What you can do

A short blog post about two things you can do.  I think you all know what I’m talking about.  Look, as the President cuts funding to programs we find value for, there’s really only one choice: pay for it ourselves.  So, with that, I urge you to take a couple bucks, throw it in an envelope and send it to Planned Parenthood or the ACLU or any one of many worthy organizations who will need help in the coming months due to budget shortfalls. 

Too complicated?  What’s in it for me?  Well, sir/madam, have I got the site for you.  Presenting a newly updated www.impeachthemotherfuckeralready.com!  Now with your purchase of ITMFA gear, “all the money raised will be donated to the American Civil Liberties Union, Planned Parenthood, and the International Refugee Assistance Project.”  Let’s make this a thing, no?

Also, I see a lot of posts on FaceBook about what Congress is voting on and when they’re going to vote for something and how they’re going to dismantle this and that.  It’s time to get your civics on so that we can be informed.  A repeal of a law can only be accomplished by a simple majority vote in the House AND a super-majority vote in the Senate (60+ votes).  While Congress can gut the financials of almost any law, they can't touch the things where Federal monies don't play a part.

Secondly, google how a Bill becomes a law.  There are a number of good sites, but The Kids in the House spells it out simply.  It's all about simple majorities, folks.  So, we need to be vigilant that our elected officials are doing what we voted them in for.  That said, if you want to keep up on Congressional comings and goings there’s an app for that.  While it’s still a little slow, Countable for iOS and Android allows you to either link your FaceBook account or create a separate account with your home address so that you can keep track of not only when Congress votes on certain bills, but also when your specific Senator or Congressman/woman votes and how they vote.  You can even set alerts every time they vote.  Also, in the app there are links providing your Congress-people’s phone numbers so that you can call them with your opinion.  These days, elected officials are swamped by e-mails that are easily dismissed.  However, phone calls seem to be far more effective.  If you have an opinion about a bill on either the House or Senate floor, make sure you call your legislators so that they’re working for you.

See?  It’s not so hard to be proactive about your civic rights.  And, with apps like Countable, you’re going to be in-the-know moving forward so that you can express your pleasure and/or displeasure of the actions of your elected officials.  Now, if only they would make an app for state and local legislators…hm.