#House of Representatives | Senate

[xtruss]

Behind Maui Wildfires: US is Never a Positive Agent in Climate Change Fight

— Anthony Moretti | August 16, 2023

Illustration: Xia Qing/Global Times

Maui, one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth, has been devastated. Horrible fires - exacerbated by increasing temperatures and drought associated with climate change - have turned this paradise into something resembling a war zone. The pictures do not lie.

Fair or not, because climate change showed up in such a brutal way on Maui, a place the rich (and perhaps not so rich) consider one of their playgrounds, the challenge to re-create paradise will be carefully watched. Much like the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, damaged by fire more than four years ago, it has to be repaired perfectly - because global audiences are demanding it - Maui will have to be made perfect, or as close to it, because global eyes are watching.

This is the short-term problem: Make Maui great again. And compared to the long-term problem, it will be the easier one to handle. The more vexing, time-consuming and difficult challenge is combating climate change, and there is legitimate worry across the globe that the US is not committed to addressing it.

Unfortunately, President Joe Biden and his administration are not doing enough to be a force for good as burning wildfires and intense heat continue to define the summer of 2023. Yes, his administration has committed $370 billion to clean energy and other climate-supporting projects, which have also spurred job growth. On top of that, one of the more symbolic, but important, steps the White House recently took was sending climate envoy John Kerry to China. There, he examined with Chinese officials a variety of ways the two countries can ensure a safer climate for decades to come.

Yet, Biden has not used his so-called Bully Pulpit, the power that comes with being president and therefore framing the narrative on specific issues, to spur oil companies to do the right thing. A recent New York Times editorial called out big oil for "prioritizing dividends, share buybacks and continued fossil fuel production over increasing their clean energy investments" as this fact "suggests they are unable or unwilling to power the transition forward." Audiences must ask if those words "unable or unwilling" also apply to the president: Why is he not saying forcefully and often that oil companies must champion newer and cleaner energies? If he will not demand more, then who will? And if he will not do it now, then what will the ramifications be in the years to come?

And remember that there are darker clouds on the horizon. On the one hand, results from a recent Pew Research Center poll indicate Americans are aware of the problems associated with climate change and the opportunities the US could take to address it. However, almost one-in-three respondents still wanted the US to continue investing in what can be described in 20th century energy sources such as oil and coal.

Let's take these somewhat sanitary data and summarize them this way: Should Republicans are given the majority in the House of Representatives and Senate in 2024, the US will not be at the epicenter in the fight for a healthier, greener and sustainable planet.

With Republicans running Washington, the aforementioned climate envoy John Kerry will be sent into retirement. The global community, including organizations such as the United Nations, will be laughed at when it calls on the US to engage in meaningful conversations about the climate.

Not possible? It is definitely possible. Forget for a moment whether Donald Trump is the Republican presidential nominee in 2024. Keep in mind that he maintains a vise-like hold on the party; even if someone else is chosen to challenge President Biden in the general election, no Republican who hopes to maintain his or her political power can stray from Trump's beliefs. And one of those beliefs is that climate change is nonsense.

Despite the overwhelming evidence that climate change is real and is causing havoc across the globe and despite America clinging to an outdated idea that it is a place of "exceptionalism," there is no promise that political elites will lead on the issue. Closely related to this, there is no certainty that the public will rally to the cause. If the world's current No.1 economy draws a conclusion that it can remain in that spot by ignoring climate change, then the world can forget about the US being a positive agent in the fight against climate change.

— The author is an Associate Professor at the Department of Communication and Organizational Leadership at Robert Morris University.

[remindertoclick]

Here's your daily reminder to click for Palestine!!!

U.S. residents, take 5 minutes and use this link to pressure your members of Congress to stop sending weapons to the Israeli military!!

(Letter variants you can copy/paste under the cut!!)

Original letter written by Jewish Voice for Peace:

I am writing as your constituent to ask that you do everything in your power to press the Biden administration to suspend all weapons shipments to the Israeli military, and oppose all future military funding to Israel. The Israeli government has vowed to push forward with a large-scale military operation in Rafah, even though President Biden has repeatedly said such an operation would be a "red line." On May 7, the Israeli military seized the Rafah border crossing, a crucial passage for humanitarian aid, and ordered 100,000 Palestinians in eastern Rafah to evacuate. The 1.3 million displaced Palestinians sheltering in Rafah will have nowhere to flee should a full invasion commence. Millions of Palestinian lives now hang in the balance. I urge you to do everything in your power to stop this unfolding catastrophe before it's too late. Thank you.

