Background. If you read the news with an eye to figuring out who the Republicans have said they are enraged by, dismissive of, and targeting for injury of some sort, you will find the following: Immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, Democrats (especially public officials and people living in “blue states”), Muslims, freethinkers, Jews opposed to genocide, Blacks, Native Americans, people in “shithole countries”, people opposed to fascism (“Antifa”), the poor, the disabled, people receiving government assistance in any form (e.g. SSI, SNAP & Medicaid), the sick, the elderly, young children, public school teachers, unions, protesters, scientists, scholars, lawyers and civil rights advocates, reasonable judges, Hollywood luminaries, injured veterans, Europeans, victims of ICE brutality… and the list goes on and on. Who on earth DON’T they hate? Putin?
The Republican Party has become a big tent alright – all haters welcome!
These are sick people. (1)
Actions.
1. Protest at every opportunity. Protests build community among all the aforementioned groups. They need your support, especially if you are in the demographic the Republican haters like: “white”, cis-gendered, healthy, educated, and articulate. It’s up to you/us to protect the unjustly hated.
2. Encourage any registered Republican you may still be friends with, to work tirelessly from the inside to change their party back to its Lincoln-era roots. This is risky for them and requires courage on their part. Either they need to be working toward that end, or they need to unenroll from the party (the way the national opera is leaving the former Kennedy Center!) (2)
3. Write a letter to the editor on this theme. Hold the mirror up to the face of the Republican party. They need to see clearly what it has become. They need to know that all people of good will see it, too.
4. Do not vote for any Republican candidate in any local, state or national election. Work to see that even in your town, there is someone running from the ranks of the Dems (preferably) but also unenrolled or third-party candidates. Anyone but a Republican, given what they have become.
5. Get your likeminded but unenrolled and Green Party friends to enroll as Democrats. It’s the best way for them to influence the selection of candidates in the primary ranked choice election (in June), who will go on to the midterm voting (in November). As Jay Kuo said: “If we do our work, November 2026 will mark a turning point for our country. All eyes on that prize, all gas no brakes.”(3).
Here are a few of several local organizations you might want to work with – let us know of others. We need to be building a strong coalition to resist the fascist takeover effectively.
Urgency. Maine has semi-open primaries.Republicans disgusted with their party can unenroll and vote in a different party’s primary if they unenroll by May 26. Unenrolled voters get to choose one party’s ballot in the June primary. Their unenrolled status does not change. See your town registrar for forms and details. It’s up to us to make the Democratic party an organization that good people wish to stay in.
5) Demand the immediate cessation of ICE raids in American cities
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.
Find your State Representative: By name: Here 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) Oppose Trump’s fuel economy rollbacks:
In early December, the Trump administration announced plans to eliminate critical fuel economy protections for passenger cars and trucks by stripping away Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards—a move that, if successful, will mean increased oil consumption, higher costs for consumers at the pump, and further harm to public health through increased refinery pollution.
The public comment period on these proposed rollbacks to CAFE standards is open, but only until Tuesday, January 20. Act now: submit a comment to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to demand they uphold the existing CAFE standards. You can comment here here. There’s a script provided, but it’s always a good idea to personalize it.
2) Support efforts to impeach Kristi Noem: House Representative Robin Kelly has filed articles of impeachment against Noem, accusing her of obstructing Congress, compromising public safety, violating Americans’ due process, and abusing her office for personal benefit. Reps. Maxine Dexter, Emily Randall, and Yassamin Ansar have co-sponsored the bill. I’d add “inciting violence” and “covering up for a murderer” to the list, but hey, it’s a start. Contact Rep. Jared Golden to urge him to cosponsor these articles of impeachment. If he thinks Kristi Noem has done a single thing not harmful to the U.S., he must be living in another world.
3) The Senate must pass a clean extension of the ACA premium tax credits: Seventeen House Republicans just joined Democrats to pass a three-year extension of Affordable Care Act health care subsidies. Now it is the Senate’s turn.
Contact Senators King and Collins to demand that they vote FOR a clean three-year extension of the ACA premium tax credits, one without any restrictions on abortion or gender-affirming care.
4) Push Congress to take back its constitutional war powers authority: Trump just posted a photo of himself captioned “Acting President of Venezuela.” How not to endear himself to the people of Venezuela or the USA. It’s beyond time for Congress to slap him down. Last week, the Senate passed the initial procedural motion to invoke the War Powers Resolution to force the withdrawal of American troops from Venezuela and bar further use of the U.S. military for “hostilities within or against Venezuela.” Susan Collins and 4 other GOP Senators voted with the Democrats. The final passage vote will be this week, and as we’ve seen before, Susan Collins can’t be relied on to vote against Trump when the vote actually might have meaning.
