Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Speak out for the 99% in Manhattan

This final month of 2011 will force every member of Congress to show who they really represent. Can you join us at the office of Senator Charles Schumer in Manhattan on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011, at 2:45 PM to speak out for the 99%?

I'll be there!

Dear MoveOn member,

It's official. The GOP are 100% for the 1%.

Senate Democrats are proposing an extension of small but helpful tax cuts for the 99%—paid for by a surcharge on millionaires. But Republicans in the Senate are now lining up to oppose the same tax cuts they already supported.1

And that's not the only example. With votes on unemployment benefits, Medicare payments, and a Wall Street tax likely before the end of the year, the lines have never been clearer. This final month of 2011 will force every member of Congress to show who they really represent.

That's why we're holding a "99% Congressional Speak-Out" at the office of Senator Charles Schumer in Manhattan on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011, at 2:45 PM, to make sure he hears how badly we need him to stand up for the 99% in the final days of 2011. Can you join us?

I'll be there to speak out for the 99%!

I can't make it to this event, but keep me up to date on the campaign.

Speak-outs are simple events that give people the chance to share their stories and messages with politicians and the media. These "99% Speak-Outs" will give us the chance to turn our problems into political pressure. And with hundreds of events happening nationwide, we can make it clear that the choice in these last days of 2011 is between standing with the 99% and standing with Wall Street and the wealthy.

Can you attend a "99% Congressional Speak-Out" at the office of Senator Charles Schumer in Manhattan on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011, at 2:45 PM?

I'll be there to speak out for the 99%!

I can't make it to this event, but keep me up to date on the campaign.

Thanks for all you do.

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

Source:

1. "Democrats Propose Tax Cut For Middle Class Workers, New Tax For Millionaires," The Huffington Post, November 28, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=268403&id=33391-10220574-Evs7p7x&t=6

MoveOn is committed to nonviolence in the long tradition of protest movements throughout our history that have brought America closer to our founding dream—liberty and justice for all. As progressives, we respect all people and do not support or endorse any violence or property destruction.



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Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Call your senator RE: Internet censorship

Will you call Senator Charles Schumer? Tell him: "Say NO to Internet censorship. Vote NO on the Protect IP Act."  

Senator Charles Schumer
Phone: 202-224-6542

Report Your Call!
Dear MoveOn member,

Thanks for adding your name to the voices speaking up against Internet censorship. Nearly 100,000 people have signed the petition in just three hours! The pressure is building.

Now it's time to go one step further. With the bill coming up for a potential vote this week, it's important for your senator to hear your voice, as well as see your signature.  

Will you call Senator Charles Schumer? Tell him: "Say NO to Internet censorship. Vote NO on the Protect IP Act."

Here's where to call:

Senator Charles Schumer
Phone: 202-224-6542

Then, please report your call by clicking here:

http://pol.moveon.org/call?tg=FSNY_1&cp_id=1683&id=33350-10220574-FbfFzEx&t=2

Thanks for all you do.

Daniel, Amy, Garlin, Elena, and the rest of the team


Click here to sign your name:
"The government must not be allowed to censor the Internet at the request of powerful lobbyists. Say NO to Internet censorship."

Sign the Petition!

Dear MoveOn member,

As soon as this week, Congress is debating whether to give the government the power to turn off parts of the Internet. If that sounds like a terrible recipe for abuse of power, that's because it is.

If enacted, a new law would make it so a simple allegation of copyright infringement—with no review process—could lead to the shutdown of sites from YouTube to Wikipedia to MoveOn.org.1 Any website, foreign or U.S.-based, could be wiped out on suspicion and made unavailable to everyone in the world.

For example, if you (or Justin Bieber) wanted to post a video to YouTube of yourself singing a Beatles song, a record company could force the Department of Justice to shut down YouTube. Really.2

But as you may have guessed, Congress didn't come up with this tragically terrible idea on their own. Lobbyists representing Comcast, Pfizer, record and movie companies, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce3 have been pushing Democrats and Republicans to pass bills to allow this new kind of Internet censorship. And they're close to getting their way.

But a small number of Democrats are standing strong and saying "No" to these powerful special interest groups. They need our help.

Senator Ron Wyden from Oregon is one of our champions. He has promised to start a historic filibuster of the Protect IP Act where he'll read the names of every person that signs a petition against Internet censorship.4 It's the perfect opportunity for 5 million Internet-connected progressives to visibly add their voice to a Senate debate. The more of us that sign, the stronger this effort to block this terrible law will be.

Click here to add your name and say NO to Internet Censorship.

