Dec 28, 2016

Anywhere: #dairyisscary

Warning. This link goes to an Instagram photo of cow's milk that you wouldn't want to drink. Only click if you expect the color of it will not offend you. The photo is shared by @TorontoCowSave
https://www.instagram.com/p/BOkDBHnhnHk/

Dec 24, 2016

USA: Thank You for Dec19 and Carry On from ActionNetwork.org

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "December19.us via ActionNetwork.org" <hello@democracyspring.org>
Date: Dec 23, 2016 11:56 AM
Subject: Thank You
To:

liz --

On December 19, 2016, more than 7,000 Americans from all 50 states and the District of Columbia converged on their state capitols in an unprecedented act of national protest to an incoming president. There has never been a 50-state-wide protest of the Electoral College vote to contest an election result's legitimacy and defend our democracy. The action got HUGE media coverage and made it clear that Donald Trump does not represent the will of the people.

Tragically but unsurprisingly, only two Republican Electors had the courage to vote against Trump in the face of threats and intimidation. He will be the next president of the United States.

But make no mistake: on December 19, we showed the nation that Trump is going to limp into office without a mandate, without majority public support, and with a growing movement arrayed against his administration's regressive agenda. We lifted up the issues of voter suppression, the extreme inequality of Electoral College system, and Russian interference in our election into the media spotlight. We demonstrated that Trump's presidential victory is both illegitimate and the most undemocratic in modern American history.

We were not able to stop Trump, but we deeply undermined his legitimacy and mandate.
While any Trump victory is hard to stomach, we at the December19 coalition feel incredibly proud of everything we've accomplished together. Hundreds of volunteer organizers and thousands of grassroots activists like you stepped up very quickly to make this historic day of action a reality. Thank you for your dedication, your passion, your creativity, and your hard work. None of this would have been possible without it.
Going forward, the four organizations of the December19 coalition will continue to collaborate as much as we can, we but we will no longer maintain a formal partnership. Therefore, we want to use this opportunity to share something about each organization and give you the chance to get involved. In the days to come, you will hear from each of us about the next steps we'll take to keep up the fight in these very challenging times.

Americans Take Action: a network of populists who believe that the American government should represent we the people once again, that the economy should work for all of us, and that the internet should remain free and open for generations to come.

Democracy Spring: a movement organization committed to ending the corruption of big money in politics and protecting the right to vote for all Americans through a national strategy of nonviolent civil resistance, rooted in local teams.

Electoral College Petition: the largest petition in Change.org history. More than 4.9 million people have signed on to ask the Electors to vote their conscience, and vote against Donald Trump.

Progressive Change Campaign Committee: a national grassroots organization finding and training progressives to run for office, helping progressives unite around bold messaging, holding Trump and members of Congress accountable, and highlighting the voices of Trump voters who realize Trump betrayed them.

One of the most powerful things about 2016 and the December19 campaign was just how many people are getting involved in politics for the first time. We urge you to stay involved with one or more of the December19 coalition partners so that together our movement to defend democracy and defy Trump will thrive in the months and years ahead.
Finally, we have a few housekeeping items for you:

The D19 Slack team and Facebook event pages are shared resources of the coalition. They will remain live and online as spaces for future collaboration between grassroots activists and for coalition organizations to present opportunities for future engagement.
We are compiling a running list of media hits from December 19. Click here to view the list. Please note that this is not a comprehensive resource. If you have press hits you'd like to add, please post them in the #press channel in Slack.
We are compiling photos from December 19 protests. Click here to view the photo catalogue. Please note that this is not a comprehensive resource. If you have photos you'd like to share, please post them to your state's Slack channel or email hello@democracyspring.org with the subject line, "PHOTOS - STATE".

Thank you once more for being part of this historic action to stand up against a truly dangerous president-elect. Together, we've demonstrated that We the People are ready to organize and mobilize to defend our democracy and fight for our future.
Onward,
The December19 Team

Sent via Action Network, a free online toolset anyone can use to organize. Click here to sign up and get started building an email list and creating online actions today.

Action Network is an open platform that empowers individuals and groups to organize for progressive causes. We encourage responsible activism, and do not support using the platform to take unlawful or other improper action. We do not control or endorse the conduct of users and make no representations of any kind about them.

