Thursday, May 31, 2012

Re: We might have to pull the plug

Dear MoveOn member,

I'm incredibly encouraged by the strong member response to our email yesterday. If we can finish this quarter with strong fundraising, that will give us confidence to go forward with important election campaigns that we'd otherwise have to cut right now—projects that could determine control of the U.S. Senate or even the White House.

Click here to chip in $5 and help MoveOn take on more campaigns this election season.

Thanks—Adam


If we can't increase our budget, we might have to dramatically scale back or pull the plug on some of MoveOn's most important election efforts this year—projects that could determine control of the U.S. Senate or even the White House. Can you chip in $5 to make sure that doesn't happen? 

Chip in $5

Dear MoveOn member,

With November fast approaching, we need to make some hard decisions about which campaigns we can afford to take on, and which ones we'll have to sit out.

There are so many important races this year. Of course there's the presidential election. But the U.S. Senate is up for grabs, too. There's the Scott Walker recall in Wisconsin. If we can elect Elizabeth Warren in Massachusetts, that will be huge.

It's like picking which of your kids you love the most. I just can't do it.

But I'll be honest—if we can't increase our budget, we're going to have to pull the plug now on some absolutely crucial campaigns.

Can you chip in $5 to help make sure we don't have to sit out some of these critical campaigns?

Click here to chip in $5 and help MoveOn take on more campaigns this election season.

Here are some examples of the important projects we'd love to run in 2012 if we had enough money:

  • Young voter turnout. Young voters were crucial to Obama's victory in 2008, but most elections experts say it's unlikely they'll vote again in similar numbers this time around. We learned how to register and turn out young voters last time, and we need to do it again.

  • Elect Elizabeth Warren and keep control of the U.S. Senate. Elizabeth Warren is one of the best progressive candidates we've seen in years. When control of the Senate could be decided on her race, how could we not help her win?

  • Fighting voter suppression. Republicans have passed a wave of laws aimed at making it harder to vote for African Americans, students, and poor people. If turnout goes down by even a couple percentage points among these key voting blocs, that could be disastrous. 

MoveOn will do a little bit on all of these projects, but will we be able to go big? That's mostly a question of resources. If we have enough money, we will. If not, we simply can't.

Click here now to chip in $5.

MoveOn has an incredible track record in past elections—when we take on a campaign, we get results.

In 2008, MoveOn was one of the first groups to endorse President Obama, and we then recruited 1 million volunteers who went door to door, made phone calls, and helped provide the surge of grassroots support necessary to elect Obama.

In 2006, before anyone else was even talking about it, we announced plans to take back Congress from the Republicans. We made over 7 million phone calls to occasional voters to help fuel the Democratic takeover of Congress.

And in 2004 we organized a neighborhood get-out-the-vote program that knocked on over 4.6 million doors in 10,000 swing-state precincts.

If we can finish this quarter with a bang, that will give us enough confidence to go forward with campaigns that we'd otherwise have to cut right now. 

Click here to chip in $5 and help MoveOn take on more campaigns this election season.

Thanks for all you do.

–Adam R., Elena, Victoria, Emily, and the rest of the team

 

PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on May 31, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

We might have to pull the plug

If we can't increase our budget, we might have to dramatically scale back or pull the plug on some of MoveOn's most important election efforts this year—projects that could determine control of the U.S. Senate or even the White House. Can you chip in $5 to make sure that doesn't happen? 

Chip in $5

Dear MoveOn member,

With November fast approaching, we need to make some hard decisions about which campaigns we can afford to take on, and which ones we'll have to sit out.

There are so many important races this year. Of course there's the presidential election. But the U.S. Senate is up for grabs, too. There's the Scott Walker recall in Wisconsin. If we can elect Elizabeth Warren in Massachusetts, that will be huge.

It's like picking which of your kids you love the most. I just can't do it.

But I'll be honest—if we can't increase our budget, we're going to have to pull the plug now on some absolutely crucial campaigns.

Can you chip in $5 to help make sure we don't have to sit out some of these critical campaigns?

Click here to chip in $5 and help MoveOn take on more campaigns this election season.

Here are some examples of the important projects we'd love to run in 2012 if we had enough money:

  • Young voter turnout. Young voters were crucial to Obama's victory in 2008, but most elections experts say it's unlikely they'll vote again in similar numbers this time around. We learned how to register and turn out young voters last time, and we need to do it again.

  • Elect Elizabeth Warren and keep control of the U.S. Senate. Elizabeth Warren is one of the best progressive candidates we've seen in years. When control of the Senate could be decided on her race, how could we not help her win?

