Author: George Lincoln

  • Emanuel’s Daily Action Email, Wednesday, 1/21/26 – Full Text

    Emanuel’s Daily Action Email, Wednesday, 1/21/26 – Full Text

    Good Morning Folks, Indivisible Mid Maine had a “Stop the Killing” vigil which got wide coverage on local news. Consider organizing a vigil with your local group, and make it striking visually. Ps. As our list of action grows, Gmail may shorten the email. You can ask it to include the whole email, but check to make sure you are getting the full email.

    Top Action to Take Today: 

    • ICE is here primarily in Lewiston and Portland. They won’t talk about their “mission” and the Bangor Daily News reports increased arrests in both towns. To familiarize yourself with all the ways they can be resisted, check out this comprehensive toolkit from South Carolina (thank you Lisa), which shows how they managed an ICE incursion there. Think about what your risk tolerance is and then activate – you could get ICE verifier and de-escalation training, you could support NO Mask in Maine legislation, you could help your local organizers bring food to families who are not leaving home right now, and, offer to take their kids to school. Lots of resources below. If you see what you identify as an ICE vehicle in your town call the ICE Watch hotline in Maine: 207 544 998. 

    More Actions Today if You Have the Bandwidth

    Call Collins, King, Pingree and/or Golden and ask them to speak out against Trump’s intention to invade Greenland. Go here for a simple script for this call and to learn more about the issue. To learn more about this issue check out Gil Duran’s substack in which he outlines the Tech Billionaires who support Trump on this issue, and what the obsession with Greenland is.

    ICE related Actions

    ICE Masks Off. Let’s support legislation to this effect in Maine. Talk with your local rep or senator about this. It will require some finagling to get this into this emergency session, but it surely qualifies as an emergency! Ask Gov. Mills to put this bill in, which she can do regardless.

    Call or email Senator King to filibuster more funding for ICE in the upcoming appropriations bill. Appropriations bills need 60 votes to overrule a filibuster. No extra funding for ICE. Call Collins to ask her to deny requests for more funding for ICE in the upcoming appropriations bill.

    Call or write King, Collins, Golden or Pingree and ask them to speak out about the  deployment of violent ICE agents to American cities and states and now in Maine. They are terrorizing our people, and not in any way making our country safer. Demand a full investigation of ICE killings, refuse to pass extra appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security which funds ICE, and call for the Impeachment of Kristi (Cowboy Hat) Noem.  For more information and a script for your call go to 5calls.org.

    Activate Maine has an ICE toolkit including links to sign up for ICE verifier and de escalation trainings.If you want to get more involved check out 

    this training manual for becoming an ICE verifier.

    The Maine ACLU has a page on preparation for ICE invasion: go here.
    Finally, Consider volunteering and/or donating to one of the worthy immigrant support organizations listed below: 

     Capital Area New Mainers ProjectMainers for Humane ImmigrationImmigrant Legal Advocacy Project, (all Maine based), and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, go here to donate to the Capital Area New Mainers Project. 

    ACA Related Actions

    If you have a story about how the ACA tax extension health care cuts will affect you directly or someone you know please contact Esther at the MPA. Personal stories matter!


    Call Collins and King and ask them to support the ACA tax extension bill coming from the House with no amendments. This bill has stalled in the Senate because Republicans want to add an abortion amendment.  For more information on the ACA go hereFor a full toolkit on how to support action on this go here.

    Force the release of all the Epstein Files. Call or email Pingree or Golden and ask them to support the inherent contempt charges against Attorney General Pam Bondi which House Members  Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) are threatening to draft.  If passed, inherent contempt charges would allow the House to bypass the courts and force Bondi to either release the files or face personal consequences such as imprisonment. (Go to 5calls.org for more on this action)Boycott: Being a consumer is one of the greatest powers we have as members of a capitalist economy. There are numerous boycotts going on, some of which we have listed below –  pressure on companies can work – as noted above Spotify is not running ICE recruitment ads, and Avelo is not running deportation flights.  For a complete list of ICE related boycotts go to Icelist. This link is dead because people think the Russians took down this site after a whistleblower released the names of 4500 immigration law enforcement personnel. For the full story go here.

    Help Protect Trans Youth:Transequality reports that 58 transgender persons have been either murdered or died by suicide since the regime rolled out its cruel rhetoric and anti-trans policies. “Trump is now beginning the process of banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth through a rulemaking process, thus sidestepping Congress and the legislative process entirely. 

    The proposed rule, RIN 0938-AV87, would bar any hospital system that participates in Medicaid or Medicare from offering gender-affirming care to transgender youth, regardless of whether that care is paid for with federal funds or privately. You can leave a public comment here. Note that public comments really are public, so if you have a reason to protect your anonymity, do it.” (Thank you to Shelley for this action)

    Support the right of our troops to disobey illegal orders:   Defiance.org, in partnership with WhistleblowerAid.org, has launched Phase One of what it planned to be an ongoing effort to help members of our military obey lawful orders, recognize manifestly illegal ones, and know where to turn to understand the difference.  This campaign includes: Geo-targeted public service announcements, online and via social media; Billboards near key U.S. military installations ; Information about confidential, independent support available through Whistleblower Aid.

    Mutual Aid

    ActivateMaine has created a site, SNAP Into Action: “a statewide effort to help those who are affected by the freezing of benefits due to the Government shut down.”  Even though the Government is “open” now, hunger issues continue for people around the country.

    Heating Assistance:  If you have friends, neighbors, or need support for Heating Assistance, Li Heap funds have been authorized for Maine, Click here to learn more about applying for LIHEAP assistance. Collins and King were  involved in pushing that this money get released after the Government shutdown.

    Insurance Crisis:  If the ACA tax cuts do not go through, tens of thousands of us will have to choose between health care premiums and food or rent.  If you have a personal story along these lines please contact Esther at the Maine People’s Alliance who is collecting personal testimony to support the passage of the ACA tax cuts. Call King and Collins to support the House bill just passed on the ACA tax extensions.

    Arts and Politics!

    If you live near Skowhegan check out Kevin James Studios at 127 Water Street for a whole gallery of resistance art!  (Let me know if you know of other art galleries showing political art and I will list them here.)

    GOT MORE TIME? HERE ARE SOME MORE ACTIONS  (just pick one!)

    State Wide Actions

    • Provide testimony to support LD 1383 for this Wednesday’s Hearing “An Act to Require State Divestment from Perpetrators of International Human Rights Violations.” Go here to submit testimony or to sign up for the hearing.  It is at 10:00 at the State and Local Government Committee. This bill prohibits Maine from investing its funds from any companies, entities, persons or financial institutions that are “associated with” a “perpetrator state”. For more details see the attachment below. The Maine Coalition for Peace and Human Rights is responsible for this campaign, see their  one page toolkit  here, and write a letter to your state legislative representatives.
    • More ICE resistance: Check in with organizations in Lewiston and Portland to see how you can help. Activate Maine has an ICE toolkit including links to sign up for ICE verifier and de escalation trainings. Get trained to field, verify, and document potential community ICE sightings and provide trusted, reliable information on ICE activity to immigrant communities.  Here is the number for the ICE Watch hotline in Maine: 207 544 998
    • Support the Plug-In Solar Bill LD 1730  (An Act to Make Small, Portable, Plug-in Solar Generation Devices)  Energy, Utilities & Technology  Public Hearing:  Here is a list of talking points and more info.
    • Oppose Huge Energy Sucking AI Data Centers in Maine. Lewiston denied an AI Center this past Wednesday, (Thanks to Azalea for this information!)
    • Home Depot Actions: Sign the petition that is demanding that Home Depot stop complying with ICE, personalize this letter to Home Depot corporate headquarters making the same demand, for more actions such as going to your local Home Depot and delivering a letter to the manager go to Ice Out of Home Depot
    • Mid Maine Indivisible has a great weekly newsletter – To sign up: go here. Indivisible Bangor has a great daily newsletter and actions go here to sign up. If you are in the Mid Coast area consider joining Audacity – learn more here. The Bold Coast Civic Alliance has a newsletter as well as the Hancock County Democrat.   Cumberland County Indivisible newsletter go here.  Greater Portland Indivisible, go here. We are developing a great ecosystem for resistance communications in Maine.

    Find Your State Senator: By name:

    Here , By district: Here

    Find your State Representative: By name: Here , By District:Here

    New:

    For Maine State Legislative Calendar day by day go  here

    For links to US Legislative Calendars go here

    Check complete bill listing  here.                                                     
    Find the text of any bill here                                                                                      

    Instructions for testifying are here 

    LOCAL ACTIONS: 

     Join Mid Maine Indivisible(Kennebec and Somerset Counties) Please join us if you are in the Mid Maine area.  To sign up: go here

    There is a community member who is looking to provide home cleaning services in the Waterville area for $25 an hour. Send an email with subject “Cleaning” to get in contact for scheduling! You would be providing income for a local mother with an infant son to care for.   

    Are you interested in helping New Mainers learn/improve their English?  To sign up for English tutoring or any of our other volunteer opportunities, please visit: Capital Area New Mainers Project (CANMP) to fill out a volunteer interest survey. An English Learning option at the Waterville library at 1:00 on Mondays is also an option for volunteers. Contact CANMP for the details. You can also Donate to the Capitol Area New Mainers Project’s rapid response fund. CANMP is actively helping those affected by ICE abductions, both with legal funding and other financial support for family members.

    The Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition and partners have organized an ICE watch Hotline  in Maine. They need volunteer hotline operators to answer phones from Mainers concerned about ICE sitings. They are looking for folks fluent in one or more of the following: Spanish, French and Portugese. 207-544-9989

    Wednesday, January 21st: (and every Wednesday) 12:00-1:00 Waterville,  Corner of Main and Chaplin St. Grandmothers for Reproductive Rights, GRR! demonstrates every Wednesday across from Resolve, the local anti-abortion center. Please join us in assuring all Mainers have access to safe, legal, shame-free reproductive health care including abortions and contraceptive care. For more info please contact Elayne Richard  at recordconnection@gmail.com 

    First Saturday of Each Month: Somerset Stands Up Rallies 2:30Margaret Chase Smith Bridge, downtown Skowhegan. Bring your signs, American flags, your voice, your friends, families and neighbors for this peaceful gathering of concerned residents of Somerset County. 

    Sunday, January 25th : 1:00 (and every Sunday): Stop the Killing, (ICE, Venezuela, USAID closing, ACA extensions dropped, etc.)
    Tuesday, January 27th: 12:00-1:00 (and every Tuesday) Old Location at Tesla Charging Stations at Elm Plaza, Waterville  Stand with us to remind the traffic that we need to WAKE UP and start resisting the authoritarian take over of our Government. We have been at this location since Tuesday, Feb. 4th? 2025!

    SOLIDARITY

    *Consider supporting Graham Platner. He is an electrifying speaker, with good positions on the important issues. Volunteer here. Go to Mobilize to find the events you can take part in this week.

    However, Mills is a good alternative to support if she wins the primary in June. We must oust Collins!*If you would like to join Maine People’s Alliance Federal Lobby Group, please contact Jim Parakilas at jamesparakilas@gmail.com. We meet Mondays at 2 pm on Zoom. 


    With great appreciation for all the engagement everywhere!  As always, throw a little sand in their gears! Emanuel

     “Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America,”  “Your vote matters. If it didn’t, why would some people keep trying to take it away?”  John Lewis


    It’s a piece of cake to email or call with these links!

