Do you have ideas for what to say on the phone? I have never called a representative or senator before and I have extreme social anxiety, I usually don't even call family members or friends. I know this is important but I really don't know what to say. That isn't your responsibility so feel free to decline or throw this out I just don't know what else to do nobody in my family would call for me, they'd get mad if I asked.
bethylgrixon said: Do you have any script(s) for calling your representative? I want to call mine about Stephanie Murphy’s bill. (I live in Florida)
hello sweetie pies!! i’m so proud of you for tackling your anxieties and doing something we all hate (talking on the phone) for the sake of a greater good. I’m also happy to tell you that Sen. Mark Warner has introduced a bill that would hopefully subject Bannon’s appointment to Congressional approval. I would recommend something like this:
“Hi, my name is [your name] and I’m a constituent from [your town/zip code]. I’m calling to strongly urge [Rep.’s name] to support Stephanie Murphy and Mark Warner in enabling Congress to keep political operatives like Steve Bannon off the National Security Council. [I don’t like sounding like an alarmist but]* Steve Bannon is a white supremacist who has openly stated his intention to destroy the regulatory state and he should NOT be given a seat on a level with military and security experts. Will you please pass that message on to the senator/congresswoman? [pause 4 them to say yes.] Thanks.”
*i feel more comfortable using these little asides bc i really DON’T like sounding like an alarmist but i know i DO. you may prefer to stick to a less personal script.
IF YOU’RE FEELING BOLDER, FEEL FREE TO CUSTOMIZE! FOR INSTANCE:
“If [Rep’s name] doesn’t support these bills, it will allow a dangerous ideologue to undermine our national security, and my community and I will work to ensure that someone more responsible gets her seat in the next election. Will you tell her that? Thanks.”
I recommend googling first to see if your rep has a stated position on Steve Bannon. If they do, it’s probably “I don’t like this guy:” thank them for standing against him and say that supporting these bills is a concrete way to keep him away from the levers of power. If they haven’t said anything, or if by some bananas chance they like him, 1) I’m sorry and 2) keep hammering the “Steve Bannon is a threat to national security and if you enable him we will oust you” angle.
AGAIN UR SO BRAVE AND ILY!!!!! Any other recommendations, guys?
ETA FROM @kavkakati: “I also like to thank the call reciever at the end? just to say “thank you for your time answering the calls” or w/e.” very good advice yes!
