It Took Less Than a Week
If you thought we had until the inauguration in January for reflection and respite, you were sadly mistaken. It took less than a week for the President-elect to mount his first of many promised assaults on our democratic institutions with a spate of appalling Cabinet nominations, While the list of unqualified and unsuitable choices grows daily, Trump's pick
of quintessential Florida Man Matt Gaetz for U.S. Attorney General, is particularly heinous and demands a swift response. Appropriately dubbed the "Trumpiest Congressman" in DC, Gaetz has extensive bona fides as a MAGA loyalist, including supporting lies about the integrity and outcome of the 2020 election and downplaying the January 6th assault on the Capitol. His choice reflects the President-elect's determination to upend the Department of Justice, FBI, and other agencies in response to its prosecutions of actions taken during his first term, and his threats to exact revenge on political opponents. With one year's experience as a practicing attorney, Gaetz is singularly unqualified to lead the country's primary legal and law enforcement agency. Notes Politico, "(Gaetz) has never worked as a prosecutor, and his primary interaction with the Justice Department has been as a suspect under investigation for sex crimes." Newly re-elected to a fifth term, Gaetz promptly resigned from Congress after Trump's announcement to avoid the imminent release of a House Ethics Committee report investigating various allegations against him including violation of sex trafficking laws, sharing inappropriate videos on the House floor, misuse of campaign funds, and bribery, among other claims. Trump vowed to make the Gaetz nomination an early litmus test of Congressional loyalty and raised the option of recess appointments to get around the vetting process. It's up to us to push back and steel the resistance of our elected officials.
Push for Release of the House Report - Beaches Congress member John Rutherford sits on the bipartisan House Ethics Committee which has been investigating Gaetz since 2021. Urge him to support the release of the final commission report as part of the Senate confirmation process. Find talking points in this letter from the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington and email Rutherford now. You can also leave a message supporting the release of the report by calling his Jacksonville office (904-831-5205).
Oppose Gaetz Confirmation - Add your name to this Common Cause petition urging the Senate to reject the Gaetz confirmation.
Quash Recess Appointments: Tell FL Sen. Rick Scott you are opposed to allowing Trump to name his unqualified cabinet nominees as “recess appointments” without a vote. NO RECESS APPOINTMENTS. Email or call his Jax office (904-479-7227).
Public School Advocates Call Out Bigotry,
Hold Press Conference Tuesday
A coalition of public school advocates will hold a press conference at 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19, ahead of the swearing-in of newly elected Duval County Public Schools Board members. The event aims to outline clear community expectations for the incoming board and to deliver a powerful message: bigotry has no place in our schools. The event will take place at the school administration building, 1701 Prudential Drive.
The coalition is calling out and condemning the racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, and anti-science social media posts by newly elected board member Tony Ricardo. Representatives from Public School Defenders, Northside Coalition of Jacksonville, Equality Florida, Families for Strong Public Schools, Jacksonville Community Action Committee, Jax NOW, and Yellow House will stand with concerned residents to urge the board to prioritize inclusivity, equity, and safety for all students. Find out more and RSVP here.
BEAM and The Society of St. Vincent de Paul-Beaches are partnering to distribute Thanksgiving food baskets to families at the Beaches. You can support the Thanksgiving Basket Program by signing up to donate a Thanksgiving basket (list of items requested) or making a monetary donation. Baskets must be dropped off today, Monday, November 18 through Wednesday, November 20.
Weigh-in on Beaches Priorities
Urban Trails -The City of Jacksonville Beach wants your input on the Urban Trail project! Take this survey now to share your ideas, preferences, and priorities. The survey will be open through November 25th.
Environmental Stewardship - Let the City of Atlantic Beach know your thoughts on 2025 environmental stewardship priorities. Attend the Community Input Meeting at 6 pm tonight, Monday, November 18 in Commission Chambers or complete this survey
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