From: Munsup @SISCOM Seoh
Subject: FW: Fox News deliberately misleads about MLK; #MeToo is coming for Trump; and more
- FW: “the triple evils of racism, economic exploitation, and militarism”
- FW: my brother Martin Luther King Jr.
- FW: Fox News deliberately misleads about MLK
- FW: Hang your beliefs … in your window 😍
- FW: #MeToo is coming for Trump
- FW: Sign the petition: Allow Jorge Garcia to return to his family
From: Michael Keegan; Presiden, People For the American Way
Subject: “the triple evils of racism, economic exploitation, and militarism”
Last year, I sent a Martin Luther King Day message that referenced a 1967 speech by Dr. King. The speech was about the Vietnam War but it discussed what Dr. King called “the triple evils of racism, economic exploitation, and militarism” and it seemed particularly timely in the days leading up to Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Unfortunately, one year later, it hits even closer to home.
Those “triple evils” — especially the first two, so far — have defined the Trump presidency.
Racism: We thought Trump’s campaign was bad, but in his first year of office Trump has:
- Defended Nazis and called them “fine people” in wake of Charlottesville violence
- Staffed his White House with white nationalists
- Tweeted anti-Muslim propaganda from far-right English hate group
- Pursued a policy agenda, especially at the Justice Department, that criminalizes communities of color
- Attacked diversity admissions at colleges and universities through the Department of Justice
- Attacked immigrant communities by rescinding DACA, stepping up deportations, ending protective status for hundreds of thousands of immigrants who sought refuge here due to disasters in their countries of origin, and pursuing undue restrictions on legal immigration
- Showed profound — and offensive — ignorance about the history and achievements of African Americans (“Frederick Douglass is an example of somebody who’s done an amazing job and is getting recognized more and more.”)
- Attacked NFL players for exercising their right to free speech to raise awareness about police brutality and other oppression
- Inspired other Republicans to use his campaign playbook of racial division
- Inflamed fears about violence committed by immigrants — particularly Latinos and Muslims
Economic Exploitation: The tax scam passed by Trump Republicans in Congress with zero Democratic support is a massive redistribution of wealth to the very top, with corporations and the 1% lining their pockets at the painful expense of middle-class and low-income Americans. In addition, we’ve seen:
- An aggressive deregulation agenda that has removed protections for workers, consumers, and the environment
- Dangerous deregulation of the financial sector, including multiple efforts to neuter the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
- Ongoing attempts to rip lifesaving health care away from tens of millions of Americans and drive up health care premiums
- Political brinksmanship regarding the funding of the Children’s Health Insurance Program, imperiling the health care of 9 million children
- Legislation to explode the deficit and create the excuse to try to shred safety net programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid
Militarism: We’ve seen this no more clearly than with Trump’s posturing and Twitter antagonism regarding North Korea. Trump’s “tough talk” has been aimed at some other countries as well, and his brand of militarism actually includes a very new dynamic in American foreign affairs — isolating the US with reckless hostility towards international agreements and norms, as well as our own alliances like NATO. Thankfully, Trump’s penchant for vindictive lashing out has not led us into an actual war yet, but obviously there is cause for concern and he has certainly demonstrated hawkish impulses with his public — and oftentimes confusing — chest thumping.
Today, it’s important to remember and celebrate Dr. King’s vision and the rights and values he died defending. But it’s also important to stay mindful of how drastically at odds King’s vision and fight are with the Trump presidency and right-wing Republican rule.
This year, we’ll be fighting — as always — to advance the values Dr. King championed and, with your support, we have the chance to do it big time at the ballot box this November.
Thank you so much for all you do. And Happy Martin Luther King Day.
From: Congressman John Lewis
Subject: my brother Martin Luther King Jr.
Not a day goes by when I don’t think about my brother Martin Luther King Jr.
He was our moral compass — he inspired and represented the best of America.
And today, millions of Americans will celebrate his life and honor his legacy.
I think if he were still with us today, he would tell us to keep dreaming.
I marched with Martin and spoke at rallies with him. Together, we fought tirelessly to make our country a more fair and tolerant place.
His work helped to liberate us from the evils of segregation and hate.
But he was taken from us before he ever had the chance to see the results of his life’s work. He was silenced indefinitely.
But that’s why it’s up to you and me to keep his legacy alive.
Do your part today to help keep his legacy alive by answering a few short questions:
http://go.johnlewisforcongress.com/MLK-Legacy-Survey-2018
From: The team at Democracy for America
Subject: Fox News deliberately misleads about MLK
This morning, Fox News marked the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday by publishing a ridiculous article with the headline “Please stop politicizing Martin Luther King Day. It’s a day for national unity, not political division.”
They are deliberately lying to Americans about what this day means — and what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. fought for and actually believed. He knew that his life and the work of racial and economic justice were inherently political.