Contact Senators King and Collins and demand that they vote to invoke the War Powers Resolution. With Senator Collins, start by thanking her for voting for the procedural motion last week and then urge her to stand firm on that stance when the final vote comes up this week.
5) Demand the immediate cessation of ICE raids in American cities: Contact Senators King and Collins and Congressman Golden and demand that they speak out against the use of Trump’s under-trained, trigger-happy, gestapo goons in American cities. They must oppose the Trump administration’s attacks on immigrant communities and hold this administration accountable for their authoritarian and unlawful tactics. They must demand a full investigation of ICE agents’ indiscriminate use of deadly force against protesters—and agent Jonathan Ross must be arrested and charged with murder. And they must refuse to pass a DHS appropriations bill that fully funds ICE.
One more thing: It can’t have been lost on anyone that at the same time that Trump and his DHS are smearing protesters as a means to justify attacking and killing them, Trump is talking about going to war with Iran in order to protect the anti-government protesters there. Remind our Senators and Congressman that the US military should stay out of Iran. Americans don’t want any more forever wars.
Good morning. I am still on the road, so here is an update on the turnout for the weekend’s protest. No Daily Action from Emanuel, today. Look for a bunch of them later this week. Thank you. ~~George
Also, anc action from the Bold Coast Civic Alliance, Bold Coast Civic Alliance (1/7), discussing the illegal war on Venezuela, the fight for affordable healthcare, and other actions, and a special edition, Bold Coast Civic Alliance Special Edition (1/4), with information on what we can do in response to these war actions . 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!
***** Wednesdays Weekly Orono Vigil in the town center, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.
***** 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!
ICE Out for Good in Maine – Recap
We had a great turnout of Mainers supporting Renee Nicole Good and calling for the end of ICE and their terrorizing tactics across the country.
Upcoming Events:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Join a Community Conversation with Maine Legislators Saturday, January 17, 2026
Join Eastern Area Agency on Aging for Supporting Older Mainers: A Legislative Conversation, an engaging and interactive event designed for agency participants, older adults, caregivers, volunteers, staff, and local legislators. This community-centered conversation provides legislators an opportunity to hear directly from those with lived experience and from the staff and volunteers who support them, and to learn more about the needs of older Mainers and caregivers in our region. Legislators will share their priorities and connect one-on-one with constituents in a respectful, focused setting centered on aging-related issues.
The event will feature informal networking, guided tours of the Durgin Center, interactive program demonstrations, remarks from legislators and AARP Maine, and time to enjoy a complimentary lunch together while continuing the conversation.
Event Details
Saturday, January 17
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
EAAA’s Durgin Center, 274 State Street, Brewer
Registration is required (Registration Closes this Friday, Jan. 9)
Faith Linking in Action’s 2026 Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Sunday, January 18, 2026
Faith Linking in Action will host a Martin Luther King Day gathering featuring singer/educator Reggie Harris and artist Bob Shetterly on Sunday afternoon, January 18.
Join them at the First United Methodist Church in Bangor at 3:00 p.m. Contact Faith Linking in Action for more information!
2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast Monday, January 19, 2026
The Greater Bangor Area Branch NAACP is hosting our annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast at a new location, Jeff’s Catering & Event Center in Brewer, ME on 01/19/2026.
This year’s keynote speaker is Darmita Wilson, Northern Light Health Vice President of Medical Education and Research.
Join us for good food and inspiring speeches. Individual, business, and organizational sponsorships gratefully accepted!
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!”
Location: Matt 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.
Location: Orono Public Library 39 Pine St Orono, ME 04473 Here We Go Map
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.”
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.”
Please see issue no. 5 in theBCCA 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!
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.
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 1917: Contact 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.
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!
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 have an easy way to donate to Indivisible Bangor. Drop off your returnable bottles and cans to Ohio Street Redemption in Bangorand 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
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!
Good morning. There’s a lot going on and I am away right now, so I will be sending the newsletters sporadically for a few days. The biggest thing right now is the protest in Bangor and many other places throughout the state and country TODAY against the murder of Renee Nicole Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis. ~~George
Demonstration and vigil with speakers – TODAY, SATURDAY 1/10, at 11:00 a.m.!!! The event is at Peirce Park at 125 Harlow St., by the Bangor Public Library.
