|
|
Post by flanz on Nov 9, 2016 23:49:26 GMT
My younger DS spent last weekend canvassing for Hillary. He went door-to-door, encouraging people to come out to the polls on Tuesday. He is feeling very disillusioned today. I tried to point out to him that he should be proud that he actually did something to facilitate change. And as a bonus, the county where he volunteered (where he lives) flipped to blue from red last election. It made me realize that next election, if I want to be a part of real change, I need to put my money where my mouth is. I will volunteer on some level instead of sitting back and letting things happen. I realized this after the last election when our Senator got defeated and I thought she was excellent. So this time I made a monthly donation to both HRC and our Senator. I also worked the phones. I spent 10 hours on the phone during early voting. Then I went in yesterday for 2 hours in the morning. Then I heard a NPR story about Pennsylvania. And I knew right then that it was a lost cause. DT was going to win. But I still went up to head quarters and I was the last person working the phones I made about 100 calls. I left voice messages. and talked to 2 voters who both didn't know what time the polls closed, so I like to think they actually voted. That said. I am moving my donation from HRC to Planned Parenthood. I think they will be under attack. I am also I am signing up for this course.. Hard Conversations: An introduction to Racism So that I can be part of the solution. Awesome! Thank you! I'm going to check out that course... def. working on becoming the best ally I can be. I think this might be helpful to our UU congregation members and friends. TFS! |
|
|
|
Post by lisae on Nov 9, 2016 23:56:30 GMT
To start with I'm writing a letter to my senator who was reelected last night. In the debate, he was asked what he could work on with Hillary Clinton if she were elected. He said health care because in his opinion the ACA was broken. I'm holding him to that even though it is now Trump he has to work with. While there are the votes to repeal the ACA and the House has done so dozens of times as mostly as symbolic gesture, now that they really can repeal it, I think they will surely realize you can't just throw away the insurance for millions of people. If nothing else, the health insurance lobby isn't going to take kindly to losing millions of customers or to have to convert those customers to some other plan instantly. They had 2 years to put the ACA in place. They and we need time to transition if there is to be a new plan.
In my letter I'll be encouraging my senator to consider fixing the ACA. I plan to point out the disgusting and excessive price increases in the medicine which is now actually more expensive since a generic came out. The generic even costs more than the name brand did just a few years ago. This will be a hard sell as the pharmaceutical industry is big in our state.
I'm one of those with a preexisting condition and while I had insurance before the ACA, I don't know what would happen if the law were repealed. Dumping millions of people off of their healthcare plan would be a media nightmare for Congress and the President so I truly think there will be some sort of transition to a new system. It is important that we have input into what that new system is.
|
|
|
|
Post by dulcemama on Nov 9, 2016 23:58:19 GMT
I have always been pretty politically active and intend to stay that way. What I want to do is make greater efforts to really live my beliefs. To be inclusive, even when it is hard. To meet hate with love. To try to listen and understand those that I don't understand. To look for common ground even when it seems we are miles and miles apart. To not further marginalize those who are already marginalized. It's not that I don't try to do these things now but, to me, the lesson of this election is that there are greater portions of our fellow citizens than I ever realized who feel left behind and unheard. I want to do what I can to change that. I encourage you all to do the same. And I will be encouraging my friends as well.
|
|
|
|
Post by jennyap on Nov 10, 2016 0:00:02 GMT
I saw this posted on FB by a former Pea, and immediately wanted to share it. This thread seems like the right place.