With Donald Trump in the White House, working with Fox News to reinforce white supremacy and attack Black protest, it’s worth remembering exactly what Dr. King said about racial justice, economic justice, and politics. We thought we’d share a few key ideas Dr. King said or wrote during his life and invite you to reflect on them.
“First, I must confess that over the last few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro’s great stumbling block in the stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen’s Council-er or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate who is more devoted to “order” than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says “I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I can’t agree with your methods of direct action;” who paternalistically feels he can set the timetable for another man’s freedom; who lives by the myth of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait until a “more convenient season.”
Shallow understanding from people of goodwill is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection.” — Letter from Birmingham Jail, April 1963
“We must recognize that we can’t solve our problem now until there is a radical redistribution of economic and political power… this means a revolution of values and other things. We must see now that the evils of racism, economic exploitation and militarism are all tied together… you can’t really get rid of one without getting rid of the others… the whole structure of American life must be changed. America is a hypocritical nation and [we] must put [our] own house in order.” — Report to SCLC staff, May 1967
“Why is equality so assiduously avoided? Why does white America delude itself, and how does it rationalize the evil it retains?
The majority of white Americans consider themselves sincerely committed to justice for the Negro. They believe that American society is essentially hospitable to fair play and to steady growth toward a middle-class Utopia embodying racial harmony. But unfortunately this is a fantasy of self-deception and comfortable vanity…
Whites, it must frankly be said, are not putting in a similar mass effort to reeducate themselves out of their racial ignorance. It is an aspect of their sense of superiority that the white people of America believe they have so little to learn. The reality of substantial investment to assist Negroes into the twentieth century, adjusting to Negro neighbors and genuine school integration, is still a nightmare for all too many white Americans…These are the deepest causes for contemporary abrasions between the races. Loose and easy language about equality, resonant resolutions about brotherhood fall pleasantly on the ear, but for the Negro there is a credibility gap he cannot overlook. He remembers that with each modest advance the white population promptly raises the argument that the Negro has come far enough. Each step forward accents an ever-present tendency to backlash.” — “Where do we go from here?” August 1967
“Our nation was born in genocide when it embraced the doctrine that the original American, the Indian, was an inferior race. Even before there were large numbers of Negroes on our shore, the scar of racial hatred had already disfigured colonial society. From the sixteenth century forward, blood flowed in battles over racial supremacy. We are perhaps the only nation which tried as a matter of national policy to wipe out its indigenous population. Moreover, we elevated that tragic experience into a noble crusade. Indeed, even today we have not permitted ourselves to reject or feel remorse for this shameful episode. Our literature, our films, our drama, our folklore all exalt it. Our children are still taught to respect the violence which reduced a red-skinned people of an earlier culture into a few fragmented groups herded into impoverished reservations.” – “Why We Can’t Wait, 1963”
If you’ve read this far in the email, why not take a moment to scroll back up and re-read these quotes again. And once you have, please join your fellow Democracy for America members in making a personal commitment to taking actions and fighting for racial justice and economic equality.
That is just one of many ways to make today a meaningful day. And you’ll also help show Fox News you won’t let them smear Dr. King’s legacy — or stop this country from working to achieve the justice for which he gave his life.
Paid for by Democracy for America, http://www.democracyforamerica.com and not authorized by any candidate. Contributions to Democracy for America are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.
From: Anna, Jo, Shari, Justin, and the rest of the team, MoveOn.org Political Action
Subject: Hang your beliefs … in your window 😍
As we mark one year of Donald Trump in the White House, we know that at this moment especially, we need to be loud, committed, and unwavering about the values we hold dear.
And we need to declare these values in public both as a rejection of the Trump agenda and as a visible promise about the world we’re working to build together.
That’s why MoveOn’s millions of members are partnering with Here We Believe—a project that has created a compelling and memorable lawn sign popping up everywhere across the country, in blue states and red, in small towns and urban centers.
Ready to recommit to the Resistance—and want an uplifting and lasting way to mark one year of Trump?
Just click here to get your sturdy, weather-resistant, union-printed sign (pictured below).
“We’ve always proudly worn our progressive beliefs on our sleeves, but after Trump’s election, we felt that we had to be louder,” said Camm, part of the husband/wife team behind the Here We Believe sign.
After Election Day, Camm and his wife, Becky, felt an unstoppable urgency to make sure there were tangible signs of resistance—and love—in the world. They wanted physical signs that represented what they call “positivity.” Symbols of hope, in an otherwise troubling time, to galvanize and inspire their wider community. With messages such as: No human is illegal. Black lives matter. Women’s rights are human rights.
Now, thanks to a partnership between Here We Believe and MoveOn, MoveOn’s millions of members across the country can help build this visible and inspiring network of joyous resistance, love, and hope in cities and towns across the nation.
Simply click here to get your sign.
Camm and Becky use their sign—personally—to signal to their community that they’re intent on being proud, progressive change agents. It’s a way for them to share beliefs that are important to them and to start a dialogue with their neighbors at this pivotal moment for our country.
