Hello, Freedom Writers of Western Mass! We’re so glad you’re here!
In Today’s Post:
CARE over CUTS - Messaging Matters!
Next Postcard Distribution: Sunday, Oct 12
The American Revolution - A new Ken Burns PBS series, premieres Nov. 16
CAD Actions - Take these important actions today!
Western Mass Action Calendar / Standouts
INFO SHEETS - For Your Information
CARE over CUTS - Messaging Matters and the faster we can align around “CARE over CUTS”, the better.
This government shutdown is really a SHOWDOWN between billionaires who want TAX CUTS, and the rest of us who want AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE.
So this phrase, “CARE over CUTS” — let’s adopt it as our mantra and hope that the DEMs catch on ( ! )
Meanwhile, back in The Whitehouse, Trump has completely surrounded himself with people who tell him ONLY what he wants to hear, so we can assume he is clueless about how the country is reacting to the shutdown.
For those of us who care about facts, here are the latest approval ratings:
Real Clear Polling‘s average of polls from Sept. 15 to Oct. 2 shows a 44.9% approval and 53.1% disapproval rate.
According to the most recent Gallup poll, Trump’s job approval rating was at 40%.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll from Sept. 19 to Sept. 21 reported that 41% of those surveyed gave him a favorable approval rating of his performance in office and 58% gave an unfavorable rating.
The New York Times daily average of polls showed a 43% approval and 54% disapproval as of Oct 3.
… Summary: NOW is the time! We have both the MOMENTUM, and we have the MESSAGE.
Post and share the phrase “CARE over CUTS” as far and wide as you can!
And call your Congress People, be they DEMS or MAGA, everyday to urge them to hold the line for “CARE over CUTS,” using this script:
Script:
Please personalize your message with 1–2 sentences about why access to affordable healthcare matters to you or your family before you make these calls.
Get your 1 US Rep’s and 2 US Senators’ Contact Information HERE. _________________________ Hello, this is [Your Name] and I live at [Your Complete Mailing Address including Zip].
Thank you, [Senator/Representative’s Name], for taking my call.
Trump is losing in the polls, and it’s only a matter of time before he implodes over this disastrous shutdown. Meanwhile, I want YOU to stay strong and put CARE over CUTS. Vote NO on any CR that sacrifices affordable healthcare in order to give billionaires more tax cuts.
Americans deserve affordable healthcare! [Add your 1-2 personal sentences here.]
Please, urge your colleagues to support CARE over CUTS along with you! The American people are watching this carefully and we will regard your votes as the measure of your service.
Thank you, in advance, for thinking about what’s best for YOUR CONSTITUENTS instead of what’s best for BILLIONAIRES.
Please get back to me to let me know how you plan to vote. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you.
Please: Call. Every. Day. During the shutdown.
Granted, this is unfortunate. At this point in time, we need to become a nation who calls their F*#!ing elected officials everyday, don’t we? This is what democracy looks like. This is what fighting fascism looks like. Let’s just get over it and do it. Because it matters. Messaging matters.
And we ARE going to win this fight if we have to die trying.
Thank you, Freedom Writers, for helping us save our democracy,
The Freedom Writers are partnering **AGAIN** with Reclaim Our Vote (aka, “The Purple Postcard People”) to urge MORE Black voters to vote on (or before) Nov 4th … this time from Hampton, VA.
The American Revolution - A new Ken Burns PBS series, to premiere Nov. 16
Put this on your calendar now, and help us spread the word about it.
… And, of course, support PBS in every way you can!
“The American Revolution is one of the most important events in human history.” said Ken Burns.
“We went from being subjects to inventing a new concept, citizens, and set in motion democratic revolutions around the globe. As we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our founding, I’m hopeful that people throughout the country will come together to discuss the importance of this history and to appreciate even more what our ancestors did to secure our liberty and freedoms.”
If you are a newsletter editor / blogger / influencer, please consider sharing these actions in your network so we can multiply our power and increase our impact! And, if you are an individual, please subscribe and take these actions with us!
Blue States for Virginia - Help Flip Virginia from Red to BLUE! - November 4th, all eyes are on the Commonwealth of…Virginia, one of the most consequential elections of 2025. Phone bank to help flip Virginia’s Governor, Lt. Governor, and Attorney General from red to blue! Never phone banked? Get the 411! Click HERE to access the action sheet.
BREAKING- Stop the Trump Shutdown! (Indivisible) - Let your Blue State elected officials know you stand with them!
Western Mass Action Calendar / Standouts
As we tumble headlong into the Trump Dictatorship, the imperative for courageous resistance only increases. Your country needs you to SHOW UP and CHIP IN to protect our Democracy for future generations.
Mon Oct 6 - RUWMI’s Monthly Meeting
6:15-7:45 PM - Springfield, MA - RUWMI’s (Rise Up Western Mass Indivisible) monthly in-person membership meeting. RUWMI is a Springfield area Indivisible group. This fall is a busy time, and we have lots of actions and event information to share! Use this link to RSVP and we’ll send you more details.
Wed Oct 8 - Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove
7:00 PM - First Church of Longmeadow, Sanctuary - Hear Johnathan Wilson-Hartgrove speak about the work that he and Bishop Barbar are doing. And read their Substack, “Our Moral Moment” HERE.
Sat Oct 18 - No Kings Day
There are now over 2,100 demonstrations planned for Indivisible’s No Kings Day on Oct 18th. If you haven’t signed up to attend one yet, NOW IS THE TIME. CLICK HERE.
The good news is there are SO MANY standouts and rallies happening in Western Mass that we can’t list them all here, but can find them on MOBILIZE
(If you’re new to Mobilize, see instructions on how to use it below.)
Fri 9/26/25 (and every Friday) 4:00 - 6:00 pm Town: Longmeadow Stand Up Against Violence Stephan Platzer FOR MORE INFO: North corner of Longmeadow Street and Western Drive. Please check with Stephan if your sign is appropriate at: stephanplatzer844@gmail.com
Thu 10/16/25 (and every 3rd and 5th Thursday) 4:00 - 5:30 pm Town: Longmeadow LARC-LDTC Standouts LARK-LDTC FOR MORE INFO: Corners of Longmeadow Street and Western Drive. For more info: 413-567-3451
To use MOBILIZE, click on this LINK, then click on the FILTERS button and enter Type = Visibility events, then Near = Your Town.
5 Calls App - Set Up Instructions - This beautiful instruction sheet was written by 3 people who are all over 70 years old. If they can do it, you can do it.