  • Fighting voter suppression. Republicans have passed a wave of laws aimed at making it harder to vote for African Americans, students, and poor people. If turnout goes down by even a couple percentage points among these key voting blocs, that could be disastrous. 

MoveOn will do a little bit on all of these projects, but will we be able to go big? That's mostly a question of resources. If we have enough money, we will. If not, we simply can't.

Click here now to chip in $5.

MoveOn has an incredible track record in past elections—when we take on a campaign, we get results.

In 2008, MoveOn was one of the first groups to endorse President Obama, and we then recruited 1 million volunteers who went door to door, made phone calls, and helped provide the surge of grassroots support necessary to elect Obama.

In 2006, before anyone else was even talking about it, we announced plans to take back Congress from the Republicans. We made over 7 million phone calls to occasional voters to help fuel the Democratic takeover of Congress.

And in 2004 we organized a neighborhood get-out-the-vote program that knocked on over 4.6 million doors in 10,000 swing-state precincts.

If we can finish this quarter with a bang, that will give us enough confidence to go forward with campaigns that we'd otherwise have to cut right now. 

Click here to chip in $5 and help MoveOn take on more campaigns this election season.

Thanks for all you do.

–Adam R., Elena, Victoria, Emily, and the rest of the team

 
PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on May 30, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

[your creative subject line here]

Dear MoveOn member,

We have a small staff of writers. They're good. In fact, they're great. We just love 'em. Unfortunately, despite their experience, political savvy, and undying love of the Oxford comma, there's one thing they just can't be. They can't be all of YOU.

MoveOn is its members, and when the staff write emails, or petitions, or design field actions, the aim is to speak with 7 million voices, rather than for 7 million people. With that in mind, we're launching a new program, called MoveOn Crowdwriting:

http://www.moveon.org/crowdwriting/?id=42490-10220574-cwLQwQx&t=1

Crowdwriting's purpose is to find and elevate great progressive writers. For folks who end up in the program, it'll be a three-week (very part-time) commitment during which you'll have a chance to write content that spurs the MoveOn community to take action. You'll get feedback on your work from MoveOn staffers, and you may get to send an email to our 7 million members.

If you think that's exciting, we'd love to hear from you. Here's the info link again, as well as a link directly to the program application:

Information: http://www.moveon.org/crowdwriting/?id=42490-10220574-cwLQwQx&t=2

Application: http://www.moveon.org/crowdwriting/application.html?id=42490-10220574-cwLQwQx&t=3

Thanks for all you do,

–Nick, Tate, and the rest of the team

PS. Even if you aren't able to apply, if you know of someone who might be interested please pass this message along to them. They don't need to be a current MoveOn member, and we're interested in folks from all backgrounds and places.

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 May 29, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Start the next big online petition

Dear MoveOn member,

You know that old saying, "If you don't vote, you can't complain?" Personally, I'd go one step further and say it's not enough to just vote once every two years. People gotta speak out.

That's why MoveOn has built a website called SignOn.org where you can make your voice heard by starting your very own petition—to the mayor of your town, the governor, Congress, or even the President of the United States. SignOn.org is super-easy to use, and we'll even help you build your petition by sending the most popular petitions to other MoveOn members.

So what's the issue that's really bugging you? Don't just complain about it—start a petition. Maybe it's a big corporation in your area that's up to no good. Or an important piece of legislation that's languishing for lack of public attention. Click below to get started:

Click here to start your petition.

Thanks!

Steven, Stefanie, Manny, Bobby, Christine, 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 May 25, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Where do they stand on Citizens United?

Can you call your elected officials? Ask them: "Will you support a constitutional amendment to get big money out of politics for good?"  

State Senator Dean Skelos
Phone: (518) 455-3171

State Representative Harvey Weisenberg
Phone: (518) 455-3028

Report Your Call!
Dear MoveOn member,

A huge majority of voters—nearly 3 out of 4—want to limit the influence of big money in our elections.1

But many politicians haven't taken a stand yet. At both the state and federal level, we simply don't know who's with us. Sometimes, they've just never been asked.

So MoveOn members are hitting the phones today, asking every member of Congress and state legislator to support a big, bold idea—a constitutional amendment to get big money out of politics. It's the only way to permanently reverse Citizens United, end corporate personhood, and limit the influence of money in our democracy.

If we all pitch in, by this time next week we could have hundreds more elected officials backing an amendment—from senators and representatives all the way to state legislators, who matter because an amendment would have to pass in the states as well as in Congress.

Can you call and ask your elected officials: "Will you support a constitutional amendment to get big money out of politics for good?"