Dec 15, 2016

USA: Electoral College Protest at All State Capitols Monday Dec 19

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Keith Rouda, BoldProgressives.org" <info@boldprogressives.org>
Date: Dec 13, 2016 7:24 PM
Subject: Electoral College protest at the Washington State Capitol Monday.
To:

Liz,
Yesterday, 10 Electors demanded an intelligence briefing on Russian meddling in the Election. Now, that number has climbed to 40. According to Politico, the Republican National Committee and the Trump campaign are so concerned about the Electoral College vote on Monday, they are even monitoring Electors social media activity.
The bigger the crowds and media attention when Electors go to every state capitol on Monday Dec 19th to cast their votes, the better equipped they will be to do the right thing and do the will of the people -- and the more we'll debunk Trump's claim of a "mandate" after he lost the popular vote and was helped by Russia.
Here's are 3 ways to take action:

If you can go to your state capitol by 9 am on Monday, Dec. 19, click here to RSVP. If you're a maybe, click here. If you can't attend, but support this action, click here.
Chip in $3 to those organizing Electoral College protests. Putting on 50 protests in one week is a monumental undertaking requiring staff, security, and massive logistics.
Urge other groups you are a part of -- nationally and locally -- to support these protests. Email and Tweet at them with this link to the protest website.

In a letter to the Director of National Intelligence requesting a full briefing on Russian meddling, the Electors write:

"The Constitution envisions the Electoral College as a deliberative body that plays a critical role in our system of government -- ensuring that the American people elect a president who is constitutionally qualified and fit to serve...

"The Electors require to know from the intelligence community whether there are ongoing investigations into ties between Donald Trump, his campaign or associates, and Russian government interference in the election, the scope of those investigations, how far those investigations may have reached, and who was involved in those investigations. We further require a briefing on all investigative findings, as these matters directly impact the core factors in our deliberations of whether Mr. Trump is fit to serve as President of the United States."

The protests at every state capitol on Dec 19 will stiffen Democratic resolve to fight. And by drawing attention to the Russian election tampering and Trump losing the popular vote by over 2.8 million, Republican claims of a "mandate" will be seen as a mockery.
Take action. Here are 3 things you can do:

If you can go to your state capitol by 9 am on Monday, Dec. 19, click here to RSVP. If you're a maybe, click here. If you can't attend, but support this action, click here.
Chip in $3 to those organizing Electoral College protests. Putting on 50 protests in one week is a monumental undertaking requiring staff, security, and massive logistics.
Urge other groups you are a part of -- nationally and locally -- to support these protests. Email and Tweet at them with this link to the protest website.

Thanks for being a bold progressive.
-- Keith Rouda, PCCC organizer

Want to support the Warren wing? Senator Elizabeth Warren says, "When PCCC members donate millions in small-dollar donations and make millions of phone calls for progressive candidates, leaders in Washington, they take notice." Chip in $3 here.

FOLLOW US:

Paid for by the Progressive Change Campaign Committee PAC (www.BoldProgressives.org) and not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. Contributions to the PCCC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

Canada, Mexico and beyond: Madness in Mexico (Graphic) (Take Action!) | Mercy for Animals

---------- Forwarded message ----------

From: Mercy For Animals <info@mercyforanimals.org>
Date: Thu, Dec 15, 2016 at 1:05 PM
Subject: Madness in Mexico
To:

December 15, 2016

DONATE TODAY

Madness in Mexico

Narrated by Latin American star Eugenio Derbez, MFA's third investigative video from Mexico exposes extreme animal cruelty in government-owned slaughterhouses. Help us stop this. Take action.

Hot off the Press!

The new issue of MFA's CL magazine is here! Read exclusive interviews, learn about delicious new vegan products, and get up-to-date on everything going on at MFA. Check it out.

Transport Torture

Canada's new transport guidelines leave farmed animals to suffer unbearably. Let's push the Canadian government to do better and adopt meaningful reforms. Act now.

Dazzling Dietitians

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has come out strongly in favor of plant-based diets for both kids and adults, stating they reduce risk of health problems. Read on.

Malignant Meat

Should meat come with a cancer warning? A food watchdog group says yes in a new petition to the USDA. Will meat be the new cigarette? Find out.

Meat Without Murder

From beef and bacon to deli slices and sausages, we've compiled the best vegan meats that money can buy. Get all the taste without the torture. Go now.

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USA: Urgent! Daily Kos Recommended News Items - Please share

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Daily Kos Recommended" <campaigns@dailykos.com>
Date: Dec 15, 2016 9:38 AM
Subject: All hell breaks loose: North Carolina GOP's coup d'état starts today
To:

Daily Kos Recommended

Log in or sign up to post articles and comments on Daily Kos, the nation's largest progressive community.

Thanks for all you do,
The Daily Kos team

Daily Kos, PO Box 70036, Oakland, CA, 94612.

P.S. Please help keep Daily Kos strong by chipping in $3.
To opt-out ONLY from emails featuring highly recommended Daily Kos content, visit this link.

Sent via ActionNetwork.org. To update your email address or to stop receiving emails from Daily Kos, please click here.

