#fighting the hate

[daltongraham]

Virtual March for Science

YES, they finally listened and created a virtual march, similar to the one for the women’s march (I hope).

It’s on 22 April 2017. So here’s the dealy bop, if you want to do it. Go here:

https://www.marchforscience.com/rsvp/

Select “D.C.” as your local march...when you get to the registration page, there’s a checkbox for doing the virtual participation.

I hope you will join me!

[daltongraham]

OMFG I’m actually going to DataRescue SF!!!! I got in and so did my partner, which is key because without him there’s no way I’d get through the commute and 8 hours of work. Not at all sure how I’m going to do it but I’m going to beg borrow and steal spoons because FUCK this is how I can best resist. This is the type of work I’m trained for. This is the type of work I adore. 

(Just send good thoughts, if you will, that I can actually survive it and do something helpful)

[daltongraham]

The responsible application of science to government

No date set yet. Very important plan, in the face of today’s gag orders on federally funded scientific organizations (USDA and EPA).

[daltongraham]

Today’s call issue: scientific gag orders

Called my rep and senators today in DC. (Will take me some practice before I have the balls to call their local offices on the same day about the same issue, as one Senate staffer recommended.)

Here's today's phone script, in case you want to use it:

May I speak to the staffer in charge of science? My name is [name] and my zip code is [zip]. I am calling to ask [title, person] to ensure that federal agencies are allowed to communicate with the public about their federally funded work. The president's gag orders are not acceptable. I am also concerned about the presidential order mandating that scientific data be reviewed by political appointees. This is not how science works, and this cannot be allowed to stand. I am an American taxpayer, and I deserve to see the results of the work of my federal agencies. I am counting on [title, person] to help protect my access to this information. Thank you.

[daltongraham]

Representative Jackie Speier at today’s town hall meeting (25 Jan 2017).

I MADE IT THERE. It was amazing. My representative is amazing. It was incredibly energizing.

Here are my main takeaways:

- Phone calls matter. (And they get very few faxes, so I think faxes matter.)

- Generally, Congressfolk are only going to listen to their constituents. But sometimes you can get through to others, such as Senator McCain who had reservations about a cabinet pick. (And you can let them know if you are upset if they don’t follow through.)

- Letters (physical paper letters) to the President are encouraged. Since the White House public phone line is now turned off, letters are your best bet. And Rep Speier said that she believes that the President is not aware of how people feel about such issues as making his tax returns public, taking down White House pages, putting gag orders on organizations that are publicly funded, etc etc. 

More deets below!

Spoon-wise, this was difficult. Migraine in the morning, lots of meds to deal with it. Then started having sharp pain in my side where my surgery was; very alarming. Managed to force myself to shower.

I sat in the front row and Rep Speier shook my hand and spoke to me before the event! Then I was the second person called on. I asked what we do about the gag orders on public agencies. She responded slightly askew, talking about the federal hiring freeze and how our two local VA hospitals have hundreds of job vacancies, for doctors, nurses, orderlies, etc.

She also talked about how executive orders are iffy and usually require Congressional approval or bills to make them take effect. So all these executive orders are really alarming but are questionable as to how much they will do. On the other hand, she mentioned President Obama’s executive order protecting children of illegal immigrants and how that has stood up (so far).

There were lots of questions about how best to express our concerns; her advice on that is summarized above. It was a huge turnout (over 100? I’m terrible at estimating crowd sizes) and folks who didn’t RSVP were forced to stand in the back. I was pleased to find that there was complete step-free access to the venue, including a little lift that had helpful people to staff it.

I am incredibly glad I went. It was really difficult for me, physically, but it made me feel a part of the resistance. And it made me feel like my voice will be heard by this wonderful public servant. She was so smart and well-spoken and engaged! 

Next goal: Senatorial town halls!

[daltongraham]

SQUEE

I got invited to a mini-town hall meeting with my representative TOMORROW...I got invited because I wrote to her! OMG I CAN’T STAND IT THIS IS SO COOL

I squeed all over the office person who called me.

Now, my rep is a Democrat, so yes I’ll voice one or two key concerns (looks like information freedom will be top issue right now) but also I’ll ask how best to work with her, like how often I can contact her and what kind of contact is best (letters? emails?) and such.

*gathers spoons and saves them for tomorrow*

[daltongraham]

(In case you’re not familiar with #DressLikeAWoman, here’s an article on the kerfuffle)