Call health care what it is…a human right.

Today’s fabulous resource is an article from 2009 about reframing the the healthcare debate into what it has always been – an issue of human rights. Even as our rights to clean water and air are being wrenched away from us, let’s take back part of our history, the language of justice, human dignity and equality which makes us proud to be Americans.

This isn’t the first time we’ve fought for this.

“January 9, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave his Four Freedoms speech, articulating the relationship between socio-economic rights and freedom. He declared “freedom from want” to be one of four essential liberties necessary for human security. Continue reading “Call health care what it is…a human right.” →

The sanctuary city attack that we’ve all been dreading is coming up for a vote in the House THIS Thursday. Call ASAP!

HR 3003 attacks sanctuary cities, which would be forced to comply with ICE detainment requests to keep immigrants in jail so that they can be deported. If localities don’t comply, they would be denied much-needed Homeland Security and Justice Department grants. HR 3003 also expands mandatory detention policies and the government’s ability to indefinitely detain immigrants.

Script: I’m calling to ask (___) to oppose the “No Sanctuary for Criminals Act.” This anti-immigrant bill is a blatant attack on the ability of localities to determine how best to keep their communities safe.

Call Rep. Julia Brownley (CA-26): DC (202) 225-5811, Oxnard (805) 379-1779, T.O. (805) 379-1779

OR Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24): DC (202) 225-3601, SB (805) 730-1710 SLO (805) 546-8348

More Info (never thought we’d link the Cato Institute): Continue reading “The sanctuary city attack that we’ve all been dreading is coming up for a vote in the House THIS Thursday. Call ASAP!” →

Trump’s proposed budget completely defunds the West Coast’s earthquake warning system

After years of work, an earthquake early warning system for the west coast was scheduled to begin operating next year. The system would deliver an early warning of an earthquake or tsunami to every cell phone. Trump’s budget would defund it. Public safety is a nonpartisan issue, and stopping progress on the warning system would put millions of lives at risk.

Script: I’m calling to ask (___) to fight to maintain funding for the west coast earthquake warning system that has been in development for many years. Public safety is a nonpartisan issue.

Call all three Members of Congress

Rep. Julia Brownley (CA-26): DC (202) 225-5811, Oxnard (805) 379-1779, T.O. (805) 379-1779

OR Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24): DC (202) 225-3601, SB (805) 730-1710 SLO (805) 546-8348

Senator Feinstein: DC (202) 224-3841, LA (310) 914-7300, SF (415) 393-0707, SD (619) 231-9712, Fresno (559) 485-7430

AND Senator Harris: DC (202) 224-3553, LA (213) 894-5000, SAC (916) 448-2787, Fresno (559) 497-5109, SF (415) 355-9041, SD (619) 239-3884

More info: Continue reading “Trump’s proposed budget completely defunds the West Coast’s earthquake warning system” →

“Recklessly Indifferent”…

“The Washington Post has calculated the number of deaths as a result of the repeal of Obamacare at 43,000 per year—the near equivalent of total American lives lost in the Vietnam War, every single year. These figures are all of public record—they aren’t a mystery to Republicans.”

There are several other sources and calculations ranging from 28,000 to 100,000 a year, here and here. We picked one fairly conservative estimate that puts the additional death toll at 217,000 by the end of 2026. We then added that number to a wikipedia graph of American military casualities to see how the War-On-The-Rest-Of-Us stacks up. Over 10 years, the GOP’s plan makes a respectable showing by disposing of more of us than World War I. Continue reading ““Recklessly Indifferent”…” →

Oppose Cuts to Core Public Health Programs – We’re Not in the Mood for an Epidemic!

The ACA provides nearly $1 billion annually to the Prevention and Public Health Fund, which combats bioterrorism threats, responds to epidemics like Zika, and provides routine preventive services like immunizations. The Senate Trumpcare bill eliminates this funding, which will increase vaccine-preventable disease, food-borne infections, and hospital-contracted infections.

Script: I’m calling Senator (Feinstein and Harris) to vote NO on cutting funding to Core Public Health Programs, like any sensible person. I can’t believe that the GOP, in their rush to give a huge tax break to the wealthiest among us, would be willing to put us all, including the rich, in danger of preventable diseases and infections.

Senator Feinstein: DC (202) 224-3841, LA (310) 914-7300, SF (415) 393-0707, SD (619) 231-9712, Fresno (559) 485-7430

Senator Harris: DC (202) 224-3553, LA (213) 894-5000, SAC (916) 448-2787, Fresno (559) 497-5109, SF (415) 355-9041, SD (619) 239-3884

More Info: Continue reading “Oppose Cuts to Core Public Health Programs – We’re Not in the Mood for an Epidemic!” →

It’s hit the fan now…

Click on this. It’s an interactive map of insurance rates with the AHCA. Plug in your age, your income and your state. Not so bad if you’re young (and never actually have to use it). But as your age creeps up, the percentage of income becomes unreal. The CBO’s report of 22 million losing their insurance may be understating the case.

Watch the young man speaking, starting at 16:58. He’s got the right of it.

Continue reading →

Take a moment to thank Patagonia.

Patagonia, our world-famous Ventura outdoor clothing company, has been in the news lately. Rose Marcario, the CEO, has stated: “We’re watching the Trump administration’s actions very closely and preparing to take every step necessary, including legal action, to defend our most treasured public landscapes from coast to coast.”

YAY! Go, Patagonia!

Meanwhile, Breitbart News has been publishing negative articles here and here on Patagonia’s environmental actions as well as their other charitable endeavors, including a substantial donation to Planned Parenthood. This has unleashed screaming hordes of angry callers to flood their phone lines.

So, Indivisians…

Take a moment this week to call Patagonia (805-643-8616) and thank them for their environmental leadership and their support of Planned Parenthood. They could certainly use a few kind words about now.