people to register?

Register voters!
Great news! Approximately 1 million young people will have their dreams restored thanks to President Obama's new executive order protecting the rights of undocumented DREAMers.3
Dear MoveOn member,

Can you call Debra? She lives in Ohio and she just moved—we need to help her register to vote at her new address. And John just turned 18—he needs a call about registering in Minnesota. And Lucía is a young woman from a community in Florida where registration rates are low.

Debra is part of the Rising American Electorate—the young people, unmarried women, and people of color who make up more than half of our nation's voting population. Except 42% of them aren't registered to vote.1 Like Debra.

I know you don't know Debra, and its uncomfortable to call someone you don't know. But it matters, because this election matters.

Here's our strategy, and a simple but real way you can make a difference:

We're launching a big, new, ambitious project to ensure that the "Rising American Electorate"—the unmarried women, young people and people of color Republicans want to prevent from voting—are registered and make it to the polls this November. These voters came out in record numbers in 2008, and we could lose this election without them.

Millions of voter registration forms are being mailed to people in these key demographics. The forms are arriving in their mailboxes as I write this. Today, it's as easy as it will ever possibly be for these folks to register. But in another week many of them will have misplaced the form, and we'll have missed this opportunity. Can you take 15 minutes to call and remind them to register?



Registering voters could be the key to countless races this year, top to bottom. Young people, unmarried women, and people of color—the Rising American Electorate—make up more than half of our nation's voting population, but nearly half of them aren't registered to vote.2 

That's why we are calling thousands of unregistered potential voters like Debra, John and Maria and asking them to return the voter registration form that was just mailed them. We will follow up with these newly registered voters in the fall and make sure they head to the polls, no matter how hard the right-wing tries to stop them. Our tech team has been hard at work building a cutting edge calling system, and we have developed a rigorous testing program to optimize our effectiveness. 

This could be the most important thing we can do together this election—and for the future of the progressive movement. And it starts right now with you picking up the phone and spending 15 minutes calling people to make sure they register to vote.



Thanks for all you do.

–Julia, Victoria, Emily, Elena, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "The Rising American Electorate," The Voter Participation Center, accessed June 15, 2012

2. Ibid.

3. "U.S. Will Give Immunity to Some Young Illegal Migrants," The New York Times, June 15, 2012


Want to support our work? MoveOn Civic Action is entirely funded by our 7 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.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on June 17, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Deliver a dose of democracy in Brooklyn on Wednesday


Fight back against big money in politics by delivering petitions supporting an amendment to overturn Citizens United. There's a petition delivery in Brooklyn on Wednesday at 12:00 PM. Can you make it?

Yes, I can!

Dear MoveOn member,

There's no question about it: Big money is corrupting our democracy. 

More than 75% of voters agree that what's needed is a constitutional amendment overturning decisions like Citizens United and an end to the big money in politics. That's why hundreds of thousands of MoveOn members have signed petitions letting elected officials know that we support a constitutional amendment.

But even as hundreds of millions of dollars flood this election season, most of our elected officials still aren't on the record supporting a constitutional amendment. 

So next week, MoveOn members are delivering a dose of democracy to elected officials, by dropping off our democratic currency—petitions—and asking them to go on the record with where they stand on a constitutional amendment. There's an event to drop off the petitions at an elected official's office near you in Brooklyn on Wednesday, June 20 at 12:00 PM. 

Can you join other MoveOn members and make sure our message is received?

Yes, count me in for the delivery!

The 1% knows that they can use their money to influence our political system—like when politicians wage attacks on workers and women, or when a governor purges the voting rolls so that Latinos have less of a voice in our democracy. That's what's happening now, and it will only get worse—unless we mobilize a people-powered campaign to counter the cash that the 1% is spending.

