| EDITION 23 | March 2024 |
CONTENTS
- Chair's Corner
- from the Editor
- ELECTION 2024
- POLITICAL ACTION
- MEDICARE | SOCIAL SECURITY | WEP
- TAXATION
- TECH CORNER
- EVENTS
- VOLUNTEERS
- Final Thoughts
Chair’s Corner
Please come to our global event on April 10th entitled "Social Security Works for all Americans", with guest speaker Nancy Altman, President of Social Security Works . We will join forces with ProDA, and the Global Disability Caucus to explore how we can create a better world for ourselves and future generations where Democrats prevail and expand programs that strengthen our healthcare, our plans for the future, and create a more equitable society.
Our event isn't just for seniors and the disabled – it's for all of us. Let's come together to learn why Social Security is vital for all Americans, regardless of age. Together, we can raise awareness and make sure our voices are heard. RSVP today. See you there!
— Betsy Ettorre, Chair of the Seniors Caucus
from the Editor
This month, in preparation for our April 10th event "Social Security Works for all Americans", the newsletter and our coffee chat on 29 March will focus on SS.
Later on in this edition we’re asking all of our members to "Spring into Action" in a letter writing blast! Look in our POLITICAL ACTION section for these campaigns:
Letter to Congress - Join the AA Caucus, Letters to Congress - WEP, and Letters to Church Headquarters!
ELECTION 2024
Primaries in 2024
Primary season is in full swing. By now you’ve heard that once again, President Biden will face Donald Trump in November.
In case you’re still looking for 2024 primary election dates, here they are for all States. You can also check for your state deadlines, Register to Vote, and Request your Ballot at Vote from Abroad.
Vote Tripling
MoveOn started this trend: Tell 3 friends. Follow up with them to make sure they cast their ballot in 2024. That’s all it is, and its impact is HUGE.
Assaults on the Right to Vote
In 2013, U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts issued a 5-4 opinion in Shelby County v. Holder, which gutted the legislations core mechanism, known as preclearance. That mechanism forced states with a history of discrimination to get approval from the Justice Department for any legislation affecting voter participation or access.
The Shelby County decision ended preclearance in a roundabout way, by declaring Section 4(b) of the VRA unconstitutional. Under Section 4(b), a coverage formula was used to determine which states and localities were subject to preclearance.
POLITICAL ACTION
Letters to Congress - Join the Americans Abroad Caucus
By joining the caucus, your Representative will become more aware of issues facing their constituents living outside of the U.S.
Democrats Abroad has a handy guide to inviting YOUR Representative to join the Americans Abroad Caucus. If you prefer to write to them, AARO provides a sample letter you can personalize.
About the Americans Abroad Caucus. Write today!
Letters to Congress - WEP
During the spring legislative recess, we will focus on constituent action, as detailed on our Seniors Website with scripts and links prepared for you. Please share with like-minded family and friends, fellow advocates, Facebook groups, and organizations.
Other ways we can engage -
Sign Up for Newsletters and Engage on Websites
- Signing up for updates from an elected official's website helps constituents stay informed about their actions and positions, enabling more effective advocacy.
- Official websites often offer ways to submit comments or participate in surveys, providing a direct channel for constituents to express their opinions and concerns.
- Sign up for newsletters at your elected official’s website. You will receive current information about upcoming events. Find your Legislators here.
Contact The White House
- Send emails to the POTUS and VP. This could be fun!
Letters to Church Headquarters
This is an idea whose time has come. The influence of the church in U.S. politics must be addressed. Since Roe v. Wade (1973) Church leaders have embraced the 6th Commandment while disregarding many others - especially the 8th - about not bearing false witness (lying); and they influence their congregants to vote "against abortion"., because "Thou Shall Not Kill", while allowing women to die due to complications during pregnancy - as if that were God’s Will.
They are distorting the medical realities of the need for safe medical procedures. Those of you who feel so inclined may wish to share your concerns with church leaders in the U.S. The largest denominations are headquartered in:
- Catholic Church - Washington DC
- Presbyterian Church - Lexington, Kentucky
- Southern Baptist Convention - Atlanta, Georgia
- United Methodist Church - Washington DC
- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Salt Lake City, Utah
- Church of God in Christ - Cleveland, Tennessee
- U.S. Religious Headquarters
First, to increase your chance at being influential, be kind (clear yet gentle) and respectful. Here are a few points to get your started:
Christianity is named for Christ, for his teachings. Jesus taught people to forgive, to help those in need, to share the loaves and fishes. In simple terms: be a good neighbor, a good member of your community. So it is confusing that we seem to lack this perspective at the ballot box. ("Wasn’t Jesus a socialist?" - is flame throwing language you may want to avoid.)
We memorized the 10 Commandments in Sunday school, and yet as adults, we dismiss the 2nd Commandment - to not worship false idols. The story of The Golden Calf comes to mind - an idol that the people worshiped instead of the real God. When I see Trump in his golden palace, in Trump Tower, I think of this story.
Jesus raged against "the money changers" (bankers - Matthew 21:12-13) and those selling doves (businessmen) when he noticed that the devote were being cheated and stood up for them.
I think we should make every effort to follow his teachings and his attitude more carefully.
The Courts Let Trump Run Out The Clock When He Was President. They’re Doing It Again
This terrifies me. As hard as Prosecutor Jack Smith is working, and as new evidence and witness statements reveal the depths of Trump’s criminal mind, conservatives have shown us that they simply do not care about the rule of law or democracy. We are perched on a knife’s edge.
Trump’s Allies Ramp Up Campaign Targeting Voter Rolls
A network of right-wing activists and allies of Donald J. Trump is quietly challenging thousands of voter registrations in critical presidential battleground states, an all-but-unnoticed effort that could have an impact in a close or contentious election.