(I deleted a couple of location-specific bits but otherwise unedited)
|
|
|
|
Post by scrapaddict702 on Nov 10, 2016 0:06:20 GMT
My answer still qualifies. I am a democrat because I believe in the minority voices having a say and being fairly represented. My political stance is about equal treatment for everyone and becoming a part of the political process to undo the damage I feel has been done is just as beneficial as other things you have mentioned. I believe that will also make me have a sense of purpose. Right now, I'm angry and the discussions here are contentious because there are representatives from both sides...donating my time to a political cause would put me around like minded people with a common goal and that is definitely something that would feel good and give me a sense of purpose. But in terms of your latter suggestion, I ultimately want to be able to donate time to Habitat for Humanity. At the moment, I am a mom around the clock and my kids are too young (with no reliable family locally to help watch them) so there isn't much that I can do, but as they get older and I have time while they're in school, I want to donate time to this organization. It's still a few years out, but it's something that I've wanted to do for quite some time. I feel like it would not only benefit people in my community, but it would also give me a chance to learn a new skill that I can translate into my own home, giving me a sense of empowerment instead of concern over the cost of hiring someone else to do every single project I have in mind. Hello again. I was responding to these words, "...this year has completely changed my outlook. I don't know that I will be able to door knock of phone bank (very introverted) but I hope to be able to volunteer in some capacity..." I truly meant no offense. It's cool. It's been a rough day. In regards to that, though...I'm sure there is a way for me to donate my time politically behind the scenes. My husband works for a union that is very politically active. I don't know with our margins if we're really considered a state to help by our Californian neighbors next election (margins were much smaller elsewhere than they were here) but it's not like I'd have to go very far to become involved in the process. Organizing lists for people, setting up schedules, working behind the scenes is absolutely something that I can do. I have been irritated EVERY election by political calls (and texts started up this election), but this election, I really feel the impact of why people do this, even if it is/was unwanted by someone like me who does go out and vote during presidential election years (I could really have used the calls during mid-terms, if anything) in the past. My idea for change for myself is to embrace this aspect of the political process that truly envelopes the idea of 'every vote counts' by immersing myself in it, almost as a way to make up for my lack of enthusiasm previously. THAT is why I feel like this is a good action for me. I should have emphasized why I felt like working a campaign in the future so as to really clarify why this decision means something to me in a way of action and putting my money where my mouth is.  |
|
|
|
Post by scrapaddict702 on Nov 10, 2016 0:09:36 GMT
To start with I'm writing a letter to my senator who was reelected last night. In the debate, he was asked what he could work on with Hillary Clinton if she were elected. He said health care because in his opinion the ACA was broken. I'm holding him to that even though it is now Trump he has to work with. While there are the votes to repeal the ACA and the House has done so dozens of times as mostly as symbolic gesture, now that they really can repeal it, I think they will surely realize you can't just throw away the insurance for millions of people. If nothing else, the health insurance lobby isn't going to take kindly to losing millions of customers or to have to convert those customers to some other plan instantly. They had 2 years to put the ACA in place. They and we need time to transition if there is to be a new plan. In my letter I'll be encouraging my senator to consider fixing the ACA. I plan to point out the disgusting and excessive price increases in the medicine which is now actually more expensive since a generic came out. The generic even costs more than the name brand did just a few years ago. This will be a hard sell as the pharmaceutical industry is big in our state. I'm one of those with a preexisting condition and while I had insurance before the ACA, I don't know what would happen if the law were repealed. Dumping millions of people off of their healthcare plan would be a media nightmare for Congress and the President so I truly think there will be some sort of transition to a new system. It is important that we have input into what that new system is. ACA would be beneficial if the health insurance industry had pricing regulated by the federal government. You can't tell millions of people they have to buy something and then expect the businesses to not take advantage of that. I completely agree that the ACA needs fixing...I never believed that it was a sure fix for the healthcare issues in this country, but I do believe it is a step forward in the right direction. My biggest fear is that it will be repealed and they will do absolutely nothing to offer up a replacement option. I hope that several clauses remain in effect, including the one that doesn't allow insurance to deny coverage for preexisting conditions and the breastfeeding advocacy components that I benefited from with 2 of my 3 children. |
|
|
|
Post by danalz on Nov 10, 2016 0:14:50 GMT
I help refugees who are new to our country. Many came here because they assisted our military in their home country and they had to leave for their safety. I'm going to do my best to show them that there ARE people who will help them and want them to have a good life here. We are not a hate filled nation. It's great that you help out. I would like to do this and looked into it before, but I don't think there is much to do where I live. I work as a social services case manager so I see many refugee families. Check out Catholic charities or Lutheran social services in your area too if they have opportunities. |
|
|
|
Post by ahiller on Nov 10, 2016 0:15:16 GMT
I am starting by becoming a registered Democrat. The lack of any accountability for the racist bigoted things Donald Trump has said has driven me to declare my loyalty to the Democratic Party. Next for me will be to volunteer in some capacity. Off the top of my head, I can't remember if our governor is up next year or the following but I will likely start there. I will have both kids in school full time next fall so I may not be able to do much until then.
