Repost from AdWeek [Editor: see image at bottom of this article for the ad showing a list of YOUR representatives who have taken NRA money – along with their office phone numbers. – RS]
Powerful and informative 2-page ad by Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
By Kristina Monllos, February 21, 2018
Two gun control groups, Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, have taken out a two-page ad in today’s The New York Times listing members of Congress who have accepted donations from the National Rifle Association.
Following last week’s mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., the groups created an action plan, #ThrowThemOut. The ad, which cost $230,000 and was created by the groups with help from strategic communications firm SKDK, is part of that plan. >>MORE…keep reading!
Benicia is the only Bay Area refinery town that does not have the community protection of an Industrial Safety Ordinance, or ISO.
In 1999, the city of Richmond and Contra Costa County adopted their interlocking ISOs. The Richmond ordinance mirrors the Contra Costa ISO, and Contra Costa County Hazardous Materials Division is responsible for enforcement and reporting.
Their experience with repeated refinery and associated hydrogen plant polluting events caused the elected leaders to respond to pressure from the disproportionally impacted communities in Richmond, Rodeo and Martinez for greater protection and information about polluting incidents.
How did Benicia miss out?
Since the adoption of the ISO, there have continued to be dangerous and deadly incidents at these Bay Area refineries, albeit at reduced rates, due to the ISO. Fortunately, the Richmond/Contra Costa ISO allows for corrective provisions that have improved refinery function and provided impacted communities with timely investigative information.
Under the ISOs, a 72-hour post incident report is available to the public. Monthly reports, or more frequently if necessary, follow that report and are publicly posted. To date, neither the Benicia City Council nor the people of Benicia have received any official reports on the nearly monthlong Valero flaring disaster this past May.
Based on the success of the Richmond/Contra Costa ISO, the California legislature adopted some of the process safety management portions of the ISO and made them state law, going into effect in October.
Unfortunately, the legislature did not adopt all elements of the ISOs. Benicia’s ability to receive information, publish the results of investigations to the public and to require Valero to take corrective action simply does not exist. Can we wait for the legislature to strengthen the state law?
While Valero and PG&E point the finger at each other over who is at fault for the Valero flaring disaster in May, Benicia remains in the dark. We know Valero was given permits to construct an adequate backup generator system but only one co-generator was built and the permit for the other was allowed to expire after several extensions, probably because of Valero’s bureaucrats in Texas.
Do we Benicians think we can count on Texas oil men to put our health and safety ahead of their profits? The lesson we learned from the successful battle to stop Valero’s dangerous Crude-By-Rail Project is the company seems to stop at nothing to ensure their profits – even at the expense of Benicians.
February 21, 2018 [Editor: UPDATE: See how Thompson’s views have changed: He now says that “military grade automatic and semi-automatic assault weapons “do not belong in the hands of citizens.” – RS]
PREVIOUSLY POSTED MATERIAL from a Facebook page has been removed at the request of a member of the PRIVATE Facebook group, Benicia Indivisible For Justice. Material removed showed a lengthy debate on Rep. Thompson’s views on assault weapons. Contact Mike here.
Maybe THIS TIME, we will make the difference. Here are some links to efforts to create a strong and effective movement for gun control legislation. – RS, Editor
EVERYTOWN.org – 7 Actions You Can Take to Prevent Gun Violence
Every day, 96 Americans are killed with guns. We’re counting on supporters like you to take action that will help us pass common-sense laws and implement policies that will save lives. [MORE]
noNRAmoney.org – National campaign to elect only candidates who do NOT take money from the NRA
NoNRAMoney.orgwas created for the sole purpose of telling candidates they must reject and denounce the NRA or they don’t get our votes. The simplicity of Grover Norquist’s No New Tax pledge but used for good not evil. Time to make the NRA radioactive.
CANDIDATE PLEDGE: A Pledge By Elected Officials and Candidates that they will not take NRA money nor tout NRA ranking but will pursue common sense gun laws.
VOTER PLEDGE: A Pledge by Individuals to oppose any candidate for any office who takes NRA money or touts a favorable rating by the NRA.
Washington Post: Have your representatives in Congress received donations from the NRA?
Click here, then click on your state
Since 1998, the National Rifle Association has donated at least $4.1 million to current members of Congress. Explore below to see how much money has been donated to members of Congress in your state.
Click to go to Washington Post. Then click on your state.
Two gun control groups, Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, have taken out a two-page ad in today’s The New York Times listing members of Congress who have accepted donations from the National Rifle Association.
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