Today's Top Stories:
Marjorie Taylor Greene doubles down on baseless, homophobic Uvalde conspiracy theory first put forward by fellow racist House member Paul Gosar
When it comes to mass shootings in America, Republicans will literally blame everything but the killing machines and the shocking ease with which they are procured.
VIDEO OF THE DAY: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott booed and jeered by fed up Texans at makeshift memorial site
The Republican governor's insistence on doing exactly nothing to strengthen gun control measures isn't sitting well with Texans exhausted by rampant gun violence.
Republicans pull HORRIFIC stunt after Texas shooting
No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen: Unbelievable.
Students protest against a Seattle university's ban on hiring LGBTQ employees
Students at Seattle Pacific University protested after the campus administration voted last week to uphold "lifestyle expectation" rules that ban the hiring of LBGTQ+ staff from working at the university.
Take Action: Sign now to tell the government to legalize marijuana!
UK says Russia suffers devastating losses among lower-ranked officers
Putin's brutal invasion of Ukraine has not gone according to plan, and heavy losses among mid- and junior-ranking Russian officers significantly raises the prospect of weaker military effectiveness going forward.
Louisiana governor saw deadly arrest video MONTHS before prosecutors
With racial tensions still simmering over the killing of George Floyd, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards and his top lawyers gathered in a state police conference room in October 2020 and privately watched a crucial body-camera video of the violent, fatal arrest of Ronald Greene — footage that prosecutors, detectives, and medical examiners wouldn’t even know existed for another six months.
GOP rep: Raising minimum age for buying a gun a "no-brainer"
Rep. Adam Kinzinger said raising the age for purchasing a gun to 21 would be a "no-brainer," which is precisely the kind of truth-telling that's running him out of today's Republican Party.
Take Action: Tell the Senate: We need Medicare for All!
Republicans are all too happy to let their hypocrisy distract from climate crisis they are feeding and profiting from
EDF Action: The Environmental Defense Fund is working overtime to call out Republicans' threat to the planet and force meaningful action before it's too late. Chip in to help them get the job done!
Millions raised for kids of slain Uvalde teacher and husband who died days later
In the wake of unspeakable tragedy, online donors have risen to the occasion, raising nearly $2.7 million to support the four children of Irma Garcia, a teacher killed in the Uvalde, Texas, elementary school shooting, and Joe Garcia, her husband, who died of a heart attack days later.
Justice Department to investigate police response in Uvalde
DOJ officials said the investigation "will be fair, transparent, and independent," and that the findings will be released to the public afterward.
Lauren Boebert ripped for inane pro-gun take: "We didn’t ban planes" after 9/11
By accident, the laughably inept GOP congresswoman basically argued in favor of stricter gun control measures.
GOP senator berated online for defending police response to Uvalde shooting
Texas Sen. John Cornyn defended law enforcement, who waited nearly an hour to storm Robb Elementary as children were being massacred inside.
Seriously?
Yes. Seriously.
Hope...
Today’s Action: Take action for veterans this Memorial Day!
As we remember America’s fallen service members on this most solemn of national holidays, let’s also not lose sight of another tragic truth of war — those suffering long-term health complications from their tours of duty. Some soldiers make the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield while others pay that same price over many years after returning home.
In both Iraq and Afghanistan, the US military burned staggering amounts of trash in open air pits — everything from plastic bottles and electronics to tires, batteries, and paint cans. Veterans serving near these burn pits were exposed to the resulting noxious fumes and smoke. Tens of thousands (or more) veterans are now sick with rare or unrecognized diseases, while others have been diagnosed with cancer — and many believe it’s due to working near these toxic burn pits.
Without formal recognition of this major health hazard, our veterans aren’t able to receive proper medical treatment or disability benefits from Veterans Affairs (VA). Only six more senators are needed to pass the Honoring our PACT Act, which would finally recognize the hazardous exposure endured by veterans and provide them the healthcare they so clearly deserve. Nancy Pelosi put it best when she said, "If we're not willing to pay the price of war, we shouldn't go."
Call 202.224.3121 or email your senators today and urge them to co-sponsor the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2021. If they have already co-sponsored, thank them!
If you’re looking for ways to serve this Memorial Day, here are several suggestions:
- Connect with veterans groups coordinating at-home volunteer opportunities. Soldiers’ Angels organizes card- and letter-writing campaigns, no-sew blanket and bracelet making, and pointers on preparing baked goods care packages for veterans.
- Call or email your local VA facility, or fill out their volunteer form.
- Know a veteran? The Veteran History Project wants their story! Conduct and record an interview remotely over Zoom or Skype to be added to the VHP archives.
- Donate your old vehicle to the National Veterans Foundation! They’ll arrange pick-up and even improve your car before selling, raising the value of your donation.
- Reach out to veterans. If you have veterans in your life, it’s more important than ever to simply call them up to ask how they’re managing, and if they’re honoring Memorial Day. For many, today is a very personal, somber day of reflection for lost comrades.
Pick the volunteer activity that most speaks to you this Memorial Day — and organize your community to join you!
PS — Please don't forget to sign the petition telling President Biden to condemn the Israeli army’s murder of a Palestinian-American journalist, and be sure to follow OD Action on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
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