We know that the Internet's openness, freedom, and lack of censorship are what make it a bastion of infinite possibility, continued innovation, and job creation. Innovative companies like Google, Facebook, Twitter, Mozilla, and Yahoo have spoken out against this law, saying: 

We should not jeopardize a foundational structure that has worked for content owners and Internet companies alike and provides certainty to innovators with new ideas for how people create, find, discuss, and share information lawfully online.5

Internet venture capitalists say that the legislation is "ripe for abuse,"6 and leading law professors reject it because it will "allow the government to block Internet access to websites."7

We condemn censorship overseas when it happens in China or Iran. But today, we need to stand up for freedom of speech on the Internet here at home.

Click here to add your name and say NO to Internet Censorship.

Thanks for all you do.

Daniel, Garlin, Elena, Stefanie, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "House Version of Rogue Websites Bill Adds DMCA Bypass, Penalties for DNS Workarounds," Public Knowledge, October 26, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=268060&id=33350-10220574-FbfFzEx&t=7

2. "Why Is Justin Bieber So Hackin Mad?" SaveTheInternet.com, November 2, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=268061&id=33350-10220574-FbfFzEx&t=8

3. "Five things to know about SOPA," The Washington Post, November 16, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=268062&id=33350-10220574-FbfFzEx&t=9

4. "Wyden to read petition names during copyright filibuster," The Hill, November 21, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=268065&id=33350-10220574-FbfFzEx&t=10

5. "SOPA opposition from tech heavyweights Google, Facebook," CBS News, November 17, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=268063&id=33350-10220574-FbfFzEx&t=11

6. "The PROTECT IP Act Will Slow Startup Innovation," Union Square Ventures, June 23, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=268064&id=33350-10220574-FbfFzEx&t=12

7. "Law Professors' Letter on SOPA," Electronic Frontier Foundation, November 15, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=268067&id=33350-10220574-FbfFzEx&t=13

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 November 29, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Fight for the Internet

Click here to sign your name:
"The government must not be allowed to censor the Internet at the request of powerful lobbyists. Say NO to Internet censorship."

Sign the Petition!

Dear MoveOn member,

This week, the Senate is planning a vote on a new Internet censorship bill that would allow the government to shut down any website that any corporation simply alleges violates copyright laws. That means everything from YouTube to Wikipedia to MoveOn.org.1

It sounds like something from a repressive regime overseas, but it's about to happen right here. And worse, corporate lobbyists have managed to get support from senators from both parties.

But luckily, we have a champion in Senator Ron Wyden from Oregon. He is preparing to filibuster the bill this week by reading the names of everyone who signs our petition against Internet censorship.

Click here to add your name and say NO to Internet censorship.

If enacted, a new law would make it so that any website, foreign or U.S.-based, could be wiped out just based on suspicion and made unavailable to everyone in the world.2

Sen. Wyden is one of a small number of Democrats who are standing strong and saying no to Comcast, Pfizer, record and movie companies, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce—the giant corporations pushing for this draconian bill.3 Add your name to the debate on the Senate floor and show other members that if they stand strong, we support them too. The more of us who sign, the stronger this effort to block this terrible law will be.

Click here to add your name and say NO to Internet censorship.

We know that the Internet's openness, freedom, and lack of censorship are what make it a bastion of infinite possibility, continued innovation, and job creation. Innovative companies like Google, Facebook, Twitter, Mozilla, and Yahoo! have spoken out against this law.Internet venture capitalists say that the legislation is "ripe for abuse,"5 and leading law professors reject it because it will "allow the government to block Internet access to websites."6

But it's your voice that matters most. Add your name to stand up for freedom of speech on the Internet.

Click here to add your name and say NO to Internet censorship.

Thanks for all you do.

Daniel, Garlin, Elena, Stefanie, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "Wyden to read petition names during copyright filibuster," The Hill, November 21, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=268065&id=33311-10220574-mVXhiCx&t=6

2. "House Version of Rogue Websites Bill Adds DMCA Bypass, Penalties for DNS Workarounds," Public Knowledge, October 26, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=268060&id=33311-10220574-mVXhiCx&t=7

3. "Five things to know about SOPA," The Washington Post, November 16, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=268062&id=33311-10220574-mVXhiCx&t=8

4. "SOPA opposition from tech heavyweights Google, Facebook," CBS News, November 17, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=268063&id=33311-10220574-mVXhiCx&t=9

5. "The PROTECT IP Act Will Slow Start-up Innovation," Union Square Ventures, June 23, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=268064&id=33311-10220574-mVXhiCx&t=10

6. "Law Professors' Letter on SOPA," Electronic Frontier Foundation, November 15, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=268067&id=33311-10220574-mVXhiCx&t=11

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 November 28, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Big news on Social Security

Rebuild the Dream Powered by MoveOn.org Civic Action

Dear friend,

On Tuesday, the deficit Super Committee announced that they were not able to come to agreement. Republicans absolutely refused to budge on protecting giant tax breaks for the 1% and insisted instead on massive cuts to crucial programs including Social Security.

