Andrew, I've taken this post down. Feel free to repost without insulting me and everyone in this community who is busting their ass for their democracy every day; and explain what you are doing to make things better so we know whether we are being Monday morning quarterbacked by someone without skin in the game. I will be honest that this was one of the most arrogant and insulting comments ever posted at Hopium and if you are going to stay active in the community you need to do better.
But what channels would carry it? All these corporate media platforms are beholden to Trump….we need to create or grow existing NEW progressive media platforms and invest in talent that can rival a Joe Rogan but on our side. Meidas Network, Courier, there’s some new guy who’s getting a lot of buzz…
I made my calls today to my elected officials and a couple of things stood out. First, I thanked my House member for holding a town hall earlier this week and for communicating in a new-ish way. Second, I asked her staff to have her communicate more often like this and to also start getting these stories of cancer researchers or avian flu experts, or whomever that has been fired and their work stopped.
To my surprise, her staff indicated that they are doing exactly that and I sense from them that other House Democrats are doing the same. They are collecting these stories and will be publicizing them and I think it's up to us to help them amplify them and get them out ASAP. We are seeing stories of voters regretting what they have done and we need these stories to be out there so that more people can see the harm being caused by Trump/Musk.
It's clear to me that our calls are working and even though I am on a first name basis with several of the staffers who pick up the phone every day, my calls still matter. And so do yours!
And hopefully, a lot more too. I asked my rep's staff to get these stories recorded and sent out through social media, local media and national media. They need to amplify these stories every way that they can and then we all need to do the same.
We will add that to our calls and emails tomorrow. The communications from our two Democratic Senators here has really broken down - We get nothing at all.
Thanks for this reinforcement. I have, in fact, thought of Hopium as part of a modern-day Committee of Correspondence because I learn so much from people's posts about what is happening and what they are doing in other parts of the country to counter a common foe. Knoxville, TN local paper has run articles this week about 1) the colossally stupid "mistaken" firing of large numbers of federal employees who oversee our nation's stockpile of nuclear material and provide an early warning system for nuclear problems around the globe (like Chernobyl). Many of them worked at the Y-12/Oak Ridge Laboratory in our community; and 2) the devastating cuts to an already underfunded and understaffed National Park Service, which impacts the Great Smoky Mountains National Park--a regional gem that also generated billions of dollars in tourist revenue for local communities. PROFOUND negative local/state impact from both these irresponsible actions.
From today's New Republic: "USDA Desperately Trying to Rehire Bird Flu Experts DOGE Purged" (Elon Musk’s sloppy work is sending the government scrambling for much-needed personnel.)
I sent this to my R representative -- along with the price of a dozen eggs in one of the world's most expensive cities (Tokyo) .. 300 yen (just under $2.00).
My representative was co-author of the proposed "Merit Act" -- which had the goal of an orderly evaluation and replacement of civil service workers. "Looks like DOGE has executively and unitarily crapped all over your hard work, Congressman. And you want to give MORE tax cuts to billionaires?" (Posted to his social media page, also.)
Made calls to NC Senators Ted Budd's office and Thom Tillis's office. About to call Rep. Valerie Foushee's office. I usually have a chance to talk with her aides. Thank you for posting these stories and notes of encouragement.
Called Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ04), Sens Booker & Kim and asked them point blank WTF they are going to do about the Orange power grab of all federal agencies (today's executive order). I told them very politely I expected a response. Got staffer names and thanked them for their work. I am absolutely furious about this one. Just staggering that he thinks that by fiat, he can just "take control" of every federal agency. Not on my watch, pal.
I'm glad you spoke out so strongly. I agree with you. Cory Booker posts on Instagram and goes on cable news, like Klobuchar, Warren, Schiff. But what matters is what they do on the floor of the Senate.
But tell me, what can they do? Just asking. Let's face it, if there was something they could do, especially with Elizabeth Warren in the group you named, they would do it.
Yes. SLOW IT DOWN. Put holds on EVERYTHING. Call for quorum. Call for a roll call vote. Make it a total pain in the a$$ just to come to work in the Senate. Believe me, they can totally F things up, but it depends on how far they want to go.
Ex.: "Point of order, the chair is wearing a green tie. Green ties are not allowed. "
"I suggest the absence of a quorum." (They can actually go out and find senators and walk them back into the Senate floor if they refuse to show up.)