Slight variations I created (so that emails don't get marked as spam for being identical to each other)

Variation 1:

I'm writing to you as your constituent to ask you to do everything you can to pressure the Biden administration into suspending all weapons shipments to the Israeli military and opposing any and all future military funding to Israel! The Israeli government is pushing forward with a large-scale military operation in Rafah. President Biden has repeatedly said such an operation would be a "red line," yet his administration is still supporting this operation. On May 7th 2024, the Israeli military seized the Rafah border crossing, a crucial passage for humanitarian aid, and forced 100,000 Palestinians in eastern Rafah to abandon their homes. 1.3 million Palestinians have been displaced. Those sheltering in Rafah have nowhere to flee during a full invasion. Millions of Palestinian lives now hang in the balance. Their fate lies in the hands on Congress, in your hands. I urge you to do everything in your power to stop this unfolding catastrophe before it's too late. Thank you.

Variation 2:

I'm writing you today to ask that you do everything in your power to convince the Biden administration to stop funding Israel. We have to telk them to stop all shipments of weapons to the Israeli military and oppose all future military funding to Israel. The Israeli government has vowed to push forward with a large-scale military operation in Rafah... President Biden made it clear that such an operation would be a "red line," and yet he continues to fund them. On May 7th of this year, the Israeli military seized the Rafah border crossing, a crucial passage for humanitarian aid, and forced 100,000 Palestinians to flee their own home of Eastern Rafah. Should a full invasion commence, 1.3 million displaced Palestinians sheltering in Rafah will have nowhere safe to go. Millions of Palestinian lives now hang in the balance. I am begging you now, as your constituent, to do everything in your power to stop this unfolding catastrophe before it's too late... Thank you

[wehneyjo]

If you're an American and you're bothered by the current events with Elon Musk (or any concern you have for that matter), you can treat a message to your senators / house representative just like you'd share your thoughts to an online book club. You don't have to be eloquent or drawn-out. No matter how small or simple your message, let them know what you're thinking!

[nodynasty4us]

Remember to vote down-ballot

If you live in the United States, you haven't been able to escape hearing about the presidential contest between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

But don't forget that there are other races on your ballot too. Research them before you go to the polls and decide how you are going to vote. You can find out who is running in your area on a local government website or at Ballotpedia.

Everywhere in the United States, you can vote on who to send to the House of Representatives.

In two thirds of the states, you can vote for a Senator.

In some states, various state and local officials are on the ballot. (In other states these contests are held in non-presidential years.)

Some states are holding referendums. You can vote for or against an amendment to your state's constitution, or for or against a law that the legislature has sent to an election.

In some localities you can vote on a bond issue that would authorize a local government to levy taxes for a special project.

If it's too much to remember, you can bring notes with you into the voting booth about who and what you want to vote for.

Some of you are not planning to vote because you hate both Harris and Trump. But you might find the other races to be meaningful to you. Get out and vote even if you leave the top of the ballot blank.

[saywhat-politics]

Dear Democratic Leaders: here’s a free idea, send members of congress into the buildings where Elons people are and see what they’re doing. Dare them to stop you.

Do something

[cavalierzee]

Guilty Of Genocide

I will never back down in speaking truth to power.

The apartheid government of Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians.

Palestinians will not be erased.

Solidarity with all those outside of these walls in the streets protesting and exercising their right to dissent.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib

During Netanyahu’s address to the U.S. Congress and Senate, 7/24/24

[welcometoqueer]

U.S. programs and services in danger of being diminished or fully cut:

Social Security

Department of Education

Department of Labor

Department of Transportation

Medicaid

Medicare

Obamacare

FDA

CDC

USDA

FAFSA

FEMA

ACA

SNAP

EPA

FTC

FEC

HUD

HHS

NOAA

SCHIP

FAA

National Weather Service

Hurricane and other disaster warnings

Unemployment services

Student loans

Pell grants

Libraries

Fluoride treatment in our water

Meat and food inspections

National Parks

Other concerns:

(International relations)

Loss of U.S. membership in NATO

Potential UN ramifications

Tariffs

Support of Israel winning the war

Putin and Russian relations

(Loss of Rights)

Voting rights

Miranda rights

LGBTQ+, POC, and other minority rights

Reproductive rights

Protection against pre-existing conditions

Protection against assault and harassment

Child labor protections

(Daily living)

