Credit: PEN America

Governor Ron DeSantis has banned hundreds of books across the state of Florida, censoring themes centered on race, history, sexual orientation, and gender in an effort to silence the voices and narratives of marginalized communities and further push his MAGA vision for a “Great American Comeback.”

Just last month, a Florida school banned “The Hill We Climb,” the moving poem Amanda Gorman recited at President Joe Biden’s inauguration, saying it would now be off-limits to young readers after one parent claimed the poem was “indoctrinating” students. The school, which claimed the poem is “not educational,” also banned “The ABCs of Black History,” a book intended for readers ages 5 and older.

In response, Gorman, the first national youth poet laureate, described feeling “gutted,” explained that she had written the poem “so that all young people could see themselves in a historical moment,” and said, “We must fight back.”

And we are fighting back.

With Ron DeSantis officially in the race for president, MoveOn is launching a “Banned Bookmobile,” filling it with books that DeSantis and other MAGA Republicans have banned in recent years, and driving it around the country to hand out those books for free. We’re able to make the Banned Bookmobile a reality thanks to the generosity of MoveOn members. 

This response matters because in the past year alone, DeSantis has instituted all of these extremist policies in Florida:

• Instituted sweeping book bans targeting books written by or about people of color and the LGBTQ+ community, books about antisemitism and the rise of the Nazis, and accurate descriptions of American history, leaving entire classrooms and school libraries “suspended, closed, or emptied of books, either permanently or temporarily,” according to PEN America.

• Banned the teaching of AP African American Studies in Florida classrooms, claiming that the course “lacks educational value.”

• Signed one of the strictest abortion bans in the country, banning the procedure after six weeks, long before many people even know they are pregnant.

• Passed laws making it a felony to provide gender-affirming care for trans youth and making it more difficult for trans adults to access care.

• Expanded his “Don’t Say Gay” bill through 12th grade.

• And much, much more.

That is DeSantis’—and the MAGA movement’s—vision for America: a place where our stories, our identities, and our communities are banned. The stakes are high: We must come together to fight for our freedom of expression, to build community, and for young people to be able to see themselves reflected in the classroom through their stories and identities. DeSantis’s bans are an attack on all of our freedoms, but he cannot erase us.

That’s where our Banned Bookmobile comes in.

Our members have come together to fund the Banned Bookmobile, which will launch this summer. We will use this as an opportunity to have conversations with voters about the MAGA vision for our country, provide resources for people to get involved to help defeat the GOP in 2024, and keep the topic of book bans surrounding DeSantis on the campaign trail. 

All while giving out as many banned books as possible to students and others who have lost access to them thanks to MAGA politicians like Ron DeSantis.

Your dollars could expand the route of the Banned Bookmobile to follow DeSantis on campaign stops across the country into more early primary states if enough funds are raised. Because the MAGA Republicans aren’t just passing bans in Florida–they’re staging attacks on classrooms and instituting bans on our bodily autonomy all across the country.

Here are the first 10 books we’re purchasing and giving away in our Banned Bookmobile. All of these books are banned in Florida, and five were among the top 10 most banned books nationwide in 2022:

• “The 1619 Project: Born on the Water” – Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renée Watson
• “All Boys Aren’t Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto” – George M. Johnson
• “And Tango Makes Three” – Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
• “The Bluest Eye” – Toni Morrison
• “Gender Queer: A Memoir” – Maia Kobabe
• “The Hill We Climb” – Amanda Gorman
• “I Am Jazz” – Jazz Jennings and Jessica Herthel 
• “Looking for Alaska” – John Green
• “Maus” – Art Spiegelman
• “Out of Darkness” – Ashley Hope Pérez

“Gender Queer: A Memoir,” a graphic novel about nonbinary author Maia Kobabe’s journey toward self-discovery, was the most banned book across the United States in 2022 and has received the most challenges of any book in 2023 as well.

We want to make sure that as many people as possible have the chance to read these books and that we spread the word far and wide that DeSantis and the Republican Party are supporting book bans and censorship, on top of their other dangerous and extreme policies that restrict our freedoms. These policies are attacking our bodily autonomy–from abortion, to trans rights and gender-affirming health care. They are enacting voter suppression and mounting attacks on the poor.  Our rights, our stories, and our identities are all under threat.

How you can get involved:

• Chip in monthly to support the Banned Bookmobile. With just a $5 monthly donation, you can help power MoveOn’s Banned Bookmobile cross-country tour so we can keep buying as many copies of DeSantis’s banned books as we can, giving them away for free, informing voters about the MAGA Republicans’ agenda for our country, and hammering DeSantis and the GOP with bad press for as long as it takes.

• Learn more about the Banned Bookmobile and its current stops. You can even request a stop to bring the Banned Bookmobile to your community.

We can’t wait on the sidelines while politicians like Ron DeSantis try to erase history and silence Americans. The more we can get the word out not just about DeSantis but the GOP as a whole, the less they can hide from the consequences of their own actions.