Just recently, Las Vegas Sands CEO Sheldon Adelson said he intends to give at least $100 million to conservatives this election cycle! He's also contributed $250,000 to Governor Scott Walker.1 It's clear that Adelson and the rest of the 1% expect a return on their investment—they want control over our elected officials and the policies they set.

To stop the 1% from taking over our democracy, we need a critical mass of elected officials committing to the fight against big money in politics. Next week, in the time it would take to run an errand, you can join other MoveOn members in delivering petitions to your elected officials. 

Can you deliver for democracy in Brooklyn on Wednesday, June 20, at 12:00 PM?  

Yes, I'll be there!

Thanks for all you do.

–Robin, Mariana, Elena, PaKou, and the rest of the team

1. "Adelson Gives $19 Million to Pro-Romney Super PAC," The Wall Street Journal, June 13, 2012   

http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2012/06/13/adelson-gives-10-million-to-pro-romney-super-pac/"

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 7 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 June 15, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

What if my grandmother had died--because I'm gay?

Below is an email from Ryan Allen, a MoveOn member who created a petition on SignOn.org, the nonprofit site that allows anyone to start their own online petition. If you have concerns or feedback about this petition, click here.


Dear MoveOn member,

Years ago, my grandmother had breast cancer, and while undergoing a double mastectomy, she lost an immense amount of blood and required multiple blood transfusions. Had it not been for those in her community who cared enough to donate their blood, I would not have grown up having a grandmother.

However, even though I am healthy and willing, I can't give blood to help people like my grandmother because I am gay.

This policy was created at the beginning of a tragic epidemic to protect the blood supply, as 30 years ago there were insufficient tests to detect the various antibodies that are created when HIV is present in blood. But today there are 14 tests that all blood donations receive to ensure that the entire blood supply is safe. These tests check for infectious diseases and detect any HIV antibodies present.

The only reason this policy stays on the books is anti-gay bigotry.

Click here to sign the petition urging the FDA to stop discriminating against healthy gay Americans who wish to give blood.

This unscientific, discriminatory policy keeps thousands of healthy Americans from donating blood and is preventing innocent children with blood disorders like sickle cell anemia from receiving needed transfusions. Many children are unable to attend school like other children or even die because of the lack of blood supply.

FDA policy states that "anyone that is in danger of contracting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, cannot donate blood." Well, my fellow Americans, that is everyone who is having sex with anyone other than themselves, right?! 

Please join with me in calling for an end to this ugly and discriminatory policy, and together let's increase the number of lives saved.

Will you sign the petition? Click here to add your name, and then pass it along to your friends:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=276207&id=43704-10220574-qbjnSpx&t=7

Thanks!

–Ryan Allen

This petition was created on SignOn.org, the progressive, nonprofit petition site that will never sell your email address and will never promote a petition because someone paid us to. SignOn.org is sponsored by MoveOn Civic Action, which is not responsible for the contents of this or other petitions posted on the site.

Want to support our work? MoveOn Civic Action is entirely funded by our 7 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.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on June 14, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Re: Support the Student Loan Forgiveness Act

Just wanted to make sure you saw this important email we sent the other day. The petition is closing in on one million signatures, so we could really use your help.—Steven 


Dear MoveOn member,

Since 1999, average student loan debt has increased by a shameful 511%. In 2010, total outstanding student loan debt exceeded total outstanding credit card debt in America for the first time ever. In 2012, total outstanding student loan debt is expected to exceed $1 trillion.

In response to this crisis, U.S. Representative Hansen Clarke of Michigan has just introduced H.R. 4170, the Student Loan Forgiveness Act of 2012, which would extend a helping hand to those struggling under massive amounts of student loan debt.

That's why I created a petition to Rep. John Kline, Chairman of the House Education and the Workplace Committee; the United States House of Representatives and Senate; and President Barack Obama on SignOn.org, which says:

Total outstanding student loan debt in America is expected to exceed $1 TRILLION this year. Millions of hardworking, taxpaying, educated Americans are being crushed under the weight of their educational debts, while the economy continues to sputter. Support a REAL economic stimulus and jobs plan. Support the Student Loan Forgiveness Act of 2012 (H.R. 4170).

