The For the People Act is
By: Crista Bailey
Tags: Filibusters, Citizenship, Senate, Politics, Democracy

duct tape for democracy

one. big. shot. to protect voting rights.

We individually have our issues. our concerns. But it all boils down to — do you have a voice, a vote? For the People is a necessity for every citizen of a functioning U.S.A. democracy. No matter your party. The filibuster stands in the way of FtPA becoming law as well as in front of a lot of other important legislation.

To paraphrase Matthew Dowd — “the filibuster is why we do not have real infrastructure projects, common sense gun reform, federal increase in minimum wage, a nonpartisan investigation into Jan 6 insurrection; it’s why the majority of Americans are not represented in Congress.” I like this article explaining Why the Senate Should Abolish the Filibuster.

Use the voice you <still > have today to fight the filibuster and fight For the People. Here’s how.

And before you say, “OMG, Congress is broken, Senate is stalled, this feels insurmountable”. We have before faced seemingly impossible obstacles and overcome them. All because of your work, your donations, your commitment.

Let’s keep going.

These are notes I picked up from a recent Indivisible call —

For the People will be brought to a vote this summer. It likely will be voted down. Don’t lose faith. The key is to consistently work on eliminating the filibuster, demanding these bills pass, and to pressure Senators, including yes, Manchin.

Manchin does not respond to out of state calls, but donate to Indivisible if you want funds to support WV groups staying in front of him or consider donating directly to one of these amazing organizations on the ground in West Virginia: WV Citizens for Clean Elections, WV Citizens Action Group, WV Working Families Party, Un-Pac, Our Future WV, For West Virginia’s Future, WV Can’t Wait.

Sinema (AZ Dem) is also one for focus. She does respond to press, so reach out to her via all forms of communication,, twitter, facebook. Let her know she’s important to the cause and that you support the filibuster ending.

Also, call those Republican Senators who voted in favor of a Jan 6 commission — that’s Sasse (NE), Romney(UT), Murkowski (AK), Collins (ME), Cassidy (LA), Portman (OH). Google them to ritualistically call, write, visit — whatever you wish. Share your concerns and desires for our democracy in a constructive way.

And/or check out Stacy Abrams work at Fairfight. She has organized summer-long phone banks for Senate calls +. Support her work or get involved.

What if you dedicated 15 minutes each week between now and Aug 1 to this? What if you don’t? Robert Kennedy said “The future is not a gift. It is an achievement.”

Imagine the power of just 5% of the 18+ US population activating at the top of their lungs & purse strings over the course of the next few months — that is more than 10 million people. Imagine even more people activating.

What part will you play in passing this message along, and using your voice? Is your brand & company working actively FOR democracy? If not, why not? Ask, discuss, motivate, activate. So many ways to get involved.

Don’t put it off.

The time is now.

Or.

“Tomorrow will be too late. It’s now or never” — ELVIS