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We have resolved to join forces to help preserve our Union,
our Republic, and our democracy.
January 18, 2023
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John,
THE SOAPBOX seeks to keep you connected to what’s happening at The Union and share news about our work to oppose anti-democratic forces in America.
STATE OF THE UNION: Happy New Year and welcome to the next chapter in our work to preserve democracy. Given what we witnessed in the U.S. House of Representatives recently, there is no doubt that the Crazy Caucus controls the agenda. It is an agenda that promises chaos first, leaving all of us last. Make no mistake, Donald Trump continues to be the puppet master, just as he was on January 6, 2021.
But out of this are endless opportunities for us to inform and motivate our fellow citizens to reject crazy. We reject Trump and his cult of extremists. We reject election conspiracies. Instead, we choose to do the hard work necessary to preserve and protect our Constitution and democracy. As Sen. Warnock said in his victory speech — “We all have value. And if we have value, we ought to have a voice.”
THE PLAYBOOK: The 2023 election calendar is full of prospects to advance the cause of democracy. A few states will hold elections for governor, other key statewide offices, and state house and senate contests. Municipal elections are also gearing up. Be sure to review the 2023 election outlook link below and look for alerts from The Union’s Action Center.
2023 Election Outlook
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THE PULSE: Unfortunately, we remain a divided nation. On the two-year anniversary of the insurrection, public opinion remains divided along party lines. While hearings on Capitol Hill, grand jury investigations, and other law enforcement action shed light on what happened January 6 and the endless lies about the 2020 election, public opinion has barely moved. We need to keep telling the truth about the ongoing threats to democracy.
Americans remain divided about Jan. 6
A battle to redeem the soul of America: President Biden honored the legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King in a Sunday speech at Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church. He called the ongoing struggle of protecting democracy and voting rights as a battle to “redeem the soul of America.” His timely call to action comes in stark contrast to the MAGA extremists who are advocating a radical anti-democracy agenda in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Biden urges action to protect democracy
We need your opinion: The 2022 midterm elections were a success for The Union and democracy defenders across the country. As we prepare for 2023 and 2024, we’d appreciate knowing your thoughts on how things went last year. The link below is a short survey to help gather your thoughts and opinions about working with The Union last year.
Feedback survey for The Union
Democracy gets a boost in Virginia: Volunteers for The Union helped deliver pro-democracy victories in Virginia last week. Aaron Rouse from Hampton Roads, and Holly Siebold from Fairfax won their respective special elections. Their wins will help thwart Gov. Youngkin’s ongoing attempts to weaken democracy in the state as he gears up for an expected presidential primary battle against Donald Trump.
Special elections strengthen democracy in Virginia
Biden honors Jan. 6 heroes: President Biden marked the two-year anniversary of the January 6 insurrection by honoring a number of heroes who helped protect democracy leading up to and on that fateful day. The President spoke of the continued dangers posed by election deniers and Trump extremists while House Republicans entered their fourth day of embarrassing failure to select the next Speaker.
Biden honors democracy heroes
Hakeem Jeffries spells out a pro-democracy agenda: In a riveting speech in the early hours of January 7, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries spelled out a pro-democracy agenda saying, “House Democrats are ready to get to work. Defend the progress that has been made. And continue to deliver for the people.”
Jeffries’ “A, B, C” speech
Chaos in the House: The final hours of infighting among House Republicans over who would be elected Speaker revealed the extraordinary influence Donald Trump continues to exert. The anarchy he craves and the chaos he brings shows us all that he remains a clear and present danger to our constitution and way of life.
Chaos reigns in Congress
Failed New Mexico GOP candidate arrested: Solomon Pena, a failed Trump extremist candidate in the Nov. 2022 elections, was arrested recently for ‘masterminding’ a series of shootings at the homes of his political rivals. It is a shocking outcome of the hate-filled rhetoric that election deniers continue to promote. Make no mistake, this is domestic terrorism.
Trump-extremist candidate arrested
It began with Gingrich in 1994: While we all point to the hateful grievance politics of Donald Trump as the fuel for today’s political strife, the root of today’s crisis goes back to 1994 and Newt Gingrich’s ‘burn the House down’ strategy to win Republican control in that year’s midterm elections.
The 1994 midterms and Gingrich’s victory
The report of the January 6th committee: We were riveted by the January 6th committee hearings last year. The committee members deserve our thanks for what they revealed. Here is a link to the full report and all the supporting documents, transcripts, and videos.
January 6th committee report
Invite a friend: Remember to invite a friend to Join the Union today. It will take all of us.
Thank you for your ongoing work to protect democracy.
Together,
The Union
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