    The names of our senators and representatives listed below are links that go right to their official congressional contact form pages. The telephone numbers are links that should open your phone app to call that number. It’s that easy!

    Senator Angus King             
    DC: (202) 224-5344
    Augusta: (207) 622-8292 

    Senator Susan Collins         
    DC: (202) 224-2523 
    Augusta: (207) 622-8414
    Bangor: (207) 945-0417

    Congresswoman Chellie Pingree      
    DC: (202) 225-6116
    Portland: (207) 774-5019  
    Waterville: (207) 873-5713  

    Congressman Jared Golden         
    DC: (202) 225-6306 
    Bangor: (207) 249-7400
    Caribou: (207) 492-6009 
    Lewiston: (207) 241-6767

    Find your State Representative
    By nameHere
    By district: Here

    Find your State Senator:
    By name: Here
    By district: Here

    Our government in Augusta:

    Governor Janet Mills
    Email Governor Mills
    Call (207) 287-3531

    Secretary of State Shenna Bellows
    Contact Secretary Bellows
    Call (207)626-8400

    Attorney General Aaron M. Frey
    Contact Mr. Frey
    Call (207) 626-8800

    Questions or comments? Contact George!

  • BCCA Action Items- Thursday, 1/22

    Due to time constraints, this email is short today.  

    Action Items to choose from (or do all of them: your choice!) Scroll down to the matching number of your option: 

    1. Watch Jack Smith’s public testimony live TODAY  
    2. Save the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness from Mining Pollution 
    3. Sign the MayDayStrong solidarity pledge 

    Actions 

    1) Watch Jack Smith’s public testimony TODAY at 10am ET: 

         Share this with as many people as possible (I know it’s last minute—sorry about that!) and watch it yourself. I wish I knew a way to get MAGA people to watch. You can stream it live here or on CSPAN 2, if you have access to it. 

    2) Save the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness from Mining Pollution: 

         In 2023, the Biden administration implemented a 20-year moratorium on mining in the Rainy River watershed, which is next to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the most visited wilderness area in the country. Since last June, the Trump administration and members of Congress have been working to dismantle these protections for the Boundary Waters. Now Congressional Republicans have moved closer to lifting that ban, despite environmentalists’ warnings that toxic runoff from mining devastate the Boundary Waters and the wildlife that makes their homes there.  

         The end goal seems to be to grant mining leases to Twin Metals (a mining company owned by a foreign corporation), while also preventing any future mining bans within the watershed area. This would further the administration’s push to make mining and resource extraction the primary uses of our public lands and waters. What’s more, Congressional action would have a more permanent effect than an executive order, which can be undone by a future administration. 

         The Senate could take this up at any time. The good news is that a previous attempt to roll this back last summer was stopped by a ruling by the Senate Parliamentarian, and it’s possible this attempt could end the same way. But there’s no guarantee. So if environmental protection is important to you, contact Senators King and Collins and urge them to vote against rolling back this rule.  

    3) Sign the MayDayStrong solidarity pledge: 

         The May Day Coalition is working toward a huge national protest on May 1st. If you’re so inclined, sign their pledge to help the effort. To have an effect, it needs to be HUGE. Read more here or go straight to the pledge.  If you’re involved with one of the larger organizations, talk to them about making sure we have large events planned locally. 

    Contact info:

    Reminder: When you call vs when you email via our reps’ websites (best way to contact them in writing), don’t forget to begin with: “Hi, my name is [name] and I’m a constituent calling from [zip code]. That is important, because if they don’t know you’re actually a constituent, your opinion will be ignored. 

    Angus King             
    DC: (202) 224-5344
    Augusta: (207) 622-8292 

    Susan Collins         
    DC: (202) 224-2523 
    Augusta: (207) 622-8414
    Bangor: (207) 945-0417

    Chellie Pingree      
    DC: (202) 225-6116
    Portland: (207) 774-5019  
    Waterville: (207) 873-5713  

    Jared Golden         
    DC: (202) 225-6306 
    Bangor: (207) 249-7400
    Caribou: (207) 492-6009 
    Lewiston: (207) 241-6767

    Find your State Representative: 
    By nameHere
    By district: Here

    (Please note that for those of you receiving this email who are not represented by Senators or House members in our district, I have to leave it up to you to find the contact info for your own representatives.)

    Yours in Civic Action

    Bold Coast Civic Alliance

  • IB News: Tuesday, 1/12: ICE IN MAINE; National Walkout TODAY at 2pm; Write a LTE; Tour Dunlap’s New Office

    IB News: Tuesday, 1/12: ICE IN MAINE; National Walkout TODAY at 2pm; Write a LTE; Tour Dunlap’s New Office

    Good morning. ICE is now in Maine in several cities. The newsletter will be sporadic for the next few weeks, so be sure to check out our Blue Sky and Instagram accounts for current info.

    Following this newsletter is today’s Emanuel’s Daily Action Email from Augusta – the daily action along with a link to his great list of important actions and information. Today’s call to action asks us to call our reps in Washington to ask them to speak out against the reckless and dangerous talk about invading and taking Greenland.

    Three new actions from Hancock County Democrats: Action 197 – Walkout on January 20th (TODAY!) (1/15), Action 198 – Defund ICE (1/16), and Action 199 – Maine legislation 1/19-1/23 (1/18). More Hancock County Democrats actions are found here.

    Also, a new action from the Bold Coast Civic Alliance, Bold Coast Civic Alliance (1/16), on how to stop ICE and keep ICE out of Maine. More BCCA actions here.

    A lot of research goes into these additional actions, so be sure to read them!

    And THANK YOU to supporters who have been donating to our ActBlue fund! Planning events and maintaining the website and email list take money, so these donations are appreciated!


    Current News:

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Weekly vigils are happening here in the Bangor area!

    *****

    TODAY!
    Tuesdays

    Weekly Vigil at the Federal Building in Bangor – 11:00 am

    (This Tuesday Protest celebrated one year and was mentioned in Robert Hubble’s Substack on 1/7/2026!)

    *****
    Wednesdays
    Weekly Orono Vigil in the town center,

    12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.  
    *****
    NEW WEEKLY THURSDAY VIGIL!
    At the Federal Building in Bangor
    3:00 p.m.

    Based on the success of last week’s protest, this is now happening every Thursday to keep Trump’s lawlessness and outrages before the public.
    *****
    Fridays
    Bangor Visibility Brigade

    The week finishes with two highway overpass actions! There is the Visibility Brigade on the Essex Street I-95 overpass at the new time of 3:00 p.m. Learn more here. Tell them you read about it here!


    Governor Mills’ Statement on Potential Federal Law Enforcement Operations in Maine

    Governor Mills issued a statement recently concerning ICE activity here in Maine.

    Click here to see her statement on Vimeo.

    *****


    Upcoming Events:

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Come See the New Dunlap for Congress Office!
    THIS Friday, 1/23/26

    “Join us for the opening of our campaign office! Come meet Matt Dunlap, connect with fellow volunteers and supporters, and help us kick off the campaign by signing petitions and getting involved. We’ll share campaign updates, talk about how you can help, and start building momentum together. Hope to see you there!”

    Register here on the Mobilize site.

    DateFriday, January 23, 2026

    Event begins: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm; 

    LocationMatt Dunlap For Congress Offices 
    275 Main Street, ME 04468

    Between Center Street and Middle Street
    Here We Go Map


    Jordan Wood in Orono! Town Hall at the Orono Public Library!
    Thursday, 1/29/26

    About this event

    Orono! Democratic House Candidate Jordan Wood is coming to meet you. We’ll be at the Orono Public Library. Come out to meet Jordan, learn why he’s the strongest candidate to defeat Paul LePage, and hear about what his plans as your next Congressman: sweeping campaign finance reform, passing the Ultra-Millionaire Wealth Tax, enacting universal childcare and addressing the affordability crisis head on.

    Bring your friends and family!

    Register here on the Mobilize site.

    DateThursday, January 29, 2026

    Event begins: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm; 
    Doors Open: 5:15 pm

    LocationOrono Public Library 
    39 Pine St Orono, ME 04473

    Here We Go Map


    Food AND Medicine
    Annual Meeting 
    Saturday, 1/31/26 
    9:00 am – 1:00 pm
    with lunch at noon (lots of fun!)

    FAM’s 2026 Annual Meeting, in person is best, but you can also Zoom if needed; the Zoom link will be shared prior to the meeting to those who register for the Zoom. RSVP is required to attend. FAM members will have an opportunity to elect new board members and vote on proposed bylaws changes. 

    FAM membership is NOT required to attend, so if you aren’t a member but want to get to know us better, come to the meeting. We love to meet new people!

    The program will start promptly at 9am, and we’ll have lunch together at Noon. 

    Location: The Food AND Medicine Solidarity Center in Brewer
    20 Ivers Street
    Brewer, ME 04412

    Here We Go Map Here.

    RSVP Here!


    Other News:

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Write a letter to the editor!

    Letters to the editor are published regularly in the local newspapers from Mainers who support the brutal tactics of the authoritarian Trump regime. Write a letter to set the record straight. Click the button to go to the Bangor Daily News “Submit a letter or column” page, the Portland Press Herald “Letters to the editor” page, and the “Letter to the Editor” page at the Ellsworth American.


    As mentioned in the BCCA Special Edition action, Indivisible has a toolkit to help us relay the message to Stop Trump’s War in Venezuela:

    “The Trump administration is dragging us into war with Venezuela. On the night of January 2, they launched an attack that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Maduro. 

    “Now Trump has declared that the US will “run” Venezuela and control oil production until a transition of power can take place. He is disregarding national sovereignty and forcing a regime-change all without authorization from Congress and without citing evidence of a legitimate threat to the United States. 

    “And it’s all in service of his own authoritarian ambitions. If he’s not stopped, Trump will continue this power grab, escalating violence in the region and putting US service members and civilians in danger unnecessarily. 

    “We need Congress to check this regime’s lawless violence, or there’s no telling where this will end. The Constitution states clearly that war powers belong to Congress—not the White House. 

    “Every Member of Congress must do everything in their power to stand up to Trump and prevent war with Venezuela.”

    Go to Take Action: Stop Trump’s War in Venezuela to see what you can do.


    How Maine Politicians Reacted to Trump’s Illegal Actions in Venezuela

    From the Bangor Daily News article, “How Maine politicians reacted to the capture of Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro,” by Michael Shepherd on January 3, 2026. See it here. You will need a paid account to read it, but here are some important excerpts:

    U.S. Sen. Susan Collins

    The Republican senator said in a statement that she was personally briefed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, saying Maduro was “a narco-terrorist and international drug trafficker who has been indicted twice in U.S. courts and who should stand trial in this country.”

    “Congress should have been informed about the operation earlier and needs to be involved as this situation evolves,” she said.

    Gov. Janet Mills

    Mills, who is running for the Democratic nomination to face Collins in 2026, said on X that Trump was moving the U.S. “closer to a costly, unnecessary, and unjustified war” in part because he knows Republicans in Congress won’t hold him accountable.

    Graham Platner

    The progressive military veteran facing Mills in the primary had one of the most aggressive lines against Trump’s move, noting Collins’ vote in the Senate against a war powers resolution on Venezuela. He reacted to a Trump video touting the invasion by saying he watched friends die in Iraq in the wake of similar speeches.