This is part of the nationwide Indivisible “ICE Out For Good” campaign this weekend. There are numerous protests throughout Maine today. Please check the ActivateMaine calendar here to find one near you. There are a LOT of events, so it make take a little bit to load.
Thank you!
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!
Good morning. There’s a lot going on and I am away right now, so I will be sending the newsletters sporadically for a few days. The biggest thing right now is the protest in Bangor tomorrow against the murder of Renee Nicole by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. ~~George
*****EXTRA*****
Sign making today at 6:00 p.m.
Demonstration and vigil tomorrow, SATURDAY 1/10, at 11:00 a.m.!!! The event is at Peirce Park at 125 Harlow St. by the Bangor Public Library.
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.
Also, a new action from the Bold Coast Civic Alliance, Bold Coast Civic Alliance (1/7), discussing the illegal war on Venezuela, the fight for affordable healthcare, and other actions, and a special edition, Bold Coast Civic Alliance Special Edition (1/4), with information on what we can do in response to these war actions . 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!
***** Wednesdays Weekly Orono Vigil in the town center, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.
***** 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!
Upcoming Events:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bangor Town Hall – US Senate Candidate Tucker Favreau Tomorrow, 1/10/26
Join US Senate Candidate Tucker Favreau in the Laurence E. Crofutt Community Room at the Bangor Public Library for a Town Hall event on Saturday, 10 January. Tucker will discuss his background as well as how we can fight for Medicare For All, workers’ rights, and a Nation that actually supports everyday people instead of just the elites. Bring your questions and get to know one of the other options for replacing Susan Collins.
Event begins: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm; Doors open at 1:45
Location: Bangor Public Library 145 Harlow Street, ME 04401 Here We Go Map
Join a Community Conversation with Maine Legislators Saturday, January 17, 2026
Join Eastern Area Agency on Aging for Supporting Older Mainers: A Legislative Conversation, an engaging and interactive event designed for agency participants, older adults, caregivers, volunteers, staff, and local legislators. This community-centered conversation provides legislators an opportunity to hear directly from those with lived experience and from the staff and volunteers who support them, and to learn more about the needs of older Mainers and caregivers in our region. Legislators will share their priorities and connect one-on-one with constituents in a respectful, focused setting centered on aging-related issues.
The event will feature informal networking, guided tours of the Durgin Center, interactive program demonstrations, remarks from legislators and AARP Maine, and time to enjoy a complimentary lunch together while continuing the conversation.
Event Details
Saturday, January 17
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
EAAA’s Durgin Center, 274 State Street, Brewer
Registration is required (Registration Closes this Friday, Jan. 9)
Faith Linking in Action’s 2026 Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Sunday, January 18, 2026
Faith Linking in Action will host a Martin Luther King Day gathering featuring singer/educator Reggie Harris and artist Bob Shetterly on Sunday afternoon, January 18.
Join them at the First United Methodist Church in Bangor at 3:00 p.m. Contact Faith Linking in Action for more information!
2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast Monday, January 19, 2026
The Greater Bangor Area Branch NAACP is hosting our annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast at a new location, Jeff’s Catering & Event Center in Brewer, ME on 01/19/2026.
This year’s keynote speaker is Darmita Wilson, Northern Light Health Vice President of Medical Education and Research.
Join us for good food and inspiring speeches. Individual, business, and organizational sponsorships gratefully accepted!
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!”
Location: Matt 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.
Location: Orono Public Library 39 Pine St Orono, ME 04473 Here We Go Map
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.”
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.”
Please see issue no. 5 in theBCCA 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!
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.
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 1917: Contact 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.
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!
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 have an easy way to donate to Indivisible Bangor. Drop off your returnable bottles and cans to Ohio Street Redemption in Bangorand 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 Friday January 9th: Stop ICE Violence + Call Collins to Take a Stand Against War on Venezuela
Good Morning Folks, along with the heartbreaking news of ICE lethal violence against our citizens, we had two wins yesterday. The Senate voted 52-47 to advance the War Powers Resolution restricting Trump’s ability to wage war on Venezuela without Congressional oversight, and, the House passed the ACA tax credit extension 230 – 196 with 17 Republicans joining all the Democrats. 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.
If you have done that already – Call Collins, King, Pingree or Golden on Stopping ICE violence: ask them to: call for a full investigation of the murder of Renee’ Good and other recent ICE violence, and refuse to fully fund the DHS appropriations budget for ICE. For more details on the call and a script go to 5calls.org.
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!