But thanks in part to grassroots pressure from hundreds of thousands of people—including you—the Democrats on the committee refused to give in to Republican extremism.

And that means NO mandatory cuts to Social Security.
 
The buzz on cable news makes it seem like the Super Committee's failure is a big letdown.

But the truth is that our pressure helped Democrats stand strong against Republican plans to savage Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid just so the super-wealthy wouldn't have to pay more in taxes.

The Super Committee was created back in July when conservative Republicans held our nation's finances hostage to a bogus default crisis. What it should have done is raise revenue by making Wall Street and the 1% pay their fair share. That's the real failure of the Super Committee.

At least now, we've helped stop the threat of Social Security cuts from the Super Committee, and it's time to turn our attention to what's next—rolling back terrible cuts in 2013 that were part of the awful debt ceiling deal in July.
 
We need to stop cuts to education, health care, job creation, environmental efforts, and more. Those programs aren't the source of the deficit. The deficit was caused by irresponsible tax breaks, the recession itself, and two wars.
 
Fortunately, the cuts don't start until next year, and we have several months to organize and make our voices heard. We'll be back in touch about ways that you can help stop the 2013 cuts.
 
You, along with nearly 200,000 other Rebuild the Dream members, signed the petition to stop the Social Security cuts. That is the biggest number since we launched just a few months ago, and it shows the impact we can have together. We also helped stop cuts to Medicare and Medicaid in the process.
 
This is an important moment that progressives should feel good about, due in part to work that Rebuild the Dream members have done.
 
Stay tuned for more ways you can help rebuild the American Dream.

Thank you for being a part of, and believing in, this movement.

–Natalie, Van, Billy, Jim, Ian, Somer, and the rest of the Rebuild the Dream team



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Your conservative uncle

Dear MoveOn member,

Americans are talking about the economy—a lot. They're talking about Occupy Wall Street and the Super Committee, about an economy that only works for the 1% and about unemployment.

But thanks to Fox News and Rush Limbaugh, lots of talk about the economy means lots of misinformation about the economy.

So if you're spending this Thanksgiving holiday with friends and family, and want to be ready with the facts to gently correct any myths you hear (they are family and friends, after all), we put together a short guide with five common myths you might hear and easy-to-remember facts to respond to them.

Remember that you're the most important source of information for your family and friends, so check it out and then share it on Facebook or Twitter, or just forward this email. Happy Thanksgiving, and of course, thanks for all you do.

Daniel, Mark, Julia, Elena, and the rest of the team


MYTH #1: The congressional Super Committee failed because both sides refuse to compromise.

REALITY: The Super Committee failed because Republicans' number one, non-negotiable priority is to protect millionaires and billionaires from paying even one more penny in taxes.1 Democrats repeatedly offered to make deep spending cuts—far deeper than most progressives would like—in exchange for raising taxes on the wealthy and closing corporate loopholes, only to be refused again and again.2 So even though the vast majority of Americans say they want to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits, and raise taxes on the rich and corporations,3 that won't happen until Republicans put aside their extremist stance.

MYTH #2: Nobody knows what Occupy Wall Street is about.

REALITY: Occupy Wall Street may not have a formal list of demands, but anyone who's been paying attention understands the core problems that occupiers are protesting—that corporations have far too much power in our political system, that Wall Street banks crashed our economy but were never held accountable, and that the richest 400 Americans have more wealth than half of all Americans—156 million people—combined.4

MYTH #3: Occupiers should stop protesting and just get a job.

REALITY: As anybody who's looked for a job in the last few years knows, there just aren't jobs out there. That's a big part of why occupiers are protesting. In September, there were four times as many unemployed people as job openings.5 And for those who are lucky enough to find a job, median wages today are lower than they were a decade ago.6

MYTH #4: Occupy Wall Street is intent on provoking violence, especially against banks and the police.

REALITY: Occupations across the country have committed themselves to nonviolent protest, in the greatest traditions of protest movements. Some of their protests have been met with acts of police violence—tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets7—but in many cases, protesters have reminded police that the police officers are part of the 99%, too.8 And in the few cases when people have shown up at Occupy demonstrations and committed acts of vandalism, other protesters have even repaired their acts of vandalism.9

MYTH #5: The biggest crisis facing our country is out of control government spending.

