Americans of Conscience Checklist: Week of November 11, 2018
By Jen Hofmann
-Submitted by Judy Sullivan, USH Social Justice Chair
104 weeks down, 103 weeks to the presidential election.
The AoC Checklist features clear, well-researched actions for Americans who value democracy, equality, voting, and decency. We practice gratitude, self-care, and celebration to stay engaged.
I value democracy.
With respect and collaboration, we create a government for the people, by the people.
Action: Support investigation of the president’s conflicts of interest.
Script: This May, you publicly supported an investigation into the president’s conflicts of interest. Given recent events, I trust you’ll bring to the Senate floor the bipartisan Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act (S. 2644).
Address: Mitch McConnell, 601 W. Broadway, Room 630, Louisville, KY 40202
I value equality.
Stand with your rainbow of neighbors from every religion, race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, economic status, age, and ability. Out of many, we are one.
Action: Oppose legitimizing hate groups in media coverage.
Write: Martin Baron, Executive Editor, Washington Post, 1301 K Street NW, Washington DC 20071
Script: I’m writing to ask The Washington Post to change its style guide to identify anti-immigrant hate groups like Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS), and Numbers USA. These groups are not legitimate sources, and amplifying them endangers lives. If quoted, journalists should be honest about these groups’ agendas. Thank you.
I value showing respect for all people, no matter where they were born.
We oppose inhumane treatment of all people and the government agencies that perpetuate it. People who immigrate to the U.S. make our country stronger and are entitled to basic respect.
Action 1: Speak up for green card holders by Dec 10.
Please do this action especially if your immigration status is secure
Comment: Go to Regulations.gov. Click the dark blue “Comment Now!” button.
Personalize the reasons below to be sure your comment counts.
*I oppose a policy refusing citizenship to families who use or have used public
assistance.
*The “public charge” rule would prevent people from working and supporting their
families.
*The “public charge” rule would deny people over age 61 a future.
*This regulation would violate my state’s right to provide benefits to families in
short-term crisis and increase federal intrusion into local issues.
*Immigrants strengthen our communities and our economy, contributing billions
in taxes.
*I want my tax dollar to support and show decency toward aspiring Americans.
*Even the Department of Homeland Security found the rule change could
have serious public health and other consequences.
The proposal itself lists many negative consequences to the country as a whole, including several related to public health.
I do not want this rule to be implemented.
Action 2: Speak up for families.
Call: Or write your one House rep and two senators (look up).
Script: Hi. I’m from [ZIP] and I’m calling regarding the recent report by Amnesty International which found that the current administration has separated more children from their parents than previously reported. To date, at least 200 children are still separated from their families. Our government is concentrating unaccompanied teens into expanding tent camps in Texas. As a taxpayer, I’m furious. As a human being, I’m horrified. What is [name] is doing to end these policies and show basic human decency in our immigration process?
Action 3: Speak up for people whose lives are in danger.
Call: Or write your one House rep and two senators (look up).
Script: Hi. I’m from [ZIP], and I’m calling about the president’s plan to restrict asylum and deprive legal asylum seekers of their right to due process granted in the 1980 Refugee Act. Our nation has an international responsibility and a moral obligation to receive people whose lives are in danger. I would like [name] to defend the rights of people seeking asylum in the US.
Bonus: Donate to RAICES, which is working for LGBTQ asylum seekers’ safe passage.
Good news
Decent people everywhere are speaking up and working together. Just look. #GoodNews
National
State