Dear Friend,
As Amy told you last week, I’ve been recovering from a knee replacement surgery. The only way I could follow the order of “rest” was to binge watch everything I’ve missed this year. And before you ask, yes, I watched The Perfect Neighbor. I won’t spoil it for those of you who don’t remember the story or haven’t watched it, but I will say it’s a particular kind of must-see TV — especially in this current environment. Please watch and amplify it so that AJ’s life can continue to move hearts, laws, and policy.
When I came to the end of my streaming queue, I could no longer ignore the fact that we are losing our democracy. Or is it already lost?
The East Wing of The White House is being demolished. And while initially I had this act lower on my list of things to fret over, I've since realized this act is NOT okay. This is OUR house. Who approved this? If we are to believe new news reports, this demolition is a cover for the fact that they are upgrading the Presidential Emergency Operations Center (i.e. the bunker).
While our military is attacking various vessels, the American public will now only be privy to the talking points the Administration wants to give us. With their new requirements to hold a press pool badge, the few remaining journalists who were willing to ask questions have rightfully walked away. It's a scary day when neither the press nor our elected officials understand why our military is taking aggressive moves against other sovereign nations.
The government shutdown continues, and SNAP (a program that 1 in 8 Americans need) will run out of money next month. That’s 42 million Americans who do not know how they will eat in November.
But we can fight back.
By most estimates, over 7 million people showed up last weekend for No Kings protests around the world. Follow along for what’s next.
We have elections in Virginia, New Jersey, California, Maine, and New York City. Roll up your sleeves and help here.
I do have one more bit of exciting news, but you’ll have to wait until Tuesday for that.
In solidarity and purpose,
Natasha Smith & the GAIN Power team
P.S. We’d love to chat with y’all more — about our democracy, action to take, pop culture, and more. Join our GAIN Power community slack so we can laugh, cry, and support each other.
