What’s lacking is public service
What seems to be lacking in all the furious discourse since Trump’s “triumphal” second term is public service, real public service as in supporting the constitution and rule of law, not self-serving actions designed solely for self-aggrandizement.
The idea that governing is of, by and for the people seems like a quaint relic of our nation’s founding. It is infuriating and demoralizing to have a governing majority and a politicized Supreme Court consistently excuse the cruel and lawless actions of the president and his enablers. The reality that the minority party has a difficult path to affecting legislation is not an excuse for giving up. Silence speaks volumes.
The idea that political engagement is a game to be won, at all costs, has brought us to this place. We must elect people who will govern for us, not for their personal advancement. We must be willing to stay engaged and contact our elected officials when we disagree and, importantly, when we agree with their actions. We must vote in every election. We must demand the end to voter suppression and support our election officials in maintaining free and fair elections. We must call out the lies and misinformation promulgated by the right-wing media, social media, and unfettered AI.
We must peacefully and proudly protest injustice. Our visibility encourages others who may feel isolated in this supercharged, often hateful, and increasingly dangerous environment. No action is too small. No vote is in vain.