🧨A Giant Metaphor - Action Alert, October 27, 2025
- beachesactivistmov
- Oct 26
- 4 min read
"The physical destruction of the White House is about as giant a metaphor as one can get. If suggested in a movie script, the demolition of the People’s House—an architectural symbol of our democracy—so that it can incorporate an ostentatious, disproportionate, gaudy ballroom designed by a tasteless real estate developer bent on transforming the presidency into an autocracy would be dismissed as clumsy, preposterous, and improbable. But it is pure Trump. . ."
Administration Threatens Hunger Programs
As GOP Shutdown Continues
The federal government remains shut down as the GOP continues to refuse bipartisan negotiations aimed at extending health care subsidies and funding for other needed programs. Now the administration has put SNAP and WIC --- two anti-hunger programs that millions of Americans rely on --- in the cross-hairs in the budget fight. WIC will soon exhaust funds that gave the program a temporary reprieve, while Trump's USDA ignores legal requirements to use contingency funds to maintain SNAP benefits.
While the Senate is in D.C. trying to woo DEMS with votes to break the impasse, the House has been MIA since July when Speaker Mike Johnson abruptly sent lawmakers home early to avoid the release of the Epstein files. Added to canceled votes in the last two months, the House has effectively been in recess for three months already this year. That means Rep. John Rutherford is at home --- getting his paycheck --- while his constituents face a doubling of their Obamacare premiums, and federal workers are furloughed or work without pay. Take action this week to pressure Congress to end the shutdown!
🔷 Hold Rep. John Rutherford and Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody accountable. It is reprehensible that the GOP is using hunger as a bargaining chip. Use this script from 5 Calls to contact them TODAY. Call and follow up with an email. Remember to call Rutherford's local office --- he's not in D.C.
🔷 Help local food banks prepare for an influx of people impacted by the GOP shutdown. Some suggestions:
Peanut Butter Challenge - Donate a jar or two of peanut butter, a protein-packed pantry staple, for this drive to support local food banks. You can drop off your donation at any public library (the San Pablo branch, 13295 Beach Blvd, is the closest, as the Beaches Library closed today for several weeks of repairs), City Hall downtown or an extension office. The drive, sponsored by IFAS and the City of Jax, wraps up on Friday, October 31st.
Support BEAM - Donate nonperishable food items at the BEAM donation center behind the 7 North Thrift Store at 318 7th Ave N, Jax Beach, weekdays between 10 AM and 4 PM. Find a list of needed items here. You can also sign up now for BEAM's Annual Thanksgiving Basket drive.
Buy a Pie - Local Beaches business Pie Heaven is providing free chicken pot pies to government employees working without pay. Support their efforts by referring eligible families you know to the ladies at Pie Heaven and by patronizing this business (1980 Mayport Road, Atlantic Beach).
Speak Out at the Upcoming Duval Delegation Meeting
The Duval County Legislative Delegation --- all of the elected state legislators in our area --- will hold its annual organizational meeting and public hearing on Wednesday, November 12th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, City Hall, 117 W Duval Street, Jacksonville.
You can speak out on any topic that's important to you! Complete and submit a Speaker's Request Form and Materials Handout Checklist. All forms and materials must be submitted to the Delegation Office, located in Suite 480 of City Hall, by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5th. You can also sign up to speak on site, after all pre-registered speakers if there is time. Check the BAM website for resources. We have tips on presenting to the delegation and talking points on two key issues: partisan efforts to further gerrymander the state by redistricting congressional districts ahead of the 2026 election, and the elimination of mandatory vaccinations for children in school or daycare.
Stop Avelo: Join Indivisible Southside Protest
Join Indivisible Southside on Thursday, November 6th, from 4 - 5:30 p.m., for a Stop Avelo visibility protest! The protest, on the Connors Street Pedestrian Bridge over I-95, will include a display of massive banners and signs during rush hour.
Avelo Airlines is the first commercial airline to contract with ICE for deportation flights — flights conducted without guarantees of due process or access to legal counsel. Besides its work for ICE, Avelo offers passenger flights locally from Jax International Airport. Boycott Avelo! Bring your friends, large signs, and your voice, and take a stand for justice and human rights. RSVP and get more info here.
No Kings Day Florida Debrief on Tuesday
We'll debrief and celebrate No Kings Day 2 activities throughout the state on the monthly SWIFT (Statewide Indivisible Task Force) ZOOM call, Tuesday, October 28th at 5:30 p.m. RSVP and join the call as we celebrate how our state responded to this incredible national mass mobilization!
Save the Date: BAM November Membership Meeting
Order Your BAM T-Shirt Now!
New BAM t-shirts! Click the button below and we'll send you information on sizes, payment options, and pickup. What better way to show your support for the movement and to let people know progressives are alive and well, and RESISTING at the Beach. Get yours for a donation of $25.
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