The post MoveOn Launching Banned Bookmobile This Summer: Full of Censored Books appeared first on MoveOn: People-Powered Progress.

MoveOn activists across the country are demanding that corporations including Subway, AT&T, General Motors, and Comcast stop funding Fox News, in efforts to hold the network accountable for dividing Americans and spreading disinformation, bias, lies, and hate. Cable companies and advertisers provide two major revenue streams for Fox News, thus enabling the lies they spread. The most effective way MoveOn members can hold Fox News accountable is to demand that these companies “cut the cord” and stop funding the channel through any new advertising or potential increased cable fees.

Why Fox News is problematic:

According to a recent Navigator report, two-thirds of Americans, including 69% of independents and 46% of Republicans, believe Fox News divides the country and puts a political agenda and profits ahead of getting the story right. Two in three Americans report they’ve heard about Fox News firing talk show host Tucker Carlson, and a plurality believe it was the right decision.

The report also revealed that Americans are troubled by the network’s inaccuracy, propaganda, and division. Americans’ concerns are taking a clear toll on the network, as Fox News’ viewership has dropped within the last month: Navigator reports that regular viewership has declined by 4 percentage points (from 38% to 34%) since mid-April of this year.

Fox News pushes a right-wing political agenda, undermining our democracy with its inherent deceit and spreading of disinformation. “Fox News’ lies are fueled by the financial support of corporate advertisers like General Motors, AT&T, and Subway–every dollar that these corporations and others give to Fox News funds its extreme rhetoric, bigotry, disinformation, and conspiracy theories,” shares MoveOn Executive Director Rahna Epting. “Prospective advertisers should be on notice: We won’t back down from protesting these corporations until they stop funding Fox’s lies.”

How MoveOn members are taking action against Fox News:

Just last month, Fox News paid Dominion Voting Systems nearly $800 million in a blockbuster settlement over the network’s 2020 election lies. Unfortunately, this sum is nothing more than the “cost of doing business” for the media giant. This is not accountability. Not only does Fox News still need to go on-air to acknowledge pushing lies and conspiracy theories that undermined our democracy, but the companies who financially support Fox News must stop funding the network–or else let them continue stoking division and spreading disinformation. 

In the last several weeks, our #StopFundingFox initiative has heightened following  the Dominion trial, Fox News’ recent annual upfront pitch to advertisers in New York City, and Fox’s firing of Tucker Carlson. Our members are taking action in a number of ways to get advertisers’ attention and convince them to stop funding Fox:

• Protesting at the Fox News upfront in NYC: MoveOn coordinated a rally with Media Matters for America and Truth Tuesdays at the Fox upfront to ensure advertisers heard our demands to stop funding Fox as they walked into their meeting with the network. Protesters gathered with signs declaring, “Advertisers: Drop Fox,” “Fox News is Faux News,” and more–all in an attempt to discourage advertisers from funding Fox News.

• Hosting Stop Funding Fox rallies in other cities: MoveOn hosted Stop Funding Fox rallies at the headquarters of Subway in Miami and General Motors in Detroit with mobile billboards. Members delivered our petition with 60,000 signatures echoing this demand for the companies to stop advertising with Fox News.

• Launched a digital ad targeting AT&T, Subway, and General Motors: The same day as the rallies and the Fox upfront, we launched a digital ad highlighting that the lies Fox News spreads are funded by corporations. Any amount of advertising on Fox News subsidizes and supports the network’s far-right propaganda programming.

• Calling Subway, AT&T, and GM out via social media: MoveOn members have also taken to Facebook to get advertisers’ attention and hold them accountable for continuing to fund Fox.
  
  In a Facebook response to AT&T, MoveOn member Sundra Allen said, “Please stop supporting Fox News until their news is fact and opinion only if stated as such. Thank you.”
  
  MoveOn member Ronnie Carlson wrote the following on Subway’s Facebook page: “I’ve always gone to Subway. Until you stop funding Fox [N]ews, myself and my entire family will NOT be returning!”
  
  In a Facebook response to General Motors, MoveOn member Christine Bourg shared, “I own a GM car. I think GM is a pro American company. But supporting Fox News with their lies and hate filled bigotry against the people of color, members of the LGBTQ community and progressives in general is very unAmerican…”

How you can take action against Fox News:

The Fox News controversy won’t end without direct, continuous action against the companies funding Fox’s biased political agenda. We launched our Stop Funding Fox website in April 2023 to take action against said advertisers for funding Fox News’ dangerous rhetoric and spreading conspiracy theories. 

You can take action by signing the petition to make Fox News optional, calling your cable company and telling them you don’t want your cable bill to increase because of Fox, and emailing Fox funders demanding that they stop enabling Fox News’ lies, propaganda, and bigotry by dropping all future advertising on Fox News. Visit Stop Funding Fox to learn more and get involved.

The post MoveOn Members Call on Advertisers Like General Motors, AT&T and Subway to Stop Funding Fox News appeared first on MoveOn: People-Powered Progress.

