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No Recess for the Resistance

by Isabelle Geczy

April 27, 2017

Congress was expecting a break this month — but the resistance movement had other plans.

March For Science 2017 in Washington D.C.

The resistance is flourishing. Despite Trump’s many efforts, the complicit Republican Congress, and the corporate cronies that put them in office, people power is pushing them back at every step. And there’s no better example of this than the most recent Congressional recess — which people like you helped make a Resistance Recess.

Between April 8 and April 23, our senators and representatives left Washington and returned to their home districts to meet and interact with constituents. And from the moment they arrived, they were treated to the full power of the resistance movement. Around the nation, people turned out in droves — whether their congressperson was holding public events or hiding from voters — to demand Congress protect our air and water, health, and communities.

In case you missed it, here’s what the Resistance Recess looked like in communities across the country.

In Mesa, Arizona, 16-year-old youth activist Deja Foxx pinned down Senator Jeff Flake on the subject of access to health care and services from provider Planned Parenthood. Foxx, garnering thundering applause at the packed Town Hall, asked Senator Flake, “Why is it your right to take away my right?”

Senator Flake faltered, but the roar of the crowd is answer enough. Our elected officials only have as much power as the people they represent allow them. Constituents are demanding representation, and many politicians are finding a stream of steady, vocal voters ready to tell them exactly how dissatisfied they are with their representation — or lack of it.

Some members of Congress were too scared to even hold a public Town Hall during the recess, fearing the same fate of their colleagues who decided to face their constituents. In Huntington Beach, California, members of the 48th Congressional District have been trying for months to Representative Dana Rohrabacher’s office. Rohrabacher also happens to be the representative for many Greenpeace volunteers and staffers in the Orange County office.

So in his absence, we decided to hunt for clues to his whereabouts.

In Washington, DC and around the country, folks are demanding representation and basic protections of human rights. On Earth Day, marchers for science turned out in the thousands, many in lab coats with vibrant messages and calls for the end of climate denial. Several signs referenced Neil Degrasse Tyson and his oft-quoted statement, “the good thing about science is that it’s true whether you believe in it or not.”

This phrase couldn’t be more relevant now, especially as Trump and his fossil fuel industry supporters prepare to gut protections for our air and water with proposed budget cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency.

And the resistance must continue.

Congress must pass a federal budget by April 28. That budget could determine whether we and our families have access to clean water to drink and clean air to breathe — or further cement the stronghold that corporate polluters have over our government.

It’s up to all of us to keep the pressure on. More than 40,000 Greenpeace supporters have signed petitions and called their elected officials to demand Congress protect our right to clean air and water. If you haven’t already, take action today by calling 1-877-969-2590 before time runs out.

We’re also heading back out into the streets this weekend. Trump’s 100 Days are up, and he has little to show for them but a steaming mess of his own making. A White House built on sand still crumbles.

That’s why we’ll be out marching with our allies, friends, and family this Sunday, April 29 in Washington, DC and around the world with the Peoples Climate Movement. We hope you can join us!

There are over 900 marches planned around the country, and you can be a part of one — find a march near you here. See you in the streets!

Isabelle Geczy

By Isabelle Geczy

Isabelle is a National Mobilization Organizer with Greenpeace USA, based in San Francisco. She works with activists around the country, getting them connected with opportunities to take action. Defending our environment from industry and destruction, speaking out against injustice, and finding strength and resilience within our communities gives her hope. When she's not out organizing, Isabelle can usually be found with her nose in book.

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