Yes, I’m Worried. But We Can Save Our Communities and Preserve Democracy
We gotta stick together.
The current political climate in the U.S. is nothing short of chaotic, leaving many of us feeling overwhelmed, worried, and even powerless. As someone who’s deeply concerned about the direction our country is heading, I want to share my thoughts on what we—as voters, as citizens, and as human beings—can do to fight back and protect our democracy. Let’s dive in.
The Alarming Reality We Face
It’s hard to ignore the flurry of concerning actions taken by the Trump administration. From targeting marginalized communities to dismantling critical programs, the list of alarming policies grows by the day. Let’s break down some of the key issues:
Attacks on Marginalized Communities:
Trump has made it clear that certain groups are in his crosshairs. The term DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) is being used as a coded attack on Black people and other minorities. Federal workplaces are being stripped of DEI initiatives, and people of color and women are being disproportionately affected by these changes. Transgender youth are losing access to vital rights and protections, and Latinx, Haitian, and Nigerian immigrants are facing increased deportation efforts. The message is clear: certain lives matter less in Trump’s America.
Global Instability:
The administration’s foreign policy decisions are equally troubling. Cutting aid to Ukraine as they fight for their survival is not only morally questionable but strategically shortsighted. Meanwhile, Trump is floating the idea of invading Canada (yes, you read that right) and Greenland, while slapping tariffs on key trading partners like Canada, Mexico, and China. It’s a recipe for global chaos and economic hardship.
Health Crises Ignored:
As if all of that weren’t enough, the nation is grappling with measles and bird flu outbreaks, yet the administration seems more focused on political theater than public health. Please wear your masks and face shields because chileeeee no. I’m not getting the chicken flu AT ALL. Nope.
Dismantling Essential Services:
The Department of Education is under attack, which will devastate schools across the country—rural, urban, and everything in between. Medicaid is on the chopping block, with $880 billion in cuts proposed to fund tax breaks for the wealthy. And if that’s not enough, funding for agriculture at historically Black colleges is being stripped away, further marginalizing these vital institutions.
Silencing Dissent:
Trump recently took to social media to announce that any college, school, or university that allows peaceful protests will lose all federal funding. His words were stark: “Agitators will be imprisoned or permanently sent back to the country from which they came. American students will be permanently expelled or, depending on the crime, arrested.” This is not just an attack on free speech; it’s an attempt to chill dissent and intimidate those who dare to stand up for what they believe in.
And let’s not forget the hypocrisy. Trump, who pardoned the January 6th insurrectionists, now wants to punish peaceful protesters. The double standard is staggering.
My Perspective: Worried AF, But Not Hopeless
I’ll admit, it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by all of this. The fact that Kamala Harris didn’t win the presidency still weighs heavily on my mind. She warned us that this could happen, and now we’re living it. Authoritarianism and fascism are taking root, and it’s clear that our democracy is in real trouble.
But here’s the thing: fear cannot drive away hope. In fact, it’s hope that should fuel us to act. We can’t change the past, but we can shape the future. So, what can we do?
Steps We Can Take to Save Our Communities and Democracy
The good news is that we’re not powerless. There are concrete steps we can take to fight back and protect the values we hold dear. Here’s how:
Stay Informed, Stay Engaged:
Knowledge is power, and we need to stay informed about what’s happening in our country and our communities. But information alone isn’t enough—we need to act on it. Whether it’s attending town halls, writing to our elected officials, supporting independent media, or participating in peaceful protests, we must make our voices heard.
Vote Like Your Life Depends on It:
Voting is one of the most powerful tools we have. It’s not just about presidential elections; local and state elections matter too. Every single vote has the potential to shape the direction of our country. So, make sure you’re registered, and encourage everyone you know to do the same. Vote for candidates who share your values and are committed to protecting democracy. I don’t want to hear that voting rights will be taken away. We can’t operate in fear so VOTE YOUR ASSES OFF.
Organize and Mobilize:
Change doesn’t happen in a vacuum. We need to come together as a community to demand justice and accountability. Whether it’s joining a local advocacy group, volunteering for a campaign, or simply having tough conversations with friends and family, we all have a role to play. Remember, movements are built on the collective actions of ordinary people.
Support Marginalized Communities:
The attacks on marginalized communities are relentless, but so can our support be. Whether it’s advocating for transgender rights, standing with immigrants, or fighting for racial justice, we need to show up for those who are most vulnerable. Us 92% (black women who overwhelmingly voted for Kamala Harris) are waiting for the rest of y’all to show up and show out. It’s more than just showing up to a protest or a rally. Put in the work! Solidarity is not just a word; it’s a call to action.
Engage in Civic Life:
Democracy is not a spectator sport. We need to engage in civic life at every level. Attend school board meetings, join your local PTA, or run for office yourself. The more we participate, the stronger our democracy becomes.
Be a Voice for Hope:
In the face of so much negativity, it’s easy to lose sight of the good in the world. But hope is not about ignoring the challenges; it’s about believing that we can overcome them. Be a source of hope for those around you. Share stories of resilience, celebrate victories, and remind people that change is possible.
A Call to Action: We Gotta Fight The Power! Let’s Fight for Our Future!
I refuse to roll over and let these people destroy us. I know that the current political climate is undoubtedly alarming, but it’s also a call to action. We can’t afford to sit on the sidelines while our democracy is being eroded. We need to act with urgency, compassion, and courage. As one of the greatest US Presidents of our generation once said:
"Hope is not blind optimism. It's not ignoring the enormity of the task ahead or the roadblocks that stand in our path. It's not sitting on the sidelines or shirking from a fight. Hope is that thing inside us that insists, despite all evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us if we have the courage to reach for it, and to work for it, and to fight for it. Hope is the belief that destiny will not be written for us, but by us, by the men and women who are not content to settle for the world as it is, who have the courage to remake the world as it should be."
~ BARACK OBAMA