It’s the takeaway from prosecutors’ willingness to bring criminal charges against the former president—in just one of several investigations finally aiming to hold him accountable for a litany of crimes and corruption. It’s also the message that MoveOn members made sure he saw on his drive home—emblazoned on the 48-foot billboard that his car drove directly past when he left Palm Beach International Airport.

Check out this local coverage of our billboard and MoveOn’s efforts!

MoveOn members funded this billboard—just one more step in years of work to hold him accountable. And now, thanks to our collective efforts, this billboard is a daily reminder to Trump and his allies that nobody is above the law.

And here’s a bit more detail of just how close to Trump’s home the billboard is located.

MoveOn member Hayden J. started a Prosecute Trump petition that has rocketed to 335,000 signers! It’s gotten significant media attention in the aftermath of Trump’s indictment. Take a look at Hayden’s interview that ran on the nightly news in Mar-a-Lago!

Our billboard went up just as Trump was in transit for his New York arraignment. And because of our rapid response, MoveOn members’ values and voices became part of the story of Trump’s day in court. Our billboard made the rounds in local news outlets near Mar-a-Lago, including on local Fox, ABC, and NBC affiliates. And we’ve also reached hundreds of thousands of people through social media. 

While Trump spent the day regurgitating his usual lies and list of grievances, his take about being unfairly targeted isn’t landing. The truth is that a majority of Americans support this indictment, and 9-in-10 agree with the billboard’s statement that Trump is not above the law. Because we acted quickly, MoveOn was able to provide a critical, alternative message to Trump’s posturing. 

Just a few miles from Mar-a-Lago, is a second billboard, featuring a text message quote from Tucker Carlson that has been exposed in the Dominion lawsuit, the unprecedented $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit brought against Fox News for its coordinated campaign after the 2020 election. It reads, “I hate [Trump] passionately.” 

Trump and his allies won’t be able to miss either of these billboards. 

Both of these billboards are possible because of support from MoveOn members who are committed to holding Donald Trump and all who seek to undermine our democracy and freedoms accountable. 

You can help by clicking here, adding your name to the Prosecute Trump! petition, and sharing this message with your family and friends.

The post “Trump is Not Above the Law” Billboard Near Mar-a-Lago appeared first on MoveOn: People-Powered Progress.

Take a look at some of the images from this event!

If you’ve not signed the petition yet, add your name today to continue the push for George Santos’s removal. And if you have, share this with three friends to keep this momentum going!

Reporters called our rally the largest rally against Santos yet, demonstrating mounting pressure for him to resign. MoveOn member and NY-03 constituent Charlie Robbins spoke to reporters, saying, “There is no question in my mind that Mr. Santos is not fit to represent the people of Congressional District 3. We have no idea what he stands for except himself and his power and greed. That is why I joined over 100,000 people in signing this petition calling on Mr. Santos to resign.” He handed the petition directly to a staffer for Santos’s office.

It’s clear that Representative Santos shouldn’t be in Congress. Even 78% of his own constituents want him to resign. But at this point, GOP leaders and other MAGA accomplices are fine to keep him in Congress as long as he votes how McCarthy wants him to. That’s why we must sustain our pressure.  

And our pressure is working. George Santos temporarily recused himself from two House committee positions. This is a step in the right direction. More Republicans are even distancing themselves from him. While he may think this will all blow over eventually, we need to continue to expose his lies and be in solidarity with MoveOn members in NY-03 and fight until he is gone. 

Allowing George Santos, who has fabricated almost every aspect of his life, to serve in the House is another outrageous illustration of just how far the GOP is willing to go to hoard power and advance their MAGA agenda to take away our freedoms and degrade our democratic institutions. Santos has lost the trust of his district, and his continued service in Congress is a threat to all of us.

The post George Santos Must Resign Petition Delivery appeared first on MoveOn: People-Powered Progress.

As reported in Women’s Wear Daily, to maximize awareness of the campaign, MoveOn partnered with high-profile nail artists to create bespoke, voting-themed nail art for their celebrity clientele that include Natasha Rothwell, Hannah Bronfman, Jaime King, Jessica Marie Garcia, Elaine Hendrix, Elizabeth Gillies, and more to be announced. The designs will be shared via the artists’ and celebrities’ social media channels through Election Day. Confirmed nail artist partners include Bel Townsend, Latress, Miho Okawara, and more to come.

This campaign is one of many organizing efforts MoveOn designed to reach out to Democratic surge voters, particularly millenials and Gen Z voters, who might not turn out in November without more-personalized and motivational appeals. Nail the Vote will give participants the chance to multiply their vote with vote tripling, a tactic proven to multiply impact at the polls, asking them to post photos of their nail wrap designs to social media using the hashtag #NailTheVote22 and tagging three friends.

MoveOn Political Action Executive Director Rahna Epting said, “There is so much at stake this election cycle, and historically, only voters highly engaged in politics come out to vote in a midterm election. Yet we know politics is where people are some of the time, culture is where people are all of the time. MoveOn spearheaded the Nail the Vote campaign in the hopes of meeting people who are not tuned into politics 24/7 where they’re at to ensure their voices are heard this November.” 

