victory and viciousness: Nov. 6th- nov. 14th

 Hi Teen Resisters! We wanted to start out this week by congratulating you all on the incredible event that was November 7th's election day. Democrats swept the country and we saw the roots of a revolution bud. Especially in Virginia- a state we focused on in recent lists, the elections turnout was amazing. We were particularly excited about our two featured candidates, Danica Roem and Jennifer Carroll Foy getting elected. Danica was the first transgender legislator ever elected, and Jennifer, who was one of the first women to graduate from Virginia Military Institute, gave birth to twins soon after the election. More amazing candidates swept the country, and this was only a local election year. We are so excited for 2018 midterm elections! Before we hop in, we wanted to share a beautiful piece of art portraying some of the amazing new female legislators who were elected (especially because this week's list unfortunately features lots of corrupted, sexist, white male politicians).

Art by Jane Beaird

What went down:

URGENT: Join the ACLU in calling Congress for a clean DREAM Act (super fast and easy): https://www.aclu.org/issues/immigrants-rights/tell-congress-protect-dreamers-and-pass-clean-dream-act-now?emsrc=Nat_Appeal_AutologinEnabled&emissue=immigrantrights&emtype=clicktocall&ms=eml_171114_immigrantrights_DREAMAct&__af=

The New Tax Plan: We know this isn't the most interesting topic ever, but hear us out. Two weeks ago, on November 2nd, Paul Ryan unveiled the Republican tax plan for the House of Representatives. Known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, it outlines a new tax system that would be greatly damaging to the economic fabric of our nation. It utilizes a form of taxation known as “Trickle-down Economics,” which greatly lessens the tax rates on corporations and the upper class, rather than those most in need. Working on the principle that money flows from top to bottom, it assumes that as the rich are taxed less, they will invest more in the economy. In turn, they assume that this boost to the economy will translate to gains for the middle and lower classes. This was tried in both the Reagan and Bush presidencies; none of the effects promised have taken place- it has no grounding in the real world. As corporations increase their profit, rather than investing, they give larger bonuses to executives and higher dividends to investors, while the rich simply keep their money. Not only does it not have any proven benefits to lower-class and struggling citizens, it has failed time and again to support them, only serving to make the rich richer.
Despite trickle-down economics having been disproven time and time again, Republicans in the House of Reps continue to push it as legislation. This is a direct result of not only economic misunderstanding, but also the greed of their conservative constituents. Many corporations know that if trickle-down economic legislation is passed, they will benefit from it; thus, they leverage their donorship with Congresspeople to oblige them to vote for this bill. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act would not only fail to support lower class citizens, but would take 1.5 trillion dollars away from the government over a decade. Considering that this bill serves only to seize money from the government and gives it to the rich without any benefit to those less privileged, we must wholeheartedly oppose this destructive legislation.
What you can do: Call your reps and demand they try to block it!
Script: Hi, my name is ______ and I'm calling from _______. I'm calling to ask that you stop the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act at all cost. Time and time again, it's been proven that trickle down economics doesn't work, and right now we need to be implementing legislation that directly helps the lower and middle classes. Please do your best to stop this heinous act.
Number: 202-224-3121 (when they ask whether you want senator or rep, say representative)

Art by Lindsay Foyle

CNN

Roy Moore: It's been a pretty overwhelming month-or-so in terms of the outpouring of sexual assault allegations, particularly against men in Hollywood. These men include Harvey Weinstein, Louis C.K., Kevin Spacey, Brett Ratner, Roy Price, Dustin Hoffman and James Toback, among many others (including last year's Oscar winner and previously known sexual predator Casey Affleck). It's been disheartening and angering reading the news, and to top it all off, one of the most notable cases of sexual assault this week has been on Roy Moore, a candidate in a special election in Alabama to fill Jeff Session's seat. Last week, the Washington Post reported that when he was in his 30s, Moore pursued sexual relationships with teenagers (the youngest being 14). The article was based on over 30 interviews, including allegations of sexual assault from women who, at the time of the assault, were 14, 16 and 18. Moore denied these allegations profusely, calling the Washington Post "fake news." However, Republicans and Democrats alike are urging Moore to step out of the race and majority leader Mitch McConnell said "I believe the women."
What you can do: Luckily, many in the government have been speaking out against Moore, and there are signs he will step out of the race. However, the same was being said about Donald Trump after the Billy Bush Access Hollywood tapes were released, so we definitely need to be advocating for Moore's opponent, Doug Jones, a lawyer and politician and the Democratic candidate in Alabama (he's recently up in the polls). 
Volunteer for Doug Jones (call voters) here.

Roy Moore (courtesy of the Associated Press)

Trump's New Nominee: Trump nominated Alex Azar as the new Secretary of Health and Human services. Trump has recently criticized the high costs of meds in the country and pharmaceutical companies "getting away with murder," before nominating Azar, who has served in high positions in many pharmaceutical companies. Azar is also a longtime conservative and served as a clerk to the late Judge Antonin Scalia. What does that mean? Likely, higher costs for meds and not much progress on healthcare.
What you can do: Call your reps and tell them to block the nomination. ​
​Script: Hi, I’m _____, and I’m calling you from ______ with a very important request. I want Senator _____ to oppose the confirmation of Alex Azar as Secretary of Health and Human Services. I am deeply concerned that Azar's ins with pharmaceutical companies and longtime conservatism will do no good for the health of Americans. Particularly, I am concerned about healthcare and women's health. I expect Senator _____ to protect health all over the country and vote against Azar's confirmation.

Alex Azar (Image courtesy of the Associated Press)

Puppy Vid of the Week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJniMF9pUoQ&t=18s 
much love to you all :)