REALITY: The two biggest drivers of our deficit—by far—are the economic crash and the Bush tax cuts.10 We have millions of people out of work, corporations hoarding cash, and factories sitting idle. If we put all those people back to work—rebuilding infrastructure, educating our children, and researching new technologies—it'll shrink the deficit and make our economy stronger for the long haul. And we can easily afford it if we make sure the rich—who are taking home a larger percentage of income than any time since 191711—pay their fair share.

Sources:

1. "No, 'both sides' aren't equally to blame for supercommittee failure," The Washington Post, November 21, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=268071&id=33178-10220574-943f5mx&t=4

2. "Wonkbook: In supercommittee, Dems moved right and Republicans moved righter," The Washington Post, November 22, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=268072&id=33178-10220574-943f5mx&t=5

3. "CNN Poll: What The Super Committee Produced Is...Exactly What We Don't Want," Talking Points Memo, November 21, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=268073&id=33178-10220574-943f5mx&t=6

"Medicare, Social Security & The Deficit," National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare, September 2011

4. "Michael Moore says 400 Americans have more wealth than half of all Americans combined," Politifact Wisconsin, March 10, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=268074&id=33178-10220574-943f5mx&t=7

5. "Fact: 4 job seekers per opening in U.S.," CNN, September 12, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=268075&id=33178-10220574-943f5mx&t=8

6. "Median household income," Wikipedia, Accessed November 22, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=268076&id=33178-10220574-943f5mx&t=9

7. "Occupy movement: police reaction in pictures," The Guardian, November 21, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=268077&id=33178-10220574-943f5mx&t=10

8. "Occupy Demonstrators Mark Two Months of Protests," NPR, November 17, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=268078&id=33178-10220574-943f5mx&t=11

9. "Occupy Oakland protesters assist in cleanup efforts," News 10 ABC, November 3, 2011
http://www.news10.net/news/article/161383/2/Occupy-Oakland-protesters-assist-in-cleanup-efforts-

10. "Economic Downturn and Bush Policies Continue to Drive Large Projected Deficits," Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, May 10, 2011
http://www.cbpp.org/cms/?fa=view&id=3490

11. "Income Inequality Is At An All-Time High: STUDY," The Huffington Post, September 14, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=268079&id=33178-10220574-943f5mx&t=12

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 November 23, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

You should run for office!

Rebuild the Dream Powered by MoveOn.org Civic Action

Dear friend,

You should run for office!

No, this is not a joke. If we are serious about saving the American Dream, we need to fight for it from the outside. But we need true champions on the inside too. You can start local: school board, community board, zoning board, water commission. There are more than 500,000 elected offices across this country.

You don't have to do it alone. We're going to run as a movement and help each other—just like the tea party did (but without all that yucky fear-mongering). It will be fun. The right wing has been building a "farm team" for decades to catapult their leaders from places like the Wasilla School Board to the national stage. Now it's our turn.

We're partnering with Progressive Majority's "Run for America," New Organizing Institute's Candidate Project, and other allies to recruit more than 2,000 candidates like you to run for local office this year.

Will you—yes, YOU—be part of a new generation of progressive candidates?

Yes—I want to run for local office, or help others run.

Sounds interesting—I'd like to learn more about the project first.

I know. You've never seen yourself running for office. But that's exactly why you are the type of person who should run. Here's a challenge: Find us someone better than you. Help them run. Or maybe you can both run together.

We can't all sit on the sidelines while the "dream killers" wreck our country. There is a new wave of energy behind the 99% of us who want real change. We deserve a seat at the table. And as we knock on doors and talk to our neighbors, we will inspire our communities to vote and elect progressives up the ticket as well.

So, are you in?

I'm in! I'd like to run for local office, or help others in my community run.

Sounds interesting—I'd like to learn more about the project first.

Thank you for being a part of, and believing in, this movement.

–Natalie, Van, Billy, Jim, Ian, Somer, and the rest of the Rebuild the Dream team



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Monday, November 21, 2011

Cut health care for Congress first

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


Dear MoveOn member,

In April, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives voted to cut Medicare and Medicaid. And this month, even Democrats on the so-called Super Committee have offered deep cuts to these vital programs.

Essentially, Republicans in Congress are telling senior citizens and the poor that tax cuts for billionaires and millionaires are more important than providing a health care safety net for our most vulnerable.

