This is the fourth edition of Action Diary Rescue, a roundup of action-oriented diaries by Kossacks from the last ... since the last one. Sorry this one’s so late, I just moved (trading Isla Vista for San Diego) and was on a road trip for a week (Sierras = awesome). I’m going to try to get on a regular schedule of releasing them Tuesday nights starting next week, so keep an eye out if you like what you see.
Featured action:
Diarist pat208 covers TNT’s decision to continue airing Law and Order episodes with (finally announced) GOP presidential candidate Fred Thompson and provides contact info (phone, email and snail mail) for TNT and Time Warner. The (few) comments in the diary were surprisingly unsupportive and only one indicated taking action. C’mon, we can do better than that, Kossacks.
Many more delicious activism opportunities below the fold, with a whole section of antiwar stuff...
Diarist karendc has an excellent post with an action item targeting "Blue Dog Dems". The idea is to send them "Spineless Citations" for supporting the FISA capitulation bill. Perhaps this can make them a little less anti-liberty on future votes?
Diarist Jdalton describes the unfolding campaign against American Eagle outfitters for not taking steps to enforce its Code of Conduct of Vendors and Contractors. They’re mistreating their workers and resisting unionization efforts. The campaign is student-focused, but you can help even if you’re not one. This week is the student week of action, including boycotts. Other ways to help:
• Sign the American Eagle Back-to-School Boycott Pledge – Use the power of the purse strings to hold American Eagle accountable. They say they can’t do anything but they know they can. AmericanVulture.org
• Spread the Word – Send the boycott pledge to your friends, colleagues and neighbors; post the news on your listserves and blog it. Utilize our MySpace and Facebook profiles.
• Enter "Defeathering the Eagle" Contest – We’re looking for the best ads that mock American Eagle’s marketing and image. Details here.
• Send a message to Tom DiDonato – Let him and the rest of AE management and let them know they need to be straight with their workers and customers. Lipstick Panic was kind enough to provide an email address: didonatot@ae.com
• Volunteer – Distribute "American Vulture" materials around a college campus near you.
All the stuff I just blockquoted has links if you click the diary.
OrangeClouds115 asks readers to call their members of congress to request a 180 day halt on the implementation of new regulations that’ll require almonds to be pasteurized using a fumigant that’s been linked to cancer and is banned in Canada, Mexico and the EU.
Frontpager mcjoan posted an action item awhile back to support Katrina reconstruction by supporting the Gulf Coast Recovery Act. Here's a direct link to the petition.
DyspepTex diaries about Seven Straight Nights, a week for straight people to show their support for the LGBT community coming up October 7-13. So far there are events planned in 24 cities across 20 states, but they’re hoping to do more. If you’re interested in hosting a vigil, check out the diary for more info and links.
Diarist blizek talks about precinct organizing with Democracy for America. If you want to get active with the 50 state strategy or precinct organizing in general, check out this diary, which has links to informational/training conference calls they’re putting on.
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ANTI-WAR AND IMPEACHMENT SECTION
In "Stiffen Spines – Send Letters," diarist xaxnar has a passionate sample letter for anyone looking to do an LTE or message to congresscritters. Check it out and here’s a link to contact info for your rep. The letter itself was written on Labor Day, but sections are still pretty adaptable. Or just write your own --- even if it’s just 2 lines --- why not?
The Enough campaign rolls on, this diary courtesy of Orlando participant Wino. Raw, DIY activism. If you see one of these diaries (I always seem to miss them), please tip the author because damn they deserve it.
Ever gotten a call from a party fundraiser? Well diarist jem6x has a good idea: next time, politely decline (cause they’re just the messengers, and overworked ones at that), and tell them they’re not going to get your money until we see some spine.
Diarist forbodyandmind has an excellent, THOROUGH roundup of impeachment diaries and concludes with an action section (GREAT POST). Includes a bunch of ongoing and near future antiwar and pro-impeachment actions.
Also, forbodyandmind posted a diary about another Beach Impeach event in San Francisco this Saturday. Good to help with because it might get picked up with media coverage about the protest in DC.
Lastly, diarist lao hong han provides an excellent rundown of antiwar events going on this very important month in "September Action Roundup". I cut out what’s already passed, but here’s the rest:
SEPTEMBER ANTI-WAR PROTEST CALENDAR
9/14-21: Days of Decision, nonviolent action at congressional offices coast to coast to end the occupation of Iraq.
9/15: Anti-War/Impeachment Mobilization 9/15 is one of two national demos called for DC in September, including a rally and a Die-In, to be followed by other actions through the next week. (Coalition headed by International ANSWER.)
9/21: Iraq Moratorium Day! Every Third Friday Americans will break with their daily routine to take some concrete step, alone or with others to stop the war. Spanish language site: Moratorio Irak)
9/25: Arrest Bush! Day of protest during Bush's visit to the UN General Assembly.
9/22-9: Occupy the Occupiers! 9/29 is one of two national demos called for DC in September, preceded by a weeklong occupation of the Mall. Parallel encampment and demo in Los Angeles. (Coalition headed by Troops Out Now Coalition).
9/29: Soldiers and Civilians Speak Out! Rally and march in Syracuse, NY, initiated by active duty soldiers in the Ft. Drum chapter of IVAW.
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OTHER ACTIONS:
Petition to help children in Darfur.
AFL-CIO petition to help advance SCHIP (child healthcare bill).
Earthjustice petition to protect the Tongass National Forest in Alaska, currently targeted for exploitation by our good buddy Ted Stevens.
...and 2 pet projects:
Lose the Label -- a student activist community, online hangout.
Antiwar Tuesday -- weekly antiwar action for anybody with a Facebook account.
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Can't find anything you like here? Then make something up! Be heard! Cause otherwise, the sad fact is you don't much exist to your reps.
These links can help:
Write your Congresscritter: http://www.house.gov/...
Or your Senator: http://www.senate.gov/...
Email your Decider: comments@whitehouse.gov
Or your Decider’s boss: vice_president@whitehouse.gov
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Alright, well that should be plenty to chew on for awhile. Tips and recs appreciated, but even more, comments noting actions you’ve taken.
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9.18.07 UPDATE/Addendum/correction...I said I'd be posting a new edition tonight, Tuesday the 18th and getting on a regular schedule, but I got too busy this afternoon and I'm going to release it tomorrow instead. Sorry if anyone was looking for it.