As part of the initiative, MoveOn is releasing two sets of limited-edition voting-themed nail wraps available for purchase at NailtheVote.com. MoveOn has partnered with TaskForce, an independent agency working at the intersection of art and social justice to produce the nail wraps, designed by fine artist Ariel Wilson.

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MoveOn is a people-powered force for progress. MoveOn mobilizes the left to elect Democrats and enact progressive change. We are the homebase for millions of members who refuse to accept the status quo and are moved to take action. For more than a generation, MoveOn has been a bulwark against the radical right, channeling our voices to end wars, protect democracy, and advance justice for all.

The post MoveOn Announces Nail the Vote Campaign appeared first on MoveOn: People-Powered Progress.

“This bill will dramatically lower costs for Americans and signifies a huge political win,” said MoveOn Political Action Executive Director Rahna Epting. “With the passage of this bill, and inflation and gas prices falling, Americans now have more reason to get behind Democrats who are fighting to address their economic concerns and to preserve their freedoms. We will remind voters every day between now and Election Day that it was Democrats who stood up to Big Pharma, the oil & gas lobby, and tax-dodging corporations and delivered a historic investment in the fight against climate change and inflation while every Republican voted against it. And we’re going to run on Democrats’ delivering progress for working people in these challenging economic times.”

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MoveOn is a people-powered force for progress. MoveOn mobilizes the left to elect Democrats and enact progressive change. We are the homebase for millions of members who refuse to accept the status quo and are moved to take action. For more than a generation, MoveOn has been a bulwark against the radical right, channeling our voices to end wars, protect democracy, and advance justice for all.

The post MoveOn Executive Director Rahna Epting on House Passage of the IRA appeared first on MoveOn: People-Powered Progress.

You can see the ads that will run statewide in each state here:

AZ: https://youtu.be/5d0foMl5hSw

GA: https://youtu.be/0dBxiJ2tnSw

NV: https://youtu.be/PXXojOmpQi0

“This bill will dramatically lower costs for Americans and signifies a huge political win,” said MoveOn Political Action Executive Director Rahna Epting. “We will remind voters every day between now and Election Day that it was Democrats who stood up to Big Pharma, the oil & gas lobby, and the tax-dodging corporations and delivered a historic investment in the fight against climate change and inflation while every Republican voted against it. And we’re going to run on Democrats’ delivering progress for working people in these challenging economic times.” 

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MoveOn is a people-powered force for progress. MoveOn mobilizes the left to elect Democrats and enact progressive change. We are the homebase for millions of members who refuse to accept the status quo and are moved to take action. For more than a generation, MoveOn has been a bulwark against the radical right, channeling our voices to end wars, protect democracy, and advance justice for all.

The post In Wake of Historic Vote, MoveOn Political Action Launches New Ad Campaign In Battleground States appeared first on MoveOn: People-Powered Progress.

Washington, D.C. – Today, MoveOn Political Action announced the launch of its 2022 political program: America for All: Us v. MAGA. MoveOn is mobilizing millions of voters to protect democracy from the extreme right that seeks to overturn our elections, silence our voices, take control of our bodies, and block policies that will benefit all Americans.

MoveOn’s over-$30 million election program—its largest ever for a midterm—will build long-term progressive power and move the needle in key races spanning from Congress to gubernatorial contests. And with the real threat of MAGA Republicans taking over state and local election systems to control the outcome of elections, MoveOn members will bundle an unprecedented $1 million in small-dollar donations to support secretary of state and gubernatorial candidates running in competitive races in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin.   

“The choice we face in 2022 was already a dire one between the majority who support democracy and helping all Americans thrive and MAGA Republicans who are so extreme they attempted to overthrow our government,” said MoveOn Political Action Executive Director Rahna Epting. “The danger is even greater now as Trump’s radical justices on the Supreme Court get ready to overturn Roe and hand over more power to states where MAGA Republican candidates are lining up to criminalize abortion and take us backward to a time of forced births, even in the case of rape or incest.”  

Epting continued, “With basic freedoms, our health care, and democracy under attack, MoveOn members will also be keenly focused on state and local elections, including gubernatorial and secretary of state races.”

To achieve these goals, MoveOn will be raising millions for candidates, running the largest-at-scale relational voter outreach program of the midterms, and launching a multimillion-dollar paid media program to microtarget voters to boost turnout.

MoveOn has already endorsed 14 candidates for state and national office and will announce more in the coming weeks.

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MoveOn is a people-powered force for progress. MoveOn mobilizes the left to elect Democrats and enact progressive change. We are the homebase for millions of members who refuse to accept the status quo and are moved to take action. For more than a generation, MoveOn has been a bulwark against the radical right, channeling our voices to end wars, protect democracy, and advance justice for all. 