I realize they can tie things up for a bit, and I hope they do, but does it change the ultimate outcome? If, let's say, there is a chance to not align ourselves with Russia (and many Republican Senators are probably not happy with that) can the constant delay, delay, delay piss off enough Republicans that they go against the country's best interests? So, I hope Dems do delay and oppose just about everything especially since Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and food stamps along with the ACA are on the table. And my family can't survive without the social safety net, but I am worried for my country's sake about Putin.
You don't know until you do it. Senators hate working hard, they are mostly millionaires. Make them work. The margin is pretty small, and you never know - you could get a John McCain moment! And re Putin, the backlash has been swift and severe here at home and abroad. Make the Rs work for every last inch, it's the only way.
We have a meeting of our CD 3 Indivisble Group coming up next week. I’m going to ask if we are doing anything as a group to pressure Kean and Smith to oppose some of the awful things going on. CD 7 is a swing district, so Kean should be vulnerable. Smith is permanently ensconced, as far as I can tell, but I don’t think he’s as crazy as some of the rest of his Party. I’ve had quite a bit of communication from Senator Kim, but NEVER hear from Booker.
Simon, thank you for your humanity and wise consul last night in Bethesda. It was a great event. I was inspired to stand up and be counted in new ways. Let's do great things.
Blue Wave (https://shop.bluewavepostcards.org/) is postcarding for Wisconsin's supreme court race on April 1. You can order preprinted postcards now. Shipping is kind of expensive for those outside the Denver/Boulder area, but if anyone in that area is interested, you can do free local pickup. They sell stamps at cost too.
I truly appreciate everything you are doing to lead us in this battle against the attack on our democracy by this horrible man. I am making my calls, spreading the word, and donating to those in the fight. Thank you so very much.
Thank you, Simon. I was a teenager demonstrating against the Viet Nam War, and have demonstrated for civil rights, women's rights, against gun violence, etc. I agree 100% with what you say about public demonstrations. I understand that being with other like-minded people is important, but I've come to have some reservations about demonstrations/marches. First, it can make people feel as if they've "done something" and then they can "go back" to their normal everyday activities. So I always say if you're going to a demonstration, you should be signing up voters, handing out campaign flyers, etc. Second, I don't think the powers-that-be care how many people show up. Millions of us marched against George Bush's wars and the media hardly reported on it. If all of those people had registered voters, called their electeds, etc. it would have been more effective. And, third, as you point out, it's now very easy for foreign powers and MAGAts to "hijack" these events, turning them violent and then using that violence to justify crackdowns, to criticize "libs," and portray us as bad. Again, I'm not against public demonstrations/marches and I understand they are important events for many people.
Hi Catherine, (I’m a little older, I was twenty when I got arrested for trying to break police lines surrounding the Pentagon… as Ronnie Gilbert sang, “Whoever thought the sixties would be called ‘the good old days?’” I remember so much fear following the Kent State shootings…). I was in a Zoom with local Democrats last night, my first venture into the local scene and I promised myself that I will keep at it. I’ll write a bit more in my own post, but a point I will try to make is that a lot of what we need to do (and needed to do way back then) isn’t sexy or feel-good, won’t make the news, and isn’t going to change anything immediately no matter how much we wish it could.
excellent points, thank you. Tim Snyder recommended, under 'what we can do against authoritarianism' get involved with local organizations/ groups. It is a lot of work and involves time commitment but one is building local institutions and involved with people.
I copied out Snyder’s list. It is a very very good set of guidelines for building a better society. And I decided it is a matter of personal integrity to overcome my introversion and get my face into the local scene. Carefully.
EXACTLY. This is exactly what needs to be said. I'll never forget that back when GWB was president, there was a reproductive rights march. I didn't go, but I made a donation to the cause. People there were angry and determined, so what happened? That fall, people RE-ELECTED him! How many of the demonstrators voted? How many of them did GOTV? How many of them registered to vote or registered voters?
Protests are fine, but if people don't take any meaningful action or have a plan, we'll never get the change we all want. Protesting without action is just complaining.
