Remember: You Are Not Alone
Trump’s second term is here. The resistance in the first was punctuated with large and immediate rallies, public demonstrations, and a rush of new political organizing. So far, national Democrats seem to be focused on licking their wounds from November. Nonetheless, state and county parties and leaders are getting back to work.
It is not enough to simply be anti-Trump. Democrats must go beyond that and be the party of alternatives to Trump’s insanity and authoritarianism. This second resistance must not fail.
NYC Women’s Rights Rally in 2017. Photo credit: Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty Images
We’re all going to have to find our niche. No one has an excuse. We need coordinators that map out local government meetings, we need people to be in those meetings, and everyone needs to keep an eye on local officeholders, especially nonpartisan offices.
We also need to continue building and reconnecting with friends, old and new. No one person is an island and to think so is the height is foolishness. Four or five people can canvass an entire neighborhood, when the time comes. With friends, each victory is twice as sweet; defeats hurt less.
Think of the tools and people you have, not what you wish you had. Americans are tough, resilient, and some of the hardest working people on the planet. Can you find people to do these?
Food captains
Fundraising committee
Membership growth committee
Office team
Local government attendance coordinators
State legislature observers
Local candidate support teams
My niche seems to be raising money. But that’s not the only thing I’m doing. I’m also helping out local candidates by knocking on doors and coordinating attendance at local government meetings. We have each other. That’s a lot. What are you bringing to the table?
Friends, I know many of you are afraid of what the future may hold. That’s perfectly understandable. Do not let it dominate your thoughts and actions. That’s how autocrats win. Surely, if high school students have the courage to stand up to Washington and the NRA, then you too will find the courage to keep going.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students at a March for Our Lives Rally in . Photo Credit: Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images
It is always darkest before the dawn. Even in the dim twilight here and now, political and labor organizing is happening. We have each other. We have a cause worth fighting for and promises made that we will see redeemed. We have hope. Together, we are unstoppable. The moral arc of the universe is long, but it does bend toward justice.
He will not last. MAGAism is not forever. We will be here when he is gone. It is entirely up to us whether or not to meet the orange tyrant head-on at every turn and the type of America we want for ourselves and the next generation.
I’ll see you there