    “From Iraq to Venezuela, you can count on Susan Collins to enable illegal foreign wars,” he said on X.

    U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree

    Trump’s move is “a breathtaking abuse of power,” the Democrat from Maine’s 1st District said in a statement. While she called Maduro “a ruthless dictator,” she said Trump does not have the power to pursue regime change without congressional approval.

    “This reckless move risks destabilizing an already fragile region, puts millions of civilians at risk, and further isolates us from our friends and allies,” she said.

    State Auditor Matt Dunlap

    The Democratic candidate for the 2nd District called Trump’s move “absolutely reckless” in a statement.

    “In a functioning democracy, this kind of reckless, unilateral action would be condemned across party lines,” he said. “Instead, one party is bending over backwards to justify it.”

    Jordan Wood

    Wood, a former Democratic political operative who ran for the U.S. Senate before switching into the 2nd District race, said on social media that “no president can unilaterally take us to war.”

    “Yes, Maduro is a lawless dictator, but that does not give Trump permission to invade,” he said.

    ~~~~

    Also, from Senator Angus King:

    His podcast conversation with Senator Jon Tester on Saturday

    Saturday’s statement

    His interview with CNN News Central this morning

    Please call your representatives in Washington. Go to Take Action: Stop Trump’s War in Venezuela to see what you can do.


    CBS News and the 
    60 Minutes CECOT Story

    In case you missed it, we want to share with you the CBS 60 Minutes story that was to have aired on December 21st, 2025. The Trump-friendly CBS News editor-in-chief axed this story that was about the administration sending Venezuelans to the maximum security prison in El Salvador. It was not broadcast in our country, but was available in Canada and was available on the Internet Archives site here, but has since been removed from that specific location. It is still available here, also on the Internet Archives.

    Please see issue no. 5 in the BCCA action (12/29) for more details on the state of CBS News and their collaboration with the Trump administration.  This Wikipedia article also has good information, including background discussing the Paramount-Skydance merger.


    Join Indivisible Bangor!

    Do you want to become more involved? Would you like to help with the website and communications? How about helping to organize events, such as rallies and visibilty actions or be a peacekeeper? Or do you just want to keep up with what we’re doing?  Sign up to volunteer with Indivisible Bangor! Your level of involvement is up to you!

    Weekly member meetings are on Zoom with in-person meetings on the first Wednesday of the month. Please click the link below to sign up and we’ll help you with the process of becoming a member of Indivisible Bangor!

    New members, and current members, too, are invited to join one of our monthly Zoom informational meetings, which will resume after the holidays!


    Donate to a Food Bank or Pantry

    The shutdown is over, but the need is not. There are still cuts to programs that help people with food and other needs.

    Please DONATE to a local food pantry- food, personal items, and even cash.  Faith Linking in Action maintains a database of all food pantries and free meals– organized by both location and day of the week– in the Bangor area. Check it out here.

    Also, ActivateMaine has created a site, SNAP Into Action: “a statewide effort to help those who are affected by the freezing of benefits due to the Government shut down.” If you know of any food drives that are happening, please visit this site to add it to the database!


    The Maine ICE Watch Hotline

    The purpose of the hotline is to protect immigrant families by providing accurate, real-time information about ICE and Border Patrol activity and connect Maine families to resources and support services during a time of heightened enforcement and targeting of immigrants and refugees.

    Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition ICE Watch Resource Hub.

    Read more about it here in this Newscenter Maine article.

    (207) 544-9989

    Other Ways to Take Action­ (Courtesy of Indivisible Cumberland County:

    Maine’s ICE Watch Hotline Training: Get trained to field, verify, and document potential community ICE sightings and provide trusted, reliable information on ICE activity to immigrant communities.

    Action Alert on LD 1917Contact Governor Mills and tell her to sign into law this bill to protect Maine’s immigrant communities, workforce, public safety, and future! 

    Donate to the Maine Solidarity Fund: Fund pools resources from across communities into a shared fund we can draw from immediately when urgent needs arise. 

    NO I.C.E. for Maine: Learn more about this effort to reign in ICE.


    Make Some Calls!

    It’s mentioned a few times in these newsletters about calling your representatives in Washington, D.C. It’s one of the most important things we can do and it’s so easy!

    Write Some Emails!

    If you are more comfortable with sending emails to our Maine congressional delegation in Washington, click the links/buttons. This is a good option if you have lengthy comments or questions.


    We are on Blue Sky, Instagram, and Facebook!

    Follow us! Invite your friends! Comment! You’ll be glad you did!


    We have an easy way to donate to Indivisible Bangor. Drop off your returnable bottles and cans to Ohio Street Redemption in Bangor and tell them to put it on the account of Indivisible Bangor. They’ll add the money to our kitty, mail out a regular check, and the money goes to our bank account to help with our expenses! You can find them here!

    ****Be sure the attendant writes down “Indivisible Bangor” because several donations have not been credited. Thank you!****

    And you can donate here, too! Donations help pay for supplies, website, outreach, and to fund the many upcoming actions in Maine.

    Thank you for all you do! – George and Indivisible Bangor


    Emanuel’s Daily Call to Action:

    AcAction Tuesday January 20th: Call Our Congressional Representatives to Demand Action Against Invading Greenland + Consider Joining the National Walkout Today at 2 pm

    Good Morning Folks, we are headed into a cold snap. This makes it a bit harder for ticks, and ICE. As the temperature drops keep your spirits up by knowing you are not alone and the resistance is growing. Ps. As our list of action grows, Gmail may shorten the email. You can ask it to include the whole email, but check to make sure you are getting the full email.

    Top Action to Take Today: 

    • For those of you at work, at school, or in a building, consider joining the  National Walk Outoday, at 2 pm. This is part of the Women’s March efforts. Walk out in silence, take 5 minutes to silently review the preciousness of our Democracy and what each of us is doing to maintain it. Walk back in in silence. Full scale Women’s March events are planned in Augusta and Northeast Harbor.
    • Call Collins, King, Pingree and/or Golden and ask them to speak out against Trump’s intention to invade Greenland. Go here for a simple script for this call and to learn more about the issue. To learn more about this issue check out Gil Duran’s substack in which he outlines the Tech Billionaires who support Trump on this issue, and what the obsession with Greenland is.

    For “More Actions Today if You Have the Bandwidth” from Emanuel’s Daily Call to Action (1/20), click here.

    With great appreciation for all the engagement everywhere!  

    As always, throw a little sand in their gears! 

    ~~Emanuel


    It’s a piece of cake to email or call with these links!

    The names of our senators and representatives listed below are links that go right to their official congressional contact form pages. The telephone numbers are links that should open your phone app to call that number. It’s that easy!

    Senator Angus King             
    DC: (202) 224-5344
    Augusta: (207) 622-8292 

    Senator Susan Collins         
    DC: (202) 224-2523 
    Augusta: (207) 622-8414
    Bangor: (207) 945-0417

    Congresswoman Chellie Pingree      
    DC: (202) 225-6116
    Portland: (207) 774-5019  
    Waterville: (207) 873-5713  

    Congressman Jared Golden         
    DC: (202) 225-6306 
    Bangor: (207) 249-7400
    Caribou: (207) 492-6009 
    Lewiston: (207) 241-6767

    Find your State Representative
    By nameHere
    By district: Here

    Find your State Senator:
    By name: Here
    By district: Here

    Our government in Augusta:

    Governor Janet Mills
    Email Governor Mills
    Call (207) 287-3531

    Secretary of State Shenna Bellows
    Contact Secretary Bellows
    Call (207)626-8400

    Attorney General Aaron M. Frey
    Contact Mr. Frey
    Call (207) 626-8800

    Questions or comments? Contact George!

  • Emanuel’s Daily Action Email, Tuesday, 1/20/26

    Emanuel’s Daily Action Email, Tuesday, 1/20/26

    More Actions Today if You Have the Bandwidth

    ICE related Actions

    ICE Masks Off. Lets support legislation to this effect in Maine. Talk with your local rep or senator about this. It will require some finagling to get this into this emergency session, but it surely qualifies as an emergency! Ask Gov. Mills to put this bill in, which she can do regardless.

    Call or email Senator King to filibuster more funding for ICE in the upcoming appropriations bill. Appropriations bills need 60 votes to overrule a filibuster. No extra funding for ICE. Call Collins to ask her to deny requests for more funding for ICE in the upcoming appropriations bill.

    Call or write King, Collins, Golden or Pingree and ask them to speak out about the  deployment of violent ICE agents to American cities and states and now in Maine. They are terrorizing our people, and not in any way making our country safer. Demand a full investigation of ICE killings, refuse to pass extra appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security which funds ICE, and call for the Impeachment of Kristi (Cowboy Hat) Noem.  For more information and a script for your call go to 5calls.org.

    Activate Maine has an ICE toolkit including links to sign up for ICE verifier and de escalation trainings.

    The Maine ACLU has a page on preparation for ICE invasion: go here.
    Finally, Consider volunteering and/or donating to one of the worthy immigrant support organizations listed below:  Capital Area New Mainers ProjectMainers for Humane ImmigrationImmigrant Legal Advocacy Project, (all Maine based), and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, go here to donate to the Capital Area New Mainers Project. 

    ACA Related Actions

    If you have a story about how the ACA tax extension health care cuts will affect you directly or someone you know please contact Esther at the MPA. Personal stories matter!


    Call Collins and King and ask them to support the ACA tax extension bill coming from the House with no amendments. This bill has stalled in the Senate because Republicans want to add an abortion amendment.  For more information on the ACA go hereFor a full toolkit on how to support action on this go here.

    Force the release of all the Epstein Files. Call or email Pingree or Golden and ask them to support the inherent contempt charges against Attorney General Pam Bondi which House Members  Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) are threatening to draft.  If passed, inherent contempt charges would allow the House to bypass the courts and force Bondi to either release the files or face personal consequences such as imprisonment. (Go to 5calls.org for more on this action)Boycott: Being a consumer is one of the greatest powers we have as members of a capitalist economy. There are numerous boycotts going on, some of which we have listed below –  pressure on companies can work – as noted above Spotify is not running ICE recruitment ads, and Avelo is not running deportation flights.  For a complete list of ICE related boycotts go to Icelist. This link is dead because people think the Russians took down this site after a whistleblower released the names of 4500 immigration law enforcement personnel. For the full story go here.

    Help Protect Trans Youth:Transequality reports that 58 transgender persons have been either murdered or died by suicide since the regime rolled out its cruel rhetoric and anti-trans policies. “Trump is now beginning the process of banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth through a rulemaking process, thus sidestepping Congress and the legislative process entirely. 

    The proposed rule, RIN 0938-AV87, would bar any hospital system that participates in Medicaid or Medicare from offering gender-affirming care to transgender youth, regardless of whether that care is paid for with federal funds or privately. You can leave a public comment here. Note that public comments really are public, so if you have a reason to protect your anonymity, do it.” (Thank you to Shelley for this action)

    Support the right of our troops to disobey illegal orders:   Defiance.org, in partnership with WhistleblowerAid.org, has launched Phase One of what it planned to be an ongoing effort to help members of our military obey lawful orders, recognize manifestly illegal ones, and know where to turn to understand the difference.  This campaign includes: Geo-targeted public service announcements, online and via social media; Billboards near key U.S. military installations ; Information about confidential, independent support available through Whistleblower Aid.

