It is with heavy hearts that we observe today the anniversary of our nation's independence from Great Britain in 1776. This date signifies the birth of our nation and is a day for commemorating the principles of liberty and equality upon which the United States was founded.
Yet, it is impossible to feel celebratory after yesterday's gut punch. In spite of the dedicated work of so many of us, House Republicans passed a monstrosity of a bill that will cut taxes for billionaires and corporations, kick 17 million people off their health insurance, eliminate food assistance to at least 3 million Americans, jeopardize school meal access for more than 18 million children, and add more than $3 trillion in debt. It will make a recession more likely, inflation last longer, and raise costs on approximately 80 million Americans.
Let's all take this long weekend to grieve, lick our wounds and swear at any preferred inanimate objects. It's ok to feel sad, angry and discouraged.
Then, on Monday, we'll be back to work. We are playing the long game, and cannot afford to let setbacks deter us from our dedication to the fight for right. ✊✊✊
As Robert Hubbell said in his newsletter last night, "It was a tough day that we did our best to avoid. As I wrote yesterday, no effort is wasted, even when we lose. Our losses contribute to the foundation of experience and dedication that give us purchase for our next attempt to bend the arc ever so slightly back to the path of justice and humanity."
After taking a break this weekend, we encourage you to read this excellent and encouraging piece, "Did the Republicans Just Blow Up the Trump Coalition?" by the brilliant political strategist and commentator Dan Pfeiffer of Pod Save America. According to Pfeiffer,"Democrats have an opportunity and an imperative to make sure every voter in America knows what Trump and the Republicans just did....By passing a bill that will kick his own voters off their health care and food assistance, raise their costs, and close the hospitals in their communities, Trump and the Republicans made a generational political miscalculation."
Now, it's up to us to make them pay for it. And we'll start working on that goal on Monday. See you all on the other side! We are in this fight together.
