NOTE: Pax Christi USA is a supporter of the Poor People’s Campaign and encouraging participation among our members and groups in these activities.
from the Sisters of Mercy Justice Team (adapted)
We cannot declare the immoral reality that democracy is in peril and then not engage with the moral challenge of nonviolent direct action.” ~ Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II
The Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival along with dozens of partners groups, 40+ state coordinating committees, and thousands of faith leaders are joining together for a Season of Nonviolent Moral Direct Action, July 12 – August 8 to address threats to democracy. The campaign includes four “Moral Mondays,” calling for:
- Ending the Filibuster
- Passing all provisions of the For the People Act
- Fully restoring the 1965 Voting Rights Act
- Raising the federal minimum wage to $15/hour
TAKE ACTION #1: Please join today’s National Call-in Day to senators, plus a press conference (1pm ET/10am PT) in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C., available for viewing via the Poor People’s Campaign Facebook page. The following Mondays will include nonviolent civil disobedience in D.C. and in states across the country. More details here.
You may call both of your senators today through the U.S. Capitol switchboard (202) 224-3121. Once connected to your senators, you can use/adapt these talking points:
I am {NAME} from {CITY/TOWN}, a person of faith connected with Pax Christi USA. As a supporter of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival, I urge the senator to push for ending the filibuster, passing all provisions of the For the People Act, fully restoring the 1965 Voting Rights Act, and raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour.
TAKE ACTION #2: Pax Christi USA members are also invited to sign onto the Poor People’s Campaign’s the Open Letter to Congress and the White House.
Background
In the halls of power and our nation’s highest court, wealthy elites with a vested interest are actively undermining American democracy. There is overwhelming popular support for federal protection of voting rights, a $15 minimum wage, universal access to healthcare, comprehensive immigration reform and investment in sustainable infrastructure. But none of these policies have been enacted because of the use of the non-constitutional filibuster to block efforts to establish justice and provide for the general welfare.
When our democracy is in peril, to talk of compromise is morally indefensible and constitutionally inconsistent.
Please note that there is a very good article today at Scheerpost, by Chris Hedges, about drone warfare and trying to obtain leniency for Daniel Hale.
We’ve got an article in support of Daniel ready to go up tomorrow too Martina. Thanks!