Here's where to call:

State Senator Dean Skelos
Phone: (518) 455-3171

State Representative Harvey Weisenberg
Phone: (518) 455-3028

Then, please report your call by clicking here:

http://pol.moveon.org/call?tg=SNY_009.HNY_020&cp_id=1769&id=42159-10220574-1jvJpxx&t=2

Reporting what you hear is a crucial step because so far, most lawmakers haven't been pressured to choose a side. We'll use the information to create a new online tool that will let us track the more than 7000 lawmakers nationwide who would have a vote on any constitutional amendment.

Once we know who's with us, we'll be able to show real progress and focus our attention on building widespread pressure, targeting every political leader who won't take a stand. If our leaders agree with the vast majority of voters, then they ought to support fixing our broken system by amending the Constitution.

We're already seeing the impact of Super PAC money in the presidential election and some key congressional races. It means more ads that use fear, racism, sexism, homophobia, and deception to manipulate voters.

The only way to stop it is to reverse the Supreme Court rulings that have allowed corporations and the ultra-rich to buy influence, secretly funnel millions to the Super PACs, and ultimately stand in the way of progressive change—from universal health care, to addressing climate change, to ending tax giveaways and loopholes for the 1%.

The movement to build support for a constitutional amendment has been building ever since the disastrous Citizens United ruling in 2010. Now, let's build momentum for an amendment and help convince our political leaders that it's time to get on board.

Can you help find out where your elected officials stand?

Here's where to call:

State Senator Dean Skelos
Phone: (518) 455-3171

State Representative Harvey Weisenberg
Phone: (518) 455-3028

Then, please report your call by clicking here:

http://pol.moveon.org/call?tg=SNY_009.HNY_020&cp_id=1769&id=42159-10220574-1jvJpxx&t=3

Thanks for all you do.

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

Source:

1. "Dem pollster: Independents want candidates to address money in politics," TheHill.com, May 9, 2012
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=275811&id=42159-10220574-1jvJpxx&t=4

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 May 25, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Over their heads

We're ready to launch 99airlines, our plan to hire planes to fly over high-dollar Mitt Romney fundraisers this summer, towing a biting progressive message. Will you chip in $5 to help launch 99airlines? 

Chip in $5

Dear MoveOn member,

This is shaping up to be the dirtiest presidential election ever. And the most expensive, with pro-Romney super PACs and huge corporations spending like drunken sailors, thanks to Citizens United.1 The sheer quantity of misleading ads will be stupefying.

But even if they buy the airwaves, they can't buy the skies. So we can "rise above" their dirty ads—literally—and fly messages from the 99% over dozens of Mitt Romney events. We already did it successfully when we hired a plane to fly over Romney's Liberty University graduation speech towing a banner that read: "GOP = HIGHER SCHOOL DEBT."2

We can't afford hundreds of millions of dollars of TV ads. But it turns out, if we all chip in a bit, we can afford to fly banners over Romney's head. All the time.

Call it 99airlines.

Here's the plan: if we can raise $150,000 today, we'll use the opportunity of high-dollar Romney fundraisers to fly a plane overhead towing a message that reminds voters how he represents his corporate and 1% donors.

It'll be fun—and it's sure to grab the media's attention. But most importantly, with Mitt leading in many polls, it's a way to let millions of voters who are concerned about the economy know whose side Mitt is really on. Will you chip in?

Yes, I can contribute $5.

With 99airlines, we'll transform Mitt Romney's 1% fundraising tour into an airborne progressive message machine. If we hit our fundraising goal, we can secure enough plane banners so that at every Romney event, instead of looking at the podium, the reporters' eyes and cameras will be pointing up, on the lookout for our banners.

According to Gallup, only 1/3 of voters under 29 are registered to vote and say they'll definitely do so in November (far less than every other age group).3 That's enough to swing the election. So with your support, we'll also reach these voters by making 99airlines huge online—using Facebook and a Tumblr site, to post pictures of the best plane banners.

This summer, we're pulling out all the stops to win the fight against the Romney super PAC ad assault. The 99airlines planes—and the messages they carry—will transform Romney fundraisers into an opportunity to remind voters what he really stands for—corporations and the 1%.

Can you contribute $5 to help launch 99airlines?

Thanks for all you do.

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

Sources:

1. "Fund-Raising for Romney Eats Into Obama's Edge," The New York Times, May 21, 2012
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=275763&id=42044-10220574-Nr_eh0x&t=4

2. "Photo: Overheard at Romney commencement address," CNN, May 12, 2012
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=275449&id=42044-10220574-Nr_eh0x&t=5

3. "What the war over youth vote is really about: Turnout," The Washington Post, April 26, 2012
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=275728&id=42044-10220574-Nr_eh0x&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 May 23, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Friday, May 18, 2012

The Constitution is broken


Click here to sign your name:
"Support a constitutional amendment to reverse Citizens United and get big money out of politics."