Thank Pingree and Golden for their support a “ clean extension” of the Affordable Care Act Tax Credits. They will be voting on this tomorrow or Thursday. Today begins the “Stop the Healthcare Heist Emergency Action Week”. For a full toolkit on how to support action on this go here. If you have a story about how these health care cuts will affect you directly or someone you know please contact Esther at the MPA. Personal stories matter!
Contact King and Collins to support the clean House bill to extend the ACA tax credits.
Find an anti-war demonstration near you here. Develop an ICE OUT vigil in your area to bring attention to ICE violence.
Pick one of these companies to boycott, and stick to it until they stop working with ICE. Your boycott is more powerful if you contact the company to let them know you are boycotting them and why. (To find boycott related items below use the find function on your computer, and put in boycott.)
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 17th2026. 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)
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)
Please consider asking your Maine State Representative and Senator to support LD 1383, a bill to end our complicity in all genocides and the persecution and detention of our neighbors by keeping our state’s investments aligned with our values.
Ask our Senators and Congressional Representatives to demand a resignation or begin impeachment proceedings for Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense. For more information on this go here. The Impeachment bill is H. Res. 935.
They should demand his immediate resignation NOW. Articles of Impeachment are on the way for RFK Jr. as well. (Thanks to Dave for this information.)
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. Defiance.org has: Downloadable posters that we can distribute in our communities and/or near military hubs – Bases, Recruitment Centers, MEPs, ROTC Units, National Guard + Reserve Centers, etc.;Downloadable wallet cards you can keep on you to share with military members when you cross paths , A downloadable you can use to post about the campaign on social media. (Thanks to Shelly for this post!)
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!
Consider boycotting Spotify and canceling your subscription to them: To participate in the boycott of Spotify for their running of ads recruiting for ICE, visit this Indivisible page for more information, and for ready-made materials you can post online and use in other ways to encourage others to cancel their subscriptions, visit this page. According to Indivisible Bangor, Pandora is running the same ICE recruiting adds. Pandora is a subsidiary of SiriusXM. Spotify’s stock has dropped 13% in the past month. For a complete list of ICE related boycotts go to Icelist.
GOT MORE TIME? HERE ARE SOME MORE ACTIONS (just pick one!)
Join the Maine People’s Alliance in bringing your story to our Congresspeople: Are your insurance rates going up? Did you lose SNAP benefits – the MPA wants to hear your story and use it to fight for Mainers in the ongoing shutdown budget battle. Fill out this form and tell your story here.
Call or email our Congressional Representatives to publicly condemn the administration’s use of our Military to create havoc in Blue Cities: It is time to publicly denounce these unconstitutional, king-like actions of our Executive branch. Where is the outrage? Go to 5calls.org for a script on this request.
From Linda: I testified in support of LD 99 in 2020 and was thrilled that it was passed into law. LD 99 requires MainePERS to divest from all fossil fuel investments. The MainePERS Board was given until December 31, 2025, to comply with this law and has made almost no forward motion. If you would like to sign our petition in support of divesting, it would be appreciated.
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.
More ICE resistance: 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. NO I.C.E. for Maine (noice4me): Learn more about this effort to reign in ICE. Here is the number for the ICE Watch hotline in Maine: 207 544 9989
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.
With great appreciation for all the engagement everywhere!
As always, throw a little sand in their gears!
Emanuel
More Anti War Music brings me back to these numbers – please send me your favorites:
A great one from Stevie Wonder – Frontline check it out!
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!
Good morning. We are still focusing on the illegal actions in Venezuela that President Trump has taken. I will not be able to send out this newsletter for a few days, so I will add the other items back to make a nice long newsletter for your reading and action-taking enjoyment. ~~George
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 is to contact our congressional representatives again to support a war powers resolution and to call Reps. Pingree and Golden to have them support ACA tax credit extension. The vote is tomorrow, Thursday.
Also, a new action from the Bold Coast Civic Alliance, Bold Coast Civic Alliance (1/7), discussing the illegal war on Venezuela, the fight for affordable healthcare, and other actions, and a special edition, Bold Coast Civic Alliance Special Edition (1/4), with information on what we can do in response to these war actions . 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:
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Weekly vigils are happening here in the Bangor area!
***** TODAY!!! Wednesdays Weekly Orono Vigil in the town center, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.
***** Tomorrow, Thursday, 1/8/26
Thursday, January 8, there is a one-time protest against Trump’s weekend action in Venezuela. Anyone who is interested in joining, please meet at 3:00 in front of the Federal Building on Harlow Street. From the Federal Building, there will walk to City Hall.
