TACO, Crypto & More - Action Alert June 2, 2025
- beachesactivistmov
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Tariffs, Crypto, Tax Breaks: The Rich Get Richer
Pull back the curtain on almost any signature administration initiative, and you'll find a scheme that enriches Trump and the wealthiest Americans:
Declared illegal by the U.S. Court of International Trade last week, Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs have wreaked havoc on small businesses and created financial uncertainty for consumers. But savvy Wall Streeters have found ways to cash in on Trump's 50+ tariff flip-flops. Dubbed the TACO trade --- Trump Always Chickens Out --- they have figured out how to profit from the tariff chaos. Take Action: Use 5 Calls to Demand Congress Stop Trump's Tariffs and Reclaim the Trade Authority --- it's their Constitutional Mandate!
The recent $Trump Gala Dinner was just the latest in a succession of affiliated crypto efforts to leverage access to the President while lining the pockets of his family. According to an analysis by Bloomberg, the Trumps have already banked nearly $1 billion from crypto projects. Meanwhile, the SEC has declined to play any role in protecting consumers. At the same time, Congress moves forward with industry-backed legislation that fails to adequately address the conflict of interest concerns raised by Trump's business ventures. Take Action: Email or call Rep. John Rutherford (202.225.2501 or 904.831-5205) and tell him to strengthen conflict of interest provisions in proposed cryptocurrency regulations. Let Congress know it needs to act now to stop Trump from using his public office to boost his family's crypto-empire.
The U.S. Senate starts work this week on the "Big, Beautiful Bill," passed by the House. Despite GOP spin, nonpartisan experts agree the budget bill disproportionately favors the rich while cutting critical safety net programs and adding billions to the national debt. Take Action: Step up the pressure this week on Florida Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody! Reach them through the Capitol switchboard (202.224.3121) and email them using this form from Indivisible. Help activate others by educating at least one friend or neighbor on this terrible bill. Find 2-3 compelling details here - and share them with someone you believe will be as angry as you are.
Wear Orange: Stop Gun Violence
Join Moms Demand Action on Friday, June 6th, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Cafe Resistance for National Gun Violence Awareness Day. RSVP here. In addition to the event at Cafe Resistance, you can join the group at Fernandina Beach's Pride Parade & Festival on Saturday, June 7, 9 am at Central Park. Moms Demand will be tabling for Be Smart & Secure Storage. Locally, palm trees at the Neptune Beach Town Center will be lit up in orange for the first time for Gun Violence Weekend, June 6-8, thanks to the efforts of Mayor Cori Bylund. Daily's Place, the Florida Blue Building on Riverside Ave, & Wolfson's Children's will also be lit in orange over the weekend. You can support this effort by wearing orange & ask your friends & neighbors to do so as well.
Help BAM Raise Match $$$ in June!
During June, National Indivisible is offering to match any funds BAM raises, up to $500. BAM does not do fundraising events per se, but we do rely on our members' annual dues to cover basic expenses such as our meeting costs, and the fees for our website, email account and PO box. Beyond those fixed costs, financial support also covers the costs of our postcard campaigns, tables at rallies, boosting our social media presence, and other voter outreach. Please consider joining BAM as a dues-paying member -- only $30 a year! -- or donating in June. Support our collective efforts in the Jacksonville area to fight for democracy!
Join Us! Upcoming BAM Meetings
More To Do This Week!
Beaches Watch: Learn about the Good & Bad of the 2025 Legislative Session at the Beaches Watch Meeting on Wednesday, June 4 at 7 pm at the Beaches Library. Guest speakers are Mike Staffopoulos, Jax Beach City Manager, and Bill Killingsworth, Atlantic Beach City Manager. Expected topics include affordable housing, property taxes, local government land regulation, utility relocation, recovery residences, and more. Park and enter through the NORTH Library entrance.
Medicaid Expansion - Keep Collecting Petitions: Florida Decides Healthcare is mounting a full-court press to collect signed petitions before July 1st when additional hurdles to the citizen-led amendment process become effective. Attend one of three weekly training sessions by registering here and find out about changes to the collection process and what you can do to help. Volunteers are needed to collect petitions on Wednesday, June 4th, from 5:00 to 9:00 pm (two shifts) at Art Walk. Find info and sign up here.
Postcards for Education: As the Legislature heads back to Tallahassee this week, Families for Strong Public Schools & Public School Defenders will host a postcard-writing party on Wednesday, June 4th, from 5:30 - 7:00 pm at Southern Swells Brewing Company, 1312 Beach Boulevard. Let's remind lawmakers what's at stake in funding public education as they work on the 2025-26 state budget. RSVP here.
Confederate Monument Hearing & Rally/Press Conference: Join Take Em Down Jax and the Northside Coalition of Jacksonville Friday, June 6th, as the Federal Court of Appeals hears a landmark case that will determine if taxpayer funds can be used to maintain Confederate monuments. The hearing starts at 9:00 am at the Federal Courthouse, 300 N. Hogan Street. The rally/press conference is scheduled for 10:00 am.