Sign the Petition!

Dear MoveOn member,

Corporations already have so much power. But what happens to our democracy when ExxonMobil, the oil baron Koch brothers, Bank of America, and all of Wall Street can spend unlimited amounts to influence a presidential election?

We're about to find out in our first presidential election year since Citizens United. And because the limitless spending has been protected by the Supreme Court, the only way we can stop it is by amending the Constitution to reverse Citizens United and get big money out of politics for good.

Passing an amendment isn't easy—we need to get overwhelming support at both the state and federal levels. But we have a powerful opportunity right now, in an election year, to flex our political muscle as MoveOn members. We can use the election to help convince politicians up and down the ballot to get on board if they want to earn our votes.

So we're starting today by launching a new petition asking every state legislator, governor, and member of Congress who hasn't yet declared their support for a constitutional amendment to undo Citizens United and permanently get big money out of politics.

Will you add your name?

Yes, I want my state and federal lawmakers to take a stand.

The plan is to deliver the petitions to state capitols and governors' mansions in all 50 states and to the local offices of every member of Congress who hasn't yet joined the call for an amendment.

And we aren't, by any means, starting from scratch. MoveOn members and our allies have been working hard ever since Citizens United to build a movement for an amendment—and there's already a lot of grassroots momentum.

President Obama is on board, along with more than 25 U.S. senators, at least 80 members of the U.S. House, and hundreds of state-level lawmakers.1

It's an impressive start, and this year, we have the opportunity to help massively increase those numbers. Polling shows that Americans are fed up with the 1% flooding our political system with cash and getting get lax regulation, rollbacks of workers' rights, huge bailouts, and tax giveaways in return.2

Nearly all of the economic impacts that the 99% movement has mobilized around are tied to the overwhelming influence of big money in our democracy. So once we know who's with us, we're going make the issue personal, confront politicians who won't take a stand with stories of the real-world consequences of a system run by corporations and the 1%, and demand that every last one of them chooses a side.

When President Obama announced his support for marriage equality last week, we all saw how powerful it can be when our political leaders stand behind an idea that—just a short time ago—seemed "unrealistic" or "politically impossible."

It's time, again, to change what's "politically possible" in America.

Will you sign the petition and ask every one of your state and federal lawmakers who isn't on board yet to declare their support for a constitutional amendment to reverse Citizens United and get big money out of our democracy?

Click here to sign: http://pol.moveon.org/amend/?id=41692-10220574-fLyF1Xx&t=4

Thanks for all you do.

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

Sources:

1. "Endorsing Public Officials" list, United for the People, accessed May 17, 2012
http://www.united4thepeople.org/endorsers.html

2. "Survey: Money in Politics Can Drive Voters to Polls," National Journal, May 9, 2012
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=275603&id=41692-10220574-fLyF1Xx&t=5

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 May 18, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Stop the war this week

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

Representative Carolyn McCarthy
Phone: (202) 225-5516

Report Your Call!
Dear MoveOn member,

Since the death of Osama bin Laden last year, 381 American soldiers have lost their lives and more than 4,000 have been wounded.

The call has been growing to bring our troops home and end the war in Afghanistan. And in the next day, the House is voting on legislation that would put that call into action.

The bipartisan Lee Amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act limits war funding to only what is necessary to finally bring our troops home.

The amendment is sponsored by Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA), a long time leader in bringing the war to an end, and represents our only chance to show support for ending the war now. And because the media and the public will be using this vote to gauge where Congress stands on the war, pass or fail, every vote counts.

That's why it's vital that we all contact our representatives immediately, before they take to the floor and take their stand on the war.

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

Representative Carolyn McCarthy
Phone: (202) 225-5516

Then click here to report your call.

Over 1,800 troops have been killed and nearly 16,000 more wounded in the Afghanistan war.1 Over $529 billion has been spent and over $85 billion more requested for 2013, when we need that money spent at home, not on endless conflict.2

After 11 long years, the American people deserve an end to this war, and our troops deserve to be reunited with their families.

The Lee Amendment, sponsored by Representatives Lee, Walter Jones (R-NC), John Conyers (D-MI), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) would fund the Afghan war only at the level necessary to complete our full withdrawal of troops.3

In record numbers, the American public wants to bring our troops home now, but the U.S. is poised to keep tens of thousands of military personnel in Afghanistan for another decade, costing taxpayers upwards of half a trillion dollars.4 The more representatives who vote for the Lee Amendment, the more pressure will build on President Obam to bring this war to a swift end.