Prescription prices skyrocketing

No rent control

Little to no reproductive or health care access

Legalized police brutality

Diminished or cut protections and rights for minority groups

Restrictions on gender affirming care or legal services

Increased taxes and cost of living for the non-wealthy

No more $35 insulin

No labor laws - 40+ hour work weeks, no mandatory breaks, no paid sick or vacation leave

[pintadorartist]

The Senate Must Block Trump’s Cabinet Nominees

Here is an image of the President-Elect, Donald Trump's cabinet picks for his administration:

These picks are not only bad since most of these picks lack experience in these fields, but some actually have written parts of the Project 2025 guidebook, like Russel T. Vought for example.

And although the Republicans took the Senate, they still need Democrat cooperation to confirm these nominations.

Another factor to consider is that not all of the Republicans are on board with these nominations, an example being Matt Gaetz, who ended up withdrawing his bid for Attorney General after facing backlash from fellow Repubs amid allegations of sexual misconduct

So, I ask that you all Call, Email, and Fax your senators to tell them to reject these nominations.

For more info on the appointees, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/4985802-trump-cabinet-nominees-second-term/

Here's where you'll find your Senator:

You can also call (202) 224-3121, where a switchboard operator will connect you directly with the Senate office you request.

If you're nervous about talking with someone call after your senator's office is closed or test RESIST at 50409 to turn your text into an email or fax

Fax tool here:

Scripts;

If your Senator is a Democrat, use this script for calls, email, and fax:

"Hello [Senator name], my name is [Your name], and I urge you to reject Trump's cabinet picks. Instead of competent experts, Trump has picked his most loyal allies as Cabinet members to enforce his authoritarian agenda and disrupt the most essential services for everyday Americans. He's appointed self-serving people like anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary of health and human services and former Fox News host and white nationalist Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense.

The Senate must reject these Cabinet nominees to protect working Americans from the dysfunction our federal agencies will face under the direction of these appointees. We're worth fighting for, and we deserve better. I urge you and the Senate to reject RFK Jr., Hegseth, and any other extremist Trump nominees who will seek to enact Trump's radical Project 2025 agenda."

If your Senator is a Republican, use this script instead:

"Hello [Senator name], my name is [Your name], and I urge you to reject Trump's cabinet picks. Instead of competent experts with experience, Trump has picked unqualified Cabinet members who will disrupt the most essential services for everyday Americans. He's appointed people who lack qualifications, like anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services and former Fox News host and white nationalist Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense.

The Senate must reject these Cabinet nominees to protect working Americans from the dysfunction our federal agencies will face under the direction of these appointees. We're worth fighting for, and we deserve better. I urge you and the Senate to reject RFK Jr., Hegseth, and any other unqualified Trump nominees who lack the expertise and qualifications for these roles"

Here are also some petitions to sign as well:

[charlesoberonn]

So just today there were two different physical altercations in the US congress (both by Republicans because of course)

You doing okay, America? (rhetorical)

[relaxedstyles]

[palaeosinensis]

[eugenedebs1920]

The unhinged inauguration speech, the sieg hail solute at the inauguration celebration, the pardoning or EVERYTHING SINGLE Jan 6th seditionist, the unconstitutional attempt to end birthright citizenship, the immigration crackdowns with clowns like doctor Phil, and dog killer cosplay cowboy Krist Noem, the wholly unqualified animated, absurd nominations and the circus at the capital of confirmation, the tariffs….

What’s the one thing they didn’t want getting headlines? Which event is Elon musk threatening to sue over? Which one required state marshals to intervene? The Treasury Department hack.

There’s not much I agree with, would have in common with, or would condone that Trump engages in. There’s not much I can promote regarding his behavior, his policies, or his ethics. What I will say he’s good at, is marketing.

He went from bankruptcy, owing millions to various banks, to playing the role of a successful businessman on TV, to accidentally winning the presidency. He has sold his brand better than most, in par with the best.

Trump exudes arrogance, ignorance, sleaziness, incompetence, inexperience, stupidity, and a complete lack of grace or manners, just to name a few. He has marketed his brand as something that doesn’t resemble a cheap Chinese knockoff, which it most certainly is. People buy it! You gotta give him credit for that.

In this Ezra Klein piece there’s an interview with Steve Bannon, he talks about “flooding the zone” with chaos. He called it “muzzle velocity” This is the distraction from the actual crimes.