***** Fridays Bangor Visibility Brigad
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!
Upcoming Events:
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Bangor Town Hall – US Senate Candidate Tucker Favreau This Saturday, 1/10/26
Join US Senate Candidate Tucker Favreau in the Laurence E. Crofutt Community Room at the Bangor Public Library for a Town Hall event on Saturday, 10 January. Tucker will discuss his background as well as how we can fight for Medicare For All, workers’ rights, and a Nation that actually supports everyday people instead of just the elites. Bring your questions and get to know one of the other options for replacing Susan Collins.
Event begins: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm; Doors open at 1:45
Location: Bangor Public Library 145 Harlow Street, ME 04401 Here We Go Map
Join a Community Conversation with Maine Legislators Saturday, January 17, 2026
Join Eastern Area Agency on Aging for Supporting Older Mainers: A Legislative Conversation, an engaging and interactive event designed for agency participants, older adults, caregivers, volunteers, staff, and local legislators. This community-centered conversation provides legislators an opportunity to hear directly from those with lived experience and from the staff and volunteers who support them, and to learn more about the needs of older Mainers and caregivers in our region. Legislators will share their priorities and connect one-on-one with constituents in a respectful, focused setting centered on aging-related issues.
The event will feature informal networking, guided tours of the Durgin Center, interactive program demonstrations, remarks from legislators and AARP Maine, and time to enjoy a complimentary lunch together while continuing the conversation.
Event Details
Saturday, January 17
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
EAAA’s Durgin Center, 274 State Street, Brewer
Registration is required (Registration Closes this Friday, Jan. 9)
Faith Linking in Action’s 2026 Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Sunday, January 18, 2026
Faith Linking in Action will host a Martin Luther King Day gathering featuring singer/educator Reggie Harris and artist Bob Shetterly on Sunday afternoon, January 18.
Join them at the First United Methodist Church in Bangor at 3:00 p.m. Contact Faith Linking in Action for more information!
2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast Monday, January 19, 2026
The Greater Bangor Area Branch NAACP is hosting our annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast at a new location, Jeff’s Catering & Event Center in Brewer, ME on 01/19/2026.
This year’s keynote speaker is Darmita Wilson, Northern Light Health Vice President of Medical Education and Research.
Join us for good food and inspiring speeches. Individual, business, and organizational sponsorships gratefully accepted!
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!”
Location: Matt 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.
Location: Orono Public Library 39 Pine St Orono, ME 04473 Here We Go Map
Other News:
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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.”
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.”
Thursday, January 8, there is a protest against Trump’s weekend action in Venezuela. Anyone who is interested in joining, please meet at 3:00 in front of the Federal Building on Harlow Street. From the Federal Building, there will walk to City Hall.
No War in Venezuela Protest Sunday, 1/5/26 Recap
Around 100 people braved the freezing temperatures on Sunday, January 4, 2026, to show their opposition to the war actions in Venezuela. “No Blood For Oil” was seen on many signs. Graham Platner, Jordan Wood, Paige Loud, and other spoke out against the war actions.
See the television news coverage here: WABI and WVII. More to come later.
As Seen in Yesterday’s Printed Bangor Daily News
Yesterday was January 6th, and it was 5 years ago that day that Donald Trump called upon his followers to attack the Capitol to try to keep him in power, even though he lost the 2020 election. Maine resident Dave Hobbins has not forgotten, and neither have we. Thank you, Mr. Hobbins, for paying to have this reminder printed in our local paper.
Please see issue no. 5 in theBCCA 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!
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.
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 1917: Contact 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.
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!
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 have an easy way to donate to Indivisible Bangor. Drop off your returnable bottles and cans to Ohio Street Redemption in Bangorand 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 Wednesday January 7th: Call or Write Collins and King to Vote YES on the War Powers Resolution to Block Further Military Action in Venezuela
Good Morning Folks, there is a vote likely TODAY on the War Powers Resolution sponsored by Senator Tim Kaine (Virginia). Please act on this, and get one (or more) friend to do the same. More info. on this action right below.
Top Action to Take Today:
Call Collins and King to ask them to vote Yes on the War Powers Resolution sponsored by Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia. The resolution aims to block further military action in Venezuela without congressional approval and seeks to reassert Congress’s constitutional authority over military engagements. If you have done this already get one friend to do the same. Indivisible has an action kit on this – for a letter template to send to your Senators and other strategies go here. For a script for calls go here.