But did you know that members of Congress get great taxpayer-funded health care? In fact, they have one of the best health care plans in the world.

It strikes us as the height of hypocrisy to be accepting government-provided, taxpayer-subsidized health insurance while denying seniors, the disabled, and the poor the basic coverage that Medicare and Medicaid provide.

That's why we're circulating this petition demanding that members of Congress who voted to cut Medicare and Medicaid stop accepting taxpayer-subsidized health insurance for themselves. If they believe our most vulnerable citizens should buy insurance on the corporate, for-profit market, shouldn't they do the same?

The petition is addressed to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives and says:

If you voted to cut Medicare and Medicaid, you must stop accepting taxpayer-funded health care for yourself and your family.

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=267956&id=33106-10220574-rxl0oox&t=2

Thanks!

–Michael Morrill

The text above was written by Michael Morrill, 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.



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Sunday, November 20, 2011

All day, every day

Rebuild the Dream Powered by MoveOn.org Civic Action

Dear friend,

You've got to watch this video. A heroic group of people is marching 230 miles from Occupy Wall Street to Washington, to call on the Super Committee and Congress to stand with the 99%. 

Ten days ago, they left New York City with a small group, and they've grown to nearly 50. They'll deliver their message to Capitol Hill by November 23, the last day for the congressional Super Committee to vote on a proposal that could slash Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid instead of raising taxes on the 1%.

They march all day, every day, enduring rain and freezing temperatures, bleeding blisters, and aching legs. They literally are putting their bodies on the line to bring the message of the 99% to Congress. 

Yesterday, we caught up with them and made a quick video. It's powerful stuff! Can you check it out and share it? We need to spread the word about this march, and about the Super Committee's important decision.

Screen capture
Watch the video


For each one of these marchers, there are literally millions of people who depend on vital programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. These protestors march for countless families and children. They march for justice and fairness. They march for all of us.

Now it's up to us to spread their story. That's how we help them succeed. The marchers will get to Capitol Hill on Tuesday, a day before the Super Committee's final deadline. Let's make it impossible for anyone—including the 12 members of the Super Committee—to ignore their arrival.

Please click here to watch and share the video with your friends and family. 

Thank you for being a part of, and believing in, this movement.

–Ian, Natalie, Van, Billy, Jim, Somer and the rest of the team at Rebuild The Dream Innovation Fund



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Saturday, November 19, 2011

Monday conference call: Join a local MoveOn Council

Join a virtual information session on Monday, November 21 at 9 p.m. ET to learn more about the MoveOn Council network. Click here to RSVP: 

Join the call!
Dear MoveOn member,

After big events, MoveOn members often want to keep the energy going in their community. 

The answer? Over the last five years, MoveOn members have built the Council network. With nearly 20,000 members, the network includes 175 Councils in big cities and small towns—from Honolulu to Des Moines to Atlanta and everywhere in between.

Councils are local teams of leaders who organize in their communities to promote the progressive change our country needs.

There's a national conference call on Monday night to learn more about the Council network—and how you can get more involved with a local MoveOn team. Current Council members will share their experience, and you'll hear stories about how Councils organize to win. 

The call is on Monday, November 21 at 9 p.m. ET (8 p.m. CT / 7 p.m. MT / 6 p.m. PT / 4 p.m. HT) 

Click here to RSVP:

Yes! I'm in for the MoveOn Council info session.

Joining a MoveOn Council is more important than ever before. As thousands of brave folks occupy Wall Street, and thousands more stand in solidarity at occupations nationwide, we must organize broader and deeper to support the people-powered movement in our communities. If you're ready to take the next step, click here to start or join a Council near you: 

Click here to join the MoveOn Council in your community.

Together, we will build long-term power to support the fight against Wall Street greed and the other major battles ahead. 

Thanks for all you do.

–Lenore, Amy, Mariana, David, and the rest of the team

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


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on November 19, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Friday, November 18, 2011

The 99% come to Congress

Can you call Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer today, before Congress delivers more devastating cuts? Tell them: "We are the 99%. Don't cut our Social Security and Medicare to protect tax breaks for the 1%."  

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
Phone: 202-224-4451

Senator Charles Schumer
Phone: 202-224-6542

Report Your Call!
Dear MoveOn member,

If Wall Street thought banning tents from Zuccotti Park was going to stop the 99%, then they're just as shortsighted now as when they wrecked our economy.

Because yesterday, the nation saw the biggest day of action since the Occupy movement began—with tens of thousands protesting in New York and at bridges, schools, and other examples of crumbling infrastructure around the country.