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

Representative Carolyn McCarthy
Phone: (202) 225-5516

Then click here to report your call.

Thanks for all you do.

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

Sources:

1. Department of Defense, updated statement of casualties
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=275582&id=41599-10220574-b49ix_x&t=5

2. "Cost of War," National Priorities Project, accessed May 15, 2012
http://costofwar.com/en/

3. "AMENDMENT TO H.R. 4310, AS REPORTED OFFERED BY MS. LEE OF CALIFORNIA," House of Representatives Committee on Rules, accessed May 16, 2012
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=275595&id=41599-10220574-b49ix_x&t=6

4. "H.R. 4310: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013," House of Representatives Committee on Rules, accessed May 16, 2012
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=275591&id=41599-10220574-b49ix_x&t=7

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 May 17, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

One set of rules?

Tell President Obama: "Wall Street banks and executives should play by the same rules we do—make sure their criminal wrongdoing is prosecuted."  

White House comment line:
202-456-1111

Report Your Call!

Dear MoveOn member,

Zero. That's how many Wall Street bankers have gone to jail for creating a system of greed and fraud that crashed the economy and cost the world $7 trillion.1

And with Wall Street powerhouse JPMorgan taking a $2 billion hit for financial gambling that even its CEO admits was "poorly reviewed, poorly executed, and poorly monitored," it's clear that Wall Street hasn't learned its lesson.2 The only way to bring Wall Street under control is to hold Big Banks, and their executives, accountable for bankrupting ordinary Americans.

The mortgage fraud task force hasn't had the time or resources to fully investigate the wrongdoing of Wall Street banks yet.3 With the task force barely up and running, it has to be crystal clear that criminal wrongdoing by Wall Street Big Banks, and their executives, will be fully investigated, and criminally prosecuted. And that the determination of whether crimes were committed belongs in the hands of the task force and its investigators.

Call the White House and ask President Obama to make it clear that Wall Street banks aren't above the law, and that their crimes will be fully investigated and prosecuted.

White House comment line: 202-456-1111

Then click here to report your call.

Americans haven't forgotten who was behind the housing market collapse that cost so many their homes, jobs, and financial security. Polling released just today shows that—especially in the states hit hardest when the housing bubble burst—people want to see the Big Banks, and the people who lead them, held accountable.4

Wall Street banks were responsible for pushing unsuspecting borrowers into bad loans, and now many of those same banks are refusing to modify loans or bring mortgages in line with real-world home values.5 As a result, millions of families have lost their homes, and millions more remain at risk.

But MoveOn members and other progressive activists have made a difference. Together we pushed to make sure the banks' settlement deal didn't let them off the hook, together we pushed for a full investigation, together we pushed for a staff director for the task force—and we won every time.6

Now we need to make sure that Wall Street's Big Banks, and the people behind them, face the consequences of their crimes, just like anyone else would.

Ask President Obama to make it clear that Wall Street bankers aren't above the law and will be investigated and prosecuted for their crimes.

White House comment line: 202-456-1111

Then click here to report your call.

Thanks for all you do.

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

Sources:

1. "President Obama's Wall Street problem," Politico, May 14, 2012
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0512/76259.html

2. "JPMorgan's Loss: Illegal, or Just Bad Judgment?," The New York Times, May 14, 2012
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=275553&id=41550-10220574-xdr3brx&t=4

3. "Homes, Banks, and Politics: Round 2 of Settlement Talks," Daily Kos, April 6, 2012
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=274419&id=41550-10220574-xdr3brx&t=5

"Justice Department Responds on Securitization Fraud Task Force," Firedoglake, April 13, 2012
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=274434&id=41550-10220574-xdr3brx&t=6

4. "Poll: Independent Voters Want Obama To Keep Pressure On Banks," Talking Points Memo, May 16, 2012
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=275563&id=41550-10220574-xdr3brx&t=7

5. "Nightmare Mortgages," Bloomberg Businessweek, September 11, 2006
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=274420&id=41550-10220574-xdr3brx&t=8

"Wells Fargo Accused Of Offering Deceptive Mortgage Modifications," The Huffington Post, May 14, 2012
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=275558&id=41550-10220574-xdr3brx&t=9

6. "MoveOn, Color Of Change Demand Obama To Investigate Wall Street Banks, Housing Crisis," The Huffington Post, January 19, 2012
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=269678&id=41550-10220574-xdr3brx&t=10

"States Negotiate $26 Billion Agreement for Homeowners," The New York Times, February 8, 2012
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=271039&id=41550-10220574-xdr3brx&t=11

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 May 16, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

DNC sitting out the Walker recall?

