A team discussion of the just-ended legislative session concluded that it could have been worse. However, there is concern about the number of Democrats who have voted with Republicans on environmental issues. We are disenchanted with Walz, particularly his cancelling transit funding. Let’s hope for more success next time.
Sierra Club is a sponsoring organization with Third Act on Sun Day, which will be on September 21. Third Act is a national organization of old folks who are active in environmental issues. Sun Day will be a celebration of all things solar, primarily solar power. While there will be an information component to the event, the main focus will be on entertainment: music, storytelling, etc. The goal is to have 1000 participants throughout the day, perhaps 200 to 300 at any given time. It should be a lot of fun. Mark your calendars!
The team watched an excellent 17-minute video addressing authoritarianism: Its history and causes and, most important, what can be done to prevent it or recover from it. Dr. Erica Chenweth, a political science professor, gives the lecture. It is very interesting, at times dismaying but ends on an encouraging note.
Another guide is “Resistance Lab:” See here for a PowerPoint presentation on five steps of resistance.
We are all encouraged to call our U.S. Senators, even though Klobuchar and Smith are already on our side. Calls can encourage them to take even more action and emphasize their constituents’ concerns. Amy Klobuchar’s number is 612-727-5220; Tina Smith’s is 202-224-5641.
A “trick” one member has developed: Calling key Republicans, expressing concerns, then hanging up before being asked whether they are constituents. At the least, this will inform Republican Senators that the issues may not be as straightforward as they think.