Will you sign the petition? Click here to add your name, and then pass it along to your friends:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=272847&id=43541-10220574-sVk5d0x&t=1

Thanks!

–Robert Applebaum

The text above was written by Robert Applebaum, not by MoveOn staff, and MoveOn is not responsible for the content. This email was sent through MoveOn's secure system, and your information has been kept private.

Want to support our work? MoveOn Civic Action is entirely funded by our 7 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.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on June 12, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Thursday in Rockville Centre: Stand with the 99%?

This invitation is from John M. who is organizing a "We are the 99%" event in Rockville Centre on Thursday. For additional details, sign up below.


Dear MoveOn member,

My name is John M, and I'm part of a growing movement fighting for an economy and democracy that work for the 99%. This spring 100,000 people were trained in nonviolent direct action, and more and more people are taking to the streets to demand justice.

There's an opportunity in Rockville Centre on Thursday to stand up against a system that's rigged for billionaires and big corporations. Here's what's happening:

We're rallying in front of State Senator Skelos' office to demand that stand up for us and against the 1% Big Oil & Gas Companies. These companies are wielding their power again, trying to push for fracking approval in NY State. We, the 99%, must stand up for our rights against the powerful 1% corporate money & power. We all know how dangerous fracking is...it will pollute our air, land, and water and Sen Skelos (R) is BLOCKING a ban on this dangerous practice. Governor Cuomo is leaning the same way. We need to tell them that the 99% says, "NO FRACKING WAY!" in NY! Join us and let your voice be heard.

To make a difference, we need a crowd. Can you join us at 12 p.m. on Thursday, June 14, in Rockville Centre? 

Yes, I can be there! 

Even if you can only join for some of the event, we need lots of us, the 99%, to show up. When we stand together, we're a powerful force for change. That's why I hope you can join me. 

Can you stand up with the 99% on Thursday?

Yes! I want to RSVP and get more information.

Sincerely, 

–John M., 99% supporter

P.S. This email was sent through the MoveOn system, so your personal contact info is kept private.


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 June 12, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Take the toxic chemicals out of my couch

Below is an email from Arlene Blum, UC Berkeley chemist and executive director and founder of the Alliance for Toxic-Free Fire Safety. She created a petition on SignOn.org, the nonprofit site that allows anyone to start their own online petition. If you have concerns or feedback about this petition, click here.


Dear MoveOn member,

According to a Chicago Tribune investigative series, "A deceptive campaign by the chemical industry brought toxic flame retardants into our homes and into our bodies. And the chemicals don't even work as promised."

Since 2008, the CPSC has been working on a draft furniture flammability standard that would stop fires from starting in furniture fabric. This new standard will prevent the use of untested and toxic chemicals in the foam inside furniture. We need the CPSC to enact this standard so we can buy furniture and baby products that are both fire resistant and toxics free.

That's why I created a petition on SignOn.org to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which says:

Please act NOW to stop the use of toxic flame retardant chemicals in our furniture and baby products. We urge you to enact your new furniture flammability standard to increase fire safety without toxic chemicals and prevent cancer and neurological, reproductive, endocrine, and immune problems.

Will you sign the petition? Click here to add your name, and then pass it along to your friends:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=276216&id=43461-10220574-ob_Mf9x&t=2

Thanks!

–Arlene Blum, Alliance for Toxic-Free Fire Safety

This petition was created on SignOn.org, the progressive, nonprofit petition site that will never sell your email address and will never promote a petition because someone paid us to. SignOn.org is sponsored by MoveOn Civic Action, which is not responsible for the contents of this or other petitions posted on the site.

