Infinite effort on finite goals
Although I don’t agree with David Frum(the conservative editor of The Atlantic and former President W. Bush speechwriter) on many topics, I was inspired by his recent suggestions for concerned U.S. citizens. Combining that with the very pragmatic Indivisible Guide, it comes down to this:
- Let’s spend infinite effort on finite goals. Given the overwhelming number of issues facing our politicians today, by spending an enormous amount of effort on one (or two), we will have more of an impact than if we’re spread amongst dozens.
- Our representatives work for us. Really. Even the ethical politicians know they need to be re-elected to have any impact on our country. We can use this to our advantage. Politicians are in constant need of being seen to be representing their people, and if tons of protestors show up at their town halls and disagree, that’s news they don’t want.
Your action today is to contact your Senators and Representatives, and demand special bipartisan committee with subpoena powers get to the full truth of the#TrumpRussia connection now.
This demand enjoys broad support in the U.S. according to a New NBC poll published today, which found a majority of Americans want this investigation. And on this topic, the details matter. An independent outside committee, with full subpoena power, and without political motivations one way or another, is better equipped to get to the truth. The current Republican plan of doing it themselves seems flawed for obvious reasons — investigating their own Republican president, and possibly reducing their own power? Unlikely.
Two better options:
- Most Effective: Attend one of their “town hall” meetings they have to proved they’re in touch with their constituents. Bring some friends and a protest sign with a short demand, written in big block letters so it shows up on TV. Call your local TV stations and tell them what’s happening, ask them to cover it.
- Also Effective: Call during their office hours and talk with a congressional aide. Be polite, and tell the aide your name and address (to prove their boss works for you), and that you want your elected official to do everything in their power to create a special bipartisan Congressional committee with subpoena powers to investigate all Trump-Russia connections. Get your representative’s phone numbers and call.
By contrast, these actions are not effective: Sending emails. Filling out forms on politician’s websites. Posting on social media to your own friends and family. These are largely a waste of your time — do the above instead!
I’ve never previously done anything political other than turn up to vote. I’ve never considered myself belonging to any political party, seeing the irrational “us” vs. “them” this kind of thinking has led to in our country.
But there’s enough objective data today, even from a non-partisan position, be concerned about the future of our nation. And instead of just complaining about it, we are actually able to DO something about it.
Here’s some specifics for which the U.S. public deserves a full investigation, independent of any Republican or Democrat interference or bias.
- The reported financial connections between Trump and Russia.
- The reported Russian cyberattacks on Democratic party infrastructure prior to the election.
- Trump cabinet members and advisors’ history of working with Putin-aligned politicians, including any impact this had on the presidential election, and on executive orders since Trump became president.
- Trump’s tax returns. Congress can force Trump’s hand by supporting a bill that Senators Ron Wyden of Oregon and Chris Murphy of Connecticut introduced in January 2017. It would require the current and all future presidents to release their tax returns. Anyone fighting this bill doesn’t have an ethical leg to stand up, and should be shot down if opposing it. What are Trump’s financial connections with Russia?
- The Trump campaign’s reported meddling with the Republican platform on Ukraine.
You CAN do something. For instance, over the last few weeks, I’ve been participating in the “Tech Stands Up” movement to demand human rights for all. It’s not about asking for something that benefits the tech industry, it’s a grass-roots movement started by Mark Rose, Brad Taylor and others in tech who are appalled at the setback to human rights happening in our own country under President Trump. In just a few weeks of existence, this organization has received mainstream press, and is holding its first rally in Palo Alto, California. It’s making a difference.
Stop reading. Act: http://www.whoismyrepresentative.com/
If your experience is anything like mine, you will feel better, empowered.
For further information, turn to professional journalists at respected media companies. Here’s a few recent, related articles.