The post MoveOn Launches $30M+ 2022 Political Program: Us v. MAGA appeared first on MoveOn: People-Powered Progress.

Coast to coast, we declared “Bans off our bodies!” Watch and share this video from marches and news coverage across the nation.

These incredible rallies were powered by MoveOn members like you, alongside Planned Parenthood, UltraViolet, Women’s March, state and local reproductive justice leaders, and abortion providers in hundreds of communities around the country. In spite of endless attacks on our rights, we came together to show that we won’t give up in this fight—and that we can’t afford to until there are bans off our bodies, as well as affordable, quality, and comprehensive health care for all.

Online and in the streets, MoveOn members across the country came together passionately to support abortion access and demand that abortion be safe, legal, and accessible in all communities.

Together, in the last two weeks since the Supreme Court opinion leak, MoveOn members …

• Raised over $150,000 for abortion providers
• Gathered over 300,000 signatures for abortion-related petitions
• Joined over a million people at a total of 450 Bans Off Our Bodies events across the nation.

We urgently need to keep the pressure up—because as politicians continue to restrict our bodily autonomy and access to vital healthcare, we have to continue to come together and show that we won’t back down.

We’ll be taking to the streets again through the weeks ahead and when the final decision comes down from SCOTUS. Sign up here to make sure you’re among the first to know when and where to show up.

You can also keep the momentum going by taking these steps:

• Share Yellowhammer Fund’s petition demanding that SCOTUS uphold Roe with 3 friends.
• Donate here to support abortion funds and share with your networks.

MoveOn will continue to fight for a country where everyone can thrive. We will push back against the right-wing-packed Supreme Court, and we’ll continue demanding those in power expand and protect our rights. Together, we can build a movement that can’t be ignored.

The post Bans Off Our Bodies Highlights: Over a Million Rally! appeared first on MoveOn: People-Powered Progress.

Republicans in the Senate did everything in their power to derail and undermine Justice Jackson’s nomination, treating her confirmation hearings as an opportunity to spew racist, sexist bile and spread ridiculous conspiracy theories. But through it all, Justice Jackson refused to stoop to their level, maintaining her composure during even the most outlandish attacks from Republicans hoping for a bit of air time.

And through it all, MoveOn members like you were there to support Justice Jackson and stand against the efforts of Republicans to stop her confirmation.

Since the start of her confirmation hearings:

• MoveOn members made almost 10,000 calls to Congress in support of her confirmation,
• more than 80,000 members signed on to a petition calling for her to be confirmed,
• young MoveOn members took to the streets in front of the Supreme Court to immediately demonstrate public support on the day of her nomination, and
• 150,000 people ordered these beautiful stickers, designed by artist Amanda Mustard, to show their support for her historic nomination.

You can join with hundreds of thousands of fellow MoveOn members to celebrate Justice Jackson’s confirmation today by ordering your free KBJ sticker, placing it somewhere visible, and sharing this message with your family and friends! Click here to order now.

Justice Jackson will be a voice for the people on the court, having served as a public defender and on a sentencing commission. The work must continue to rebalance the court after Mitch McConnell and Republicans packed it with ultra right-wing conservatives. We need at least three more Justice Jacksons on the court, because our human and civil rights are on the line. So grab your sticker now to proudly display your support for this historic confirmation and as a reminder of what’s at stake in our work to build an America where everyone can thrive.

Thanks for all you do.

Source:

1. “The Senate confirms Jackson, elevating the first Black woman to the Supreme Court.” The New York Times, April 7, 2022
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/04/07/us/ketanji-brown-jackson-vote-scotus#the-senate-votes-to-move-forward-with-jacksons-confirmation

The post Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Confirmed! appeared first on MoveOn: People-Powered Progress.

The post We ❤️ Postal Carriers appeared first on MoveOn: People-Powered Progress.

Washington, D.C. – In response to President Biden signing the USPS funding bill, MoveOn Executive Director Rahna Epting issued the following statement:

“This is a big win for the millions of people all over the country who took action and made their voices heard to protect this essential American institution from the forces who were hellbent on destroying it through cuts and privatization. Now, we must finish the job of protecting the United States Postal Service by firing the leading culprit, Trump’s hatchet man, Louis DeJoy.”

“Today’s victory ensures that no matter your ZIP code, you can rely on the post office to get important mail and lifesaving medicines on time while also securing family-sustaining jobs for nearly 650,000 public servants. These postal services are especially essential for the elderly and for Black, brown, white, and Indigenous Americans who live in rural and tribal communities. But everything we are celebrating today will remain at risk as long as Donald Trump’s pick to privatize the post office continues as postmaster general.”

“President Biden needs to finish the job he started by securing enough appointees on the USPS board to fire DeJoy. Americans want to finally trust again that neither snow, nor rain, nor Trump appointees shall delay their mail.”