To quote the video, “Trump is acting like a king, because he’s too weak to govern like a president.” The so called mandate, didn’t crack 50% of the vote. The margin in the house is the slimmest since the Great Depression. The senate is 47-53. Per the norm it’s costume jewelry, its playtime getups, its dress up in the Oval Office. It’s cosplay.

Don’t give him the power he doesn’t have. There is a system in place in this representative democratic constitutional republic that has held for 249 years! A system that survived a civil war, two world wars, a great depression, a monumental civil right movement, an anti-war coalition that worked. One man. One tyrant can not just simple walk into the White House and proclaim he doesn’t have to abide by this governance that is the law.

Just because he’s a criminal doesn’t mean it’s not illegal when he does it.

As many federal employees have been unifying under when asked to resign or be terminated, ‘Hold the line.” He is not a king, he is not the ruler, he just plays one on TV.

Resist. Hold the line. Don’t obey in advance. Never submit. Don’t believe him.

🇺🇸

[remindertoclick]

This is your reminder to Click for Palestine today!

And donate directly to UNRWA you have the means!

[srldesigns6277]

If there's one person's take to listen to or to show people you know who are or support veterans, it's this. If you need to hear what will likely happen to the US economy tomorrow, watch this.

I hope we can still do something to change the US's path, but right now, we all need to Wake The Fuck Up. If nothing else keep calling Representatives and Senators, use the rights we have, While We Still Have Them!

CALL THEM : (202) 224-3121

[catkora]

The US needs to bring back brawling in congress. I wanna see some fisticuffs and good ol' fashioned pistol duels.

Plus, people might start voting for younger representatives because they'll have a higher chance of winning the fistfight.

[saywhat-politics]

By Katherine Hamilton Digital Content Writing Fellow, RepresentUs June 1, 2021

Last election season, you probably saw a lot of social media posts and emails telling you to call your congress members and voice your support for certain issues.

But, does contacting your representatives really work?

The short answer? YES! You might be surprised to know just how much of a difference making a phone call or writing an email can be. Here’s why it works.

What happens when you call your representative?

When you call, your message is logged and relayed to your senator and the staffers in their office crafting policy. Every single call helps your senator know how much of a priority this issue is for their constituents. It’s all about building pressure, and calls are one of the most efficient ways to do so.

Four Reasons Calling Congress Makes a Huge Difference

Congress members care about re-election — and you control their chances. Congress members spend more than half their time in office focusing on re-election. If a politician wants to get re-elected, he or she has to ensure they’re addressing their constituents’ concerns. When you contact your lawmakers to let them know what policies you support, you’re telling them what they can do to win your vote in the next election. This is an extremely effective way of getting your officials to listen to you — and it’s exactly how democracy is supposed to work!

A lot of callers can build a lot of pressure. When a legislator starts hearing the same concerns from a lot of citizens, it puts a lot of pressure on them to vote the way their constituents want. Flooding a lawmaker’s inbox or phone line can completely stall office activity, and really get the attention of your elected official. When you contact your representative, you’re adding your voice to a wave of grassroots pressure.

It’s one of the best ways to voice your opinion in the election off-season. There’s not always an election around the corner, and even when there is, you don’t always get to vote on the issues you really care about. But civic participation can — and should — happen year-round. Contacting your elected officials holds them accountable for representing you, even when it’s not election season.

It literally only takes two minutes! One of the best things about calling your representatives? It’s incredibly quick and easy to do. Most groups that ask you to contact Congress will provide you with easy-to-follow instructions and a simple script to read — although adding personal touches is highly encouraged! Who knew saving democracy could take as much time as brushing your teeth?

All questions and comments regarding public policy issues, legislation, or requests for personal assistance should be directed to the senators from your state. Please be aware that as a matter of professional courtesy, many senators will acknowledge, but not respond to, a message from another senator's constituent.

Options for Contacting Senators

Web contact forms are available on most senators' websites

Postal Addresses

Addresses for each senator can be found on the senator's website or state's web page

The following standard address can be also be used: The Honorable (Name) United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 For correspondence to a Senate committee or to a Senate committee chair: (Name of Committee) United States Senate Washington, DC 20510

Telephone

Phone numbers are available on each state's page or on your senator's website

Senators Suite & Telephone List (PDF)

A U.S. Capitol Switchboard operator can also connect you directly with the Senate office. (202) 224-3121