Want to support our work? MoveOn Civic Action is entirely funded by our 7 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.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on June 11, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Re: New polls: Obama's losing

Dear MoveOn member,

Since our last email, Gallup released another big poll showing Obama down by two points to Mitt Romney.1 And Romney's campaign just announced that they raised an unbelievable $76.8 million in May—$17 million more than Obama. So we could really use your help.

Please chip in $5.

–Angie


Scary news: Romney is actually ahead in a whole series of recent national polls. And right-wing Super PACs will give him a huge additional advantage. But MoveOn is pioneering a way to use social media to reach as many people as a Super PAC TV ad campaign at a fraction of the cost. Can you chip in now?

Chip in $5

Dear MoveOn member,

Think Obama's a shoo-in? 

Think again. Romney is ahead in a whole series of recent polls. And super PACs are poised to spend huge amounts of money to sway the race—just like they did yesterday in Wisconsin.

The good news is that in this election the Internet is giving us whole new ways to fight back at a fraction of the cost of a traditional ad campaign—and we're miles ahead of the right-wing Super PACs figuring out how to take advantage.

You see, today a single YouTube video can get more attention than a big-budget TV campaign. And people are far more likely to be persuaded by something shared by a friend than what they see on TV.

That's where we come in. With a tiny social media team of just four staff and a few interns, MoveOn.org has figured out how to disseminate powerful messages to millions of people through social media. For instance, just one video we publicized on gay marriage alone reached more than 21 million people. To reach this many eyeballs with TV ads, it could cost almost a million dollars.3

Here's the kicker: We only need to raise $200,000 to fund this entire project for the next few critical months.

Can you chip in $5 to help counter the Super PACs using social media?

In 8 out of 14 national polls released over the last month, Romney is ahead or tied.4 Anyone who says Obama's a shoo-in just isn't paying attention. But social media is giving us new ways to fight back—and MoveOn.org is on the cutting edge. 

Research shows that more and more voters are getting news through social media like Facebook and Twitter.5 That's especially true of those under-30 voters.

We've spent a year working on the computer software and online tools that let us reach these viewers. Our high-tech platform supports a talented team of volunteer and staff editors who scour the Web for the highest impact progressive videos and graphics. When news breaks, they're ready to toss a wrench into the conservative spin machine.

But we need to scale up even more. Fox News reaches more than 2 million people per day. We can match that—we need to match that. We need to reach further into Facebook and other social media realms like Twitter, Digg, Reddit, and Pinterest, where hundreds of millions of Americans are spending huge chunks of time. The war of ideas is happening in short, 8 to 24 hour news cycles on the web, and we're ramping up to be right on the front lines.

Chip in $5 to help counter the Super PACs using social media.

Sometimes, all we need to counter the right's agenda is the right picture at the right moment. When Republicans in Congress convened a panel on birth control, but didn't bother to invite any women, that image of five middle-aged men said it all. Thousands instantly shared it on Facebook.

Other times, it's a gripping personal story that changes minds. When there was controversy about the Susan G. Komen Foundation, we featured a video by a gutsy breast cancer survivor named Linda, who had some no-nonsense words for the people who had let her down. More than 383,000 watched, as we and our allies mobilized phone calls and grassroots pressure—and Komen changed course.

It's an entirely new way of communicating, and MoveOn is proud to be a pioneer. We can't stop those right-wing SuperPACs from buying their old-fashioned TV ads. Yet. But we can beat them by investing in people-power and staying ahead of the curve in online campaigning.

Click here now to chip in $5.

Thanks for all you do.