Calling themselves election investigators, the activists have pressed local officials in Michigan, Nevada and Georgia to drop voters from the rolls en masse. Read on.
What else can we do?
Join a State Group on Facebook
For the past 12+ years, volunteers from Democrats Abroad have run groups for each U.S. State on Facebook where they post everything from state photos and local events, to state-specific voting deadlines and "how to" information on all aspects of voting. Through them we’ve attracted new members and leaders to DA. If you’re curious about your voting state group, or would like to meet people from “back home” who live abroad, you can read about them here, and find your state group here.
State Teams
DA’s State Teams continue to have huge impacts on laws and lawmakers back home. More teams are being built which will tackle issues of importance state by state. If you haven’t joined a team already, or if you have questions, email the organizers today.
Phonebankers needed!
Thank you for the enthusiastic response to the Voter Assistance Trainings. So far, nearly 150 people became certified Voter Assistants! We can always use more help. To sign up, please go to: www.democratsabroad.org/voter_assistance_training.
On behalf of the Voter Assistance Training Team,
Heidi, Linda, Randi, Ellie, and Andrew
MEDICARE | SOCIAL SECURITY | WEP
The Social Security Act was passed into law on August 14, 1935, by U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt, a member of the Democratic Party.
"The Biden-Harris Administration released the President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2025 for the Social Security Administration (SSA). Key investments focus on improving the customer experience, reducing wait times at all stages of the disability process, and on modernizing our information technology, improving overpayment and underpayment processes, and advancing equity by increasing access to our programs."
Please visit the SSA blog to read a statement from Commissioner Martin O’Malley.
Flip Flopping on Social Security and Medicare
It is obvious to us that Trump has no clue how to run a Government, but the problem is systemic within the party. For the past 100 years economic policies based on the dogmatic beliefs of the Republican Party have caused each economic crash.
And now he is saying he will make cuts to Social Security & Medicare - as if helping the elderly avoid abject poverty is going to hurt the wealthy. Will voters fall for it? If the numbers aren’t laid out for them, they just might.
It took me about 10 seconds to find these FACTS:
"While there is no change to the tax rate, the Social Security Wage Base has risen from $160,000 to $168,000. This means an additional $8,000 of an employee’s earnings may be taxed, with a matched increase of up to $520.80 in employer contributions."
That’s right - this "horrendous tax increase" amounts to only $520.80 for the entire year for employees earning at this level. That is what this whole argument is about.
What broke the American Dream for Millennials
"I think a lot of Millennials were forced into saying, ‘you need a four-year degree in order to be successful,’" says Rachael, who is 33. "At 18, you’re signing up to be $100,000 in debt before you even really know how to make the best decisions for yourself. I think we need to change that narrative." Read the article.
Social Security Works!
The SSA has created Tools to help us apply for SS & Medicare, however the best way to get started is on our SS/Medicare website.
Have you joined Social Security Works yet? You’ll receive updates on their work, be able to take direct action, and sign petitions to protect Social Security. Watch our webinar here.
TAXATION
Tax Filing for Americans Abroad
DA’s Taxation Task Force (TTF) has an ongoing series of webinars to help answer your questions. Please visit their site and sign up for the one that suits you.
If you’ve just moved overseas and want to learn about tax filing, Americans Overseas created a FAQ section at the bottom of this page that will walk you through the basic information.
TECH CORNER
FB Hacks - Fake Emails - Do Not Click on any links
This is how they get to you - by email. The email looks like it’s from Facebook, but Facebook does not send these. The hackers have devised new ways to trick us. Do Not click on any of the links.
Social Security’s Top 5 Scam Awareness Articles
We encourage you to review these articles and bookmark them for future use. Please share this information with friends and family to help us spread the word about scams, including: Misleading Ads, Identity Theft, Preying on elderly & veterans, and use of QR codes to combat scams.
EVENTS
Friday - 29 March - Coffee Chat
Don’t miss our Seniors Caucus monthly chat from 10 to 11:30 am Eastern Time (US & Canada). This month we will give an update on Social Security, and announce our Social Security Event on Wednesday, 10 April. Everyone is very welcome!
RSVP to get the Zoom link, and add it to your calendar. Next month: Friday, 26 April.
April 10th - "Social Security Works for all Americans"
Our first webinar for 2024 will feature guest speaker Nancy Altman, President of Social Security Works . We will join forces with ProDA, and the Global Disability Caucus to explore how we can create a better world for ourselves and future generations where Democrats prevail and expand programs that strengthen our healthcare, our plans for the future, and create a more equitable society.
RSVP today to avoid disappointment!
DA Events - Quick Links
VOLUNTEERS
We need you!! Volunteers are the backbone of our organization. You can find the list of positions DA is looking to fill on DA’s Volunteer page.
- The Global Seniors Caucus is looking for volunteer members of a new "Social Security Committee". We hope to get this committee going by next month. We’ll be focusing on how SS impacts retirees. Please email our Chair to let her know that you are interested.
- The Global Seniors Caucu s is always on the lookout for volunteers. Email us for details on our volunteer opportunities.
- The Global Black Caucus is searching to fill more positions. Get in touch here.
- The Global Communications Team is also looking for volunteers as they ramp up for the 2024 election! Do you have a communications background? Are you interested in helping? If so, please get in touch.
Final Thoughts
What have the Romans ever done for us?
Divide and Conquer
“Win by getting one's opponents to fight among themselves. For example, Divide and conquer was once a very successful policy in sub-Saharan Africa. This expression is a translation of the Latin maxim, Divide et impera (“divide and rule”), and began to appear in English about 1600.”
- Wikipedia
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