Thank you for all the recommends and shares for yesterday’s diary:
A Ten Point Action Plan for Resisting Putin’s Takeover of America
The action item format works for me as a way to make some meaningful progress every day without getting overwhelmed or ignoring my other responsibilities. It seemed to be helpful for other people, too, so perhaps it’s one way I can contribute.
It’s just a handful of things that won’t take very long, but if enough of us do them, they will ensure that this story doesn’t die. Nothing goes on the list that I’m not intending to do myself.
We’ll need to respond quickly as new opportunities and threats arise. And this is just my list - feel free to improve upon it, add to it, and share what you’ve done!
Developments Since Yesterday:
Joint statement by McCain, Graham, Schumer and calling for investigations.
Evan McMullin is ex-CIA, and he has been on fire on this issue since yesterday.
Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.) urged Congress to act in time so that the Electors can make a good decision. This is unprecedented and a sign that momentum may be shifting.
Trump sent out a Tweet that backed off on #PutinsPuppet and Exxon Exec Tillerson as SecState. If so, that’s Victory #1 - but leads to Action #4 below.
Key Actions Today:
- If not already done, put your Senators’ local offices in your Favorites list or on speed dial so that they are just one button away. Add your state Governor’s phone number, and maybe your Attorney General’s. We have good intel that calling local offices when they are open during the week is the best way to ensure that your voice gets heard.
- Write a script for your calls and then practice it a few times. Calls are much easier if you know exactly what to say. I’ll have some examples at the bottom. We’ll use them tomorrow to make calls.
- Retweet the Joint Statement from Lindsey Graham to your Senator with something like: “Where do you stand, Senator Murray?”
- Taunt Trump on Twitter for folding on Tillerson. Remember Sun-Tzu’s advice from the Art of War: “If your enemy is choleric, irritate him.” Trump is thin-skinned and can’t stop obsessing once he starts. Let’s get him to start.
- Share the original diary and this one on Facebook to amplify the effects of our efforts.
- Bonus #1: If you are dedicated to this fight, please consider following the Kos Group “Sons and Daughters of Liberty.” I’ll post these Action Lists there, as well as other diaries that offer concrete opportunities to take action. That way, you’ll be able to read them even if they don’t make the Rec List.
- Bonus #2: Sign up for Twitter and let us know you’re there. If you’re not on Twitter already, consider signing up with your DailyKos handle. You’ll need a phone number to register. I already have an account under my IRL name for business, but they let me create another one. Twitter is better than Facebook for amplifying messages, IMO because it’s a primary tool for so many journalists, politicians and major media figures. My handle is @KascadeKat - share yours in the comments so that we can amplify each others’ messages.
Key Messages Today:
- Trump is irreparably damaged by Putin’s interference. Our allies will never be able to trust him. Our enemies will use this against us.
- How many Americans died to defend America from the KGB? How can we let them die in vain by bowing to ex-KGB Putin?
- Wc cannot ask the Electors to cast a vote that could haunt them for the rest of their lives. Release the Electors!
My Script for Phone Calls:
Hi! I’m [Kascade Kat] and I’m calling to ask for Senator Murray’s support for releasing the information about Putin’s interference with our Presidential election immediately. We can’t let our electors finalize their votes without this - they may make a decision they’ll regret for the rest of their lives.
Finally, where is this headed?
I spelled out my Ten Point Plan in a diary yesterday, but I realize that I didn’t make the strategy underneath it as apparent as it could have been.
Here is my comment on the thread about the letter from McCain, Graham, Reed and Shumer where I improved upon things:
We still have time to make a difference as citizens of this country:
A Ten Point Action Plan to Resist Putin’s Takeover of America
I see this war — which is what it is, even if fought with words not swords — as a series of battles to defend key strategic positions that protect America’s democracy and civil liberties.
The EC is the first battle. We may not win, but by fighting it, we’ll weaken them while gaining critical experience for future battles and at low risk of losses on our side.
If that doesn’t work, we work to pressure Trump to resign in the face of overwhelming evidence and resistance from the other two branches of government.
If that doesn’t work, we fall back to obstructing all of his cabinet nominees and Supreme Court justices.
And so on, as long as we have breath and strength to fight.
I can’t promise to make one of these every day, but I’ll post them as I can. I do promise to fight as long as I have breath and strength in me.
Remember - history has its eyes on us this time.