Action Items: Week of March 20th

Whooo, boy.  So many things are happening now that it's difficult to pick just a few action items!  Take these as a jumping off point.

1.  Don't let Gorsuch fly under the radar!

I know there's a lot going on lately, but hearings are starting on Neil Gorsuch's Supreme Court nomination.  Now, let's not even get started on the fact that the failure of the GOP to even hold hearings on Merrick Garland is a continuing disgrace, nor that nobody under massive investigations should be allowed to name a justice that will serve until the icy hand of death (or retirement) checks and balances him.  Gorsuch seems like a reasonable pick in the Scalia mold in that he's a well respected jurist and senators may feel they have to confirm him.  However, he has consistently ruled for big business and for the rights of religious believers over others, as his Hobby Lobby and Little Sisters of the Poor rulings have indicated.  His ruling that employees can be denied basic healthcare because of a religious belief that is counterfactual but "sincerely held" is dangerous and has no place on the Supreme Court.  Call your senators and tell them.

Senator Lindsey Graham
DC Office: (202) 224-5972
Midlands Office: (803) 933-0112

Senator Tim Scott
DC Office: (202) 224-6121
Midlands Office: (803) 771-6112

"Hi, I'm ____ and I'm Senator _____'s constituent from ______.  I'm calling to urge the senator to vote against the confirmation of Neil Gorsuch because I don't trust him to protect Americans from the religious beliefs of others.  I also do not feel that any justice, no matter how well qualified, should be confirmed until Merrick Garland recieves an appropriate hearing."

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/jurisprudence/2017/03/neil_gorsuch_s_confirmation_hearings_must_focus_on_his_views_on_religious.html

2.  Meals on Wheels?  Seriously?

Yeah, seriously.  Among many, many, many other programs, the Republican budget (which probably won't pass, but this gives an idea of what they want) cuts funding for Meals on Wheels, the service all those nice people volunteer for that brings a meal and some conversation to elderly and disabled people.  If you've got some time, please consider volunteering with this program; you may be the only person many homebound people see all day.  If you can't give time, consider giving money. Locally, contact Anne Shissias, Director of In-Home & Community Based Services with Senior Resources, by calling 803.252.7734 ext. 234 or by emailing ashissias@seniorresourcesinc.org.

https://www.seniorresourcesinc.org/our-services/meals-wheels

3.  Did you kiss Joe Wilson?  I hear he's Irish!

Joe Wilson hasn't held any town halls during his time in district.  He did, however, have plenty of time to smile and wave from atop a Humvee at the St. Patrick's Day parade.  Call him and demand he face his constituents.

Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District)
DC Office (202) 225-2452
Midlands Office: (803) 939-0041

"Hi, I'm Representative Wilson's constituent from ________.  I saw Mr. Wilson had the time to ride in the St. Patrick's Day Parade.  When will he be holding a town hall to hear his constituents' concerns face to face?"