whitehouse on Jan 10, 2012
President Obama thanks the staff of the Environmental Protection Agency for the work they do, which touches on the lives of every American, from the food we eat, to the water we drink, to the air we breathe. January 10, 2012.
I’m writing to thank everyone who helped keep our grassroots organization strong in 2011.
If you’re a longtime TeamFranken supporter who continued standing with us in 2011: THANK YOU!
If you made your first contribution in 2011: THANK YOU!
If your name is Ted: THANK YOU, TED!
If you could only afford a small gift: THANK YOU!
If you could afford a large gift, but only gave a small one: THANK YOU ANYWAY!
If you forgot to give but really meant to and totally would have except you got distracted at the last minute and now you feel awful: THANK YOU, I GUESS — AND PLEASE CLICK HERE TO GIVE NOW AND ALLEVIATE YOUR GUILT!http://www.alfranken.com/page/m/6cf7873/715407ea/31809885/7816454a/2228609982/VEsH/
If you recruited friends to give: THANK YOU (AND THEM)!
If you skipped your morning coffee for a week in order to make a contribution: THANK YOU, AND I HOPE YOU DIDN’T SCREW UP ANY IMPORTANT WORK DEADLINES!
If you gave because you’re married to me: THANKS, FRANNI — I LOVE YOU!
I’m pretty sure that covers everybody.
THANK YOU ALL,
Al
P.S.: If you contributed because you love our tradition of including an extra “ask” in the P.S. of every email: THAT’S KIND OF WEIRD — BUT THANK YOU, AND WON’T YOU PLEASE CLICK HERE TO MAKE AN ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTION NOW?
Europe has just launched a ground breaking new climate law that radically reduces carbon pollution by forcing all airlines to pay for emissions. But China’s top-fliers are refusing — and threatening to spark a trade war!
This ambitious law is like taking 30 million cars off the road each year! It is a huge step forward for our climate. But China’s top three airlines, who together make $3.5 billion in annual profits, are shamefully arguing that it will seriously damage business. In fact, even in the worst case scenario it would mean between a $3 – $10 passenger fee. 30% of their business is global and they want more. If enough of us urge them to put our planet before their extortionate profits, we could convince them to comply.
Let’s show these jet-setters how important public reputation is in global business and appeal to China’s new-found image as a country serious about combating climate change. Sign the petition now and share this with everyone — when we reach 500,000 signatures, we’ll deliver it to the companies with a big splash:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/china_dont_break_climate_law/?vl
Aviation is the fastest-growing source of carbon pollution in the world — it already accounts for more carbon emission than the entire economy of the UK which in and of itself is the world’s 10th biggest carbon polluter. Europe’s new law requires airlines to reduce emissions under the carbon trading system — it’s the only law that effectively combines economic incentive with legal obligation to put the brakes on this industry’s rampant pollution.
But China’s largest airlines are trying to dodge their responsibility, instead spreading false rumours that the rules mean exorbitant costs for both them and their passengers. The truth is airlines that reduce their emissions will make money from fuel saving initiatives. And even those that don’t clean up their ways and instead pass the costs along to passengers are unlikely to feel it — a flight from Beijing to London would cost an additional $1.53 — hardly noticeable compared to ticket prices and other hidden fees we all pay.
Last year US airlines tried to challenge the law with a shady lawsuit and were struck down in EU courts. There’s no reason why record-breaking profitable airlines can’t comply with an affordable climate-saving law. Let’s protect it and fight this latest Chinese threat with people power. These image-conscious airlines won’t be able to ignore our 500,000 strong outcry. Sign this urgent petition now and send it to everyone:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/china_dont_break_climate_law/?vl
The stakes have never been so high in our struggle to stop catastrophic climate change — we must propel every carbon-reducing measure and multiply it. China, as the world’s biggest investor in clean energy, has the power to pull the world onto the right path. Let’s demand that it’s government and businesses support this crucial EU leadership and comply with the law.
With hope and determination,
Jamie, Iain, Alice, Allison, Ricken, Wen-Hua, Wissam and the rest of the Avaaz team
Sources:
China CATA to sue EU on airline carbon rule (Reuters)
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/24/china-eu-emissions-idUSL3E7NO01J20111224
EU’s aviation charge is a drop for China’s airlines (BBC)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16423633
Chinese airlines dig their heels in over EU carbon charge as international dissent grows (The Daily Mail)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2082586/Emissions-Trading-Scheme-China-airlines-dig-heels-EU-carbon-charge.html#ixzz1ihNBGysI
Asian airlines mull new charges to deal with EU carbon plan (Reuters)
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/06/airlines-asia-idUSL3E8C40E320120106
Carbon Emission Fees for Flights Upheld (The New York Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/22/business/global/court-upholds-europes-plan-to-charge-airlines-for-carbon-emissions.html?scp=2&sq=eu%20emissions%20airline%20lawsuit&st=cse
President Obama and his administration just proposed a common-sense change to our country’s immigration system in order to keep American families together.
This isn’t just a historic step for the hundreds of thousands of families who would be affected by this policy—it’s also a defining moment for this campaign.
Let the President know you stand with him in the fight for a smart, fair immigration system.
Under current law, undocumented spouses and children of U.S. citizens must leave the country to complete the immigration process—meaning thousands of families are separated every year while trying to pursue a legal path to citizenship.
The President’s plan would cut bureaucratic wait times and relieve an unfair burden on U.S. citizens who are unfairly separated from their loved ones during the legal immigration process. This proposal would build on other common-sense immigration reforms the President has put in place to help keep hardworking American families, who have played by the rules, together.
That’s why we need to have the President’s back in this fight—and the fights to come—in this election. Say you’ll stand with him today.
| The Big Banks have a lot to answer for. As their greed and recklessness gave us a devastating financial crisis, they also abused and defrauded consumers. There are 7.5 million homes that have entered the foreclosure process, with another 4.8 million homeowners at risk. It’s time to set things right—and not with a slap on the wrist for bankersand fraudsters.Unfortunately, some state attorneys general are considering just that—a small slap on the wrist, not real accountability. To get the best deal for homeowners, and to make sure the banks are held fully accountable, your voice needs to be heard.
Your attorney general has the power to hold the banks accountable. Tell the AG you want real accountability and not another giveaway. The collapse of the housing market and widespread abuses of homeowners are holding back our economy. Misconduct by the nation’s biggest banks gave us the financial crisis, and your attorney general has the power to hold them accountable. A deal already is being considered—and we have to get this right. We can’t repeat the mistakes of the bailout process. In Solidarity, Manny Herrmann P.S. Have you checked out Working America‘s 9 Demands of the 99%? View eight commonsense solutions we need to fix the economy, add your own and sign on in support. |
Be a Seed for Change 
You must be logged in to post a comment.