    Mutual Aid

    ActivateMaine has created a site, SNAP Into Action: “a statewide effort to help those who are affected by the freezing of benefits due to the Government shut down.”  Even though the Government is “open” now, hunger issues continue for people around the country.

    Heating Assistance:  If you have friends, neighbors, or need support for Heating Assistance, Li Heap funds have been authorized for Maine, Click here to learn more about applying for LIHEAP assistance. Collins and King were  involved in pushing that this money get released after the Government shutdown.

    Insurance Crisis:  If the ACA tax cuts do not go through, tens of thousands of us will have to choose between health care premiums and food or rent.  If you have a personal story along these lines please contact Esther at the Maine People’s Alliance who is collecting personal testimony to support the passage of the ACA tax cuts. Call King and Collins to support the House bill just passed on the ACA tax extensions.

    Arts and Politics!

    If you live near Skowhegan check out Kevin James Studios at 127 Water Street for a whole gallery of resistance art!  (Let me know if you know of other art galleries showing political art and I will list them here.)

    GOT MORE TIME? HERE ARE SOME MORE ACTIONS  (just pick one!)

    State Wide Actions

    • Provide testimony to support LD 1383 for this Wednesday’s Hearing “An Act to Require State Divestment from Perpetrators of International Human Rights Violations.” Go here to submit testimony or to sign up for the hearing.  It is at 10:00 at the State and Local Government Committee. This bill prohibits Maine from investing its funds from any companies, entities, persons or financial institutions that are “associated with” a “perpetrator state”. For more details see the attachment below. The Maine Coalition for Peace and Human Rights is responsible for this campaign, see their  one page toolkit  here, and write a letter to your state legislative representatives.
    • Consider joining the National Walk Out on January 20th, at 2 pm. There is one in Augusta and one in Northeast Harbor for the 20th. You can create your own! See more info. in the attached action document from Abbie Mcmillen.
    • More ICE resistance: Check in with organizations in Lewiston and Portland to see how you can help. Activate Maine has an ICE toolkit including links to sign up for ICE verifier and de escalation trainings. Get trained to field, verify, and document potential community ICE sightings and provide trusted, reliable information on ICE activity to immigrant communities.  Here is the number for the ICE Watch hotline in Maine: 207 544 998
    • Support the Plug-In Solar Bill LD 1730  (An Act to Make Small, Portable, Plug-in Solar Generation Devices)  Energy, Utilities & Technology  Public Hearing:  Here is a list of talking points and more info.
    • Oppose Huge Energy Sucking AI Data Centers in Maine. Lewiston denied an AI Center this past Wednesday, (Thanks to Azalea for this information!)
    • Home Depot Actions: Sign the petition that is demanding that Home Depot stop complying with ICE, personalize this letter to Home Depot corporate headquarters making the same demand, for more actions such as going to your local Home Depot and delivering a letter to the manager go to Ice Out of Home Depot
    • Mid Maine Indivisible has a great weekly newsletter – To sign up: go here. Indivisible Bangor has a great daily newsletter and actions go here to sign up. If you are in the Mid Coast area consider joining Audacity – learn more here. The Bold Coast Civic Alliance has a newsletter as well as the Hancock County Democrat.   Cumberland County Indivisible newsletter go here.  Greater Portland Indivisible, go here. We are developing a great ecosystem for resistance communications in Maine.

    For Maine State Legislative Calendar day by day go  here

    For links to US Legislative Calendars go here

    Check complete bill listing  here.                                                     
    Find the text of any bill here                                                                                      

    Instructions for testifying are here 

    LOCAL ACTIONS: 

     Join Mid Maine Indivisible(Kennebec and Somerset Counties) Please join us if you are in the Mid Maine area.  To sign up: go here

    There is a community member who is looking to provide home cleaning services in the Waterville area for $25 an hour. Send an email with subject “Cleaning” to get in contact for scheduling! You would be providing income for a local mother with an infant son to care for.   

    Are you interested in helping New Mainers learn/improve their English?  To sign up for English tutoring or any of our other volunteer opportunities, please visit: Capital Area New Mainers Project (CANMP) to fill out a volunteer interest survey. An English Learning option at the Waterville library at 1:00 on Mondays is also an option for volunteers. Contact CANMP for the details. You can also Donate to the Capitol Area New Mainers Project’s rapid response fund. CANMP is actively helping those affected by ICE abductions, both with legal funding and other financial support for family members.

    The Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition and partners have organized an ICE watch Hotline  in Maine. They need volunteer hotline operators to answer phones from Mainers concerned about ICE sitings. They are looking for folks fluent in one or more of the following: Spanish, French and Portugese. 207-544-9989Tuesday, January 20th: 12:00-1:00 (and every Tuesday) Old Location at Tesla Charging Stations at Elm Plaza, Waterville  Stand with us to remind the traffic that we need to WAKE UP and start resisting the authoritarian take over of our Government. We have been at this location since Tuesday, Feb. 4th? 2025! 

    Wednesday, January 21st: (and every Wednesday) 12:00-1:00 Waterville,  Corner of Main and Chaplin St. Grandmothers for Reproductive Rights, GRR! demonstrates every Wednesday across from Resolve, the local anti-abortion center. Please join us in assuring all Mainers have access to safe, legal, shame-free reproductive health care including abortions and contraceptive care. For more info please contact Elayne Richard  at recordconnection@gmail.com 

    First Saturday of Each Month: Somerset Stands Up Rallies 2:30Margaret Chase Smith Bridge, downtown Skowhegan. Bring your signs, American flags, your voice, your friends, families and neighbors for this peaceful gathering of concerned residents of Somerset County. 

    Sunday, January 25th : 1:00 (and every Sunday): Stop the Killing, (ICE, Venezuela, USAID closing, ACA extensions dropped, etc.)

    SOLIDARITY

    *Consider supporting Graham Platner. He is an electrifying speaker, with good positions on the important issues. Volunteer here. Go to Mobilize to find the events you can take part in this week.

    However, Mills is a good alternative to support if she wins the primary in June. We must oust Collins!*If you would like to join Maine People’s Alliance Federal Lobby Group, please contact Jim Parakilas at jamesparakilas@gmail.com. We meet Mondays at 2 pm on Zoom. 


    With great appreciation for all the engagement everywhere!  As always, throw a little sand in their gears! 

    ~~~Emanuel

    “But there is one constituency that shares Trump’s Arctic fever: tech billionaires. Writing for the New Republic, Casey Michel exposes how a handful of tech oligarchs have a deep interest in Greenland’s natural resources.”  Gil Duran


    It’s a piece of cake to email or call with these links!

    The names of our senators and representatives listed below are links that go right to their official congressional contact form pages. The telephone numbers are links that should open your phone app to call that number. It’s that easy!

    Senator Angus King             
    DC: (202) 224-5344
    Augusta: (207) 622-8292 

    Senator Susan Collins         
    DC: (202) 224-2523 
    Augusta: (207) 622-8414
    Bangor: (207) 945-0417

    Congresswoman Chellie Pingree      
    DC: (202) 225-6116
    Portland: (207) 774-5019  
    Waterville: (207) 873-5713  

    Congressman Jared Golden         
    DC: (202) 225-6306 
    Bangor: (207) 249-7400
    Caribou: (207) 492-6009 
    Lewiston: (207) 241-6767

    Find your State Representative
    By nameHere
    By district: Here

    Find your State Senator:
    By name: Here
    By district: Here

    Our government in Augusta:

    Governor Janet Mills
    Email Governor Mills
    Call (207) 287-3531

    Secretary of State Shenna Bellows
    Contact Secretary Bellows
    Call (207)626-8400

    Attorney General Aaron M. Frey
    Contact Mr. Frey
    Call (207) 626-8800

    Questions or comments? Contact George!

  • IB News: Monday, 1/19: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; ICE IN MAINE

    IB News: Monday, 1/19: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; ICE IN MAINE

    Good afternoon! Today we remember the good work of the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. and how important it is to continue his work today in the face of authoritarian oppression.

    ICE is now in Maine in several cities. The newsletter will be sporadic for the next few weeks, so be sure to check out our Blue Sky and Instagram accounts for current info.

    Following this newsletter is today’s Emanuel’s Daily Action Email from Augusta – the daily action along with a link to his great list of important actions and information. Today’s call to action has more requests about ICE here in Maine.

    Three new actions from Hancock County Democrats: Action 197 – Walkout on January 20th (tomorrow!) (1/15), Action 198 – Defund ICE (1/16), and Action 199 – Maine legislation 1/19-1/23 (1/18). More Hancock County Democrats actions are found here.

    Also, a new action from the Bold Coast Civic Alliance, Bold Coast Civic Alliance (1/16), on how to stop ICE and keep ICE out of Maine. More BCCA actions here.

    A lot of research goes into these additional actions, so be sure to read them!

    And THANK YOU to supporters who have been donating to our ActBlue fund! Planning events and maintaining the website and email list take money, so these donations are appreciated!


    Current News:

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Weekly vigils are happening here in the Bangor area!

    *****

    Tuesdays
    Weekly Vigil at the Federal Building in Bangor – 11:00 am

    (This Tuesday Protest celebrated one year and was mentioned in Robert Hubble’s Substack on 1/7/2026!)

    *****
    Wednesdays
    Weekly Orono Vigil in the town center,

    12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.  
    *****
    NEW WEEKLY THURSDAY VIGIL!
    At the Federal Building in Bangor
    3:00 p.m.

    Based on the success of last week’s protest, this is now happening every Thursday to keep Trump’s lawlessness and outrages before the public.
    *****
    Fridays
    Bangor Visibility Brigade

    The week finishes with two highway overpass actions! There is the Visibility Brigade on the Essex Street I-95 overpass at the new time of 3:00 p.m. Learn more here. Tell them you read about it here!


    Governor Mills’ Statement on Potential Federal Law Enforcement Operations in Maine

    Governor Mills issued a statement recently concerning ICE activity here in Maine.

    Click here to see her statement on Vimeo.

    *****


    Upcoming Events:

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Come See the New Dunlap for Congress Office!
    Friday, 1/23/26

    “Join us for the opening of our campaign office! Come meet Matt Dunlap, connect with fellow volunteers and supporters, and help us kick off the campaign by signing petitions and getting involved. We’ll share campaign updates, talk about how you can help, and start building momentum together. Hope to see you there!”

    Register here on the Mobilize site.

    DateFriday, January 23, 2026

    Event begins: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm; 

    LocationMatt Dunlap For Congress Offices 
    275 Main Street, ME 04468

    Between Center Street and Middle Street
    Here We Go Map


    Jordan Wood in Orono! Town Hall at the Orono Public Library!
    Thursday, 1/29/26

    About this event

    Orono! Democratic House Candidate Jordan Wood is coming to meet you. We’ll be at the Orono Public Library. Come out to meet Jordan, learn why he’s the strongest candidate to defeat Paul LePage, and hear about what his plans as your next Congressman: sweeping campaign finance reform, passing the Ultra-Millionaire Wealth Tax, enacting universal childcare and addressing the affordability crisis head on.

    Bring your friends and family!

    Register here on the Mobilize site.

    DateThursday, January 29, 2026

    Event begins: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm; 
    Doors Open: 5:15 pm

    LocationOrono Public Library 
    39 Pine St Orono, ME 04473

    Here We Go Map


    Food AND Medicine
    Annual Meeting 
    Saturday, January 31 
    9:00 am – 1:00 pm
    with lunch at noon (lots of fun!)

