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Dear Team:
The A.J. Celebrezze Federal Building in downtown Cleveland is a 32 story building, wrapped entirely in glass. There are structural reasons for this construction, of course- but also symbolic ones. Democracy is supposed to be transparent. It is not supposed to happen behind closed doors.
Yet that is exactly what is happening in our country today. For months, thirteen Senate members (none of them women) have been meeting behind closed doors on a bill to overhaul our healthcare system. The bill affects 1/6th of our economy and impacts the lives and health of millions of Americans - yet neither the public nor Senate Democrats have been allowed to see any part of it.
Then on Monday, it was announced that journalists wouldn't be allowed to videotape - or even record - the White House press briefing. This too is the opposite of democracy. Americans deserve to know what our administration is doing.
Locally, the Ohio state house is working on passing legislation that would allow people to carry hidden, loaded handguns in public without securing a permit or participating in safety training to be able to do so.
In response to these actions, this week's action steps are all about transparency and immediacy. The Senate is preparing to vote on this secret healthcare bill next week. Every day, the administration is slowly stomping down on the press's freedom (Last week, it was decreed that the press could not interview members of congress in the hallways or even outside their offices). And yesterday, the Ohio House listened to arguments in favor of the proposed conceal and carry law.
We really need you all to pitch in with phone calls. Democracy dies in the dark.
Ready? Let's go.
*Just a reminder, there is power in numbers. The more people who call on these issues, the more our voices will be amplified. If you know someone who might be interested in receiving these email alerts, encourage them to sign up here:
http://bit.ly/2rVcFGC or have them contact NCJW/Cleveland's executive assistant Lisa Hayzlett at
[email protected] or 216.378.2204 ext. 101.*
Wednesday's first national action: Demand transparency on the Senate's Obamacare Repeal and Replace Bill
Call: Senator Brown at 202-224-2315
Call: Senator Portman at 202-224-3353
Your script:
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I'm a constituent from [CITY, ZIP.] I understand that the Senate is looking to vote on a Healthcare Repeal and Replace Bill by the end of the month. As a constituent affected by the legislation, I urge you to hold public hearings about the bill, allow the content of the bill to be made public, and not to vote on any legislation before we understand fully what the price tag - and potential impact - of the legislation will be on our state. This legislation affects millions of Americans and 1/6 of our economy. We have the right to see what is in it.
Thank you!
[IF LEAVING A VOICEMAIL: please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied]
Wednesday's second national action: Protect Freedom of the Press
Call: The White House at (202) 456-1111
Your script:
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I'm a constituent from [CITY, ZIP.] I am calling because I am very disturbed about the White House's recent policy not to allow the media to record or broadcast press briefings. Americans have a right to know what our administration is working on. A democratic society is contingent on a free press. Thank you.
[IF LEAVING A VOICEMAIL: please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied]
Wednesday's State Action: Fight for Gun Safety
Call your state reps: Find them here:
Your script:
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I'm a constituent from [CITY, ZIP.] As an Ohioan concerned with the safety of my family and friends, I urge you to oppose House Bill 201, which would allow people to carry hidden, loaded handguns in public without securing a permit or safety training. I am worried that the passage of this bill would allow even violent criminals to legally carry handguns in crowded town centers and on city streets -and that people who have these guns are not trained in the proper handling of them. For the safety of my family - -and for our state law enforcement officers - I urge you to please reject this bill. Thank you.
[IF LEAVING A VOICEMAIL: please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied]
**Once again, when you complete the calls, please let us know by emailing Becky Brouman, NCJW/Cleveland's Director of Volunteers, Community & Program Development at [email protected] or by leaving a note on our Facebook page:
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