Meanwhile, a band of courageous protesters is marching from Wall Street to Washington to bring the 99% to where it's been missing—our government. Like the first protesters to lay down their tarps in Zuccotti Park, the marchers are matching their commitment to the moment across 230 long miles to our nation's capital. Marching 20 miles per day, through cold and wet November weather, with feet swollen and bloodied, they report the warmest reception from the neighborhoods hardest hit by the economic downturn.1 As one protester said: "putting your body into something like this, I think it gives you the hope that there can be real change."2

The marchers are hurrying to D.C. to stop a terrible Super Committee deal that means more devastating cuts for the 99% instead of making the 1% pay their fair share.3 The risk is growing by the day. Democrats on the Super Committee have already offered huge cuts to Medicare benefits and Social Security, while Republicans demand even more—and if only one Democrat agrees, we're sunk.4 So let's make sure the Senate feels the energy of the 99% breathing down their necks.

The Super Committee's not likely to cut a deal the rest of the Senate won't support, so every senator—from true progressives to staunch conservatives—needs to be talking about how many people are calling them with the 99%'s message. Pick up the phone and call Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer today and tell them: "We are the 99%. Don't cut our Social Security and Medicare benefits to protect tax breaks for the 1%."

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
Phone: 202-224-4451

Senator Charles Schumer
Phone: 202-224-6542

Then, please click here to report your call.

The 99% protesters have been heard and felt in cities and towns across the country. They've featured on front pages and in top stories for weeks. Yet politicians in Washington have been deaf to their calls. There's no other explanation for an offer by Super Committee Democrats of $500 billion in further cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits or proposals to make the Bush tax cuts for the rich permanent!5

But our leaders can't ignore what happened yesterday: more than 30,000 protesters in New York alone taking action across the city in a day of peaceful confrontations and passionate commitment.6 Former Philadelphia Police Captain Ray Lewis was arrested at a protest to disrupt the New York Stock Exchange, in dress uniform, saying that the police are being exploited by the 1%.7 And major union and political leaders were arrested as part of a group of 99 protesters, in T-shirts emblazoned with "99%," who staged a sit-in at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge.8

The message is clear. Eviction from Zuccotti Park and other Occupy sites around the country has only made the 99% stronger and more committed. A commitment demonstrated by the 99% marchers on a 230-mile pilgrimage from Wall Street to Washington.

Washington can't ignore all of us together. And they can't ignore thousands of us calling in today as the 99% to deliver an uncompromising demand: "We are the 99%. Don't cut our Social Security and Medicare benefits to protect tax breaks for the 1%."

Call now to deliver that message to Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer:

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
Phone: 202-224-4451

Senator Charles Schumer
Phone: 202-224-6542

Then, please click here to report your call.

Thanks for all you do.

–Lenore, Michael, Laura, Marika, and the rest of the team

P.S. Our partners at Rebuild the Dream also have an urgent petition being delivered to Congress early next week to stop the Super Committee's threatened cuts to Social Security. Click here to sign.


Sources:

1. "Occupiers Hit the Road for New York-Washington March," Rolling Stone, November 9, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=267963&id=33018-10220574-XLZm2Kx&t=6

"Occupy the Highway: The immense pain of walking from New York to Washington," The Washington Post, November 12, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=267964&id=33018-10220574-XLZm2Kx&t=7

"On the ground with Occupy," Politico, November 17, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=26797&id=33018-10220574-XLZm2Kx&t=8

2. "Occupy the Highway: The immense pain of walking from New York to Washington," The Washington Post, November 12, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=267964&id=33018-10220574-XLZm2Kx&t=9

3. "Occupiers plan epic New York to Washington march," Salon, November 8, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=267966&id=33018-10220574-XLZm2Kx&t=10

4. "Democrats on 'super committee' propose a 'grand bargain,'" The Los Angeles Times, October 26, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=267854&id=33018-10220574-XLZm2Kx&t=11

"Seven days left: Is super committee ball now in Democrats' court?" The Christian Science Monitor, November 17, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=267969&id=33018-10220574-XLZm2Kx&t=12

"AFL Warns Super Committee Dems: Not One Vote For GOP Plans," Talking Points Memo, November 18, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=267968&id=33018-10220574-XLZm2Kx&t=13

5. "Super Committee Democrats Propose Scrapping Bush Tax Cut Debate In Exchange For Billions In Revenue," The Huffington Post, November 11, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=267855&id=33018-10220574-XLZm2Kx&t=14

