We're Fighting Back

My local NO KINGS protest in Alexandria, VA

I regret the darker turn in my writing, but we are at an inflection point that leaves me deeply concerned. We all should be deeply concerned. This moment has been building for a while through unchecked power, greed, and overconsumption. But most troubling is the severe lack of compassion that has brought us to this explosive point. I would prefer to be sharing personal anecdotes or stories of cute animals. Instead, I feel compelled to write about this undeniably nightmarish period in American history. Below, I'll include places you can contact to join in to fight back.

This is a marked time of unraveling in my country, and I have a front row seat—living only minutes from Washington, D.C. It’s a time of dehumanization like I've never witnessed, where campaigns of cruelty and attacks on rights are daily, vicious, and relentless. Cruelty is becoming policy. Although the underlying causes are not new, the scale of shamelessness and brazenness is staggering.

Weren’t we warned about fascism seeping in through division, distraction, and policies wrapped in the language of “security” and “other”? Yes, we were—World History, 9th grade. And yet, here we are, standing at its doorstep, having learned absolutely nothing from history. Hello??? Hitler?! But our educational system is a topic for another rant—because clearly, we are repeating the unthinkable.

Dehumanization is in full swing, and in full view of the world. Meanwhile, social media continues to twist the truth, and algorithms reward performative outrage. Civility is promoted as weakness, and empathy has withered into a giant swamp of extreme corruption and barbarity. Putting fellow human beings in cages alongside alligators and torturing them for simply seeking a better life is unfathomable—as is stripping rights away from anyone who is not a white (preferably rich), Republican male.

But this is what’s happening in my country today—right now.
I believe this erosion of humanity can be stopped. A path forward can still be plotted—but only if you participate. You simply can’t sit on the sidelines during these atrocities. These times call for action.

And the time is now.

You can’t wait for things to improve. You, me—ALL of us need to:

Stay informed—Choose a few reliable news sources. Avoid doomscrolling that robs us of time, clarity, and mental health.

Vote at all levels—School board, city council, judicial races—there’s no such thing as a “minor” election anymore. Vote for people who represent your voice. Monitor elections closely. Demand accountability—because we know what’s happening behind the scenes: cheating, dishonesty in ways never before encountered.

Support independent journalists and media—Not click-chasers, but trusted sources. Do your homework. Follow those who speak truth and offer honest perspectives.

Build community—Authoritarianism feeds on isolation and division. Real power comes from neighborhood alliances and unified grassroots voices speaking out in peaceful resistance, protests, and other collective actions. Join in. Join now:

Indivisible
Grassroots groups across the country working to hold elected officials accountable and protect democratic values.

50501
A movement for rapid, nationwide response—50 protests in 50 states in 1 day—to defend democracy when it’s under threat.

Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ)

A national network mobilizing white people into multiracial movements for racial and social justice.

Resist normalization—Call racism, transphobia, misogyny, xenophobia, homophobia—hate—because that’s what it is. Do this not only in large-scale moments, but in small daily ones where silence might feel easier. Your actions, your words, your courage make a difference, and are needed now.

Practice economic resistance—Your money is a vote. Spend it on what you believe in. Boycott companies and corporations that fund cruelty, hate, and planetary destruction. Support ethical alternatives especially those that don’t just benefit the top 1%. They don’t need the money, and we don’t need their control.

These are challenging, unprecedented times. You are needed now, and for the long haul. Take care of your physical and mental health. Rest when you need to. And stay in the fight. 

We the people have the power. Take comfort in that, and in knowing we outnumber them. More importantly—remember that collective action and compassion are powerful forces that can shift the tide.

So, together, let’s go shift some tides.