If you listen to some political pundits, social media maestros or even your neighbor, America has gone to hell in a hand basket and there’s no way to bring it back.
The majority of Congress is paralyzed and too afraid to act in the best interest of their constituents.
The Trump administration’s agenda involves political payback and the dismantling of America’s institutions that support a democracy, including the courts, education and public safety. The game plan? Strike fear and doubt in the public.
Indeed, the last seven months have left millions disillusioned, frustrated and worried. But unlike Congress, Washingtonians must resist becoming paralyzed or fearful.
Across the nation, including on Seattle’s Second Avenue downtown, people are fighting back. With voices as their swords and picket signs as their shields, they use their time and resources to make a difference. They protest. They resist.
Here are 10 things we can do to help protect our democracy.
Shake off a defeatist attitude. Join forces with neighbors and think as a collective, not as an individual. Take lessons from past civic movements to find encouragement, such as the Civil Rights Movement that brought about monumental changes with the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act.
Educate yourself on the issues. Part of finding solutions is understanding the problems. Read many news sources and share your knowledge.
Join the club. Standing on the sidelines means you’re a spectator. Watching things seemingly become dismantled adds to the pessimism. There are established civic groups that need members and volunteers.
Form your own club. Resistance groups typically start with two or three friends who share similar values when it comes to how our government should function. They also help people stay encouraged.
Call and write your Congress member. Let your representatives — or any lawmaker — know you’re tuned in and care how they vote. Lawmakers pay attention to calls and emails.
Stay engaged. When it seems that your voice isn’t making a difference, stay engaged. Now is not the time to suffer fatigue over the bombardment of information from 24-hour news cycles. Digest small bites of credible news.
Write a check. In other words, financially support organizations or individuals who share your values and commitment.
Be visible in your protest. People in power need to see that folks want democracy and they are going to use the power they have to preserve it.
Register people to vote. The Washington Secretary of State has material to help people register others to vote at st.news/sosvotered. Get involved in voter registration drives in your community or in states where voter turnout is low.
Vote. Our current political system requires political hardball. Money, social media and misinformation have gouged huge spaces in our political landscape. Voting helps equalize the playing field.
The country is at a point where it will be difficult to try to rebuild what was. Now is the time to evaluate our government’s weak spots and reimagine a new and improved nation. One that saw its birth in the streets of our nation, including on Seattle’s Second Avenue.