For the campaign to save the post office, MoveOn:

• Worked with partners to hold over 800 rallies at post offices across the country 
• Collected over 1.4 million signatures to petitions to save the post office
• Members made thousands of phone calls to their elected officials 
• Mailed over 100,000 “We Love Mail Carriers” stickers to members

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MoveOn, one of the largest independent progressive advocacy groups in the United States, mobilizes millions for a better society—one in which everyone can thrive. Whether through supporting candidates, passing legislation, or changing our national culture, MoveOn members are committed to mobilizing together for an inclusive and progressive future marked by equality, sustainability, and justice. 

The post MoveOn Executive Director Rahna Epting on Signing of Postal Funding Bill appeared first on MoveOn: People-Powered Progress.

(Washington, DC) – MoveOn, Demand Justice, and Working Families Party ran a new ad this morning calling out Justice Thomas for not being able to impartially call “balls and strikes”—as Chief Justice Roberts said the Supreme Court must do—when his wife is in the game. 

“Ginni Thomas aided and abetted an insurrection against America to throw out the results of an election, and then Justice Thomas tried to help cover it up by not recusing himself from the case where Trump tried to hide White House documents, including Ginni Thomas’s texts,” said MoveOn Executive Director Rahna Epting. “Justice Thomas has clearly demonstrated he is not fit to serve on the Supreme Court and must resign or be impeached.”

“Justice Thomas has plunged the Supreme Court into an ethics crisis, and there is no reason to believe the Republican-dominated court will do anything but let its legitimacy continue to erode,” said Demand Justice Executive Director Brian Fallon. “If Thomas will not step aside, it’s up to House Democrats to begin impeachment proceedings.”

“Justice Thomas’s wife actively conspired to overthrow a free and fair election,” said Working Families Party National Director Maurice Mitchell. “At a minimum, Justice Thomas should have recused himself from any of the cases with which Donald Trump and his lawyers flooded our nation’s highest court. Instead, he effectively covered for his wife’s association with an attempted coup. No one can ever again look at him as an impartial arbiter of justice or the law. Let’s be clear: This isn’t about being a progressive or a conservative. Not taking part in a coup should be a bipartisan value. Even though he committed this dishonorable act, we know Justice Thomas won’t do the honorable thing and resign. It’s incumbent on both parties to impeach him, and the vote in the Senate should be 100-0.”

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MoveOn is one of the largest independent progressive advocacy groups in the United States that mobilizes millions for a better society—one in which everyone can thrive. Whether through supporting candidates, passing legislation, or changing our national culture, MoveOn members are committed to mobilizing together for an inclusive and progressive future marked by equality, sustainability, and justice.

The post New Ad: Justice Thomas Can’t Call Balls & Strikes With Wife In The Game appeared first on MoveOn: People-Powered Progress.

MoveOn Political Action has released a new ad campaign during March Madness in key battleground states highlighting how, in the face of rising consumer gas prices, Republicans are siding with Big Oil and dictators. Big Oil is backing Republicans as they make record profits and pay out huge dividends to shareholders, all paid for by families every time they go to the pump. And as Americans struggle to afford a Putin price hike at the pump, Trump praises the dictator for being a “genius” and “savvy.” 

“For decades, Republicans have helped Big Oil pad their sky-high profits and opposed every effort to transition away from fossil fuels. Now we are all paying the price at the pump,” said MoveOn Political Action Executive Director Rahna Epting. “And even as gas prices continue to soar, Republicans are still blocking Democrats’ green-energy investments that would create 8 million jobs. It is clear that Republicans continue to side with Big Oil and dictators no matter the cost to hard-working families across America.”

The TV ad will run on cable in Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin during the NCAA basketball tournament, one of the highest-rated events of the year. MoveOn will also help spread the message by mobilizing members, using aerial banners and mobile billboards, and distributing #PutinPriceHike stickers in local communities.   

The ad can be viewed here. 

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MoveOn is one of the largest independent progressive advocacy groups in the United States that mobilizes millions for a better society—one in which everyone can thrive. Whether through supporting candidates, passing legislation, or changing our national culture, MoveOn members are committed to mobilizing together for an inclusive and progressive future marked by equality, sustainability, and justice. 

The post New Ad: GOP Siding With Big Oil and Dictators as Gas Prices Spike appeared first on MoveOn: People-Powered Progress.

The post In 2021, MoveOn members rose up against injustices and ran inspiring campaigns! appeared first on MoveOn: People-Powered Progress.

Framework makes historic investments, but more work ahead to seal the deal

“Voters elected Democrats to the White House and majorities in Congress on the power of President Biden’s vision of the Build Back Better Agenda. All of its provisions—jobs, care, climate, and immigration—are popular because they are essential to what our country needs to thrive. Taken together–the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure bill, and this Build Back Better framework–would be historic investments in our communities, our climate, and our economy. To ensure Congress delivers on this landmark progress, we support progressives calling for assurances that everything in this promising framework ends up in the final legislative package.

“The framework includes so much of what MoveOn members and progressives have supported for decades. It includes historic investments for the care our children and elders need, the biggest investments in history to tackle the climate crisis and advance a more equitable, clean energy economy, along with critical reductions to healthcare and childcare costs. It also reflects the administration’s continued commitment to advance important immigration reform. It will make life better for nearly all Americans, while also finally making the rich pay more of their fair share. 

