What Could Have Been

Of course, it's worse than we thought it would be. The Trump administration's number of unconstitutional, illegal, and mean-spirited actions has exceeded most people’s expectations.

Decent people, American patriots, will spend the next four years acting as a bulwark against the actions perpetrated by The Felon and his cowardly GOP enablers. And we’ll spend the next decade or two undoing the damage we could not prevent over The Felon’s term. Unfortunately, this means that America will make little or no forward progress toward the dream of a diverse and inclusive nation. Right now, America is moving backward, which will continue as long as our system of checks and balances remains neutered.

I’m a realist. If Kamala Harris had won, the Republican majority in Congress would still be fighting for unaccountable corporations and an extreme right-wing agenda. They would make President Harris’ job extremely difficult, and their hold on the corporate media would still spew their evil propaganda - especially against a woman of color. But even in the worst scenario of a Harris presidency, America would not be sliding into a fascist oligarchy. So what should we do?

First, the demonstrations at legislators’ offices should continue unabated. If the mainstream media continues their policy of “both-sidesism”, at least the protesters will bring the massive turnouts against the fascist regime to the forefront. Second, it is critical to flip the House (where budget resolutions are introduced) and the Senate (where high-level appointments are confirmed). But Democratic control is not enough. We need to elect courageous legislators and eschew DINOs like Manchin. We need to elect good Democrats at the state level where election laws are enforced and where equality legislation can partially counteract the draconian Musk agenda. This does not mean everyone should knock on doors and carry protest signs. But it DOES mean getting your apolitical friends and neighbors more involved - getting them to write or make calls to legislators, donate to good Democrats, and attend town halls.

We’re all in this together, and as my favorite Senator often tells us, “Apathy is the opposite of Democracy.” Even if you’ve never been involved before, now is the time. If not for you, then for your children and grandchildren.