Below is an email from Mary Magnuson, a MoveOn member in Brookfield, Wisconsin, 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,

As a Wisconsin progressive working day and night for the recall of Scott Walker, I'm shocked: The Democratic National Committee still isn't giving financial support to the recall fight in Wisconsin.

After more than a year of grassroots efforts, Wisconsin citizens have accomplished more than anyone thought possible. We now have a Democratic challenger to Scott Walker who is neck and neck in the polls, even though Tom Barrett is being outspent by Walker's millions from out-of-state donations. 

There is no more time for the Democratic National Committee to wait—if Walker wins, it would be a huge setback to Democrats in races across the country this year. We need the DNC's support immediately!

That's why I created a petition on SignOn.org to DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, which says:

Democratic National Committee and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, invest now in the crucial fight to remove Scott Walker from office in Wisconsin—the people have worked hard and it's time to help.

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=275536&id=41481-10220574-TlWi8Ax&t=2

Thanks!

–Mary Magnuson

Source:

1. "EXCLUSIVE: Wisconsin Dems furious with DNC for refusing to invest big money in Walker recall," The Washington Post, May 15, 2012 
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=275547&id=41481-10220574-TlWi8Ax&t=3

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 May 15, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Breaking down the bullying business

Dear MoveOn member,

It's official: Mitt Romney is a bully.

He bullied classmates as an entitled high school senior,1 and he bullied workers by wrestling away their jobs and benefits to make himself a millionaire.

We've got a great video from Robert Reich that explains how Mitt Romney's Bain Capital, and other private equity firms, stomp on workers and skip taxes to fill their wallets. It's so good that a group dedicated to defending Wall Street firms like Bain has attacked Reich over the video. 

So let's hit back at them by sharing this video even further to let your friends and family know who Mitt Romney really is, and how he really got rich.

VIDEO: Robert Reich Explains Private Equity
Click here to share this video with your friends.

Professor Reich explains that when people in the 1% like Mitt Romney and his fellow private equity raiders scheme to fire people, cut benefits, and duck taxes, the 99% has to foot the bill.

But we can change that. The first step is making sure that as many people as possible know the problem. That's why sharing this video in your social network is so important. Will you share it today?

Click here to share this video in your social networks.

Thanks for all you do.

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

Sources:

1. "Mitt Romney's prep school classmates recall pranks, but also troubling incidents," The Washington Post, May 10, 2012
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=275512&id=41372-10220574-NkQ3xBx&t=4

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 May 14, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Your mom's so...

Dear MoveOn member,

Have you sent a Mother's Day card to all the moms in your life?

Our friends at MomsRising—who spend every day fighting for good stuff like paid family leave and lead-free toys—have created a fun, personalized online card you can send for free with just a few clicks.

Check it out:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=275435&id=41282-10220574-s_lF7qx&t=1

And Happy Mother's Day to all the moms fighting for a better world for everyone.

Thanks for all you do.

–Elena, Tate, Victoria, Carrie, and the rest of the team

P.S. Our allies at StrongFamilies have made an amazing set of Mama's Day cards that show the full diversity of moms, kids, and families—check them out, too, and share with moms you love.

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 May 13, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Obama made history

President Obama's courageous support for marriage equality is something to be celebrated and rewarded. Can you chip in to his reelection campaign in honor of his support for marriage equality?

I'll Chip In

Dear MoveOn member,

President Barack Obama made history Wednesday by coming out in support of full marriage equality for all couples, no matter who they love.1

This never would have happened without the progressive community pushing the president to fully "evolve" on this issue, and the tireless work of MoveOn members across the country for marriage equality.

But President Obama is already feeling the heat for taking this stand in an election year. Fox Nation accused him of declaring a "War on Marriage," and Republicans are jumping on this, hoping that intolerance helps win them the election.2

The president's support of full marriage equality is something to be celebrated, and frankly, rewarded. We have pushed the president to lead on many issues, marriage equality among them. The best way to encourage the president to keep showing leadership and taking strong stands is to demonstrate how much his actions mean to you.

Will you chip in to our special "thank you" donation page for President Obama's re-election campaign? Your donation will go straight to the campaign, but we'll make sure they know every cent comes from progressives like you, specifically because of his support for marriage equality.

We still have a lot of work to do on marriage equality—just days ago, an amendment banning same-sex unions passed in North Carolina, and a bill in support of civil unions failed in Colorado.3 But this stance by the president is of huge symbolic importance. May we never again have a president who opposes fundamental equality for all Americans.

On a personal note, I can't tell you how deeply meaningful President Obama's statement was to me. With my own big gay wedding only 23 days away, it's incredibly uplifting to know that President Obama supports my right to marry the love of my life. That's why for the first time since 2008, I pulled out my credit card and donated to his re-election. I hope you will join me. 