Earth: Support strong, united action to eliminate nuclear weapons

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Physicians for Social Responsibility" <psrnatl@psr.org>
Date: Dec 13, 2016 4:01 AM
Subject: Support strong, united action to eliminate nuclear weapons
To:

If you are unable to view the message below, please click here

Dear Liz,

These times call for strong, united action. PSR is broadening its collaboration network with others in both national and international spheres to abolish nuclear weapons.
Will you support PSR's New Leadership Challenge with a donation today? So much is at stake.
Nothing less than a transformational change in U.S. nuclear weapons policy will pave the way to true security. PSR is teaming up with Soka Gakkai International (a Buddhist organization) to plan a conference in Washington, DC on this topic. The meeting will be in April or May and will bring together high-profile figures, panels of medical, scientific, and policy experts, and leaders of the faith community.
We also support the U.N. treaty to ban nuclear weapons. In a stunning victory for PSR and our international partners, the U.N. First Committee voted on October 27 to begin negotiations in 2017 for a nuclear weapons ban treaty.
In preparation for the many ways we expect to work with the Trump administration, we'll convene three full-day classes to train individuals to become educators on the Humanitarian Impact Initiative.
We have an incredibly strong Security team, but they need your solid support. Thanks for standing with us, and for giving your most generous gift.

In health,

Renee Nida
Database Manager
PS We need new leaders in the fight against nuclear weapons. Please become part of our New Leadership Challenge by donating!

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Physicians For Social Responsibility
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USA: Bring the Buffalo Home

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Organic Consumers Association" <ronniecummins@organicconsumers.org>
Date: Dec 9, 2016 6:39 AM
Subject: Bring the Buffalo Home
To:

Tweet | Pinterest

Subscribe & Read Past Issues | OCA Homepage | Donate | View on Web

ESSAY OF THE WEEK

What if . . . ?

Collective action in Standing Rock to defend the sacred

Photo: Dallas Goldtooth, Sacred Stone Camp Facebook

Reporters and activists are, rightfully so, holding up the Standing Rock victory as a shining example of how, by breaking out of our single-issue and limited-constituency silos, and standing our common ground against corporations and politicians, we create a powerful synergy capable of protecting our common home.
We should follow this example more often, as Naomi Klein recently suggested:

The line between resistance and results is bright and undeniable. That kind of victory is rare precisely because it's contagious, because it shows people everywhere that organizing and resistance is not futile. And as Donald Trump moves closer and closer to the White House, that message is important indeed.

Couldn't agree more. Let's replicate this model of solidarity and resistance over and over as we face what could well turn out to be the greatest threats in modern history to our health, our environment and our basic rights.
But let's not stop there.
What if instead of declaring victory and moving on to the next battle, we could leave the Standing Rock community with the inspiration and tools and resources to restore their land to the fertile, biodiverse, productive resource that it once was?
What if, instead of limiting ourselves to staving off the next attack, we applied ourselves, with equal passion, to the task of collaborating with the water protectors to build the foundation for a cleaner, healthier environment, a healthier and stronger community, and improved economic and climate stability?
What if we altered the course of the future for our brothers and sisters at Standing Rock, and made possible what activist and author Derrick Jensen describes as "a time after where life flourishes, where buffalo can come home, and the same for salmon and prairie dogs and prairies and forests and carbon and rivers and mountains?"
Read 'Standing Rock: Can We Bring the Buffalo Home?

ACTION ALERT

No Place Like Home

Want to rid the world of toxic chemicals? There's no better place to start than in your own community. But how does an "ordinary" citizen with no political experience get the ball rolling?
With our friends at Beyond Pesticides, we've created an online tool that lets you see which communities in the U.S. have already banned or restricted the use of toxic pesticides and herbicides. You'll even find the full text for each law—so instead of starting from scratch, you can just replicate or adapt existing laws for your own community.
More than 115 communities in 21 states have passed ordinances to protect their citizens from exposure to toxic chemicals—and in almost all those cases, it was a citizen-led group, not a city lawmaker, who led the charge.
Check out the newly launched Map of Local Pesticide Reform Policies, then sign up to learn how you can get started in your community. The map will be updated regularly. If your city, county or state has passed legislation but you're not on the map, contact info@beyondpesticides.org.
Check out the Map of Local Pesticide Reform Policies
Read the press release
TAKE ACTION: Put your city on the map! Learn how you can make your community pesticide-free