6. "Taking it to the bridge: Thousands cross Brooklyn river after 300 arrested in clashes with riot police," The Daily Mail, November 18, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=267973&id=33018-10220574-XLZm2Kx&t=15

"Occupy Wall Street Two Month Anniversary: Protesters March To NYC Financial District, Plan Day of Events," The Huffington Post, November 17, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=267972&id=33018-10220574-XLZm2Kx&t=16

7. "Retired police captain arrested at Occupy Wall Street," Daily Kos, November 17, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=267974&id=33018-10220574-XLZm2Kx&t=17

8. "Clashes and More Than 240 Arrests on Protest's 'Day of Action,'" The New York Times, November 17, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=267971&id=33018-10220574-XLZm2Kx&t=18

MoveOn is committed to nonviolence in the long tradition of protest movements throughout our history that have brought America closer to our founding dream—liberty and justice for all. As progressives we respect all people, and will not support or endorse any violence or property destruction.



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Thursday, November 17, 2011

How was your We Are The 99% event?

Dear MoveOn member,

Thanks for signing up to attend a We Are The 99% event.

Over 20,000 people turned out in small towns, suburbs, and big cities across the nation to stand up as the 99%. Together, we amplified our voice and sent a clear message to Congress and the media that we, the 99%, cannot be evicted or silenced.

Did you make it to your We Are The 99% event?

Yes, I went to an event.

No, I couldn't make it.

If your event has not yet occurred, please take a moment to fill out the survey when it has ended.

Your feedback is critical—it helps us learn what worked well and what didn't. We'll use it to plan our next steps moving forward.

Also, if you have any digital photos from your meeting, you can email them to weare99photo@moveon.org and we'll share the best ones soon.

Thanks for all you do.

–Lenore, David, Melanie, Jessica, and the rest of the team

MoveOn is committed to nonviolence in the long tradition of protest movements throughout our history that have brought America closer to our founding dream—liberty and justice for all. As progressives, we respect all people and do not support or endorse any violence or property destruction.



Subscription Management:
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Your "We Are The 99%" event is today!


We need more people to make these events huge! Invite friends, family, and neighbors to your We Are The 99% event by clicking below.

Click to invite your friends!

Dear MoveOn member,

In more than 325 cities nationwide, we, the 99%, are turning out for a massive day of action to stop job-killing cuts and demand the 1% pay their fair share.

We need as many people as possible for a powerful event, and your presence is really important to help make it a success! 

Here are the details for your event:

We Are the 99%
When:
Thursday, November 17, 4:00 PM
Where:
Hempstead Turnpike, Levittown
3350 Hempstead Turnpike
Levittown, NY

Directions: Wantagh Parkway, Hempstead Turnpike (Rt. 24) EAST exit; or Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway, Hempstead Turnpike (Rt. 24) WEST exit. Site is on the South side of Hempstead Turnpike. Closest crossroad is Gardiners Avenue.

Here's the link to your event page:

http://pol.moveon.org/event/weare99/attendees/?id=32941-10220574-YsGaAFx&t=2

A few final reminders before you come out:

  • Invite friends, neighbors, and others to your event. The best way to build a crowd for your event is to call people and invite them to join you. In addition to getting on the phone, you can invite people from your social network through email, Facebook, and Twitter. Click here to invite friends now:

    http://pol.moveon.org/event/weare99/attendees/?id=32941-10220574-YsGaAFx&t=3

  • Make or print signs to bring. We're inviting local media to cover your event, and having plenty of signs with our key message will provide a nice visual. You can print premade signs or make your own.

  • Take photos and video. It's always great to capture these moments to share with other MoveOn members. After the event, you can send photos to weare99photo@moveon.org. If you film the event, check out the video guide for instructions on how to take and upload video.

Thanks for all you do.

Lenore, Eric, David, Susan, and the rest of the team

P.S. If you have a twitter account, use hashtag #N17. News organizations throughout the country will be watching hashtag #N17 to stay updated on tomorrow's actions. If you tweet, be sure to post photos and details of your event with the #N17 hashtag.

MoveOn is committed to nonviolence in the long tradition of protest movements throughout our history that have brought America closer to our founding dream—liberty and justice for all. As progressives, we respect all people and do not support or endorse any violence or property destruction.



Subscription Management:
This is a message from MoveOn.org Civic Action. To change your email address or update your contact info, please visit:
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Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Social Security cuts next week

Rebuild the Dream
POWERED BY
MoveOn.org Civic Action

Save social security

Sign the petition: "Congress should reject cuts to Social Security and instead make the 1% pay their share."

