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deletedOct 17, 2023Liked by Jerry Weiss
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Thank you, Lee.

If you've been reading my posts over the last few months, you know that I've put a lot of trust in Mr. Bacon's integrity. Though we would disagree on most issues, he seems deeply committed to the orderly functioning of the House. I'd be stunned if he were to support an insurrectionist like Jim Jordan for Speaker. Knowing that people like you support him is exactly what he needs at this time.

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But Representative Don Bacon (R-NE) called out the MAGA group that revolted repeatedly against the Republican conference and now is demanding Republican unity for the unpopular Jordan, forcing the party to fully embrace Trump. “I can’t abide by the fact a small group violated the rules to get what they wanted [and] now I’m supposed to play by the rules,” Bacon said. “I think we’ve got to have consequences, and you’ve got to stand up for this. That’s what Americans do.”

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Oct 16, 2023Liked by Jerry Weiss

Called and left a message for all candidates listed above asking them to come up with a consensus candidate and vote against extremism and maga.

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Great! We're nourishing an atmosphere of cooperation, which can be very attractive at this time.

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There was a time when being a loyal Republican or a loyal Democrat meant that one was committed to upholding the principles and laws on which this country was founded and joined a party based on its approach to pursuing the goals described in the Declaration of Independence. Perhaps this movement will presage a return to that idea on the part of more politicians.

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Yes, exactly, Dave. Thank you.

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Hakeem Jeffries on “Meet the Press” last night made the point that rules changes in the House are essential to moving forward. If you missed it, you might try to review on You Tube. It adds text to the conversation.

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Yes Judith, I've heard him make that point a few times.

The problem has been that legislation that could pass the House with bipartisan support has been kept from coming to the floor for a vote, which is why everything in the House has come to a halt, and essential things like the debt ceiling raise became huge crises. We can count on Mr. Jeffries to negotiate a change to those rules as part of putting tohpgether a bioartisan coalition.

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Great work, Jerry! I wholeheartedly agree that the Speaker needs to be a Republican as long as they hold the majority. I respectfully disagree with the suggestion that Democrats are as polarized as Republicans though...ideologically, perhaps, but not tactically.

I recommend that folks use Jess Craven's Resistbot feature from Friday, in addition to your suggestion about phone calls. Here's the post; Resistbot is at the end:

https://open.substack.com/pub/chopwoodcarrywaterdailyactions/p/chop-wood-carry-water-1013-b71

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Great suggestion, Bob. Jessica's a hero.

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I’m not familiar with approaching Representatives and will be sure to call as many of the ones you recommend as possible, but am wondering whether it would also be effective sharing this post with their offices. It’s very well written and expresses our objectives perfectly.

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Sure thing, Mark. Share away. The more people see how broad support is for this proposal the better.

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Let's be part of the solution and start turning this country away from extremism and toward greater unity. Give this post a read and call some Congressman!

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Oct 16, 2023Liked by Jerry Weiss

I always wonder: if you don't actually reside in any of these reps' districts, does it matter to them?

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One of them asks you if you are a constituent on his number and hangs up on you if you are not. His other number will take your message. LOL. Probably not, but numbers matter.

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Always leave a message when you can.

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Yes it does.

Some offices will ask if you're a resident, and I always reply truthfully that I'm not. But, I continue, the issue I'm calling about affects every resident of every district. Then I throw in a compliment like, I know Rep. X is influential so I wanted to share my opinion with them.

(If the phone tree asks to click on one number for resident and another for non-resident, I click on resident just to get through. I've never had an aide refuse to talk with me just because I'm not a constituent.

Does it matter? All politicians are attuned to public opinion. We have to see ourselves as part of a bigger whole. We want them to notice that x number of calls today were about this. It matters.

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Why don't the Democrats recruit the most responsible Republican that can attract 5 votes with the Democratic support? Can Hakeem Jeffries control the Democrats adequately to pick a Republican Speaker? Why don't the DEMOCRATS elect Don Bacon or whoever as Speaker?

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A very narrow margin like that doesn't really provide a working majority. It also endangers the few who cross over. Best solution is one where 20 or more R's are united in breaking with MAGA extremism. I think Mr. Jeffries is trying for even more.

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But Representative Don Bacon (R-NE) called out the MAGA group that revolted repeatedly against the Republican conference and now is demanding Republican unity for the unpopular Jordan, forcing the party to fully embrace Trump. “I can’t abide by the fact a small group violated the rules to get what they wanted [and] now I’m supposed to play by the rules,” Bacon said. “I think we’ve got to have consequences, and you’ve got to stand up for this. That’s what Americans do.”

From HCR this morning (Tuesday)

This is a worse solution. Jim Jordan as speaker is a disaster. Is there any chance to flip the house in November?

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Wouldn't those in purple districts be well served by facilitating responsible governance? The whole MAGA republican base seem insulated from reality. How can that be?

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I live in Canada so it's none of my business, but if Jim Jordan becomes the Speaker - I'm moving to Canada!

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Thanks for this. Look at what happened in Poland. Let's see if we can make that happen here.

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