There are stories and images from Indivisible meetings with senators and congressional representatives nationwide. Each week the crowds have grown and there is evidence the protests and relentless pressure is starting to work—even on Republicans. Let’s take a look.
A member of Senator Dianne Feinstein’s (D-CA) office says Indivisible broke his Blackberry:
Check out the Indivisible KC group outside Missouri Senator Roy Blunt’s Kansas City office. At the first meeting, around 30 people showed up and surprised two young staff members who weren’t expecting more than five people. At the second meeting, our group doubled in size and we met with a young staff member and a more senior member of Senator Blunt’s team. Today approximately 100 people turned out and in lieu of sending small groups of 5-6 people up to Roy Blunt’s 15th floor office and taking up their entire afternoon, senior Blunt staffers decided to come down to the courtyard and spend an hour listening to constituent concerns. Today’s protest was focused on asking Roy Blunt to reject the wholly unqualified Betsy DeVos, a billionaire who appeared to buy her way into a cabinet appointment. But, concerns were also aired about Jeff Sessions, the Muslim ban, the Affordable Care Act and more.
A final grievance was aired to Senator Blunt’s staff, who I should mention remained courteous and attentive. Our group again asked the senator for a town hall meeting with Roy Blunt himself. Most of those gathered today have jobs and took the time to attend. We represent thousands more who want the opportunity to have their voices heard and can’t make a midday Tuesday meeting. Check out our parting message:
Jumping across state line to Kansas, staffers at Senator Jerry Moran and Senator Pat Roberts had their hands full. People in attendance at Senator Roberts’ office report that only 12 people were allowed in and another 130 people were refused entry. Police were eventually called and protesters were told to leave the private property.
I’m sharing two videos from Senator Moran’s meeting because they both show important elements. In the first video below, listen as thoughtful Kansans air their concerns about DeVos. Notice that the phone in the background DOES NOT STOP RINGING. And who knows why that staffer appears to be hiding behind that door. Does she think that former Catholic school principal is going to leap at her?
Here is another video from Senator Moran’s office. Jump to the 45 second mark of this video and pay attention to the staffer’s response to concerns about Betsy DeVos, “and that’s why Senator Moran would like to ask Ms. DeVos more questions about implementation of I.D.E.A and federal funding and ...” Let’s be clear here. There are few senators more conservative than Jerry Moran and here is his staffers showing hints of hedging on DeVos. THIS IS WORKING.
Protests from offices around the country were just as full. Enjoy the photos and video below, which are only a small sampling of the events around the country; there were hundreds. If you attended one, please add your photos, video and stories in the comments below. If you want to get involved, read the Indivisible Guide and/or join the Facebook group and find a Tuesday event near you.