Sign

Dear friend,

For four months the congressional "Super Committee" has been meeting behind closed doors to hash out ways to reduce the deficit.

A report in The New York Times yesterday suggests that the committee is close to recommending mandatory cuts to Social Security instead of tax increases for the richest one percent.1

No way we can let this happen. This is a rotten deal that we have to stop.

The committee issues their report to Congress in one week. We are collecting petition signatures that we will deliver this Friday. Our goal is to send a message that cuts to Social Security come with hell to pay from voters.

Click here to tell Congress to reject any new cuts to Social Security.

After you sign please take a minute to forward this email to friends, family, and co-workers so they know about the mandatory cuts that could be coming. Ask them to sign too.

We have seven days to put the brakes on the Super Committee's report and kill this proposal. Here is how a news story described the cuts recently:

"Just as 55 million Social Security recipients are about to get their first benefit increase in three years, Congress is looking at reducing future raises by adopting a new measure of inflation that also would increase taxes for most families. Those with low incomes would be hit hardest.

"If adopted across the government, the inflation measure would have widespread ramifications. Increases in veterans' benefits and pensions for federal workers and military personnel would be smaller. And over time, fewer people would qualify for Medicaid, Head Start, food stamps, school lunch programs and home heating assistance than under the current measure."2

Conservatives have never liked Social Security. Those monthly checks prove that government can be a force for good in the lives of Americans.

And let's be clear what the anti-tax stuff is all about—the rich and big companies don't want to pay their fair share. They've deployed their lobbyists to push for cuts to Social Security so they don't have to pay more in taxes.

We urgently need to send Congress a message that cuts to Social Security are OFF the table. Please sign and recruit other people to sign.

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=267709&id=32931-10220574-PKWR%3DCx&t=3

Thanks for all you do.

–Natalie, Van, Billy, Jim, Ian, Somer, and the rest of the Rebuild the Dream team

Sources:

1. "Deficit Panel Seeks to Defer Details on Raising Taxes," The New York Times, November 13, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=267710&id=32931-10220574-PKWR%3DCx&t=4

2. "New Social Security formula could cut benefits, raise taxes," USA Today, November 7, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=267711&id=32931-10220574-PKWR%3DCx&t=5



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Friday, November 11, 2011

We are Levittown's 99%

Can you join a We Are the 99% action in Levittown on November 17?

Join an Action!

Dear MoveOn member,

They just don't get it. Ordinary people are rising up and demanding that our country work for the 99%, but Congress is still acting like nothing has changed.

In less than two weeks, the Super Committee will unveil their deficit reduction plan. And instead of focusing on creating jobs and making the rich pay their fair share, all indications are that Congress will once again protect the 1% at the expense of the 99%—unleashing up to $1.2 trillion in vicious, job-killing cuts that could hit Medicare, Social Security, and other programs the middle class relies on.

We've got just 12 days left to stop them—and our only chance is massive, coordinated action to let them know we will not stand for more of the same disastrous policies.

So we're joining with Occupy Wall Street, and progressive allies like SEIU, AFL-CIO, and many more for a "We Are the 99%" day of action on November 17. Together, we'll demand that Congress and the Super Committee tax Wall Street to create millions of jobs and rebuild our economy for the 99%. But if we're going to stop this terrible deal, these events need to be big—really big. Can you join us?

I'll stand up for the 99% on November 17 in Levittown.

I can't make this event, but keep me up-to-date on the campaign.

Democrats on the Super Committee have already offered $500 billion in cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, even though Republicans still refuse to raise taxes on the wealthy.1 And any deal that the Super Committee reaches will be incredibly dangerous. Part of the debt ceiling deal this summer was that the Super Committee's report would get a straight up-or-down vote in both houses of Congress immediately—making it very hard to stop once the train has left the station.

Our plan for November 17 is to hold events at the very places where Congress could be creating jobs to get Americans back to work: crumbling bridges, understaffed schools, and other examples of critical infrastructure in disrepair. We need to remind Congress—and our fellow community members—that there's plenty of work that needs doing in America, if only Washington would focus on the right things. And we need to show Congress how huge the backlash will be if they push through yet another disastrous deal.

Can you join us in Levittown to stand up for the 99%?

I'll stand up for the 99% on November 17 in Levittown.

I can't make this event, but keep me up-to-date on the campaign.

Thanks for all you do.

–Lenore, Joan, Ryan, Wes, and the rest of the team

Source:

1. "Dems, GOP Play Super Committee Hot Potato As Talks Stall Over Taxes," Talking Points Memo, November 10, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=267546&id=32795-10220574-eJsYUGx&t=6



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