Spread the word on your social media. For a comprehtensive take on the stakes here, set aside 30 minutes to listen to Heather Cox Richardson on the situation. Act today.
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!
Action Items to choose from (or do all of them: your choice!) Scroll down to the matching number of your option:
Fight for affordable healthcare
Keep up the anti-war (especially illegal war) message
Boycott Hilton
Sign or rewrite and send a Resistbot letter reminding Congress that congressional oversight is required, not optional
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.
Find your State Representative: By name: Here 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) Fight for affordable healthcare:
House Democrats could move as soon as today to force a vote on extending the expired ACA subsidies for three years. Our representatives–especially GOP–need to hear from you, their constituents, that you want them to vote for the extension without strings attached. Millions of people are already seeing their health insurance premiums rising exponentially. If the subsidies are not extended, many will be forced to choose between feeding their families and having health insurance (without which the costs of healthcare could bankrupt families across the country). Bottom line: Republicans want to rip away tax credits from working- and middle-class Americans in order to give tax breaks to the corporations that rip us off. The big irony is that some of those corporations getting tax breaks are the health insurance companies who charge unaffordable premiums to begin with.
Contact Rep. Jared Golden to make sure he’s going to vote for a “clean extension” of the Affordable Care Act Tax Credits.
2) Keep up the anti-war (especially illegal war) message: Senator Tim Kaine plans to force a vote this week to block further military action against Venezuela without congressional approval. “We’ve entered the 250th year of American democracy and cannot allow it to devolve into the tyranny that our founders fought to escape,” he said. If you’re uncertain about the illegality of Trump’s military operation and the kidnapping of the Venezuelan president and his wife (and yes, they are evil, horrible people, but that’s not the point), read this helpful explanation: https://statuskuo.substack.com/p/back-to-legal-basics-on-venezuela. Contact Senators King and Collins and demand that they support Tim Kaine’s war powers resolution. Point out to Susan Collins that this is not a partisan situation: This is legal vs illegal, right vs wrong, good vs evil. It sets a terrible precedent, supporting the idea that military might—not a sovereign nation’s own people—can determine who has power in another country. That goes against everything ever set up after WWII to prevent war across the globe. If Trump wants to revitalize a country, he can begin with our own country, which he has been doing everything in (and outside of) his power to destroy. Enough is enough. Congress has to take back its job and stop this criminal president. Contact Rep. Golden and demand that he support or introduce a similar resolution in the House. Same arguments as above. Plus he’s ex-military and he’s resigning after his term is over, so he should also join Mark Kelly et al in reminding servicemen and -women that they are expected to disobey illegal orders. He’s got nothing to lose.
3) Boycott Hilton: A lot of us were happy with Hilton when the Hampton Inn Lakeville Minneapolis canceled reservations for ICE agents at their hotel. But after the DHS accused the entire Hilton hotel company of helping to “undermine and impede D.H.S. law enforcement,” Hilton responded by sycophantically assuring DHS that it wasn’t their company’s policy, just an act by a rogue franchise. And now that franchise has been removed from the Hilton website as an option for booking a room. So now we should boycott Hilton and tell them—and everyone on social media—why. You can email Hilton at hilton.comments@hilton.comand hiltonhonors@hilton.com. To be on the safe side, send your email to both addresses. If you’re a Hilton Honors member, make sure they know it. So let’s tell Hilton that we refuse to stay in a hotel where ICE agents might be staying—we wouldn’t feel safe around those thugs. Or say whatever you like. Just make sure they know they’ve lost your business until they get with the humanitarian, anti-kidnapping-and-deportation-without-due-process, anti-masked-enforcers program.
4) Sign or rewrite and send a Resistbot letter reminding Congress that congressional oversight is required, not optional: To send the Resistbot letter, text SIGN PHUCNM to 50409, or to @Resistbot on Apple Messages, Messenger, Instagram, or Telegram. To rework it in your own words, you can read the original letter hereand then rework it in your own words and send it to Susan Collins, Angus King, and Jared Golden.
Call Pingree and Golden to support a “ clean extension” of the Affordable Care Act Tax Credits. They will be voting on this tomorrow or Thursday. Today begins the “Stop the Healthcare Heist Emergency Action Week”. For a full toolkit on how to support action on this go here. If you have a story about how these health care cuts will affect you directly or someone you know please contact Esther at the MPA. Personal stories matter!
Pick one of these companies to boycott, and stick to it until they stop working with ICE. Your boycott is more powerful if you contact the company to let them know you are boycotting them and why. (To find boycott related items below use the find function on your computer, and put in boycott.)
