A NOTE TO THE FISH
Jump to today’s actions:
Background
For many of us, democracy is invisible. For us, we are like the fish who doesn’t know what water is. So here are some of the features of our democracy:
A government that exists to serve the people.
A government whose powers are derived from the majority.
And a government of the majority that protects the rights of the minority.
A system of justice applied equally to all by an independent judiciary.
News media that uncovers the truth, enabling the public to make intelligent decisions.
And, as descendants of the Enlightenment, devotion to facts and reason.
And much, much more.
While democracy may be invisible to many, for a specific group of Americans it’s powerfully vivid - most often people of color. Drawn to, but starved of democracy‘s benefits.
So if when we grow tired of fighting Republican lies and hate, we remember the Black woman, carrying the scars of discrimination, but nourished by her great hope for democracy, standing in a long line to cast her vote. A vote to bring democracy to all Americans.
So fight for her. The democracy that has nurtured us asks that we listen to “our better angels.”
Because in the end, we are democracy’s guardians.
1. Call the Senate.
Script Oregon Senators
SEN. MERKLEY: Portland office: 503-326-3386 | D.C. office: 202-224-3753
My name is [--] and I'm a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
We strengthen our democracy by extending its privileges, especially the right to vote, to people who are being denied them. Please work to pass the For the People Act.
SEN. WYDEN: Portland office: 503-326-7525 | D.C. office: 202-224-5244
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
We strengthen our democracy by extending its privileges, especially the right to vote, to people who are being denied them. Please work to pass the For the People Act.
Script for Republican Senators
D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], [state], [zip code].
Stop obstructing vital legislation. When you vote against Americans’ best interests you hurt our democracy. Support the January 6th Commission, the For the People Act, and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
2. Call the House.
Script for Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01)
Oregon office: 503-469-6010 | DC office: 202-225-0855
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Democrats must help Americans, whatever their party. Please work to pass vital legislation, including the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the American Families and Jobs Plans.
Script for Cliff Bentz (OR-02)
Medford office: 541-776-4646 | DC office: 202-225-6730
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Thank you for supporting the Jan 6th Commission. Please continue to support your constituents and our country by supporting the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the American Families and Jobs Plans.
Script for Earl Blumenauer (OR-03)
Oregon office: 503-231-2300 | DC office: 202-225-4811
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Democrats must help Americans, whatever their party. Please work to pass vital legislation, including the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the American Families and Jobs Plans.
Script for Peter DeFazio (OR-04)
Eugene office: 541-465-6732 | DC office: 202-225-6416
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Democrats must help Americans, whatever their party. Please work to pass vital legislation, including the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the American Families and Jobs Plans.
Script for Kurt Schrader (OR-05)
Salem office: 503-588-9100 | DC office: 202-225-5711
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Democrats must help Americans, whatever their party. Please work to pass vital legislation, including the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the American Families and Jobs Plans.
3. Take Action.
Join us on Tuesday June 1st from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PT for Indivisible Tuesday - a district visit with Senator Wyden’s and Representative Blumenauer’s staff.
Further Reading
Democracy in Brief - US State Department
A Battle for the ‘Soul of America’? It’s as Old as America, One Historian Notes - The New York Times
Trump and the Republican revolt against democracy, explained in 13 charts - Vox
Advantage, GOP | FiveThirtyEight
Bernie nailed it, the Republican party isn’t a party anymore - TikTok
Trump's Big Lie: 9 ways it continues to affect American politics - CNNPolitics
