First of all, I’m sure you’re wondering why a very INACTIVE dog is being featured on a blog post titled Mondays are for Action. Well. It’s because I don’t have much else, and I’m set up for every blog post to have a photo. So there you go. And, besides, JoJo is always worth a smile. (She likes to sleep on our stairs, especially if I am busy on one floor and Tom is busy on another floor. Plus, she can see the street outside – in two directions – from that vantage point and is ready to sound any alarms.) (We’ve learned to be careful on the stairs.)
Anyway.
I’m here today with an Action Item: KEEP CALLING your senators and representatives . . . even if it feels like it doesn’t matter and you aren’t doing any good with it.
Here’s why . . .
Briefly, she’s telling us (all the while knitting!) that it’s important to call your senators/reps EVEN IF it seems like they aren’t listening or will never change their minds. She explains that the “people who watch Fox News and right-wing media” call their reps/senators all the time – very consistently . . . while the “people who don’t watch Fox News” tend to not call at all. So from the reps’/senators’ points of view, the “enthusiasm” for particular issues is very much skewed to the right.
She further explains that calls last week started to make a difference . . . because the “enthusiasm” was shifting to the left, and the reps/senators were noticing. She encouraged us to keep the pressure ON — and to make calling a regular practice.
Give it a listen. It will inspire you to keep calling — even if you think it’s not making a difference. (And it’s always fun to watch another knitter.)
I’m also sharing another Substack article (link below) from Emily in Your Pocket. (Emily Amick has a very popular Substack newsletter. Emily, a former Senate Counsel brings fact-based, action-oriented analysis and insight into politics and the culture that shapes it.) Her article explains EVERYTHING you need to know about calling your reps — and will really take the “fear” out of doing so.
I don’t like calling people I don’t know on the phone – at all, so I’m never comfortable about this kind of thing. BUT . . . I’m building it into my “work” as a new daily habit. Y’know . . . brush my teeth. Call my member of congress who does not listen to me (because he is a toe-the-line republican). I’m also calling both of my democratic senators. And maybe some other people that the Five Calls app recommends (like my state attorney general).
Join me!
Let’s make these calls a daily habit!
So I’ve made my phone calls, adding my AG to the list. He has already joined 18 other AGs in a lawsuit which I was glad to hear. I didn’t even know my AG’s name, but I do now. One of my Democratic senators, Andy Kim, has said he will fight with whatever tools are available, including a government shutdown in March. That’s rarely a good thing, but I expressed my support for him and all other Democrats to do whatever it takes. My Republican rep. is indeed a Republican but the people answering the phones have impeccable manners and are kind when I get tongue-tied. I hate phone calls but it feels like something I need to do.
I really don’t like talking on the phone (like it gives me major anxiety), but I may have to get over it because so much is on the line. Also, thank you for the gratuitous JoJo photo. I always feel better when I see her!
I love how clever JoJo’s watch strategy is. You go, JoJo!
Trump has been saying a lot of things that don’t make any sense at all. I think he has dementia. I recognize the symptoms because my Mom is very deep in dementia. It is being addressed on a lot of social media. None of the reporters or anybody else wants to come out and address this. The Gulf of America? Really???
Maybe people will open their eyes and he’ll be forced out.
Making the phone calls! It really can’t hurt, can it?
Making the calls! ALSO – state legislatures are in session and NOW IS THE TIME to contact our state reps about local issues … in Georgia, it’s gun safety. Thank you for giving voice (see what I did there?! 😉 to this important way to take action!
Thanks to your earlier posts, I’ve been contacting Wyoming’s delegation: they are ALL red to the core and MAGA loyal. Only one has responded. Thanks for giving me the nudge to do this.
In spite of my discomfort, I’ve been calling. Our senators are both Democrat, but my congress person is very loyal to the man.
I am calling… and funny thing, one of my senators (the “democrat”) posted just yesterday on social media saying “these calls are not helping!” Right, Yinzer… we all see you stepping into the Manchin-Sinnema void… and sorry, I will be calling daily! My House Rep is a dem also, and his staff is super awesome, I never get his voicemail! They told me the same thing… keep calling! I am having an issue getting a hold of my newly elected GOP Senator (must be because he does NOT LIVE IN PA) but for the past week his voicemail at all offices was “full”. I have never spoken to anyone at any of his offices nor have I “found the sweet spot” of leaving a message. Sigh. My 5calls suggestion was to call both my GOP AG and my governor… I have added both into the mix! (But AOC knitting… well, that just made my week!)
AOC is a force and thank goodness for that. Thanks for the nudge. I have generally sent emails to my reps both state and national. And JoJo, – she is sweet and takes good care of you.
I have collected the phone numbers for my Republican representative and senator, my Democratic senator, and my state Democratic attorney general. Now I need to write my little speech. Thanks for the link to Emily — she has excellent advice.