–Angie, Brandon, Carrie, Linda, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "General Election: Romney vs. Obama," Real Clear Politics, accessed June 7, 2012
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=276096&id=43314-10220574-7CvA1Ix&t=6

2. "Romney Raises More Than Obama in May," The New York Times, accessed June 7, 2012 
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=276150&id=43314-10220574-7CvA1Ix&t=7

3. "TV Cost & CPM Trends," Television Bureau of Advertising, accessed May 27, 2012
http://www.tvb.org/trends/4718

4. "General Election: Romney vs. Obama," Real Clear Politics, accessed June 7, 2012
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=276096&id=43314-10220574-7CvA1Ix&t=8

5. How Social Media Is Taking Over the News Industry," Mashable, April 28, 2012
http://mashable.com/2012/04/18/social-media-and-the-news/

Want to support our work? MoveOn Civic Action is entirely funded by our 7 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.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on June 9, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Support the Student Loan Forgiveness Act

Below is an email from Robert Applebaum, a MoveOn member who created a petition at SignOn.org that is getting a lot of attention and may be of interest to people in your area. If you have concerns or feedback about this petition, click here.


Dear MoveOn member,

Since 1999, average student loan debt has increased by a shameful 511%. In 2010, total outstanding student loan debt exceeded total outstanding credit card debt in America for the first time ever. In 2012, total outstanding student loan debt is expected to exceed $1 trillion.

In response to this crisis, U.S. Representative Hansen Clarke of Michigan has just introduced H.R. 4170, the Student Loan Forgiveness Act of 2012, which would extend a helping hand to those struggling under massive amounts of student loan debt.

That's why I created a petition to Rep. John Kline, Chairman of the House Education and the Workplace Committee; the United States House of Representatives and Senate; and President Barack Obama on SignOn.org, which says:

Total outstanding student loan debt in America is expected to exceed $1 TRILLION this year. Millions of hardworking, taxpaying, educated Americans are being crushed under the weight of their educational debts, while the economy continues to sputter. Support a REAL economic stimulus and jobs plan. Support the Student Loan Forgiveness Act of 2012 (H.R. 4170).

Will you sign the petition? Click here to add your name, and then pass it along to your friends:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=272847&id=43230-10220574-rUyBK2x&t=2

Thanks!

–Robert Applebaum

The text above was written by Robert Applebaum, not by MoveOn staff, and MoveOn is not responsible for the content. This email was sent through MoveOn's secure system, and your information has been kept private.

Want to support our work? MoveOn Civic Action is entirely funded by our 7 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.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on June 8, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Can you deliver the democracy petitions?

Thank you for signing the petition to reverse Citizens United and get big money out of politics! Can you deliver the petitions to your elected officials on June 20?

Host a Petition Delivery!

Dear MoveOn member,

What would Inwood look like if the 99% actually controlled our democracy? 

Imagine a community where all children have access to quality education, corporations pay their fair share, and no one is denied the right to vote based on their gender or the color of their skin.

The reality is that these visions don't stand a chance as long as our system is corrupted by big money and the 1%.

Over the past three weeks, MoveOn members have made thousands of calls and collected hundreds of thousands of petition signatures calling on state and federal elected officials to support a constitutional amendment to get big money out of politics. We're making progress, but we haven't heard from nearly enough politicians.  

So, during the week of June 18-22, we're stepping up the pressure by delivering the petitions to elected officials. If we get them to agree to a constitutional amendment, we can hold them accountable, overturn Citizens United, and get money out of politics once and for all. 

Can you organize a petition delivery at a state legislator or member of Congress' office on June 20?

Yes! I can organize an event!

The public is already on our side: Polls show that a majority of voters support a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United. So now it's time that we increase the political pressure on our elected officials—especially during this critical election year.

On Wednesday, June 20, all across the country, we'll draw a line in the sand and find out where our elected officials stand. If your elected official is not listed in the democracy scorecard, make a plan to deliver the petition, and tell them why they should support a constitutional amendment and side with the 99%. 

Can you protect our democracy by delivering petitions to your elected officials?


Thanks for all you do.

–Robin, Elena, Emily, Victoria, and the rest of the team 

P.S. It's really easy to organize a successful event. Once you sign up, you'll get access to all the materials you'll need for a strong petition delivery.

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 7 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 June 7, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.