This post is a list of actions I have taken, updated as they occur, in response to the new government’s stance on issues that reflect equality, non-discrimination, and of course, science.

I also include a list of resources that reflect various efforts to organise action in response to the anti-science positions taken by the Trump government.

Resource List:

  • The sixtyfive has compiled a list of scripts for practically every issue under the sun. If you have a moment free between 9 and 5, use this site to make some phone calls.
  • The AAAS’ website on the first 100 days of Trump and ways in which scientists can make their voices heard amidst the din. It will only be updated through the first 100 days of this administration. It contains “information on President Trump’s Administration including Cabinet appointments; white papers, transition statements, and letters from the scientific community; and news and other resources”
  • Indivisible: Former staffers’ tips on how to make Congress listen.
  • Autocracy: rules for survival
  • For a weekly checklist on how to stay engaged in the issues that matter the most – look no further: https://goo.gl/8Vvi7I (below, when I post something from the checklist look for the *#* to indicate the source)
  • Concerned about healthcare and the repealing of the ACA? This is a play-by-play to obstructing that repeal from ever happening. It is INCREDIBLE. We can actually do this.
  • Physicians for Reproductive Health: a must-read for anyone wondering why all these horrific women keep wanting to kill their babies with contraceptives. #contraceptivessavelives. Read stories from Voice of Courage here, and if you can, share one yourself (you can do so anonymously)

Action List!

  • Monday February 6, 2017
    • Trump likes women who work for him to dress like they are women. I joined the growing movement of scientists letting him know how we #dresslikeawoman while being #actuallivingscientists and how it would be additionally quite nice if he could begin acting like a President himself. Sometimes, you need to hear from strong women to be one yourself.
    • *#* Oppose Betsy deVos by Monday, February 6.
      We need one more senate Republican to block her. If you live in the states below, call today. We need your voice. (hat tip)
      Call: The number below. Leave a message if no answer.
      Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) 202-224-4521, 602-840-1891 or 520-575-8633
      Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) (202) 224-6521 or (785) 628-6401
      Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) (202) 224-6551 or (402) 441-4600
      Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV) (202) 224-6244 or (702) 388-6605
      Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) (202) 224-4254 or (814) 453-3010
      Sen. Shelley Capito (R-WV) (202) 224-6472 or 304-347-5372
      Script: Hi! I’m a constituent in _ZIP code_. I am calling to ask _senator_ to vote no on Betsy DeVos for Secretary of Education. (If you have a child in school, explain how they would be affected.)
    • Late last week, congress passed into law an incredible bill in Arkansas: it allows, among other things, the following:
      • women’s husbands to sue doctors for performing abortions on foetuses sired by them,
      • in cases of spousal rape, the husband cannot sue the doctor but can still sue to block her from having an abortion
      • a woman’s family or legal guardian to do the same if the woman is a minor
      • it bans all D&E procedures, which usually come into play 14 weeks after conception
      • In four other states where this type of law was passed, appeals have resulted in the laws being struck down.
      • *#* Help the ACLU of Arkansas fund a campaign to strike this bill down before it goes into effect this summer
    • *#* If you have a private fax number (which I do not, sadly)
      • Oppose bill forcing states to manage national parks.

        Fax: 202-225-5629 Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT).

        Script: Rescind HR622. Federal lands need federal protection! (source)

      • Oppose drilling on public, taxpayer-supported wild lands.

        Fax: 202-226-9739 Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) and

        Fax: (202) 225-5929 US House Committee on Natural Resources.

        Script: I oppose J46. Don’t make it easier to drill on park land!

        (source) 

    • I called Representative Ann Wagner to ask of  her position on Rep. Murphy’s bill to make sure that no one whose background is purely political can sit on the NSC. I was told by her staffer that they do not think that Congress should interfere with Presidential appointees in general. Wonderful – so if Trump decides to put Putin on our NSC it’s good to know that Wagner would just sit on her arse and do nothing. As it stands, Wagner is letting a known misogynist, racist, and all-round-horrible-person who thinks that she, as a woman, is too dumb to join the table, join the table. Good for you Rep. Wagner. Way to represent common sense and your sex.
    • I’ve decided to take Jen Hofman’s advice and report hate speech when I see it. Here’s my first complaint to Twitter:
    • I just thanked Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Susan Collins (R-ME) for opposing the deVos confirmation. Let’s hope they really do hold out until Tuesday at mid-day when the vote is scheduled for.
    • Then, I thanked Sen. Susan Collins for standing up to speak out against Bannon.
    • Finally, I thanked the hell out of Judge Robart for standing up for reason – for his bravery and for a ruling that will go down in the history books. He got a specially wonderful postcard for that!
    • Rep. Beth Fukumoto disliked Trump when he was running for office, and continued to dislike him after he won. For that, she was voted off being the Minority Leader. She had this to say:
      • “So I’m going ask you today to get involved. Testify at the legislature, run for office, help run a campaign, but do it with kindness. Show kids that everyone’s voice matters even when they believe the opposite thing that you do. Teach them that everyone deserves respect, and let them know that in the end — love will always win. Thank you.”
  • Monday, January 30, 2017
    • Urged my representatives to support the Statue of Liberty Values Act (SOLVe) to reverse Trump’s executive order on immigration. Via NIAC Action
    • Explored the AAAS website with resources for scientists during the first 100 days of Trump. I shall now abbreviate that to F100DoT.
    • Identified my representatives and got their contact information for all possible offices.
    • Ordered some really brightly coloured post cards and stamps!
    • Contacted the White House by their contact-page and let them know the following (directed to POTUS): “Dear Mr. President,I oppose the executive order banning entry to the US by green card-carrying residents, dual passport-holding residents, legal citizens, and vetted, peaceful refugees. This action is unconstitutional and un-American, and it is not worthy of this great nation. It is also ludicrous that should you choose to do this, that you leave countries with verified terrorists who have performed acts of terror on American soil off the list and instead, persecute others for periods of up to 90 days. The disruption to the lives of good, law-abiding people has been drastic. It can only make those who have been targeted hate us. And hate is of no good to anyone.Sincerely,

      Mrinalini”

    • Donated to the National Immigration Law Center: https://www.nilc.org/
    • Signed this petition to “Immediately release Donald Trump’s full tax returns, with all information needed to verify emoluments clause compliance.” Incidentally it was created on January 20, 2017 and requires 100,000 signatures for the WH to respond (if they are continuing to do that). It now has 448,799 signatures. It might be the most signatures they have ever received for a petition. All in 10 days.
    • Absolutely LOVING this checklist that’s helping me stay engaged: https://goo.gl/8Vvi7I
    • Signed this petition to “Divest or put in a blind trust all of the President’s business and financial assets”
    • Signed this petition (that REALLY needs help!) to “Demand Trump administration add LGBT rights, climate change, and civil rights back to list of issues on wh.gov site”
    • Sent an email to my Senators with my personal story on health care – and why the ACA should NOT be repealed before a functional replacement has been invented.