We still have a ways to push this rock up the damned hill, so read on for what you can do today and tomorrow…. And then at 7pm, hook up with someone you love and pray with your favorite beverage.  

Today’s note is short, largely encouragement to vote and to do something to help GET OUT THE VOTE (info below). But first I want to share some reactions to the note I sent Friday encouraging people to vote for Hillary.

1.  It was by far the most-read blast I have sent.
2.  I got a handful of highly critical comments for being hypocritical to advance a progressive agenda and also encourage votes for HRC.
3.  I got many more emails thanking me for speaking out, with a few describing how the note had convinced them of what to do and others thanking me for being a voice this past 18 months.
4.  I also had six folks who unsubscribed, likely Bernie-or-Busters or HRC supporters who don’t appreciate references to holding one’s nose.

I want to address # 4. I think this election process has caused most of us to shut our ears and exist in our own information silos. As a nation we have ceased listening to anything that doesn’t affirm our world view. That goes for Trumpsters, Hillary folks, and Bernie folks. That also goes for me. I spent 15 months doing all I could to oppose anything and anyone who opposed Bernie. But I wonder, through all the social media, e-blasts, and conversations: how many people changed their minds? How many listened and considered?

I think come Nov 9, we need to do more listening and find ways to effectively communicate with those who may disagree with us, but who also either already share some of our values and priorities, or could.  Maybe outside the framework of contested primaries and contested elections, this will be more possible.

For now, if you have some time and live in or near Santa Fe, you can contact Francesca for more info on how you can help get out the vote, checkamarq@gmail.com, 505-467-8514. Phone banking, flyer drops, and canvassing are going on all day today, and on Tuesday phone banking and rides to polls will be coordinated from there.

Wherever you live, click here for contact info for four campaigns, as well as info on last minute efforts supporting Liz Stefanics.

In NM, despite absolutely shameful hit pieces from the GOP and its PACs, polls suggest we may be on the verge of Retaking the Roundhouse, and this morning’s national polls paint a better picture than last week. So hopefully we will not have to sustain our work under a Trump regime.

Fingers crossed.

Beginning Wednesday, Retake will begin working with PDA-Central NM; Working Families Party, NM; OurRevolutionNM; PDA-national, Southwest Organizing Project and other progressive organizations to develop a statewide progressive platform and a statewide communication system to facilitate timely pressure on our state representatives, Washington delegation, and other elected officials. We need to retake our democracy. It is bought and paid for by the corporatocracy and we need to change that. We will keep you informed, encourage your getting involved, and welcome your comments.

For more, sign up at RetaketheRoundhouse.org.

Be well.

Paul

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