    FAM’s 2026 Annual Meeting, in person is best, but you can also Zoom if needed; the Zoom link will be shared prior to the meeting to those who register for the Zoom. RSVP is required to attend. FAM members will have an opportunity to elect new board members and vote on proposed bylaws changes. 

    FAM membership is NOT required to attend, so if you aren’t a member but want to get to know us better, come to the meeting. We love to meet new people!

    The program will start promptly at 9am, and we’ll have lunch together at Noon. 

    Location: The Food AND Medicine Solidarity Center in Brewer
    20 Ivers Street
    Brewer, ME 04412

    Here We Go Map Here.

    RSVP Here!


    Other News:

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    As mentioned in the BCCA Special Edition action, Indivisible has a toolkit to help us relay the message to Stop Trump’s War in Venezuela:

    “The Trump administration is dragging us into war with Venezuela. On the night of January 2, they launched an attack that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Maduro. 

    “Now Trump has declared that the US will “run” Venezuela and control oil production until a transition of power can take place. He is disregarding national sovereignty and forcing a regime-change all without authorization from Congress and without citing evidence of a legitimate threat to the United States. 

    “And it’s all in service of his own authoritarian ambitions. If he’s not stopped, Trump will continue this power grab, escalating violence in the region and putting US service members and civilians in danger unnecessarily. 

    “We need Congress to check this regime’s lawless violence, or there’s no telling where this will end. The Constitution states clearly that war powers belong to Congress—not the White House. 

    “Every Member of Congress must do everything in their power to stand up to Trump and prevent war with Venezuela.”

    Go to Take Action: Stop Trump’s War in Venezuela to see what you can do.


    How Maine Politicians Reacted to Trump’s Illegal Actions in Venezuela

    From the Bangor Daily News article, “How Maine politicians reacted to the capture of Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro,” by Michael Shepherd on January 3, 2026. See it here. You will need a paid account to read it, but here are some important excerpts:

    U.S. Sen. Susan Collins

    The Republican senator said in a statement that she was personally briefed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, saying Maduro was “a narco-terrorist and international drug trafficker who has been indicted twice in U.S. courts and who should stand trial in this country.”

    “Congress should have been informed about the operation earlier and needs to be involved as this situation evolves,” she said.

    Gov. Janet Mills

    Mills, who is running for the Democratic nomination to face Collins in 2026, said on X that Trump was moving the U.S. “closer to a costly, unnecessary, and unjustified war” in part because he knows Republicans in Congress won’t hold him accountable.

    Graham Platner

    The progressive military veteran facing Mills in the primary had one of the most aggressive lines against Trump’s move, noting Collins’ vote in the Senate against a war powers resolution on Venezuela. He reacted to a Trump video touting the invasion by saying he watched friends die in Iraq in the wake of similar speeches.

    “From Iraq to Venezuela, you can count on Susan Collins to enable illegal foreign wars,” he said on X.

    U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree

    Trump’s move is “a breathtaking abuse of power,” the Democrat from Maine’s 1st District said in a statement. While she called Maduro “a ruthless dictator,” she said Trump does not have the power to pursue regime change without congressional approval.

    “This reckless move risks destabilizing an already fragile region, puts millions of civilians at risk, and further isolates us from our friends and allies,” she said.

    State Auditor Matt Dunlap

    The Democratic candidate for the 2nd District called Trump’s move “absolutely reckless” in a statement.

    “In a functioning democracy, this kind of reckless, unilateral action would be condemned across party lines,” he said. “Instead, one party is bending over backwards to justify it.”

    Jordan Wood

    Wood, a former Democratic political operative who ran for the U.S. Senate before switching into the 2nd District race, said on social media that “no president can unilaterally take us to war.”

    “Yes, Maduro is a lawless dictator, but that does not give Trump permission to invade,” he said.

    ~~~~

    Also, from Senator Angus King:

    His podcast conversation with Senator Jon Tester on Saturday

    Saturday’s statement

    His interview with CNN News Central this morning

    Please call your representatives in Washington. Go to Take Action: Stop Trump’s War in Venezuela to see what you can do.


    CBS News and the 
    60 Minutes CECOT Story

    In case you missed it, we want to share with you the CBS 60 Minutes story that was to have aired on December 21st, 2025. The Trump-friendly CBS News editor-in-chief axed this story that was about the administration sending Venezuelans to the maximum security prison in El Salvador. It was not broadcast in our country, but was available in Canada and was available on the Internet Archives site here, but has since been removed from that specific location. It is still available here, also on the Internet Archives.

    Please see issue no. 5 in the BCCA action (12/29) for more details on the state of CBS News and their collaboration with the Trump administration.  This Wikipedia article also has good information, including background discussing the Paramount-Skydance merger.


    Join Indivisible Bangor!

    Do you want to become more involved? Would you like to help with the website and communications? How about helping to organize events, such as rallies and visibilty actions or be a peacekeeper? Or do you just want to keep up with what we’re doing?  Sign up to volunteer with Indivisible Bangor! Your level of involvement is up to you!

    Weekly member meetings are on Zoom with in-person meetings on the first Wednesday of the month. Please click the link below to sign up and we’ll help you with the process of becoming a member of Indivisible Bangor!

    New members, and current members, too, are invited to join one of our monthly Zoom informational meetings, which will resume after the holidays!


    Donate to a Food Bank or Pantry

    The shutdown is over, but the need is not. There are still cuts to programs that help people with food and other needs.

    Please DONATE to a local food pantry- food, personal items, and even cash.  Faith Linking in Action maintains a database of all food pantries and free meals– organized by both location and day of the week– in the Bangor area. Check it out here.

    Also, ActivateMaine has created a site, SNAP Into Action: “a statewide effort to help those who are affected by the freezing of benefits due to the Government shut down.” If you know of any food drives that are happening, please visit this site to add it to the database!


    The Maine ICE Watch Hotline

    The purpose of the hotline is to protect immigrant families by providing accurate, real-time information about ICE and Border Patrol activity and connect Maine families to resources and support services during a time of heightened enforcement and targeting of immigrants and refugees.

    Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition ICE Watch Resource Hub.

    Read more about it here in this Newscenter Maine article.

    (207) 544-9989

    Other Ways to Take Action­ (Courtesy of Indivisible Cumberland County:

    Maine’s ICE Watch Hotline Training: Get trained to field, verify, and document potential community ICE sightings and provide trusted, reliable information on ICE activity to immigrant communities.

    Action Alert on LD 1917Contact Governor Mills and tell her to sign into law this bill to protect Maine’s immigrant communities, workforce, public safety, and future! 

    Donate to the Maine Solidarity Fund: Fund pools resources from across communities into a shared fund we can draw from immediately when urgent needs arise. 

    NO I.C.E. for Maine: Learn more about this effort to reign in ICE.


    Make Some Calls!

    It’s mentioned a few times in these newsletters about calling your representatives in Washington, D.C. It’s one of the most important things we can do and it’s so easy!

    Write Some Emails!

    If you are more comfortable with sending emails to our Maine congressional delegation in Washington, click the links/buttons. This is a good option if you have lengthy comments or questions.


    We are on Blue Sky, Instagram, and Facebook!

    Follow us! Invite your friends! Comment! You’ll be glad you did!


    We have an easy way to donate to Indivisible Bangor. Drop off your returnable bottles and cans to Ohio Street Redemption in Bangor and tell them to put it on the account of Indivisible Bangor. They’ll add the money to our kitty, mail out a regular check, and the money goes to our bank account to help with our expenses! You can find them here!

    ****Be sure the attendant writes down “Indivisible Bangor” because several donations have not been credited. Thank you!****

    And you can donate here, too! Donations help pay for supplies, website, outreach, and to fund the many upcoming actions in Maine.

    Thank you for all you do! – George and Indivisible Bangor


    Emanuel’s Daily Call to Action:

    Action Monday January 19th: Provide Testimony to Support LD 1383 Divestment from Perpetrators of International Human Rights Violations

    Good Morning Folks, on a Martin Luther King Monday.  One of the requests he made of us in his demand that we stay non-violent, was to hate the conditions that created the people we see as enemies, not the people themselves. Find a Martin Luther King Day celebration near you. Ps. As our list of action grows, Gmail may shorten the email. You can ask it to include the whole email, but check to make sure it is not doing this.

    Top Action to Take Today: 

    • Provide testimony to support LD 1383 for this Wednesday’s Hearing “An Act to Require State Divestment from Perpetrators of International Human Rights Violations.” Go here to submit testimony or to sign up for the hearing.  It is at 10:00 at the State and Local Government Committee. This bill prohibits Maine from investing its funds from any companies, entities, persons or financial institutions that are “associated with” a “perpetrator state”. For more details see the attachment below. The Maine Coalition for Peace and Human Rightsis responsible for this campaign, see their  one page toolkit  here, and write a letter to your state legislative representatives.

    For more state legislation coming up this week see Abbie McMillen’s run-down attached below.

    For “More Actions Today if You Have the Bandwidth” from Emanuel’s Daily Call to Action (1/19), click here.

    With great appreciation for all the engagement everywhere!  

    As always, throw a little sand in their gears! 

    ~~Emanuel


    It’s a piece of cake to email or call with these links!

    The names of our senators and representatives listed below are links that go right to their official congressional contact form pages. The telephone numbers are links that should open your phone app to call that number. It’s that easy!

    Senator Angus King             
    DC: (202) 224-5344
    Augusta: (207) 622-8292 

    Senator Susan Collins         
    DC: (202) 224-2523 
    Augusta: (207) 622-8414
    Bangor: (207) 945-0417

    Congresswoman Chellie Pingree      
    DC: (202) 225-6116
    Portland: (207) 774-5019  
    Waterville: (207) 873-5713  

    Congressman Jared Golden         
    DC: (202) 225-6306 
    Bangor: (207) 249-7400
    Caribou: (207) 492-6009 
    Lewiston: (207) 241-6767

    Find your State Representative
    By nameHere
    By district: Here

    Find your State Senator:
    By name: Here
    By district: Here

    Our government in Augusta:

    Governor Janet Mills
    Email Governor Mills
    Call (207) 287-3531

    Secretary of State Shenna Bellows
    Contact Secretary Bellows
    Call (207)626-8400

    Attorney General Aaron M. Frey
    Contact Mr. Frey
    Call (207) 626-8800

    Questions or comments? Contact George!

  • Emanuel’s Daily Action Email, Monday 1/19/26

    Emanuel’s Daily Action Email, Monday 1/19/26

    More Actions Today if You Have the Bandwidth

    ICE related Actions

    ICE Masks Off. Lets support legislation to this effect in Maine. Talk with your local rep or senator about this. It will require some finagling to get this into this emergency session, but it surely qualifies as an emergency! Ask Gov. Mills to put this bill in, which she can do regardless.

    Call or email Senator King to filibuster more funding for ICE in the upcoming appropriations bill. Appropriations bills need 60 votes to overrule a filibuster. No extra funding for ICE.

    Call Collins to ask her to deny requests for more funding for ICE in the upcoming appropriations bill.

    Call or write King, Collins, Golden or Pingree and ask them to speak out about the  deployment of violent ICE agents to American cities and states. They are terrorizing our people, and not in any way making our country safer. Demand a full investigation of ICE killings, refuse to pass extra appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security which funds ICE, and call for the Impeachment of Kristi (Cowboy Hat) Noem.  For more information and a script for your call go to 5calls.org.

