ABORTION, AND GOVERNMENT BY THE MINORITY

Daily Action
Written By Barbara Isaacman

Blocking abortion is only the first of freedoms under threat by a Supreme Court captured by the minority. 

QUICK READ: The Supreme Court is unwinding the America we know. It has already unleashed abortion bans across the country. But this ultra-conservative court is far from done. Beginning in October, the Justices will hear cases challenging partisan redistricting, threats to free speech, a challenge to the Anti-Discrimination Act and more. We must find the strength to keep fighting for our democracy. Join any one of the thousands of groups across the country to fight for our way of life. 


CONTENTS:

BACKGROUND

Our ultra-conservative Supreme Court gave states the power to block abortion services. Since then, 25 states have passed barriers to or outright bans on abortion. But abortion is only the opening salvo in the latest battle for democracy. 

Our democracy has been deformed and it is now endangered. While 52% (vs. only 19%) strongly support Roe v. Wade, according to a recent poll, six Supreme Court justices don’t. 

That a tiny minority, all conservatives, overruled a widely supported precedent substantially raises the likelihood of a constitutional crisis. 

Republican-appointed judges have tossed out laws that are widely popular with the public, even when they passed with bipartisan support. The damages inflicted include:

  • Voting rights

  • Campaign finance 

  • Climate policy

  • Gun regulation.

The decades-long migration of young, enterprising people from rural states for opportunities elsewhere has greatly distorted our democracy. For example, California’s population is greater than 21 states with the smallest population, but they elect 42 US Senators while California gets only two.  

Although most Americans want the right to an abortion to be federally protected, that will only occur if we elect more Democrats this November. We need people in less populated states to fight for a Congress that represents everyone, not just rich white Christian men.

ACTION One: Call the Senate.

Script for Oregon Senators

SEN. MERKLEY: Portland office: 503-326-3386 | D.C. office: 202-224-3753

My name is [--] and I'm a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

The House has passed a long list of measures designed to help ALL Americans, not just super rich white men. Most of these died in the Senate. I ask you to repeatedly highlight what Democrats have done and can accomplish with more Democrats in Congress and that you make clear to the American people that to reinstate the federal right to abortion requires the election of more Democrats this November.

SEN. WYDEN:

Portland office: 503-326-7525 | D.C. office: 202-224-5244

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

The House has passed a long list of measures designed to help ALL Americans, not just super rich white men. Most of these died in the Senate. I ask you to repeatedly highlight what Democrats have done and can accomplish with more Democrats in Congress and that you make clear to the American people that to reinstate the federal right to abortion requires the election of more Democrats this November.

Script for Republican Senators

D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], [state], [zip code].

It’s shameful that you are ignoring the needs of the vast majority of Americans to greedily assist the wealthy. You’re sentencing the rest of America to a life of danger and struggle, simply to benefit wealthy donors.

ACTION TWO: Call the House.

Script for Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01)

Oregon office: 503-469-6010 | DC office: 202-225-0855

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

The House has passed a long list of measures designed to help ALL Americans, not just super rich white men. Most of these died in the Senate. I ask you to repeatedly highlight what Democrats have done and can accomplish with more Democrats in Congress and that you make clear to the American people that to reinstate the federal right to abortion requires the election of more Democrats this November.

Script for Cliff Bentz (OR-02)

Medford office: 541-776-4646 | DC office: 202-225-6730

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

It’s shameful that you are ignoring the needs of the vast majority of Americans to greedily assist the wealthy. You’re sentencing the rest of America to a life of danger and struggle, simply to benefit wealthy donors.

Script for Earl Blumenauer (OR-03)

Oregon office: 503-231-2300 | DC office: 202-225-4811

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

The House has passed a long list of measures designed to help ALL Americans, not just super rich white men. Most of these died in the Senate. I ask you to repeatedly highlight what Democrats have done and can accomplish with more Democrats in Congress and that you make clear to the American people that to reinstate the federal right to abortion requires the election of more Democrats this November.

Script for Peter DeFazio (OR-04)

Eugene office: 541-465-6732 | DC office: 202-225-6416

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

The House has passed a long list of measures designed to help ALL Americans, not just super rich white men. Most of these died in the Senate. I ask you to repeatedly highlight what Democrats have done and can accomplish with more Democrats in Congress and that you make clear to the American people that to reinstate the federal right to abortion requires the election of more Democrats this November.

Script for Kurt Schrader (OR-05)

Salem office: 503-588-9100 | DC office: 202-225-5711

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

The House has passed a long list of measures designed to help ALL Americans, not just super rich white men. Most of these died in the Senate. I ask you to repeatedly highlight what Democrats have done and can accomplish with more Democrats in Congress and that you make clear to the American people that to reinstate the federal right to abortion requires the election of more Democrats this November.

ACTION THREE: Good Trouble.

GOOD TROUBLE: Below are opportunities to fight for our democracy. As John Lewis said, go make some “good trouble.” 

FURTHER READING

Barbara Isaacman
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