Who do you Call

“The experience of democracy is like the experience of life itself—always changing, infinite in its variety, sometimes turbulent and all the more valuable for having been tested in adversity.”

—Jimmy Carter

There are two features of presidential power which have been weaponized over the last eleven days, cabinet appointments and executive orders. The candidates put forth by the current administration have been a rogues' gallery of alt right, Christian Nationalists, ultra-wealthy, and reality television figures. The executive orders have been strange combination of talking points straight out of Project 2025, Trump's own list of personal grievances and wishlist of the Tech Bro-ligarchy. All around you, cries of "CALL YOUR SENATOR" and "WHAT ARE WE DOING?!" add to the onslaught. It's overwhelming. And as was written before. That's the point.

We need to be tactical and precise when looking at how to address each new outrage. Our government officials are limited in their response by the roles which they have been assigned and it is important to select the right person for the task at hand. It doesn’t help that District 2 is represented by someone who tried to invalidate the 2020 election, but we do have several officials who can help us.

Cabinet Appointments

As of this post, several of the administration’s appointees have made it through the entire confirmation process. Many of them are still in committee or have just passed through committee and the confirmation hearings and are waiting for the final vote.

Cabinet appointments are voted on by our Senators. These are happening rapidly and the Isabella County Dems are trying to keep up! We will continue posting about confirmation hearings as they are scheduled.

A call is usually more impactful than an email. A sample script for calling either Senator might look like the following:

Hello,

I am (your name) and I am calling from (your location.) I am contacting Senator (Last Name) because I am very concerned about (appointee's) potential position in the current administration. I believe they are unqualified to serve because (insert reason, there are many.) The policies this person will enact will impact the lives of millions. We elected you to sts eward our govenment and country and protect the interests of your constituents. Please use the power we have entrusted to you wisely and fight for our well being as you promised during your campaign.

You can reach both senators at the phone numbers below.

Sen. Slotkin: 202-224-4822

email: https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/

Sen. Peters: 202-224-6221

email: Peters.senate.gov

Executive orders

The bulk of challenges to the executive orders over the first weeks of this administration have been spearheaded by state attorneys general. AG Nessel has been among the challengers. It appears that they are focusing on those which are blatant challenges to the constitution. Calling does provide them with stories and evidence as to how these executive orders are impacting people directly. A sample script for calling our Attorney General might look like this:

Hello,

My name is (your name) and I am calling from (your location.) I am contacting Attorney General Nessel to ask her to continue to stand up for good government. In the past week the Trump administration has attacked (pick one that matters to you: education, government funding, regulations, environment, indigenous sovereignty, etc.)

We elected you to help steward our state and defend our rights against powers that threaten it. Please continue to fight for us.

Attorney General Nessel may be reached at Phone: 517-335-7622 and Email: miag@michigan.gov

remember these people work for you

You voted for them, so they NEED to represent your interests. Your voice is your power until it is time to vote again. It seems impossible, but it is very doable. Set aside a couple of minutes a day or a week and make sure they know you are watching.