I think there is a need to do both. I marched in the Moratorium in 1968. Did it stop the war? Not by itself. But it was an important part of drawing attention to the war. There are a great many people who don't read newspapers that's why the papers are dying. But large, nationwide protests do draw attention. But, you don't stop at protesting. If you do live where there are newspapers, then do letters to the editor. If there are town meetings and you usually have funding for roads, education, etc. well local tax bills are going to go up- you should be there to explain why ( should be interesting in my town since the board and school board are red). I am going to enjoy this!!! It's a multi- layer way to dump on trump. Plus all the other things we are doing. Most of us won't do everything but we should all be doing something- wherever are abilities lie.
I agree, Catherine. Our combined organization of volunteers talked about these last night. Someone noted how purposeless a couple have seemed. So we vowed to hand out flyers at the next one, as we are starting phone banks and canvasses to support Democrats in the NC General Assembly by early March.
Simon, I just loved your extensive discussion of Committees of Correspondence. I know I heard them mentioned briefly mentioned in my very rudimentary high school American History class, but I had forgotten about them entirely. The idea to apply the concept to our current struggle is genius - so thanks to whoever had that insight. We tend to focus on a federal approach when the federal government is the problem, and to develop tunnel vision in our strategy as a result. xoxoxox
FYI, for all who are looking for a shortcut to reading about the Committees of Correspondence, I would like to refer you to a fun book, published around 2011 ( wish I had used this when teaching) called America Walks into a Bar by Christine Sismondo. In every colony, it was the bars that were the town halls of the day. Sam Adams was not the only patriot that new how to pour a beer! This book goes far beyond that era into the 1950s, I believe, haven't finished it yet.
Called both GOP Senators today, twice. Once at DC and once in satellite office. Once about Patel and once about the hack of my private Social Security and tax data…asked what they were going to do about it and I want a response. Also called House Rep who is Dem and thanked her for doing a town hall on immigration, as well as an ask to not negotiate with MAGA until crime spree stops.
I was on a Dem County meeting last night and there are many local initiatives getting started, including a “cuts hurt” to collect stories and share them, similar to what happened in your event last night, Simon.
Planning a zoom training on how to call your reps tomorrow night…60 folks are signed up already!
Thank you, Simon. Being in this community is such a balm for the terror and despair. We are all in this together!
Calling now. Honestly, the "Now Let's Get To Work" is actually a GREAT script to hit points in short order.
1. Stop President Musk & Baby President Trump's crime spree
2. File the criminal referrals to DOJ & FBI
3. File amicus briefs and suits on their own
4. Hold daily press conferences and give a CALL to Action, not just descriptions, to challenge the Musk/Trump/Republican Coup that is making America less safe, less healthy, less prosperous, and less respected.
5. Point out traitor trump's selling out of Zelenskyy, abandoning Europe, and we cannot accept the appeasement of a Putin + do not let Trump further destroy our standing
6. NEW POINT -- they're going after Democrats, such as the letter from the DC US Attorney's office targeting Schumer, so they have no choice to fight now.
The focus of my morning call to Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC): the new executive order called "Ensuring Accountability for all Agencies". This seems extraordinarily dangerous to me -- and devious because it's not splashy and will not be understood by most of the voting public.
Trump’s cutting of the federal workforce is not only overturning the lives and careers of many valuable workers, but putting us at risk for the loss of important programs and research.
Why don’t we all write our Congress people and Senators to send out an email to all their constituents asking if they have been laid off by Trump/DOGE and to describe the work they had been doing and its importance? And suggest that they then use these stories to publicize the damage this Administration is doing.
Lots of Trump voters didn’t vote for this. Stories like these make them regret their past support (it’s already happening).
I live in California, and this was my focus today in contacting my federal electeds. What's great is that collecting stories is also appropriate for local officials as well -- so I emailed my city council, county supervisor, and all my state officials too.
Andrew, I've taken this post down. Feel free to repost without insulting me and everyone in this community who is busting their ass for their democracy every day; and explain what you are doing to make things better so we know whether we are being Monday morning quarterbacked by someone without skin in the game. I will be honest that this was one of the most arrogant and insulting comments ever posted at Hopium and if you are going to stay active in the community you need to do better.
