bit of a week: nov. 28th-Dec. 5th

A lot has happened in the past week. Firstly, even more accusations of sexual assault surfaced, with Matt Lauer being fired from Today and Donald Trump claiming that it "wasn't his voice" on the Access Hollywood pussy tapes of last year. Then, DT was at it again with his endorsement of child molester Roy Moore yesterday. We don't want to overwhelm you, so we've created a shortlist of ways to quickly help with the numerous issues of the week, as well as a few briefings, as always. And you are totally allowed to pick and choose! Go forth and fire back. 

immediate action:

Net Neutrality: Feel like keeping your internet private is something you wanna have? Us too. Cable companies are trying to be able to control what we see and do on the internet and that is some BS if we've ever seen it. Not only that, but if it's passed, it's highly unlikely it will be repealed. www.battleforthenet.com/ has some incredible and easy resources to do: tweeting, calling, petition and writing- all accessible via the site. (TIME: 2-5 MINUTES)

DREAM Act: If we don't act now, hopes of a new DREAM Act will be done for. PLEASE call your reps and tell them to support it! Here's an easy resource. Also, visit weareheretostay.org. Confused about what we're talking about? Check out our other lists for description.

National Parks: Back at it again, Trump announced he would be reducing federal national parks in Utah by 85% of their land mass. America has some of the most beautiful land in the world and it deserves to be protected. Patagonia has been leading an effort to demand he doesn't go through with this. patagonia.com.

You on the phone with your reps

What went down

Slave Trade in Libya: It's likely that you've seen tons of posts about the slave trade in Libya in your social media feeds. It's absolutely horrible. In an investigative series, CNN revealed earlier this month that there have been auctions going on around Libya where mostly African male migrants are being sold as slaves for hundreds of dollars. According to Bustle, "Libya has a substantial migrant population, as tens of thousands of people fleeing poverty and violence in their home countries cross into Libya every year as they try to immigrate to Europe. But often these migrants never make it there, instead finding themselves 'indebted' to smugglers who initially agreed to help them secure passage to Europe, CNN reported. They potentially face slave auctions as smugglers seek to recoup money." What's going on there is absolutely despicable. 
What you can do: Because this is taking place internationally, it's been hard to find ways to speak out. One very important thing to do is educate yourself with real news and raise awareness. Bustle published a great piece that details ways you can help: click here.

New Muslim Ban: This past Monday, the Supreme Court decided to allow Trump’s third version of his travel ban to go into action while it is still being debated in lower courts.  For those of you who aren’t completely sure what the travel ban entails and what differs between the versions, here are the basics: the first version of the ban barred citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries (Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen) from entering the United States for 90 days and all refugees (from Syria) for 120 days.  This ban was blocked by numerous courts, including a by a federal judge from Hawaii in March.  By this time, the second version of the travel ban had been introduced – Iraq was taken off of the list of countries.  The third version of the ban added Chad, North Korea and Venezuela to the list.  
As many of you probably have noticed, the ban very specifically is directed at Muslims – as BBC reported, 90%-99% of most of the targeted countries’ populations are Muslim. The ban is overtly and obnoxiously unconstitutional, especially considering that it is Trump’s way of following up on one of his many make-you-want-to-throw-something campaign promises (“a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.”) Also, it would put a huge damper on efforts to make sure refugees have a place here. This decision on the part of the Supreme Court allows the Trump administration to enforce the ban completely, limiting the ability of citizens from the specified countries to work, study, or vacation in the U.S. Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg said that they would have said no to the administration’s request to allow the ban to go into effect.  
What you can do: Call your reps! 
Script: Hi, my name is ______ and I'm calling to ask you to oppose the new travel ban at all costs. It is inherently unconstitutional and puts our democracy in jeopardy. Please vote conscience over party and stop this from happening. Thank you.
Number: 202-224-3121; Republican senators

Tax Plan: In a crazy middle-of-the-night rigmarole, Republicans in Congress passed a new tax plan. We've talked about it before, and it's still totally terrible. As The 65 reports, "It adds $1.4 trillion to the deficit in the next ten years... It creates a large new tax deduction for private school education. And there are no exceptions to the types of schooling eligible for the tax break, meaning that the tax code is now almost certain to subsidize private religious education; Will allow drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), largely as a concession to Sen. Lisa Murkowski. and the bill also introduces new tax burdens for higher ed institutions. College leaders believe that this will adversely affect both charitable giving and state budgets that support public colleges and universities. Learn more here." It's an attack on the poor, on women's rights and on so much else our country depends on. 
What you can do: Call Republican senators!! thesixtyfive.org will help you directly.

Cute Puppy Vid of Week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbyVJlSu1XI