But mostly, what I will do is keep being kind and keep speaking up for the marginalized people in a Donald Trump society. I will confront racism if I see it and I will never, ever stand by and watch people be thrown under the bus like the Republican Party just did to our Latino, gay, AA and disabled communities. It's absolutely shameful.
|
|
|
|
Post by ahiller on Nov 10, 2016 0:19:15 GMT
I saw this posted on FB by a former Pea, and immediately wanted to share it. This thread seems like the right place. (I deleted a couple of location-specific bits but otherwise unedited) I LOVE this and I hope you don't mind if I share it on a Facebook, in a few days time when things settle down. |
|
|
|
Post by monicad on Nov 10, 2016 0:19:56 GMT
Support CALEXIT. We have Silicon Valley, Avacados😀 and beautiful weather. What else do we need? 😀 LOL! We're going to fall into the ocean eventually anyway...they should just let us go early!  |
|
|
|
Post by peano on Nov 10, 2016 0:27:08 GMT
If I wasn't such a big old fat scardy cat about taking the LSAT, I would go to law school and learn constitutional law. Seems like there might be a need. lol Do it! The worst has already happened... |
|
|
|
Post by iamkristinl16 on Nov 10, 2016 0:33:16 GMT
I help refugees who are new to our country. Many came here because they assisted our military in their home country and they had to leave for their safety. I'm going to do my best to show them that there ARE people who will help them and want them to have a good life here. We are not a hate filled nation. I've been thinking about this (what I can DO) since listening to Hillary's speech this morning as well. I have been interested in helping refugees for years but never really got involved. I took a class to teach English to ESL learners but ended up on bedrest and had my oldest son and never actually did it. I am curious what you have done danalz and how you got "hooked up" with the group that you help. There is a large refugee population here and LSS is the main organization that helps them. I worked there several years ago and they said there wasn't any real need for volunteers but I will check again. |
|
|
|
Post by Ryann on Nov 10, 2016 0:45:37 GMT
I began donating to Planned Parenthood 5-6 months ago. I've been trying since then to volunteer with them in an administrative capacity, but I haven't yet seen a position open up that is local to me. I decided today to bypass the general volunteer page and contact the local offices directly to see if I can be of service there. I anticipate PP getting pummeled by the government beginning next year.  |
|
|
|
Post by lisae on Nov 10, 2016 0:47:35 GMT
To start with I'm writing a letter to my senator who was reelected last night. In the debate, he was asked what he could work on with Hillary Clinton if she were elected. He said health care because in his opinion the ACA was broken. I'm holding him to that even though it is now Trump he has to work with. While there are the votes to repeal the ACA and the House has done so dozens of times as mostly as symbolic gesture, now that they really can repeal it, I think they will surely realize you can't just throw away the insurance for millions of people. If nothing else, the health insurance lobby isn't going to take kindly to losing millions of customers or to have to convert those customers to some other plan instantly. They had 2 years to put the ACA in place. They and we need time to transition if there is to be a new plan. In my letter I'll be encouraging my senator to consider fixing the ACA. I plan to point out the disgusting and excessive price increases in the medicine which is now actually more expensive since a generic came out. The generic even costs more than the name brand did just a few years ago. This will be a hard sell as the pharmaceutical industry is big in our state. I'm one of those with a preexisting condition and while I had insurance before the ACA, I don't know what would happen if the law were repealed. Dumping millions of people off of their healthcare plan would be a media nightmare for Congress and the President so I truly think there will be some sort of transition to a new system. It is important that we have input into what that new system is. ACA would be beneficial if the health insurance industry had pricing regulated by the federal government. You can't tell millions of people they have to buy something and then expect the businesses to not take