Will you thank our president and chip in to his re-election campaign in honor of his support for marriage equality?

Thanks for all you do.

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

Sources:

1. "Obama Says Same-Sex Marriage Should Be Legal," The New York Times, May 9, 2012
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=275381&id=41172-10220574-3yyA8ax&t=4

2. "Fox Nation: Obama 'Declares War on Marriage,'" Towleroad, May 9, 2012
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=275382&id=41172-10220574-3yyA8ax&t=5

3. "Same-sex civil union bill fails in Colorado," Reuters, May 9, 2012
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=275383&id=41172-10220574-3yyA8ax&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 May 11, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Move Your Money

Don't let Wall Street's Big Banks make their profits off your back—pledge to move your money to a credit union or local bank.

Move Your Money!

Dear MoveOn member,

I'll admit it, I didn't move all my money last November—although I did switch my savings account to a local credit union. But with a whole month in which to do it this time, I'm taking the plunge and moving every last dime.

May is Move Our Money Month, and you can be part of the grassroots push to take our money out of the hands of the Big Banks whose greed and fraud crashed the economy, and move it into responsible locally owned and controlled community credit unions and banks.1

Last year, 650,000 people moved $4.5 billion from Wall Street's Big Banks into local credit unions and small banks.2 If you haven't yet, now you have a second chance to make the Big Banks pay.

Pledge to move your money to a local credit union or community bank.

If you've already moved your money, report it here.

Moving our money to local credit unions and banks makes a direct bottom-line impact on Big Banks. And because Wall Street's political power comes from its money, the more money we move, the more we put power back into the hands of the people.

I hope you'll join me and thousands of other members of MoveOn, The New Bottom Line, The Other 98%, and other progressives who are fed up with handing our money over to the same banks that are foreclosing on our homes, hitting us with unfair fees, and refusing to loan money to local businesses.3

Pledge to move your money to a local credit union or community bank.

If you've already moved your money, report it here.

Moving our bank accounts to credit unions and small local banks helps to ensure that our money is managed responsibly and put to work helping our communities prosper, not just to helping billionaires profit.

Thanks for all you do.

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

P.S. Want to do even more? Help your school, church, business, or organization move its money, too.

Sources:

1. Move Our Money, accessed May 10, 2012
http://www.moveourmoneyusa.org/?recruiter_ID=32510

2. "Bank Transfer Day: How much impact did it have?," Christian Science Monitor, November 7, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=275407&id=41124-10220574-pWqjKpx&t=7

3. "Americans brace for next foreclosure wave," Reuters, April 4, 2012
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=275408&id=41124-10220574-pWqjKpx&t=8

"Why Bank Fees are an Unjust and Unfair Tax on Customers," Forbes, October 8, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=275409&id=41124-10220574-pWqjKpx&t=9

"Fed Chairman Bernanke says many businesses and consumers are finding it easier to borrow," The Washington Post, May 10, 2012
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=275410&id=41124-10220574-pWqjKpx&t=10

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 May 10, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Reverse Citizens United

We're launching a massive election-year campaign to back a constitutional amendment to reverse Citizens United and get big money out of politics for good. Can you chip in to help get the campaign off the ground?

Chip in $5

Dear MoveOn member,

There's only one reason corporations keep getting away with dodging taxes, abusing workers, polluting our communities, illegally foreclosing on homes, and so many other despicable practices.

They buy our elections—in secret and with no limits since the Citizens United ruling.

There's only one way to solve this once and for all: Amend the Constitution to reverse Citizens United, declare that corporations aren't people, and get big money out of politics for good.

Passing a constitutional amendment isn't easy, but progressives have done it before in moments when the fundamental rules of our country needed to be changed. We have an incredible chance during this election year to make real progress towards an amendment. There are 7 million MoveOn members, and together we can ramp up the process with a huge nationwide campaign to create a mandate for action by the end of the year.

We have an amazing group of MoveOn volunteers ready to go, but to support them and run a serious campaign, we need to raise about $1.5 million total—starting with $200,000 of it this week. Can you chip in to help get big money out of politics for good?

Yes, I can contribute $5.

Here's how we can use this election to put ourselves in position to pass an amendment:
  • Make this year's election a teachable moment. Over the next six months, people will be *inundated* with negative ads, which they hate, and are a daily reminder that our democracy is busted. We can use every ad to build support for an amendment that would get rid of the money behind the ads.
  • Force thousands of candidates to take a stand. Politicians are coming to voters—and often to MoveOn members in particular—hat in hand, asking for our support. We need to turn right back around and demand they support a constitutional amendment first.
  • Make candidates who support Citizens United pay a price at the ballot box. We need to use every resource at our disposal to make Mitt "Corporations Are People, My Friend" Romney regret ever uttering those words—and we need to take down candidates everywhere who won't support a constitutional amendment and replace them with ones who will.