But what channels would carry it? All these corporate media platforms are beholden to Trump….we need to create or grow existing NEW progressive media platforms and invest in talent that can rival a Joe Rogan but on our side. Meidas Network, Courier, there’s some new guy who’s getting a lot of buzz…
I made my calls today to my elected officials and a couple of things stood out. First, I thanked my House member for holding a town hall earlier this week and for communicating in a new-ish way. Second, I asked her staff to have her communicate more often like this and to also start getting these stories of cancer researchers or avian flu experts, or whomever that has been fired and their work stopped.
To my surprise, her staff indicated that they are doing exactly that and I sense from them that other House Democrats are doing the same. They are collecting these stories and will be publicizing them and I think it's up to us to help them amplify them and get them out ASAP. We are seeing stories of voters regretting what they have done and we need these stories to be out there so that more people can see the harm being caused by Trump/Musk.
It's clear to me that our calls are working and even though I am on a first name basis with several of the staffers who pick up the phone every day, my calls still matter. And so do yours!
Hopefully they are issuing press releases and giving presentations in Congress to share the concerns of their constituents. Here are some press releases from Senator Martin Heinrich. https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases and Representative Melanie Stansbury https://stansbury.house.gov/media/press-releases
And hopefully, a lot more too. I asked my rep's staff to get these stories recorded and sent out through social media, local media and national media. They need to amplify these stories every way that they can and then we all need to do the same.
We will add that to our calls and emails tomorrow. The communications from our two Democratic Senators here has really broken down - We get nothing at all.
Thanks for this reinforcement. I have, in fact, thought of Hopium as part of a modern-day Committee of Correspondence because I learn so much from people's posts about what is happening and what they are doing in other parts of the country to counter a common foe. Knoxville, TN local paper has run articles this week about 1) the colossally stupid "mistaken" firing of large numbers of federal employees who oversee our nation's stockpile of nuclear material and provide an early warning system for nuclear problems around the globe (like Chernobyl). Many of them worked at the Y-12/Oak Ridge Laboratory in our community; and 2) the devastating cuts to an already underfunded and understaffed National Park Service, which impacts the Great Smoky Mountains National Park--a regional gem that also generated billions of dollars in tourist revenue for local communities. PROFOUND negative local/state impact from both these irresponsible actions.
From today's New Republic: "USDA Desperately Trying to Rehire Bird Flu Experts DOGE Purged" (Elon Musk’s sloppy work is sending the government scrambling for much-needed personnel.)
I sent this to my R representative -- along with the price of a dozen eggs in one of the world's most expensive cities (Tokyo) .. 300 yen (just under $2.00).
My representative was co-author of the proposed "Merit Act" -- which had the goal of an orderly evaluation and replacement of civil service workers. "Looks like DOGE has executively and unitarily crapped all over your hard work, Congressman. And you want to give MORE tax cuts to billionaires?" (Posted to his social media page, also.)
Eggs $9-10/dozen if you can find them here. We only have indoor farmer's markets every other Saturday.
Love this post. Thank you.
Made calls to NC Senators Ted Budd's office and Thom Tillis's office. About to call Rep. Valerie Foushee's office. I usually have a chance to talk with her aides. Thank you for posting these stories and notes of encouragement.
Made my daily calls (WI) and continue to write postcards for Judge Crawford
Called Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ04), Sens Booker & Kim and asked them point blank WTF they are going to do about the Orange power grab of all federal agencies (today's executive order). I told them very politely I expected a response. Got staffer names and thanked them for their work. I am absolutely furious about this one. Just staggering that he thinks that by fiat, he can just "take control" of every federal agency. Not on my watch, pal.
I've been waiting on hold for Kim's office, just going to leave a message because I have a meeting in 5 minutes.
I'm glad you spoke out so strongly. I agree with you. Cory Booker posts on Instagram and goes on cable news, like Klobuchar, Warren, Schiff. But what matters is what they do on the floor of the Senate.
But tell me, what can they do? Just asking. Let's face it, if there was something they could do, especially with Elizabeth Warren in the group you named, they would do it.
Blanket holds on nominations like Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz did with Department of State. It delays things
Yes. SLOW IT DOWN. Put holds on EVERYTHING. Call for quorum. Call for a roll call vote. Make it a total pain in the a$$ just to come to work in the Senate. Believe me, they can totally F things up, but it depends on how far they want to go.