“There is obviously more work to be done to address the economic and climate crises impacting our communities, and many desperately needed provisions are not included. Today’s news is a good start on the path to an equitable recovery for all – but make no mistake – there should be no rush to vote on the Bipartisan Infrastructure plan until assurances are firmed up in Congress committing to this Build Back Better framework.” 

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Elena, a MoveOn member and runner, was excited for the upcoming Olympic games, only to be crushed by the news that Sha’Carri was banned from competing for an outrageous, outdated, and irrational rule around marijuana. So she signed a MoveOn petition along with nearly 600,000 members, calling upon USADA, the International Olympic Committee, and the World Anti-Doping Agency to let Sha’Carri run.

And it’s why Elena organized alongside Isabella and Tom to deliver the petition to the USADA. Check out fellow MoveOn members, our partners at NORML Colorado, state Representatives Naquetta Ricks and Jonathan Singer, and drug policy expert Professor Santiago Guerra supporting Sha’Carri at a run and rally in Colorado Springs, where the USADA is headquartered—an action covered by Westword and local news station KRDO, all of which added to the weeks of publicity which has pushed this issue and the greater cause of rewriting our marijuana laws into the public discourse.^2,3

MoveOn members’ demands are clear: Reverse Sha’Carri’s suspension and remove THC/marijuana from the banned substances list. Marijuana is not a performance-enhancing drug, is legal where Sha’Carri was, and for decades has wrongly been used to criminalize Black and brown communities. 

And we’re not alone in being outraged by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency’s decision. Check out some of what has transpired over the last two weeks to support Sha’Carri:

• Almost 600,000 MoveOn members signed the petition, the second largest petition so far this year.
• Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jamie Raskin formally asked the USADA to end Sha’Carri’s suspension.⁴
• The hashtag #LetShaCarriRun took over Twitter, with celebrities and influencers like Debra Messing,⁵ David Zirin,⁶ and Adina Porter⁷ showing their support in droves.
• The massive petition by MoveOn members was included in tons of articles by ESPN, “The Today Show,” NBC’s “Nightly News,” NPR, Black Enterprise, and many more.^8,9,10,11

The fight against the criminalization of Black, brown, and Indigenous people and communities for marijuana use continues. This week, U.S. Senators Cory Booker, Charles Schumer, and Ron Wyden introduced legislation that is a historic first step in undoing the harms caused by unjust drug policies. The legislation would decriminalize weed and invest the profits in restorative justice to individuals and communities who have long suffered.¹²

The story of Sha’Carri Richardson is one of hope, greatness, and the power of collective action. Together, we can keep this momentum going. Will you share this graphic on Twitter today to show your solidarity with Sha’Carri Richardson?

Thanks for all you do.

P.S. Don’t forget: Anytime you get outraged or want members to take collective action with you, you can start a petition here. It takes only a few minutes and can create lasting impact.

Sources:

1. “Olympic track star Sha’Carri Richardson: Hug with grandmother was ‘unforgettable,’” “TODAY,” June 25, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback1

2. “Marijuana Supporters Rally in Colorado Springs for Sha’Carri Richardson,” Westword, July 15, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback2

3. “#RunforShaCarri rally & petition delivery happening at U.S. Anti-Doping agency Thursday,” KRDO, July 15, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback3

4. “AOC urges U.S. Anti-Doping Agency to end Sha’Carri Richardson’s suspension,” Axios, July 3, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback4

5. Tweet by Debra Messing, July 2, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback5

6. Tweet by David Zirin, July 2, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback6

7. Tweet by Adina Porter, July 4, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback7

8. “’Let Sha’Carri run!’ – petition for Sha’Carri Richardson to run in Tokyo nears goal,” ESPN, July 8, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback8

9. “Sha’Carri Richardson’s 1-month suspension means she will not compete in Olympics,” “TODAY,” July 5, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback9

10. “Saturday Sports: Sha’Carri Richardson Suspended For Positive Marijuana Test,” NPR, July 3, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback10

11. “PETITION FOR SHA’CARRI RICHARDSON’S REINSTATEMENT HAS GARNERED OVER 450,000 SIGNATURES; SUSPENDED AFTER POSITIVE MARIJUANA TEST,” Black Enterprise, July 5, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback11

12. “Senate Democratic leaders unveil draft bill to legalize marijuana,” Roll Call, July 14, 2021
https://moveon.org/shacarri-reportback12

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The :30 ad highlights just a few of the many times Ron Johnson has been “dunked on” for hurting his constituents by embracing fringe conspiracists, which is why the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel editorial board has called him, “…not fit to be your senator.”

The ad will air throughout the state during ABC’s broadcast of the game. 