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 17th2026. 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)
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)
Please consider asking your Maine State Representative and Senator to support LD 1383, a bill to end our complicity in all genocides and the persecution and detention of our neighbors by keeping our state’s investments aligned with our values.
Contact our Congressional Delegation and ask them to demand the release of the second strike video to all of Congress and the American people. Let us make a judgement on the legitimacy of this action. So far, only top members of the Senate and House Intelligence and Armed Services Committees have viewed the second strike on the survivors of a Trump administration drone attack. Many legal experts have clarified that attacking survivors is against both US and international law. Some Republicans say the two men were trying to flip their exploded boat over so they could continue their drug run. For more information go here and here.
We haven’t talked much about farms and food lately as part of the resistance, but here in Maine we have scores of organic and traditional small farms and your support for these two bills will support the farmers who feed us and our families daily. Oppose the White House’s short-term farm-aid plan: Trump’s plan to provide 11 billion dollars for Big Agriculture, and 1 Billion for “specialty farming” which includes small family farms and organic farming is patently unfair. Call Senators King and Collins and House Rep Golden to urge them to speak up about this discriminatory farm-aid bill. ALL farmers are being hurt by Trump’s tariffs, and small and medium farms should not be left behind. And while you are on the phone ask King, Pingree and Golden to Support the Domestic Organic Investment Act which gives Organic farmers the capacity to expand their businesses. Collins is one of the co-sponsors – so thank her for that. (Thanks to Shelly for this action)
Ask our Senators and Congressional Representatives to demand a resignation or begin impeachment proceedings for Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense. He is now guilty of war crimes due to his ordering the killing of wounded combatants on a boat blown up twice in September by US drones. Both King and Collins voted AGAINST his nomination in the first place. For more information on this go here. The Impeachment bill is H. Res. 935.
They should demand his immediate resignation NOW. Articles of Impeachment are on the way for RFK Jr. as well. (Thanks to Dave for this information.)
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, a trusted nonprofit that offers legal intake and case support for servicemembers and government officials; A volunteer-driven push to distribute information in military communities nationwide Defiance.org has: Downloadable posters that we can distribute in our communities and/or near military hubs – Bases, Recruitment Centers, MEPs, ROTC Units, National Guard + Reserve Centers, etc.;Downloadable wallet cards you can keep on you to share with military members when you cross paths , A downloadable you can use to post about the campaign on social media. (Thanks to Shelly for this post!)
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.
Arts and Politics!
Consider boycotting Spotify and canceling your subscription to them: To participate in the boycott of Spotify for their running of ads recruiting for ICE, visit this Indivisible page for more information, and for ready-made materials you can post online and use in other ways to encourage others to cancel their subscriptions, visit this page. According to Indivisible Bangor, Pandora is running the same ICE recruiting adds. Pandora is a subsidiary of SiriusXM. Spotify’s stock has dropped 13% in the past month.
Indivisible Bangor suggests you stop using Spotify free version and instead try some of these options: We’ve got instructions (and some suggestions on alternatives) here. (I have found another fun streaming site alternative, Soma.FM, based in San Francisco. They are listener supported and feature an eclectic selection of channels, including holiday, soul, and groovy pop! And another fun and quirky alternative, also based in California, is Luxuriamusic.com. (Thanks to George from Indivisible Bangor for these suggestions)
GOT MORE TIME? HERE ARE SOME MORE ACTIONS (just pick one!)
Boycott CBS News and let them know why you are doing it: Now owned by the Trump supporting Ellison family, CBS has just started to slant its news rightward by cancelling a 60 minutes segment on the torture prison CECOT in El Salvador. The piece was picked up on the internet and you can see it here. Contact CBS and let them know that you will be boycotting their stations as well as Paramount Plus. You can tell them, too, that you’ll be writing to their advertisers and letting them know that you won’t be shopping with them as long as they continue to buy ads with CBS and Paramount. You can reach them via their comment page online, their ombudsman feedback page , their Facebook page , or by direct messaging them on their Instagram page. You can also email the following CBS executives: Tom Cibrowski, President & Executive Editor, CBS News: CibrowskiT@cbsnews.com Stacey Benson, CFO, CBS News: BensonS@cbsnews.com Ross Dagan, CBS Executive VP & head of news operations: DaganR@cbsnews.com (Thank you Shelly for this piece)
Join the Maine People’s Alliance in bringing your story to our Congresspeople: Are your insurance rates going up? Did you lose SNAP benefits – the MPA wants to hear your story and use it to fight for Mainers in the ongoing shutdown budget battle. Fill out this form and tell your story here.