Ex.: "Point of order, the chair is wearing a green tie. Green ties are not allowed. "
"I suggest the absence of a quorum." (They can actually go out and find senators and walk them back into the Senate floor if they refuse to show up.)
I realize they can tie things up for a bit, and I hope they do, but does it change the ultimate outcome? If, let's say, there is a chance to not align ourselves with Russia (and many Republican Senators are probably not happy with that) can the constant delay, delay, delay piss off enough Republicans that they go against the country's best interests? So, I hope Dems do delay and oppose just about everything especially since Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and food stamps along with the ACA are on the table. And my family can't survive without the social safety net, but I am worried for my country's sake about Putin.
You don't know until you do it. Senators hate working hard, they are mostly millionaires. Make them work. The margin is pretty small, and you never know - you could get a John McCain moment! And re Putin, the backlash has been swift and severe here at home and abroad. Make the Rs work for every last inch, it's the only way.
We have a meeting of our CD 3 Indivisble Group coming up next week. I’m going to ask if we are doing anything as a group to pressure Kean and Smith to oppose some of the awful things going on. CD 7 is a swing district, so Kean should be vulnerable. Smith is permanently ensconced, as far as I can tell, but I don’t think he’s as crazy as some of the rest of his Party. I’ve had quite a bit of communication from Senator Kim, but NEVER hear from Booker.
Simon, thank you for your humanity and wise consul last night in Bethesda. It was a great event. I was inspired to stand up and be counted in new ways. Let's do great things.
Blue Wave (https://shop.bluewavepostcards.org/) is postcarding for Wisconsin's supreme court race on April 1. You can order preprinted postcards now. Shipping is kind of expensive for those outside the Denver/Boulder area, but if anyone in that area is interested, you can do free local pickup. They sell stamps at cost too.
Thanks! Sent for some postcards!
I truly appreciate everything you are doing to lead us in this battle against the attack on our democracy by this horrible man. I am making my calls, spreading the word, and donating to those in the fight. Thank you so very much.
Thank you, Simon. I was a teenager demonstrating against the Viet Nam War, and have demonstrated for civil rights, women's rights, against gun violence, etc. I agree 100% with what you say about public demonstrations. I understand that being with other like-minded people is important, but I've come to have some reservations about demonstrations/marches. First, it can make people feel as if they've "done something" and then they can "go back" to their normal everyday activities. So I always say if you're going to a demonstration, you should be signing up voters, handing out campaign flyers, etc. Second, I don't think the powers-that-be care how many people show up. Millions of us marched against George Bush's wars and the media hardly reported on it. If all of those people had registered voters, called their electeds, etc. it would have been more effective. And, third, as you point out, it's now very easy for foreign powers and MAGAts to "hijack" these events, turning them violent and then using that violence to justify crackdowns, to criticize "libs," and portray us as bad. Again, I'm not against public demonstrations/marches and I understand they are important events for many people.
Totally agree.
Hi Catherine, (I’m a little older, I was twenty when I got arrested for trying to break police lines surrounding the Pentagon… as Ronnie Gilbert sang, “Whoever thought the sixties would be called ‘the good old days?’” I remember so much fear following the Kent State shootings…). I was in a Zoom with local Democrats last night, my first venture into the local scene and I promised myself that I will keep at it. I’ll write a bit more in my own post, but a point I will try to make is that a lot of what we need to do (and needed to do way back then) isn’t sexy or feel-good, won’t make the news, and isn’t going to change anything immediately no matter how much we wish it could.
excellent points, thank you. Tim Snyder recommended, under 'what we can do against authoritarianism' get involved with local organizations/ groups. It is a lot of work and involves time commitment but one is building local institutions and involved with people.
I copied out Snyder’s list. It is a very very good set of guidelines for building a better society. And I decided it is a matter of personal integrity to overcome my introversion and get my face into the local scene. Carefully.
Thank you, and I've had some of the same. I've found the human connection buoys me along, and I've had a lot to learn as well.
EXACTLY. This is exactly what needs to be said. I'll never forget that back when GWB was president, there was a reproductive rights march. I didn't go, but I made a donation to the cause. People there were angry and determined, so what happened? That fall, people RE-ELECTED him! How many of the demonstrators voted? How many of them did GOTV? How many of them registered to vote or registered voters?
