Thank you for all the recommends, shares, callouts and tweets!
If you’re new to this, it’s the 6th in a series of diaries with action items specific to addressing the threat of Russian interference in our election. Here is the first diary in the series: A Ten Point Action Plan for Resisting Putin’s Takeover of America
Here are the actions for Wednesday, December 15 - four days until the EC votes.
Key Actions Today:
- Call your senator to ask them to support the growing calls for an intelligence briefing for the Electors on Putin interference, especially in light of yesterday’s revelations that Putin himself was involved. If this is your first time calling, I have a sample script below. If not, please call again today - we must be relentless, and practice makes perfect!
- Then call your 2nd Senator.
- Then call your representative at their local office. After you do, save the number on your Speed Dial or in your favorites. It’s time to get the House involved since that’s where the election is headed, no matter what happens on Monday.
- Spread the word on Twitter about Putin’s direct involvement and the questions that raises about Trump’s loyalty to the United States. The more visible this is, the more it will keep the pressure on Trump, and we know he does not act wisely when he’s under pressure.
- Start an Action Journal for yourself. This is just a way to keep track of the actions that you did each day, from calling to writing to posting useful stuff on DailyKos, sharing on Facebook, Twitter, etc. It’s a great way to make your activities visible, and may one day be something to show your grandkids. Hat tip EDebbs for this great idea.
They are the things that I am personally committing to do today, but it’s far from a complete list of all the things that could be done. There are lots of other things that you can do - please post them below.
Based on wise counsel from our own DailyKos #HamiltonElector RWN, we recommend that you not lobby the Electors directly. The most important thing you can do to help them is to lobby the Senators to release the evidence so that the Electors can make their decisions with full knowledge of the situation and make up their own minds.
Developments Since Yesterday:
Key Messages Today:
- Electors should not be forced to vote blindly for Vladimir Putin’s candidate. They need your help to get info they need!
- Trump continues to inappropriately include children in VIP mtgs, help them get special favors. Trump must divest or resign!
- Latest reports show that allies have no confidence in Trump b/c of Putin’s interference. We need someone to lead us out of this.
Draft Scripts for Phone Calls:
Hi! I’m [Kascade Kat] and I’m calling to ask for Senator Murray’s support for the growing Electors’ efforts to get an intelligence briefing before they vote. Last night’s allegations of Putin’s direct involvement make this even more urgent. 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.
Help Spread the Word with Bonus Actions:
- Bonus #2: 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. If you’d like to play a more active role, send me a Kosmail and I’ll add you to the group.
- Bonus #3: 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. My handle is @Kascade_Kat - share yours in the comments so that we can amplify each others’ messages.
- Bonus #4: Share your plans for Inauguration Day and the day after. If you’re going to the protest in DC and want to meet up with other Kossacks, post something in the comments thread. I’m going to DC and I’m bringing two people with me. Parallel marches are happening on other major cities.
Finally - my updated Letter to the Editor (214 words)
A growing number of Electors, both Republicans and Democrats, have grave concerns about Donald Trump. Trump’s actions since he was elected have shown that he is dangerously incompetent and unprepared for the responsibility of the Presidency.
Now, the intelligence community is reporting that they have high confidence that Vladimir Putin himself directed the actions of Russians who tried to interfere with Clinton’s election.
Several of Trump’s colleagues have ties to Russian government officials, but even if no one on the campaign knew about this “assistance” they are still damaged by it.
Our allies will never trust him, and our enemies will never respect him. If Trump is allowed to come into the Presidency with such a shadow of doubt, America’s role as as a superpower is lost.
That will impact Americans’ ability to travel, live and work safely abroad. It will impact American businesses’ global supply chains, ability to compete in international markets, and ability to attract top talent. It will create a power vacuum that Putin himself will attempt to fill, putting our NATO allies in grave danger.
We urge the Electors to consider all of this as they prepare to vote on Monday, December 19. They will have to live with the consequences of their decisions for the rest of their lives.
Remember - history has its eyes on us this time.