Call or email our Congressional Representatives to publicly condemn the administration’s use of our Military to create havoc in Blue Cities: It is time to publicly denounce these unconstitutional, king-like actions of our Executive branch. Where is the outrage? Go to 5calls.org for a script on this request.
From Linda: I testified in support of LD 99 in 2020 and was thrilled that it was passed into law. LD 99 requires MainePERS to divest from all fossil fuel investments. The MainePERS Board was given until December 31, 2025, to comply with this law and has made almost no forward motion. If you would like to sign our petition in support of divesting, it would be appreciated.
With great appreciation for all the engagement everywhere!
As always, throw a little sand in their gears!
Emanuel
More Anti War Music brings me back to these numbers – please send me your favorites:
A great one from Stevie Wonder – Frontline check it out!
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!
Good morning. We are focusing on the illegal actions in Venezuela that President Trump has taken. For a copy of the regular newsletter from Friday that has information about the MLK Jr. events and other items, please click here. ~~George
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 is to contact our congressional representatives again to support a war powers resolution and to call Reps. Pingree and Golden to have them support ACA tax credit extension. The vote is Thursday.
Also, two new actions from the Bold Coast Civic Alliance, Bold Coast Civic Alliance (1/5), discussing the illegal war on Venezuela, impeaching Trump, the Epstein Files, and other actions, and a special edition, Bold Coast Civic Alliance Special Edition (1/4), with information on what we can do in response to these war actions . 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:
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Weekly vigils are happening here in the Bangor area!
***** Wednesdays Weekly Orono Vigil in the town center, noon to 1:00 pm.
*****
THIS Thursday, 1/8/26
Thursday, January 8, there is a one-time protest against Trump’s weekend action in Venezuela. Anyone who is interested in joining, please meet at 3:00 in front of the Federal Building on Harlow Street. From the Federal Building, there will walk to City Hall.
***** Fridays Bangor Visibility Brigad
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!
Upcoming Events:
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For upcoming events, including information about the MLK events later this month as listed in Friday’s newsletter, please click here.
Other News:
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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.”
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.”
Thursday, January 8, there is a protest against Trump’s weekend action in Venezuela. Anyone who is interested in joining, please meet at 3:00 in front of the Federal Building on Harlow Street. From the Federal Building, there will walk to City Hall.
No War in Venezuela Protest Sunday 1/5/26 Recap
Around 100 people braved the freezing temperatures on Sunday, January 4, 2026, to show their opposition to the war actions in Venezuela. “No Blood For Oil” was seen on many signs. Graham Platner, Jordan Wood, Paige Loud, and other spoke out against the war actions.
See the television news coverage here: WABI and WVII. More to come later.
As Seen in Today’s Printed Bangor Daily News
Today is January 6th, and it was 5 years ago today that Donald Trump called upon his followers to attack the Capitol to try to keep him in power, even though he lost the 2020 election. Maine resident Dave Hobbins has not forgotten, and neither have we. Thank you, Mr. Hobbins, for paying to have this reminder printed in our local paper.
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!
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.
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 1917: Contact 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.
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!
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 have an easy way to donate to Indivisible Bangor. Drop off your returnable bottles and cans to Ohio Street Redemption in Bangorand 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 Tuesday January 6th: Contact Pingree and Golden to Support the ACA Tax Credits Extension + Flood Congressional Representatives With No War in Venezuela Calls
Good Morning Folks, the “zone is flooded”. A cornered Trump and his sycophants are spewing ill considered and dangerous actions at us non-stop. It’s increasingly difficult to rank what to respond to. First, please contact your representatives to act on stopping the war in Venezuela by voting for the War Powers Act; once that is done move on to the domestic issues which this action is distracting us from.
Top Action to Take Today:
* First call Collins, King, Pingree or Golden, and ask them to support the War Powers Act. ( telephone numbers and email are below). If you have the bandwidth, Join anti war demonstrations near you and invite a friend. More information on this action go right below this section in blue.
* If you’ve done that call Pingree and Golden to support a “ clean extension” of the Affordable Care Act Tax Credits. They will be voting on this tomorrow or Thursday. Today begins the “Stop the Healthcare Heist
Emergency Action Week”. For a full toolkit on how to support action on this go here. If you have a story about how these health care cuts will affect you directly or someone you know please contact Esther at the MPA. Personal stories matter!
For “More Actions Today if You Have the Bandwidth” from Emanuel’s Daily Call to Action (1/6), 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!