We're ready to go with a major campaign to reverse Citizens United. We just need the resources to pay organizers, print materials, build websites, and run ads.

Can you contribute $5 to help end corporate personhood?

Thousands of dedicated folks have already been laying the groundwork for a constitutional amendment. But MoveOn members can help grow the campaign like no one else—and this year, right now, we need to commit ourselves to actually winning an amendment, no matter how long it's going to take. We have a chance to create a tipping point this summer, during this election, where the amendment we so desperately need becomes possible.

By inauguration day next January, our goal is to have thousands of office-holders backing the call for an amendment—and enormous crowds on the steps of Congress and every state capitol rallying to demand an end corporate control of our democracy.

Committed Americans have amended our Constitution before when they recognized that our laws weren't in line with our values. And they were able to do it at a time when the pony express was the fastest form of communication.

Today, we have 7 million members across all 50 states, connected online and within communities. If the last 10 years have taught us anything, it's that we should never underestimate how fast political realities can shift in America. Together, we do have the power to make real a constitutional amendment ending corporate domination of our political process.

Click here to chip in:

https://pol.moveon.org/donate/amendment.html?bg_id=hpc5&id=41014-10220574-lRi78Yx&t=4 

Thanks for all you do.

–Justin, Robin, Elena, Victoria, 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 May 9, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Friday, May 4, 2012

CORRECTION: Bank vs. America: Tuesday in Manhattan

Dear MoveOn member,

An email inviting you to attend an important protest on Tuesday mistakenly listed the location as Brooklyn. The event is in Manhattan. Sorry for the mistake. See the correct information below and sign up to attend!

–Elena



There's a showdown between the 99% and Bank of America next week. People are protesting at the the BofA shareholders meeting in Charlotte and at solidarity actions nationwide. There's a protest in Manhattan at 10:30 AM. Can you make it?

RSVP for the Protest!

Dear MoveOn member,

Given recent history, Bank of America should be rebranded "Bank vs. America."

While our economy tanked, BofA made billions in profits by dodging taxes, illegally foreclosing on homes, and squeezing customers—hitting communities of color especially hard.1 

But this spring, tens of thousands of people were trained to fight back against Bank of America and big corporations. Next week, at the annual shareholders meeting in Charlotte, NC, local progressives are blending street theatre with protest to get the attention of top BofA executives and the media. BofA's so nervous about bad publicity that the city of Charlotte will enforce a draconian protest law that allows police to search someone for having a bike helmet or magic marker.2

We know that Bank of America is susceptible to public pressure (remember when they tried to hike debit fees?).3 If we all speak out against BofA on the same day, we can ratchet up the pressure by drawing more media attention and scrutiny to them. That's why, as part of the 99% Spring, progressives are organizing protests at Bank of America branches throughout the country next week. 

There's a protest in Manhattan on Tuesday, May 8 at 10:30 AM. Can you make it?

Yes, count me in for the protest!

To show Bank of America that we won't take more of the same, May is "Move Our Money" month for the 99%. We're withdrawing our hard-earned money and switching to community banks or credit unions instead. Big Banks stand to lose $185 BILLION over the next year because of customer defections—and BofA is particularly vulnerable.4 Bank CEOs aren't responsive to pleas for help from struggling homeowners—but we'll get their attention when we put a dent in profits and a spotlight on their greed.    

Can you stand with the 99% at a Bank of America protest in Manhattan on Tuesday, May 8, at 10:30 AM?  

Yes, I want to RSVP!

Thanks for all you do.

–Elena, Victoria, Ryan, Wes, and the rest of the team

P.S. May is "Move Our Money" month. To learn how to move your money (or document money you've moved already), click here

Sources:

1. "Why Mobilize," Unity, accessed May 3, 2012
http://theunityalliance.org/why-mobilize/

2. "Duke Energy, Bank of America shareholders meetings to fall under strict security rules crafted for Democratic National Convention," Charlotte Business Journal, April 30, 2012
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=275098&id=40669-10220574-mmzZEFx&t=4

3. "Bank of America drops debit card fees," USA Today, November 1, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=274792&id=40669-10220574-mmzZEFx&t=5

4. "Move Your Money: Faith Leaders, Activists To Target Wall Street Banks Throughout Month Of May; USA Today, Think Progress, May 2, 2012
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=275196&id=40669-10220574-mmzZEFx&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 May 4, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.