Note: This is the first in a series of blogs about the current administration and action we need to take to preserve our democracy. My intent is to use my experience and knowledge about the law, government, politics, and history to provide insight about what is occurring, what we need to do, and encourage individual action. This introductory blog focuses on action.
During its first six weeks the new administration has violated the constitutional right to due process, the equal protection of law, and the freedoms of speech, privacy, and the press. It has run roughshod over the bedrock of our constitutional system – that being the existence of three equal branches of government, each with limited powers, which are enforced by an elaborate system of checks and balances.
Taken as a whole, the administration’s actions have been destructive, irrational, ineffective, in humane, and have undermined the stability of our government, well-established institutions, and the social structure. Its tactics have included the use of false statements, mass firings, threats, retaliation, slander, withholding payments, creating chaos, and generating fear.
Solutions
Fortunately, the U.S. Constitution includes methods that we, as individuals, can, and in times like this, must use, to protect and strengthen our democracy and the rise of a would-be dictatorship. The freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom of the press, the right to peacefully assemble, the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances, all contained in the First Amendment, along with our constitutional rights to due process, equal protection and to vote, are powerful tools that can create meaningful change. By using these rights to fight back, we are exercising one of the people's methods of enforcing the constitutional system of checks and balances. If you are concerned about the administration’s governance, please act now.
Start by taking a deep breath. The past six weeks have been discouraging, devastating and stressful for many of us. We are living in a time of political upheaval. In stressful times it is especially important to rest and engage in activities that you enjoy. Be kind to yourself and those around you. Give yourself grace.
My description of our current state of affairs, while accurate, is not meant to foster panic or despair. My first objective of this and upcoming blogs is to clearly state what I see based on my decades of work as a practicing attorney, adjunct professor, amateur historian, and grassroots activist. In addition, I intend to describe well-established solutions and encourage people to get more involved in our democracy, by taking small, but crucial steps. Historically, progress has began at the grassroots level. It is our collective action which will create essential change.
Actions
Take actions that make sense for you. Commit to doing at least one act per week.
Contact elected officials. Even if their underlying motives are good, the top concern of most politicians is to get reelected or elected to a higher office. This is the most consequential source of individual power. If a large number of constituents voice their outrage and demand action, elected officials will pay attention. The exception are those that have already sold their soul to someone in exchange for money or additional power. The reason the drafters of the constitution set two year terms for representatives was to make them directly accountable to their constituents. Every two years, 435 representatives and one-third of the senators must convince voters that they deserve to be re-elected. This is the power of the people.
Consider using the app 5 calls at https://5calls.org/ After entering your zip code the app will provide you with the titles, names, and telephone numbers of five of your elected officials. It also includes an explanation of issues and sample messages.
You can also send an email which you’ll find of the official’s website. Some people say that telephone messages are more important than emails and others say the opposite. Use the method you prefer. We need to fill their email and telephone message boxes. You can also go to their local office and tell their staff your concerns. This is a compelling method. You merely need to spend a couple of minutes sharing your demands.
It’s just as important to call or write Democratic officials. Congressional Democrats have not done enough during the past six weeks. One newly elected Senator sent a social media request for donations last week. Not surprisingly, she received several hundred messages from constituents who were outraged that she was fundraising two months into her six year job, while the administration is destroying the government. Further, she had voted for some of the president’s cabinet appointees.
Signup with Indivisible . Go to https://indivisible.org/ and at a minimum signup for your local Indivisible newsletter. Type your zip code and they will provide you with a local group in your state. Their newsletter contains information about events occurring in your community, pending bills, and other news for the week. You might find a different organization that you want to join. Regardless of whether you join one of these organizations or prefer to select actions to take on your own, commit to one act every week.
Engage in conversations. Another powerful method of change is to have civil, in-person conversations with others about your personal concerns or story. Select one or two news topics to follow every week that relate to your life or the life of someone you love. Tell the story in a conversational manner.
We have the perception that everyone holds opinions about politicians and laws that are set in stone. However, a large number of people vote for people of different parties throughout their lives. Further, most people change their views about issues, based on new experiences and information. Evidence of this is in the progressive social change that has occurred throughout the years. Another piece of evidence is the fact that the political winds swing back and forth: Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy/Johnson, Nixon/Ford, Carter, Reagan/Bush, Clinton, Bush, Obama, Trump, Biden, Trump. The same is true in Congress.
Here are a couple of conversation examples. “My daughter has worked at _________ for years. Her job was to __________. She has such a passion for this work. She was fired without warning or severance pay. Her and her spouse can no longer afford their mortgage payments. They need to sell their house. I’m so worried about them and my grandchildren.” Or “My father has cancer and just started a clinical trial. Last week he found out that the clinical trial ended because of funding cuts.”
Don’t use put downs about politicians. Don’t try to convince them of anything. Tell the story, stop, and engage in active listening. Don’t interrupt. Your objective is to merely share the story. If their response is to bring it to politics or argue, end the conversation with, “well, it’s been so painful for our family.” If they don’t believe the administration took the action or bring up fraud, you can tell them you’d like to send them an article about it.
Most people have empathy when during a face-to-face conversation, they hear a personal story about a human struggle. They might not be moved when they hear "Two Thousand federal workers were fired without advanced notice or severance pay at the Department of Education." Their reaction may be different when you tell them, "My six year old cousin is hearing impaired. They live in a rural area. As a result of cuts in federal funding, my uncle has to drive 45 minutes, each way, to take her to and from school each day. He has move to part-time status to be able to do this. He's worried about keeping up with their bills."
Regardless of their reaction at the time, if you don’t attack them, it’s likely that they will think about it later. They might also connect it to a concern in their family. Sharing stories is as old as human history and remains one of the most effective ways to influence a person’s thoughts.
Of course, boundaries and self-care are important. You should not engage with anyone who is rude, dismissive, hateful, or lacks compassion. If the person you talk with reacts in that manner, it’s time to walk away and cut-off communication.
Interact with people in person. Social connections are a critical part of our mental and physical health. Attend informal or organized gatherings to be in the presence of others. You will feel energized and reassured by interacting with others who share your concerns. At the same time, continue to make connections with people at work, school, or during other activities who may have voted differently than you. There are people whose views can be influenced based on personal connections. Again, this does not apply to those who are rude, dismissive, hateful, or lack compassion.
Other Actions. Share information on social media. Attend a protest or rally. Sign a petition. Volunteer with an organization. Donate to a relevant clause – every donation matters. Boycott companies that are funding this movement. Attend a city or county commission or school board meeting. Attend an in-person or virtual town hall meeting with your elected official. Educate yourself. Attend a local educational event, read a book or article, listen to a podcast, watch a documentary or youtube clip. Use the method of learning that works for you. Be sure you are using a credible source. If you’re not familiar with the organization or person, first conduct a search.
Nonviolence and Safety
Engage in nonviolent methods of protest and prioritize your well-being. If you are outside, don’t stand near traffic. If anyone engages in the destruction of property, violence, or you otherwise feel unsafe, leave the event. I’ve heard from people who felt they would be letting down others by leaving. You already made a difference by showing up. Like any other aspect of life, use your own good judgment.
I’ll end with a inspirational quote from the distinguished cultural anthropologist, Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”
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