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- #38 - 42% of Americans Want a Bipartisan Solution to the Shutdown. So What Gives?
#38 - 42% of Americans Want a Bipartisan Solution to the Shutdown. So What Gives?
The two parties can't even keep the government open. Again.

#38 - 42% of Americans Want a Bipartisan Solution to the Shutdown. So What Gives?
The two parties can't even keep the government open. Again.
The Rundown
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Speak out Against Gerrymandering: Join our latest focus group on in the US Capitol to share your thoughts on gerrymandering. Email [email protected] and we’ll be in touch. Date and time TBA
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The Government is Shut Down. Again.
Hi Friends,
I’m at a loss for words, but I’m not surprised. Once again, the two parties failed at their most basic task of passing a spending bill. That means the government can't operate. Congress is failing at its most basic job.
This game of political chicken—"will we or won't we pass a budget and keep the government open"—is pretty absurd, but at this point has become a yearly occurrence.
What's different this year is that the parties are showing they don't have time to agree on a budget, but they do have time to rig the electoral maps to get more seats for their side.
So elected officials want to fail at their job, while also making it nearly impossible for them to be fired for not performing. I see the appeal—we'd all like to be immune from getting fired. But normal people don't have that privilege and we don't think Congress should either.
Which brings me to an important point. The Independent Center planned to hold a focus group on Capitol Hill next week so people could share their opinions about gerrymandering with members of Congress. With the shutdown, we have to cancel it.
But we're more determined than ever to have this event because members need to hear what people think about gerrymandering. We still have room if you want to join us. Email us at [email protected] and we'll be in touch when we have a new date.
It's tempting to leave politics to the people who actually enjoy shutdown drama and yelling at each other on X, but we need normal, reasonable people to remind Congress that they were hired to a do a job, and people expect them to actually do it.
I hope you’ll consider joining us in Washington, D.C. We need your voice more than ever.
Best,
Lura
Exclusive Invitation: Gerrymandering Focus Group in Washington, D.C.
Our job is to make sure Washington is listening to YOU! That’s why we want to invite you to a focus group on Capitol Hill. The date and time is TBA due to the current government shutdown.
The purpose is simple: give independents the opportunity to voice their thoughts on gerrymandering to our elected officials.
We’re eager to get you involved and will be covering the costs for travel to the event.
If you’re interested, reach out to Lura Forcum at [email protected]
We’re Coming to Texas!

Interested in joining us? Don’t hesitate to reach out! Email Angela Reamer at [email protected] if you’d like to RSVP.
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Next up: The Soul of America by Jon Meacham.
Pulitzer Prize–winning author Jon Meacham helps us understand the present moment in American politics and life by looking back at critical times in our history when hope overcame division and fear.
Our virtual discussion is on October 9th.
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Video Feature: Budgets Don’t Lie. Politicians Do.
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Independent Center Featured
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We represent those who are fed up with partisan politics and feel politically homeless. We believe the future is not red or blue; it’s fiscally responsible, socially inclusive, and free to choose the best options for ourselves, our families, and our communities.