    Activate Maine has an ICE toolkit including links to sign up for ICE verifier and de escalation trainings.

    The Maine ACLU has a page on preparation for ICE invasion: go here.
    Finally, Consider volunteering and/or donating to one of the worthy immigrant support organizations listed below:  Capital Area New Mainers ProjectMainers for Humane ImmigrationImmigrant Legal Advocacy Project, (all Maine based), and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, go here to donate to the Capital Area New Mainers Project. 

    ACA Related Actions

    If you have a story about how the ACA tax extension health care cuts will affect you directly or someone you know please contact Esther at the MPA. Personal stories matter!


    Call Collins and King and ask them to support the ACA tax extension bill coming from the House with no amendments. This bill has stalled in the Senate because Republicans want to add an abortion amendment.  For more information on the ACA go hereFor a full toolkit on how to support action on this go here.

    Force the release of all the Epstein Files. Call or email Pingree or Golden and ask them to support the inherent contempt charges against Attorney General Pam Bondi which House Members  Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) are threatening to draft.  If passed, inherent contempt charges would allow the House to bypass the courts and force Bondi to either release the files or face personal consequences such as imprisonment. (Go to 5calls.org for more on this action)Boycott: Being a consumer is one of the greatest powers we have as members of a capitalist economy. There are numerous boycotts going on, some of which we have listed below –  pressure on companies can work – as noted above Spotify is not running ICE recruitment ads, and Avelo is not running deportation flights.  For a complete list of ICE related boycotts go to Icelist.

    Help Protect Trans Youth:Transequality reports that 58 transgender persons have been either murdered or died by suicide since the regime rolled out its cruel rhetoric and anti-trans policies. “Trump is now beginning the process of banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth through a rulemaking process, thus sidestepping Congress and the legislative process entirely. 

    The proposed rule, RIN 0938-AV87, would bar any hospital system that participates in Medicaid or Medicare from offering gender-affirming care to transgender youth, regardless of whether that care is paid for with federal funds or privately. The rule must first go through a 60-day public comment period, which ends no later than 5pm on February 17th 2026. During a comment period, rules can be challenged, delayed, and fought, but only if people show up and refuse to let it move forward quietly.  You can leave a public comment here. Note that public comments really are public, so if you have a reason to protect your anonymity, do it.” (Thank you to Shelley for this action)

    Support the right of our troops to disobey illegal orders:   Defiance.org, in partnership with WhistleblowerAid.org, has launched Phase One of what it planned to be an ongoing effort to help members of our military obey lawful orders, recognize manifestly illegal ones, and know where to turn to understand the difference.  This campaign includes: Geo-targeted public service announcements, online and via social media; Billboards near key U.S. military installations ; Information about confidential, independent support available through Whistleblower Aid.

    Mutual Aid

    ActivateMaine has created a site, SNAP Into Action: “a statewide effort to help those who are affected by the freezing of benefits due to the Government shut down.”  Even though the Government is “open” now, hunger issues continue for people around the country.

    Heating Assistance:  If you have friends, neighbors, or need support for Heating Assistance, Li Heap funds have been authorized for Maine, Click here to learn more about applying for LIHEAP assistance. Collins and King were  involved in pushing that this money get released after the Government shutdown.

    Insurance Crisis:  If the ACA tax cuts do not go through, tens of thousands of us will have to choose between health care premiums and food or rent.  If you have a personal story along these lines please contact Esther at the Maine People’s Alliance who is collecting personal testimony to support the passage of the ACA tax cuts. Call King and Collins to support the House bill just passed on the ACA tax extensions.

    Arts and Politics!

    If you live near Skowhegan check out Kevin James Studios at 127 Water Street for a whole gallery of resistance art!  (Let me know if you know of other art galleries showing political art and I will list them here.)

    GOT MORE TIME? HERE ARE SOME MORE ACTIONS  (just pick one!)

    Statewide Actions

    • Testify through letter, zoom, or in person on LD 1383, and LD 838 which establishes a Maine Clean Energy Authority.  A few more interesting bills in the attached action letter from Abbie McMillen. 
    • Consider joining the National Walk Out on January 20th, at 2 pm. There is one in Augusta and one in Northeast Harbor for the 20th. You can create your own! See more info. in the attached action document from Abbie Mcmillen.
    • More ICE resistance: Check in with organizations in Lewiston and Portland to see how you can help. Activate Maine has an ICE toolkit including links to sign up for ICE verifier and de escalation trainings. Get trained to field, verify, and document potential community ICE sightings and provide trusted, reliable information on ICE activity to immigrant communities.  Here is the number for the ICE Watch hotline in Maine: 207 544 998
    • Support the Plug-In Solar Bill LD 1730  (An Act to Make Small, Portable, Plug-in Solar Generation Devices)  Energy, Utilities & Technology  Public Hearing:  Here is a list of talking points and more info.
    • Oppose Huge Energy Sucking AI Data Centers in Maine. Lewiston denied an AI Center this past Wednesday, (Thanks to Azalea for this information!)
    • Home Depot Actions: Sign the petition that is demanding that Home Depot stop complying with ICE, personalize this letter to Home Depot corporate headquarters making the same demand, for more actions such as going to your local Home Depot and delivering a letter to the manager go to Ice Out of Home Depot
    • Mid Maine Indivisible has a great weekly newsletter – To sign up: go here. Indivisible Bangor has a great daily newsletter and actions go here to sign up. If you are in the Mid Coast area consider joining Audacity – learn more here. The Bold Coast Civic Alliance has a newsletter as well as the Hancock County Democrat.   Cumberland County Indivisible newsletter go here.  Greater Portland Indivisible, go here. We are developing a great ecosystem for resistance communications in Maine.

    Find Your State Senator: By name:

    Here , By district: Here

    Find your State Representative: By name: Here , By District:Here

    New:

    For Maine State Legislative Calendar day by day go  here

    For links to US Legislative Calendars go here

    Check complete bill listing  here.                                                     
    Find the text of any bill here                                                                                      

    Instructions for testifying are here 

    LOCAL ACTIONS: 

     Join Mid Maine Indivisible(Kennebec and Somerset Counties) Please join us if you are in the Mid Maine area.  To sign up: go here

    Indivisible MidMaine is sponsoring an MLK day event today- Indivisible Mid Maine Remembers and Honors Dr. King – Monday January 19th, 1-4 at the Playhouse at Waterville Station (the old RailRoad Square building). The event is full.

    Later that day Waterville’s One Million Rising Group will be meeting to support one another in our activism – whatever form that takes.  If you want to join us please email Emanuel or Jeanine.

    There is a community member who is looking to provide home cleaning services in the Waterville area for $25 an hour. Send an email with subject “Cleaning” to get in contact for scheduling! You would be providing income for a local mother with an infant son to care for.   

    Are you interested in helping New Mainers learn/improve their English?  To sign up for English tutoring or any of our other volunteer opportunities, please visit: Capital Area New Mainers Project (CANMP) to fill out a volunteer interest survey. An English Learning option at the Waterville library at 1:00 on Mondays is also an option for volunteers. Contact CANMP for the details. You can also Donate to the Capitol Area New Mainers Project’s rapid response fund. CANMP is actively helping those affected by ICE abductions, both with legal funding and other financial support for family members.

    The Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition and partners have organized an ICE watch Hotline  in Maine. They need volunteer hotline operators to answer phones from Mainers concerned about ICE sitings. They are looking for folks fluent in one or more of the following: Spanish, French and Portugese. 207-544-9989Tuesday, January 20th: 12:00-1:00 (and every Tuesday) Old Location at Tesla Charging Stations at Elm Plaza, Waterville  Stand with us to remind the traffic that we need to WAKE UP and start resisting the authoritarian take over of our Government. We have been at this location since Tuesday, Feb. 4th? 2025! 

    Wednesday, January 21st: (and every Wednesday) 12:00-1:00 Waterville,  Corner of Main and Chaplin St. Grandmothers for Reproductive Rights, GRR! demonstrates every Wednesday across from Resolve, the local anti-abortion center. Please join us in assuring all Mainers have access to safe, legal, shame-free reproductive health care including abortions and contraceptive care. For more info please contact Elayne Richard  at recordconnection@gmail.com 

    First Saturday of Each Month: Somerset Stands Up Rallies 2:30Margaret Chase Smith Bridge, downtown Skowhegan. Bring your signs, American flags, your voice, your friends, families and neighbors for this peaceful gathering of concerned residents of Somerset County. 

    Sunday, January 25th : 1:00 (and every Sunday): Stop the Killing, (ICE, Venezuela, USAID closing, ACA extensions dropped, etc.)


    It’s a piece of cake to email or call with these links!

    The names of our senators and representatives listed below are links that go right to their official congressional contact form pages. The telephone numbers are links that should open your phone app to call that number. It’s that easy!

    Senator Angus King             
    DC: (202) 224-5344
    Augusta: (207) 622-8292 

    Senator Susan Collins         
    DC: (202) 224-2523 
    Augusta: (207) 622-8414
    Bangor: (207) 945-0417

    Congresswoman Chellie Pingree      
    DC: (202) 225-6116
    Portland: (207) 774-5019  
    Waterville: (207) 873-5713  

    Congressman Jared Golden         
    DC: (202) 225-6306 
    Bangor: (207) 249-7400
    Caribou: (207) 492-6009 
    Lewiston: (207) 241-6767

    Find your State Representative
    By nameHere
    By district: Here

    Find your State Senator:
    By name: Here
    By district: Here

    Our government in Augusta:

    Governor Janet Mills
    Email Governor Mills
    Call (207) 287-3531

    Secretary of State Shenna Bellows
    Contact Secretary Bellows
    Call (207)626-8400

    Attorney General Aaron M. Frey
    Contact Mr. Frey
    Call (207) 626-8800

    Questions or comments? Contact George!

  • Emanuel’s Daily Action Email, Friday 1/16/26 – Full Text

    Emanuel’s Daily Action Email, Friday 1/16/26 – Full Text

    Good Morning Folks, what a week.  Two wins – Susan Collins voted for the War Powers Resolution as one of three Republican Senators to do so. Thank you for your calls to her, and a Federal Judge allowed California to redistrict to offset Texas pro Republican redistricting. Ps. As our list of action grows, Gmail may shorten the email. You can ask it to include the whole email, but check to make sure it is not doing this.

    Top Action to Take Today: 

    Call or email Janet Mills and thank her for her strong statement to the Feds yesterday. Ask her to submit legislation to this session that requires Federal agents to have masks off and name badges when they are in Maine.

    Call or email Senator King to filibuster more funding for ICE in the upcoming appropriations bill. Appropriations bills need 60 votes to overrule a filibuster.

    Activate Maine has an ICE toolkit including links to sign up for ICE verifier and de escalation trainings.

    The Maine ACLU has a page on preparation for ICE invasion: go here.
    Finally, Consider volunteering and/or donating to one of the worthy immigrant support organizations listed below: 

     Capital Area New Mainers ProjectMainers for Humane ImmigrationImmigrant Legal Advocacy Project, (all Maine based), and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, go here to donate to the Capital Area New Mainers Project. 

    More Actions Today if You Have the Bandwidth

    ICE Masks Off. Lets support legislation to this effect in Maine. Talk with your local rep or senator about this. It will require some finagling to get this into this emergency session, but it surely qualifies as an emergency! Action #1 above asks Gov. Mills to put this bill in, which she can do regardless.