advantage of that. I completely agree that the ACA needs fixing...I never believed that it was a sure fix for the healthcare issues in this country, but I do believe it is a step forward in the right direction. My biggest fear is that it will be repealed and they will do absolutely nothing to offer up a replacement option. I hope that several clauses remain in effect, including the one that doesn't allow insurance to deny coverage for preexisting conditions and the breastfeeding advocacy components that I benefited from with 2 of my 3 children. I believe the increasing costs are the result of increasing healthcare costs. Insurance companies in my state have pulled out and the one carrier we have left is losing money. The key is reducing the original costs which benefits everyone regardless of where they get their health insurance. Pharmaceuticals are a big problem. I also think there are tons of pricing structures depending on whether you are on Medicare or with this insurer or that one for the same procedure. Whatever the solution, you are right in that covering preexisting conditions is the cornerstone of the ACA and something that must be maintained. |
|
|
|
Post by lisae on Nov 10, 2016 0:48:52 GMT
I began donating to Planned Parenthood 5-6 months ago. I've been trying since then to volunteer with them in an administrative capacity, but I haven't yet seen a position open up that is local to me. I decided today to bypass the general volunteer page and contact the local offices directly to see if I can be of service there. I anticipate PP getting pummeled by the government beginning next year. An excellent idea. We don't have a Planned Parenthood in my area but a donation is a good idea. |
|
|
|
Post by danalz on Nov 10, 2016 1:33:37 GMT
I help refugees who are new to our country. Many came here because they assisted our military in their home country and they had to leave for their safety. I'm going to do my best to show them that there ARE people who will help them and want them to have a good life here. We are not a hate filled nation. I've been thinking about this (what I can DO) since listening to Hillary's speech this morning as well. I have been interested in helping refugees for years but never really got involved. I took a class to teach English to ESL learners but ended up on bedrest and had my oldest son and never actually did it. I am curious what you have done danalz and how you got "hooked up" with the group that you help. There is a large refugee population here and LSS is the main organization that helps them. I worked there several years ago and they said there wasn't any real need for volunteers but I will check again. I work with them as a part of my job. I provide employment services and counseling through our state welfare to work program. Many have advanced degrees that mean nothing in this country. They are willing to any job just to be self sufficient. They are rarely on my caseload more than a month and they are working. |
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
May 17, 2024 11:41:07 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 10, 2016 9:30:34 GMT
I always write over here I am not very political. I work at the polls on election day. I have been thinking of running for city council. I have lived in my area for three years now and some of the neighbor's are inching me towards it. I am going to fight for women's right's. We do have a lot of issues with racism in my area and I am fighting tooth and nail about that right now. I am working with the police to develop better communication with people in my neighborhood. I am also trying to open some new businesses in our area. I live in a per-dominantly low income neighborhood with no local grocery store in walking distance. I am trying to get a local store in our area.
|
|
pudgygroundhog
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,643 
Location: The Grand Canyon
|
Post by pudgygroundhog on Nov 10, 2016 17:56:11 GMT
It's great that you help out. I would like to do this and looked into it before, but I don't think there is much to do where I live. I work as a social services case manager so I see many refugee families. Check out Catholic charities or Lutheran social services in your area too if they have opportunities. Thanks - I will have to look again. I looked before and couldn't find info. I'm also not sure if many refugees are settled in my area. Will take a look - thanks! |
|