“From fueling conspiracy theories about vaccines to continuing Donald Trump’s Big Lie to defending those who stormed the Capitol to standing in the way of the economic relief that the people of Wisconsin need, it is clear that it’s time for Ron Johnson to go, ” said Rahna Epting, Executive Director of MoveOn Political Action. “MoveOn members throughout the state will be using the NBA Finals to send a clear message that it is time for Wisconsinites to #BenchRonJohnson so Wisconsin can have a Senator who looks out for them, instead of wealthy donors and conspiracy theorists.” 

In addition to the T.V. ad, basketball-themed mobile billboards, digital ads, and trading cards are also being shown to WI residents during the game, using the hashtag “#BenchRonJohnson,” to further spotlight the need for Johnson to go. An aerial banner enlisting Wisconsinites to #BenchRonJohnson will fly over downtown Milwaukee Sunday ahead of tipoff.

TV Ad:

Mobile Ads:

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Historic Legislation: We Helped Push Congress to Pass a Strong COVID Relief Bill

The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan brings immediate relief to Americans. In the video above, MoveOn Executive Director Rahna Epting talks about what Democrats should do to overcome Republican obstructionism and pass more bold legislation like this.

And it wasn’t easy getting the American Rescue Plan over the line. Your support helped mobilize masses of people to pressure Congress to pass a robust bill. A glimpse of our actions:

 

We ran a full-page ad in the Arizona Daily Star pressing Senator Kyrsten Sinema to fight for everyone in need of support.

 

Members made thousands of calls to senators and representatives, and showed up outside senators’ offices to urge them to support robust relief, amplified by billboards member donations helped fund.

 

Thousands joined our Twitter rally #OurSurvivalAtStake, sharing their stories of pandemic hardship. #OurSurvivalAtStake was the #3 trend nationally on the day of the rally.

 

Mohammad Khan
MoveOn Campaign Director

Mohammad has been a MoveOn member since 2003, worked at MoveOn since 2019, and played a vital role in organizing our MoveOn member community to fight for robust COVID relief.

Fighting for Accountability for GOP Seditionists

We are determined to hold traitorous officials in Congress accountable for helping to incite the deadly January 6 insurrection. Supporters like you helped launch a Treason Caucus Accountability campaign (read more about it here). Together, we took actions such as these:

Homepage ads on the sites of the home-district newspapers of Josh Hawley (R-MO), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Ron Johnson (R-WI) to remind constituents how their senators failed them.

 

We helped remove extremist Marjorie Taylor Greene from her House committee assignments by intensifying public pressure with eye-catching billboards and in-person member events.

 

Emergency Humanitarian Aid for Texans

When millions of Texans suffered massive power outages and clean water shortages, we swung into action:

Together, we raised more than $500,000 for the Workers Defense Fund and the Texas Organizing Project, who worked frantically to deliver water and food to hard-hit communities.

 

MoveOn volunteers also used text messaging to check in on hundreds of thousands of Texans and to share helpful resources.

 

While our fundraising for aid for Texans has wrapped up, we’re pushing for accountability and changes. Check out and sign petitions such as “Ted Cruz: Resign,” “Investigate ERCOT Now,” and “Greg Abbott: Reinstate Texas Mask Mandate.“

 

The post A New Supporter Briefing—See Our Impact appeared first on MoveOn: People-Powered Progress.

NEW YORK — Today, MoveOn Political Action is announcing that its members in New York’s 11th Congressional District have voted to endorse Brittany Ramos DeBarros for the U.S. House.

Sixty-eight percent of voting MoveOn members in the district supported endorsing Ramos DeBarros, citing her political and military experience and her progressive agenda.

DeBarros is a combat veteran and progressive organizer who understands how powerful we are when we come together. She is stepping up early to build a people-powered movement to defeat extreme Republicans, such as incumbent Nicole Malliotakis. The DeBarros campaign is making an investment in organizing the community in order to flip this critical district and elect another progressive leader to Congress in 2022.

Here is what MoveOn members in New York had to say about why they support Ramos DeBarros:

“Brittany Ramos DeBarros knows how to get things done. We need her experience, compassion, and diversity in office.” –Silvia V., Staten Island, NY

“Brittany will bring a new progressive voice to Congress. In 2022, she can flip a Republican-held congressional seat and serve as a consistent vote for progressive policies that will benefit the middle class and marginalized communities.” –Ashely O., Staten Island, NY

“It’s time to offer a genuine alternative to the GOP and to motivate Staten Island’s progressive voters. Brittany Ramos DeBarros is the future of the Democratic Party!” –Shaun R., Staten Island, NY

“New York MoveOn members are ready to have representatives that stand with them for progressive change, something Brittany Ramos DeBarros can bring to the 11th District,” said Rahna Epting, executive director of MoveOn Political Action. “Nationwide, voters are rejecting the policies of far-right, Trump-aligned candidates like Nicole Malliotakis, and New Yorkers are ready to once again stamp out Trumpism and elect progressives like Brittany Ramos DeBarros, who will bring both a fresh voice and an organizer’s and veteran’s experience to Congress.”

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