    If you have a story about how the ACA tax extension health care cuts will affect you directly or someone you know please contact Esther at the MPA. Personal stories matter!


    Call Collins and King and ask them to support the ACA tax extension bill coming from the House with no amendments. This bill has stalled in the Senate because Republicans want to add an abortion amendment. 
     For more information on the ACA go here. For a full toolkit on how to support action on this go here.

    Call or write King, Collins, Golden or Pingree and ask them to speak out about the  deployment of violent ICE agents to American cities and states. They are terrorizing our people, and not in any way making our country safer. Demand a full investigation of ICE killings, refuse to pass appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security which funds ICE, and call for the Impeachment of Kristi (Cowboy Hat) Noem.  For more information and a script for your call go to 5calls.org.

    Force the release of all the Epstein Files. Call or email Pingree or Golden and ask them to support the inherent contempt charges against Attorney General Pam Bondi which House Members  Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) are threatening to draft.  If passed, inherent contempt charges would allow the House to bypass the courts and force Bondi to either release the files or face personal consequences such as imprisonment. (Go to 5calls.org for more on this action)Boycott: Being a consumer is one of the greatest powers we have as members of a capitalist economy. There are numerous boycotts going on, some of which we have listed below –  pressure on companies can work – as noted above Spotify is not running ICE recruitment ads, and Avelo is not running deportation flights.  For a complete list of ICE related boycotts go to Icelist.

    Help Protect Trans Youth:Transequality reports that 58 transgender persons have been either murdered or died by suicide since the regime rolled out its cruel rhetoric and anti-trans policies. “Trump is now beginning the process of banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth through a rulemaking process, thus sidestepping Congress and the legislative process entirely. 

    The proposed rule, RIN 0938-AV87, would bar any hospital system that participates in Medicaid or Medicare from offering gender-affirming care to transgender youth, regardless of whether that care is paid for with federal funds or privately. The rule must first go through a 60-day public comment period, which ends no later than 5pm on February 17th 2026. During a comment period, rules can be challenged, delayed, and fought, but only if people show up and refuse to let it move forward quietly.  You can leave a public comment here. Note that public comments really are public, so if you have a reason to protect your anonymity, do it.” (Thank you to Shelley for this action)

    Support the right of our troops to disobey illegal orders:   Defiance.org, in partnership with WhistleblowerAid.org, has launched Phase One of what it planned to be an ongoing effort to help members of our military obey lawful orders, recognize manifestly illegal ones, and know where to turn to understand the difference.  This campaign includes:

     Geo-targeted public service announcements, online and via social media; Billboards near key U.S. military installations ; Information about confidential, independent support available through Whistleblower Aid.

    Mutual Aid

    ActivateMaine has created a site, SNAP Into Action: “a statewide effort to help those who are affected by the freezing of benefits due to the Government shut down.”  Even though the Government is “open” now, hunger issues continue for people around the country.

    Heating Assistance:  If you have friends, neighbors, or need support for Heating Assistance, Li Heap funds have been authorized for Maine, Click here to learn more about applying for LIHEAP assistance. Collins and King were  involved in pushing that this money get released after the Government shutdown.

    Insurance Crisis:  If the ACA tax cuts do not go through, tens of thousands of us will have to choose between health care premiums and food or rent.  If you have a personal story along these lines please contact Esther at the Maine People’s Alliance who is collecting personal testimony to support the passage of the ACA tax cuts. Call King and Collins to support the House bill just passed on the ACA tax extensions.

    Arts and Politics!

    If you live near Skowhegan check out Kevin James Studios at 127 Water Street for a whole gallery of resistance art!  (Let me know if you know of other art galleries showing political art and I will list them here.)

    GOT MORE TIME? HERE ARE SOME MORE ACTIONS  (just pick one!)

    Statewide Actions

    • Consider joining folks demonstrating in Auburn in solidarity against the upcoming ICE incursion: 12 – 1, Court Street, Longley Bridge.
    • Consider joining the National Walk Out on January 20th, at 2 pm. There is one in Augusta and one in Northeast Harbor for the 20th. You can create your own! See more info. in the attached action document from Abbie Mcmillen.
    • More ICE resistance: Check in with organizations in Lewiston and Portland to see how you can help. Activate Maine has an ICE toolkit including links to sign up for ICE verifier and de escalation trainings. Get trained to field, verify, and document potential community ICE sightings and provide trusted, reliable information on ICE activity to immigrant communities.  Here is the number for the ICE Watch hotline in Maine: 207 544 998
    • Support the Plug-In Solar Bill LD 1730  (An Act to Make Small, Portable, Plug-in Solar Generation Devices) Hearing was  January 6, 2026,  Energy, Utilities & Technology  Public Hearing:  Here is a list of talking points and more info.
    • Oppose Huge Energy Sucking AI Data Centers in Maine. Lewiston denied an AI Center this past Wednesday, (Thanks to Azalea for this information!)
    • Ask your local Maine Representative and Senator to support LD 1383 “An Act to Require State Divestment from Perpetrators of International Human Rights Violations.” This bill prohibits Maine from investing its funds from any companies, entities, persons or financial institutions that are “associated with” a “perpetrator state”. For more details see the attachment below. The Maine Coalition for Peace and Human Rightsis responsible for this campaign, see their  one page toolkit  here, and write a letter to your state legislative representatives.
    • Home Depot Actions: Sign the petition that is demanding that Home Depot stop complying with ICE, personalize this letter to Home Depot corporate headquarters making the same demand, for more actions such as going to your local Home Depot and delivering a letter to the manager go to Ice Out of Home Depot
    • Mid Maine Indivisible has a great weekly newsletter – To sign up: go here. Indivisible Bangor has a great daily newsletter and actions go here to sign up. If you are in the Mid Coast area consider joining Audacity – learn more here. The Bold Coast Civic Alliance has a newsletter as well as the Hancock County Democrat.   Cumberland County Indivisible newsletter go here.  Greater Portland Indivisible, go here. We are developing a great ecosystem for resistance communications in Maine.

    Find Your State Senator: By name:

    Here , By district: Here

    Find your State Representative: By name: Here , By District:Here

    New:

    For Maine State Legislative Calendar day by day go  here

    For links to US Legislative Calendars go here

    Check complete bill listing  here.                                                     
    Find the text of any bill here                                                                                      

    Instructions for testifying are here 

    LOCAL ACTIONS: 200 people on the bridge this past Sunday in Waterville for ICE OUT for Good!

     Join Mid Maine Indivisible(Kennebec and Somerset Counties) Please join us if you are in the Mid Maine area.  To sign up: go here

    Indivisible MidMaine is sponsoring an MLK day event that has limited seating – Indivisible Mid Maine Remembers and Honors Dr. King – Monday January 19th, 1-4 at the Playhouse at Waterville Station (the old RailRoad Square building). The event will include the viewing of a documentary, discussion, and the opportunity to donate winter clothing for folks who need it. To sign up go here, remember, space is limited! Join us and help build the Mid Maine community of resisters.

    Later that day Waterville’s One Million Rising Group will be meeting to support one another in our activism – whatever form that takes.  If you want to join us please email Emanuel or Jeanine.

    There is a community member who is looking to provide home cleaning services in the Waterville area for $25 an hour. Send an email with subject “Cleaning” to get in contact for scheduling! You would be providing income for a local mother with an infant son to care for.   

    Are you interested in helping New Mainers learn/improve their English?  To sign up for English tutoring or any of our other volunteer opportunities, please visit: Capital Area New Mainers Project (CANMP) to fill out a volunteer interest survey. An English Learning option at the Waterville library at 1:00 on Mondays is also an option for volunteers. Contact CANMP for the details. You can also Donate to the Capitol Area New Mainers Project’s rapid response fund. CANMP is actively helping those affected by ICE abductions, both with legal funding and other financial support for family members.

    The Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition and partners have organized an ICE watch Hotline  in Maine. They need volunteer hotline operators to answer phones from Mainers concerned about ICE sitings. They are looking for folks fluent in one or more of the following: Spanish, French and Portugese. 207-544-9989First Saturday of Each Month: Somerset Stands Up Rallies 2:30Margaret Chase Smith Bridge, downtown Skowhegan. Bring your signs, American flags, your voice, your friends, families and neighbors for this peaceful gathering of concerned residents of Somerset County. 
    Sunday, January 18th : 1:00 (and every Sunday): Stop the Killing, (ICE, Venezuela, USAID closing, ACA extensions dropped, etc.)
    Tuesday, January 20th: 12:00-1:00 (and every Tuesday) Old Location at Tesla Charging Stations at Elm Plaza, Waterville  Stand with us to remind the traffic that we need to WAKE UP and start resisting the authoritarian take over of our Government. We have been at this location since Tuesday, Feb. 4th? 2025! 

    Wednesday, January 21st: (and every Wednesday) 12:00-1:00 Waterville,  Corner of Main and Chaplin St. Grandmothers for Reproductive Rights, GRR! demonstrates every Wednesday across from Resolve, the local anti-abortion center. Please join us in assuring all Mainers have access to safe, legal, shame-free reproductive health care including abortions and contraceptive care. For more info please contact Elayne Richard  at recordconnection@gmail.com Resist the Regime, Impeach the Imposters, Thursday, January 15th:  Fairfield Benton Bridge 3-4 pm:

    Thursday, January 22nd:  Fairfield Benton Bridge 3-4 pm: Resist the Regime, Impeach the Imposters, Stop the War on Venezuela, ICE OUT for GOOD SOLIDARITY

    *If you are involved in any actions relating to ICE, discipline is incredibly important. No screaming, heckling, baiting the agents – they are ill-trained, often poorly educated, and have guns. Maintain non-violent composure and don’t give them the violence they are looking for.

    Read Joyce Vance’s post “Don’t Take the Bait” on this.

    *Consider supporting Graham Platner. He is an electrifying speaker, with good positions on the important issues. Volunteer here. Go to Mobilize to find the events you can take part in this week.

    However, Mills is a good alternative to support if she wins the primary in June. We must oust Collins!
    *If you would like to join Maine People’s Alliance Federal Lobby Group, please contact Jim Parakilas at jamesparakilas@gmail.com. We meet Mondays at 2 pm on Zoom. 


    With great appreciation for all the engagement everywhere!  As always, throw a little sand in their gears! 

    ~~Emanuel

    In the time of Trump, “Don’t take the bait” is a rule that’s almost as important as “Do not obey in advance.”  Joyce Vance


    It’s a piece of cake to email or call with these links!

    The names of our senators and representatives listed below are links that go right to their official congressional contact form pages. The telephone numbers are links that should open your phone app to call that number. It’s that easy!

    Senator Angus King             
    DC: (202) 224-5344
    Augusta: (207) 622-8292 

    Senator Susan Collins         
    DC: (202) 224-2523 
    Augusta: (207) 622-8414
    Bangor: (207) 945-0417

    Congresswoman Chellie Pingree      
    DC: (202) 225-6116
    Portland: (207) 774-5019  
    Waterville: (207) 873-5713  

    Congressman Jared Golden         
    DC: (202) 225-6306 
    Bangor: (207) 249-7400
    Caribou: (207) 492-6009 
    Lewiston: (207) 241-6767

    Find your State Representative
    By nameHere
    By district: Here

    Find your State Senator:
    By name: Here
    By district: Here

    Our government in Augusta:

    Governor Janet Mills
    Email Governor Mills
    Call (207) 287-3531

    Secretary of State Shenna Bellows
    Contact Secretary Bellows
    Call (207)626-8400

    Attorney General Aaron M. Frey
    Contact Mr. Frey
    Call (207) 626-8800

    Questions or comments? Contact George!

