Update Jan 18. Found out this morning that Congresswoman Dingell is planning to attend the inauguration, so I’ve updated the script to reflect this:
New Inauguration Boycott Script
Staffer: Congresswoman Dingell’s office, how can I help you?
Caller: Hi there, I’m a constituent of Congresswoman Dingell, and I have a question for her regarding the inauguration.
Staffer: I’m happy to take down any comments you may have. Can I ask for your name and address to verify you’re in the Congresswoman’s district?
Caller: Sure thing. [Gives name/address]. Can I ask who I’m speaking with?
Staffer: Yes, this is [Name].
Caller: Thanks, [Name]! I discovered in a Click on Detroit article this morning that the Congresswoman is planning to attend the inauguration. I’m calling to ask if the Congresswoman will reconsider her decision, and join with the 30 or so other representatives boycotting it in response to Donald Trump’s attacks on Representative John Lewis.
Staffer: Something about respect for the transition of power.
Caller: I find it unacceptable that the Congresswoman refuses to take a stand in defense of Representative Lewis.
Hang up.
Yesterday I discovered the Indivisible Guide which has guidance on how progressives can use Tea Party tactics to stifle the damage done by a Trump presidency and Republican controlled Congress. The advice seems sound to me. It boils down to focusing attention on your own Members of Congress and paying attention to the things they care about, mainly re-election.
I’d like to be part of a local group using these tactics. The link for the listed Ann Arbor group doesn’t work, so… I’ll keep an eye out, I guess?
Their action for today is to encourage your representative to boycott the inauguration in response to Trump’s attacks on Representative John Lewis. I’ve called this morning. A decision hasn’t been made yet, but the staffer took my email address. If I don’t hear by this evening I will call again tomorrow.
I’ve written up a script to make it easier for the phone shy, like myself.
It’s time to strengthen some spines.
Inauguration Boycott Script
Staffer: Congresswoman Dingell’s office, how can I help you?
Caller: Hi there, I’m a constituent of Congresswoman Dingell, and I have a question for her regarding the inauguration.
Staffer: I’m happy to take down any comments you may have. Can I ask for your name and address to verify you’re in the Congresswoman’s district?
Caller: Sure thing. [Gives name/address]. Can I ask who I’m speaking with?
Staffer: Yes, this is [Name].
Caller: Thanks, [Name]! I’m calling to ask, if the Congresswoman will be joining with the 40 or so other representatives boycotting the inauguration in response to Donald Trump’s attacks on Representative John Lewis.
Staffer: Well I really appreciate you calling and sharing your thoughts! I of course can’t speak for the Congresswoman because I’m just a Staff Assistant, but I can tell you that I’ll pass your concerns on to her.
Caller: I appreciate that [Name], but I don’t want you to just pass my concerns on. I would like to know if she standing with Representative Lewis or with Trump.
If giving the I don’t know what she’s going to do line.
Go with the negative response. (Which I didn’t do, but whatever. I’ll call again)
If Positive Response
Caller: I’m glad to hear that the Congresswoman will be standing with Representative Lewis. I will let my friends, family, and local newspaper know about this. Thank you so much. Good bye.
If Negative Response
Caller: I find it unacceptable that the Congresswoman refuses to take a stand in defense of Representative Lewis. I’ll be notifying my friends, family, and local newspaper that our Congresswoman doesn’t think it’s her job to represent us or actually respond to her constituents’ concerns.
Hang up.