SUPPORT THE OCA & OCF

#InfiniteHope

We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope. - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Next week, we'll officially kick off our annual year-end fundraising campaign. But like most nonprofits that are gearing up for near-apocalyptic type battles, over everything from public and environmental health to basic human rights, we're getting an early start.
No use sugar coating it. We will need to raise money to build a #ConsumerRevolution and #PoliticalRevolution on a scale meaningful enough to counter what is shaping up to be one of the most financially and politically corrupt administrations in our lifetimes.
But we want you to know that in the coming months we will ask you for much more than money. In 2017, we're going to step up our ask, as we ask you to step away from your laptops and phones. We will ask you to come out and join not only your fellow food and farming activists, but the many other activists in countless other movements. So that, together, we can build a new and unprecedented force that will have a real impact in the marketplace, and on the political landscape.
Because #InfiniteHope requires that we view our many battles through a common lens. And commit to working together.
In 2017, we will ask you to boycott with a vengeance, to show solidarity against corrupt and polluting corporations.
In 2017, we will ask you to find revolutionary candidates to run for office—or run yourselves. We'll ask you to start in your community, your Congressional District, your backyard.
The clock is running out. Incremental "progress" won't get the job done. It's time to go long, or go home.
Martin Luther King is famous for another quote: "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." We are facing a moral crisis when it comes to our right, and the right of future generations, to health and a healthy environment. The arc won't bend on its own.
As you consider what organizations and efforts you want to support in 2017, we ask that you consider supporting our work. Thank you.
Donate to the Organic Consumers Association (tax-deductible, helps support our work on behalf of organic standards, fair trade and public education)
Donate to the Organic Consumers Fund (non-tax-deductible, but necessary for our GMO labeling legislative efforts)
Support OCA's Regeneration International Project (tax-deductible, helps support our work on behalf of organic, regenerative agriculture and climate change)

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

'Living Dangerously'

On Wednesday, December 6, National Geographic launched its "Years of Living Dangerously" series on climate change. To mark the event, Citizens Climate Lobby is encouraging local U.S. chapters to host house parties, beginning December 8, so members can get together to watch and discuss the series.
In this two-minute teaser, actor Bradley Whitford (he played White House Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman on the NBC television drama "The West Wing") challenges viewers to do the uncomfortable—reach out to people they disagree with, and find some common ground on the global warming issue.
Discouraged by the lack of interest and progress by politicians, Whitford says the good news is that the people are way ahead of the politicians when it comes to understanding how dire the situation is.
Watch the video
Contact your nearest Citizens' Climate Lobby chapter to find a party near you!
Watch more 'Living Dangerously' episodes

FAIR WORLD PROJECT

Partially Fair?

The world of consumer labeling is far from perfect. Just look at the mess created by allowing companies to slap a "natural," "all-natural," or "100% Natural" on products containing everything from GMOs, to additives to toxic chemicals like glyphosate.
That said, there are a few labels you can count on. A certified organic product must contain ingredients that are at least 95-percent organic. A product labeled "vegan" is reliably 100-percent—not partially, plant-based. The same goes for a certified Kosher product—there are no ingredients in that product that are only "partially" Kosher.
Unfortunately, in the world of fair trade certifications, standards are much lower. A product can be certified and labeled "Fair Trade" even if only a mere 20 percent of its ingredients are actually fair trade. Most producers take advantage of that low standard. The one exception is Fair for Life, which has consistently adhered to a higher standard. Unfortunately, the folks running Fair for Life may soon trade in their high standards for the 20-percent rule—unless consumers can convince them otherwise.
Compare eco-social and fair trade certifications
TAKE ACTION: Don't Let Fair Trade Lose Its Meaning!

REGENERATION INTERNATIONAL

From Biomedicine to Beets

Yosef Camire used to be a biomedical engineer. Today he's pulling beets, harvesting spinach and making compost on his family's regenerative vegetable farm in Peyton, Colo.—a farm that produces 40,000 pounds of produce every year.
How did that happen?
In 2014, Camire and his family founded Ahava Farm because they wanted to have an impact on climate change, land restoration and food security. In an interview with our Regeneration International team, Camire said he's now growing 75-plus varieties of heirloom-only produce. He's also raising about 225 chickens and 30 ducks, for eggs, and maintains a few top-bar beehives for pollination and honey. Fourteen alpacas provide biodiversity and manure and a little wool.
Read RI's interview with the founder of Ahava Farm

LITTLE BYTES

Essential Reading for the Week

Cereal Killers Pay off 'Experts' and Addict Kids
Big Food Faces Annihilation Unless It Moves with Millennials on Health
Diverse Groups Call for a Bold, New Vermont Agriculture. Issue Open Letter to Governor-Elect Scott.
I Listened to the Stories of Those Impacted by Monsanto's Greed
Iowa Company's '100% Pure' Honey Laced with Weed-Killer, Lawsuit Says
12 Reasons Why You Should Be Extremely Concerned about Tyson Foods
This Is How Aspartame Causes Obesity

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