Positivity—or what we’re for—is at the heart of what motivates and inspires many MoveOn members, like Camm and Becky, to keep resisting the Trump agenda, to keep working for a better future for ourselves and our families.
That’s why MoveOn has teamed up with Becky and Camm—to make sure MoveOn members in every community in the U.S., like you Munsup, have a chance to get your own Here We Believe sign.
It’s easy to order. Simply click here.
Let’s say out loud together: Here we believe love is love. Science is real. Water is life. And kindness is everything. Everything. Everything.
———————————–
Want to support our work? The MoveOn community will work every moment, day by day and year by year, to resist Trump’s agenda, contain the damage, defeat hate with love, and begin the process of swinging the nation’s pendulum back toward sanity, decency, and the kind of future that we must never give up on. And to do it we need your ongoing support, now more than ever. Will you stand with us? Donate monthly or make a one-time gift
From: Nita, Shaunna, Kat, Karin, Adam, Holly, Kathy, Susan, Anathea, Audine, Shannon, Emma, Pilar, Natalie, Melody, Pam, Lindsay, and Ryan, the UltraViolet team
Subject: #MeToo is coming for Trump
When Donald Trump addresses the nation in the State of the Union this month, women of both houses in Congress plan to wear black to protest sexual harassment and assault, including by the predator-in-chief.1
This comes after women like Oprah Winfrey and Nicole Kidman grabbed every headline last week by wearing black during the Golden Globes to protest harassment and sexual assault.2 The movement to demand accountability continues to grow–and it’s coming for Trump.
Together with allies at MoveOn.org and CREDO, more than 300,000 people signed the petition demanding Congress investigate Trump’s history of sexual harassment and assault. More than 100 members of Congress are calling for an investigation.3 But if we’re to get more members of Congress to support an investigation, we have to reach their constituents. That’s why we made this image about the very women who survived harassment and abuse by Donald Trump. Can you share it with everyone you know?
Click here to share it on Facebook.
If you’re not on Facebook, you can also click here for more sharing options.
Sources:
- Democratic women plan all-black fashion statement for State of the Union, NBC News, January 9, 2017
- Oprah, Barbra, Elisabeth, Nicole: Women in black take over the Golden Globes, Los Angeles Times, January 7, 2018
- Democratic Congresswomen Call For Investigation Into Trump Sexual Misconduct Allegations, Huffington Post, December 12, 2017
Want to support our work? UltraViolet is funded by members like you, and our tiny staff ensures small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.
From: Sharon Lafitte
Subject: Sign the petition: Allow Jorge Garcia to return to his family
Jorge Garcia—a Michigan man who had lived in the U.S. for 30 years since he was 10 years old—has a story like so many immigrant stories: one filled with hard work, strong ties to his community, and love for his family. He has cooperated with the government, paid taxes, and has no criminal record.
Yet, another tragic story is unfolding. On Martin Luther King Day, ICE agents escorted Jorge onto a plane bound for a country he barely knows, away from his wife and two children—who are all U.S. citizens.1
Stop separating families! Allow Jorge Garcia to return to his family in Michigan and pass the Dream Act now.
Sign Sharon’s petition
We have been hearing stories like Jorge’s over and over again.
This must stop. When immigrants arrive as children, attend our schools, and grow up as Americans, they should be allowed, when adults, to make the decision to stay or return. It should be their choice! This is a humanitarian issue.
Last week, a group of senators reached a bipartisan deal to pass the Dream Act, which may have protected Jorge from deportation. But Donald Trump rejected that deal, pushing our government closer to a shutdown as our members of Congress are forced to decide if they will fall in line with Trump’s racist policies or support for immigrant youth.2
It’s more important than ever that we speak up and demand that Congress keep families together and pass a clean Dream Act now.
Click here to add your name to this petition, and then pass it along to your friends.
Sources:
- “After 30 years in U.S., Michigan dad deported to Mexico,” Detroit Free Press, January 16, 2017
https://act.moveon.org/go/30365?t=17&akid=197218%2E1195276%2EDUJmtl - “House Republicans mull funding extension; ‘Dreamer’ deal not set,” Reuters, January 17, 2017
https://act.moveon.org/go/30386?t=19&akid=197218%2E1195276%2EDUJmtl
You’re receiving this petition because we thought it might interest you. It was created on MoveOn.org, where anyone can start their own online petitions.
You can start your own petition here.
Want to support our work? The MoveOn community will work every moment, day by day and year by year, to resist Trump’s agenda, contain the damage, defeat hate with love, and begin the process of swinging the nation’s pendulum back toward sanity, decency, and the kind of future that we must never give up on. And to do it we need your ongoing support, now more than ever. Will you stand with us? Donate monthly or make a one-time gift. Contributions to MoveOn.org Civic Action are not tax deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.