When the planes exploded, the reverberations blew apart our sense of personal security and confidence in our institutions. The cloud of debris that rained down contained a toxic fear. It still poisons us today. That fear has been exploited by extremists. They use it to attack truth and expertise, to bolster white supremacy and stoke xenophobia. It has empowered them to dismantle democracy and elevate their strongman. All that’s standing in their way is the ballot box. So, we must ensure the right to vote for everyone, and that means first defang the filibuster

The Supreme Court’s ultraconservatives are misusing the shadow docket to make highly unpopular, and even unconstitutional law. The latest example is its nullification, in an unsigned order without explanation, of the constitutional rights of millions of American women to reproductive choice. Congress must prevent this raw exercise of judicial power which is antithetical to self-government and the rule of law.

The filibuster poses an existential threat to our democracy at both the state and federal levels. Unless it is eliminated, extreme gerrymandering and voter suppression and nullification will enable the GOP, through election manipulation, to “win” more states and even the White House and Congress without actually persuading the majority to vote for them. Our Members of Congress cannot let that happen.

“[I]ncreasing or suspending the debt limit does not increase government spending, nor does it authorize spending for future budget proposals; it simply allows Treasury to pay for previously enacted expenditures. Failure to meet those obligations would cause irreparable harm to the U.S. economy and the livelihoods of all Americans.” Statement from Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, August 9, 2021

This week the House passed the John Lewis voting act this week. It could end the Supreme Court’s 50 year war on minority voting rights. Next, it heads to the Senate buy bills to protect democracy could die by filibuster. This fight is about one thing, does every citizen have the right to vote or should it be a perk for the privileged? Call your MoC!

Why does protecting the right to vote take 60 votes in the Senate, but stacking the Supreme Court takes only 51? It’s the filibuster, of course, which has been weaponized by Mitch McConnell to strengthen the GOP’s minority rule. It’s past time to defang the filibuster so that voting rights and other critical legislation Americans need and want can pass with a simple majority.

Nothing will be done to slow climate change unless we elect people who understand the crisis. But in 30 states across the country, Republicans are rigging the 2022 elections. They have also weaponized the filibuster to block solutions. Maybe Afghanistan has something to teach progressives. Check out this week’s Daily Actions.

“Millions of young people mobilized last election cycle. Our energy and hard work helped elect Democrats to the White House, Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. We got involved to make change and the filibuster is the biggest obstacle to realizing that change. Democracy is unraveling before our eyes and we urge you and the Senate Democratic caucus to eliminate the filibuster to protect our future and advance the bold agenda we are all fighting for.” Letter from 24+ youth organizations to Sen. Schumer, July 29, 2021

Climate change. We have a real shot at making a difference right now. The details of the massive infrastructure (which has broad bipartisan support) are being worked out now. Call your MOC and tell them what you want in the bill. Then call tomorrow.