Protests are fine, but if people don't take any meaningful action or have a plan, we'll never get the change we all want. Protesting without action is just complaining.
I think there is a need to do both. I marched in the Moratorium in 1968. Did it stop the war? Not by itself. But it was an important part of drawing attention to the war. There are a great many people who don't read newspapers that's why the papers are dying. But large, nationwide protests do draw attention. But, you don't stop at protesting. If you do live where there are newspapers, then do letters to the editor. If there are town meetings and you usually have funding for roads, education, etc. well local tax bills are going to go up- you should be there to explain why ( should be interesting in my town since the board and school board are red). I am going to enjoy this!!! It's a multi- layer way to dump on trump. Plus all the other things we are doing. Most of us won't do everything but we should all be doing something- wherever are abilities lie.
Of course! That's what I meant: combine protesting with action.
I agree, Catherine. Our combined organization of volunteers talked about these last night. Someone noted how purposeless a couple have seemed. So we vowed to hand out flyers at the next one, as we are starting phone banks and canvasses to support Democrats in the NC General Assembly by early March.
Simon, I just loved your extensive discussion of Committees of Correspondence. I know I heard them mentioned briefly mentioned in my very rudimentary high school American History class, but I had forgotten about them entirely. The idea to apply the concept to our current struggle is genius - so thanks to whoever had that insight. We tend to focus on a federal approach when the federal government is the problem, and to develop tunnel vision in our strategy as a result. xoxoxox
FYI, for all who are looking for a shortcut to reading about the Committees of Correspondence, I would like to refer you to a fun book, published around 2011 ( wish I had used this when teaching) called America Walks into a Bar by Christine Sismondo. In every colony, it was the bars that were the town halls of the day. Sam Adams was not the only patriot that new how to pour a beer! This book goes far beyond that era into the 1950s, I believe, haven't finished it yet.
Thank you!
Called both GOP Senators today, twice. Once at DC and once in satellite office. Once about Patel and once about the hack of my private Social Security and tax data…asked what they were going to do about it and I want a response. Also called House Rep who is Dem and thanked her for doing a town hall on immigration, as well as an ask to not negotiate with MAGA until crime spree stops.
I was on a Dem County meeting last night and there are many local initiatives getting started, including a “cuts hurt” to collect stories and share them, similar to what happened in your event last night, Simon.
Planning a zoom training on how to call your reps tomorrow night…60 folks are signed up already!
Thank you, Simon. Being in this community is such a balm for the terror and despair. We are all in this together!
Balm indeed! Seeing you here works for me as well!
I love the “cuts hurt” story collection! Great idea!
Calling now. Honestly, the "Now Let's Get To Work" is actually a GREAT script to hit points in short order.
1. Stop President Musk & Baby President Trump's crime spree
2. File the criminal referrals to DOJ & FBI
3. File amicus briefs and suits on their own
4. Hold daily press conferences and give a CALL to Action, not just descriptions, to challenge the Musk/Trump/Republican Coup that is making America less safe, less healthy, less prosperous, and less respected.
5. Point out traitor trump's selling out of Zelenskyy, abandoning Europe, and we cannot accept the appeasement of a Putin + do not let Trump further destroy our standing
6. NEW POINT -- they're going after Democrats, such as the letter from the DC US Attorney's office targeting Schumer, so they have no choice to fight now.
That's a great list. Thanks.
Yes great list. I will use it.Thank you!
The focus of my morning call to Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC): the new executive order called "Ensuring Accountability for all Agencies". This seems extraordinarily dangerous to me -- and devious because it's not splashy and will not be understood by most of the voting public.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/ensuring-accountability-for-all-agencies/
Trump’s cutting of the federal workforce is not only overturning the lives and careers of many valuable workers, but putting us at risk for the loss of important programs and research.
Why don’t we all write our Congress people and Senators to send out an email to all their constituents asking if they have been laid off by Trump/DOGE and to describe the work they had been doing and its importance? And suggest that they then use these stories to publicize the damage this Administration is doing.
Lots of Trump voters didn’t vote for this. Stories like these make them regret their past support (it’s already happening).
I live in California, and this was my focus today in contacting my federal electeds. What's great is that collecting stories is also appropriate for local officials as well -- so I emailed my city council, county supervisor, and all my state officials too.