  • BCCA Action Items- Friday, 1/16

    From Indivisible:

    “Congressional Call-in Day

    Today, we’re joining the ACLU, MoveOn, and Public Citizen in driving as many calls as we can to Capitol Hill. We want congressional phonelines ringing off the hook with constituents demanding the DHS funding bill include restrictions on ICE and Border Patrol.”

    Bonus action for Maine:

    Contact Governor Mills, thank her for her strong video statement against collaborating with ICE and CBP in Maine, and ask her to submit legislation to this session–asap–that requires Federal agents to have masks off and name badges when they are in Maine. (Thanks, Emanuel, for this one!)  Let your representatives in Maine’s Congress know that you want this to happen. https://www.mainechamber.org/find.html

    Contact info:

    Angus King             
    DC: (202) 224-5344
    Augusta: (207) 622-8292 

    Susan Collins         
    DC: (202) 224-2523 
    Augusta: (207) 622-8414
    Bangor: (207) 945-0417

    Chellie Pingree      
    DC: (202) 225-6116
    Portland: (207) 774-5019  
    Waterville: (207) 873-5713  

    Jared Golden         
    DC: (202) 225-6306 
    Bangor: (207) 249-7400
    Caribou: (207) 492-6009 
    Lewiston: (207) 241-6767

    Find your State Representative: 
    By nameHere
    By district: Here

    (Please note that for those of you receiving this email who are not represented by Senators or House members in our district, I have to leave it up to you to find the contact info for your own representatives.)

    Yours in Civic Action

    Bold Coast Civic Alliance

  • BCCA Action Items- Wednesday, 1/14

    Action Items to choose from (or do all of them: your choice!) Scroll down to the matching number of your option: 

    1. Stop ICE 
    2. Keep ICE out of Maine 

    Reminder: When you call vs when you email via our reps’ websites (best way to contact them in writing), don’t forget to begin with: “Hi, my name is [name] and I’m constituent calling from [zip code]. That is important, because if they don’t know you’re actually a constituent, your opinion will be ignored. 

    Contact info:

    Angus King             
    DC: (202) 224-5344
    Augusta: (207) 622-8292 

    Susan Collins         
    DC: (202) 224-2523 
    Augusta: (207) 622-8414
    Bangor: (207) 945-0417

    Chellie Pingree      
    DC: (202) 225-6116
    Portland: (207) 774-5019  
    Waterville: (207) 873-5713  

    Jared Golden         
    DC: (202) 225-6306 
    Bangor: (207) 249-7400
    Caribou: (207) 492-6009 
    Lewiston: (207) 241-6767

    Find your State Representative: 
    By nameHere
    By district: Here

    (Please note that for those of you receiving this email who are not represented by Senators or House members in our district, I have to leave it up to you to find the contact info for your own representatives.)

    Actions 

    1) Stop ICE: 

        What ICE is doing right now in Minneapolis is beyond the beyond. They are crashing cars, smashing windows, pulling people out of their cars, using mace, pepper bombs, and rubber bullets. They are forcing their way into homes, guns drawn, and using internal DHS “administrative warrants” as their excuse, even though only a real judicial warrant, signed by a judge, can compel someone to open their door and let someone enter their home. Apparently they are driving recklessly, running lights, and going the wrong direction on one-way streets. David Frum wrote in The Atlantic that the main purpose of ICE’s violence “has become theatrical…. ICE is less a law-enforcement agency than it is a content creator.” And Heather Cox Richardson described them thusly: “[They are] decked out as if they are [in] a war zone while parading in groups through the suburbs, cosplaying as military heroes.” 

         Congress’s failure to do anything to stop the violence, lawlessness, and unconstitutionality that are ICE’s modus operandi is appalling. Contact Senators King and Collins and Congressman Golden to demand that ICE be defunded and abolished, Kristi Noem impeached, and the officer who executed Renee Good arrested and charged. Nothing less is acceptable. (If you have had an encounter with ICE or CBP agents, or have witnessed them in action, or know someone who has experienced either, share your story.) 

         And while you have them on the phone or are writing to them, also tell them that Trump’s DOJ needs to drop its sham criminal investigation into Jerome Powell now, before the Central Bank loses its independence and tanks our economy.  

    2) Keep ICE out of Maine: 
         Believable rumor has it that ICE and CBP will shortly be coming to southern Maine. Supposedly they are going to send in several hundred agents and stay only a week, but that’s pretty much how the whole mess in Minnesota began. We can’t let them get a foothold in our state. There are moves our state can make: 

    •      Use the National Guard to protect our citizens.  
    •      Arrest agents who commit crimes.  
    •      Charge police, National Guard, CBP, and ICE with crimes when they commit or refuse to stop them: Issue arrest warrants for anyone like Renee Good’s murderer, Jonathan Ross, who commits violence against our communities. Don’t wait for an investigation or the next election: File charges immediately and follow through. Let the Federal Government sue the state—as Governor Mills said, “We’ll see you in court.” 

         See: 

    www.politico.com/news/2026/01/11/states-move-to-rein-in-ice-after-fatal-minnesota-shooting-00721208 

    open.substack.com/pub/contrarian/p/democrats-must-seize-the-opportunity 

    www.aclumaine.org/preparingforice/ 

              Contact Governor Janet Mills (Governor Janet Mills: 207-287-3531 or https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/contact/share-your-opinion) to urge her to temporarily pause her campaign for Senator to focus on protecting Mainers from Kristi Noem and DHS. After all, if she doesn’t do everything she can to prevent Maine’s cities from turning into Minneapolis (or Chicago or Oregon’s Portland, etc.), she’ll lose the Senate race anyway. To her credit, she has allowed LD1971 to become law (it won’t take effect until spring) and repealed Paul LePage’s 2011 executive order that called for enhanced cooperation between State and Federal officials on immigration enforcement. But that’s not enough.  
         Contact Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey (207-626-8800 or email attorney.general@maine.govand Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows (207-626-8400 or https://www.maine.gov/sos/about-us/contact-us-form) and demand that they take every legal step they can to prevent Maine from collaborating with ICE and CBP and to protect Mainers from being harassed or attacked. 
         If you’re up for more active involvement, you can get trained as an ICE Watch hotline operator (https://docs.google.com/document/d/12sMC66ep3CZT2-p5BQSbiFRYOO3J0MkoZjroDcNTr3U/edit). Also make sure everyone you know—especially immigrants and people of color—have the number for Maine’s ICE Watch hotline: 207-544-9989. 

    Yours in Civic Action

    Bold Coast Civic Alliance

  • Action 199 – Maine legislation 1/19-1/23

    A message from the Hancock Country Democrats (1/18):

    Well, the legislature is in full action mode, and “mischief, thou art afoot”. (1) Many hearings this week, but of course none on MLKing Day, still a federal holiday despite Trump (2). Reading through the list and checking many of the bill summaries, one can conclude that the majority of the bills have few sponsors, many are carryovers, and are not particularly controversial or widely consequential. With some exceptions.

    Tuesday has a hearing on an 8-page bill that was originally a concept draft with a completely different title. If you ever encounter a concept draft, when you go to the page that has the bill text, you can often find the new text in the right-hand column linked in a box below “Documents” and above “Testimony”. That is the case for LD 838. The bill now deals with establishing a Maine Clean Energy Authority. The summary reads: “This amendment establishes the Maine Clean Energy Authority, a public entity designed to oversee the development, financing, planning and coordination for the buildout of energy and transmission infrastructure within State borders. By replacing the financing of energy and transmission infrastructure buildout with low-cost revenue bonds, the Authority could drive significant savings for ratepayers and create high- quality union jobs for Mainers on these necessary projects. The Authority is governed by a 7-member Board of Directors with its main function being to run competitive solicitations for electric infrastructure and energy project development financed by a revolving loan fund, and requiring strong labor standards to ensure high-quality, union jobs on the projects it finances including prevailing wage and apprenticeship utilization.” Sounds good to me! Expect rotten tomatoes from the utilities.

    Wednesday morning is the hearing on LD 1383, which we mentioned last week (3). The legislative summary reads: “This bill prohibits the State from investing public funds or entering into procurement contracts with companies, entities, persons or financial institutions that operate in, directly benefit from or are associated with perpetrator states, countries or governing bodies that have been determined by independent and credible international bodies to have committed the crime of apartheid, ethnic cleansing, genocide or a war crime. The bill directs the Office of the Treasurer of State to create a commission to monitor human rights reports to identify potential perpetrator states, countries or governing bodies and to report the activities and findings regarding compliance with the provisions of this bill annually to the Governor and the Legislature. The bill creates exceptions for humanitarian aid and allows for a waiver related to an investment, procurement or divestment by the Governor in cases of significant harm to the residents of this State or that undermine national security interests.” The state is given a year to comply.

    Wednesday also has a hearing on LD 1059, held over from the last session, sponsored by one Republican. This bill seems totally unnecessary: an attempt to define how Maine will participate in a mythical “constitutional convention” which has been bandied about in right wing circles for years but has not moved into the realm of reality – yet. A premature waste of time, IMO. But remain alert on this subject.

    Also Wednesday: LD 2000, an act to update (upend?) certain campaign finance law provisions, has one sponsor, a Democrat. It’s not obvious why this is needed as an emergency measure, we can seek clarification by listening to the testimony at the public hearing, usually available online in real time.

    LD 2042, an act to eliminate municipal public notices in newspapers, was discussed in an editorial by Dan MacLeod in the BDN this past weekend. It’s widely available to read on a Google search, e.g.. https://observer-me.com/2026/01/17/opinion/how-the-current-public-notices-system-pr. This is important to our newspapers, our contractors, and our elderly who still read newspapers to find out what their town is up to.

    Re: LD 1054, one wonders, of course, why we are regulating the ability of Native Americans to serve native food in native restaurants. But IMO the bill may need to be clearer about harvesting large quantities of game and selling it from the parking lot of an eating establishment. Potential loophole?

    Thursday brings a hearing on LD 2052, the use of technology in the public-school classroom, focusing on (among other things) “gamification, leader boards, push notification alerts, advertising, geolocation, generative and conversational artificial intelligence, use of free online tools and use of unlicensed educational websites or online tools that are not certified as safe for schools…” Good idea – what about unregulated propaganda in home/private schooling?

    Thursday also has a hearing on LD 517, which was originally a concept draft, but now has a new title and text dealing with the use of AI in political advertising. Requires notice on the images. For a wonderful clip that clearly has AI roots, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hS0wFiWpU4U

     Check complete bill listing here: https://legislature.maine.gov/Calendar/#PHWS.
     Find the text of any bill here: https://legislature.maine.gov Form your own opinions!  

     Instructions for testifying are here: https://www.mainelegislature.org/testimony/

    (1) Marc Antony in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, acknowledging that he has unleased chaos and civil unrest.

    (2) While paying lip service to King’s legacy, Trump removed the date from free access to national parks, replacing it with his own birthday.

    (3) (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1p76fraeYK2kqbkbt-spAKIKiO_NHN-PrhwqVuIcm7nQ/edit?tab=t.0),