Donald Trump was lawfully elected to the highest office in the land, but he came to power through lies, deceit, intimidation and fear. He exploited the very real suffering of Americans abandoned by Republicans and Democrats, parties that do not serve the needs of working people and the planet.
So what can we do about it?
Wake up. While we are lucky to call the North Bay home, we live in a bubble. Filmmaker Michael Moore, who was laughed at for predicting Trump would win, says Trump’s win was only a shock if you weren’t paying attention to the harsh social and economic realities of this country. We must burst those bubbles and make common cause with those suffering injustice at home, across the country and abroad. While some Trump supporters are vile white supremacists and fascist cannon fodder, many felt justifiably deserted by both political parties.
Resist. There is an argument that obstructing Trump as Republicans hobbled Obama for eight years means more gridlock and dysfunctional government. So be it. Better that than facilitating the agenda of a demagogue.
Organize. The Democratic Party, not the Republican, is the one in shambles. The Democratic National Committee has shown itself to be pitifully out of touch with a vast swath of the country. We must take to the streets and demand that our representatives fight Trump every step of the way—that means you Mike Thompson, Jared Huffman, Kamala Harris and Barbara Boxer. If not, we must dump them and elect new leaders who understand what’s at stake and are willing to fight to defend democracy.
As Trump trashed one American institution after another during his bilious campaign, he made his antipathy for the press clear, goading the crowds to jeer the media at his rallies, the same media that helped give voice to his madness. But with his presidency, a Republican-controlled Congress and, maybe soon, a conservative-dominated Supreme Court, the press is one of the few checks on his power.
The Bohemian will continue to be your source for local and independent news in the North Bay. We intend to fully exercise our First Amendment rights and responsibility to challenge the man about to enter the White House.
Stett Holbrook is the editor of the ‘Bohemian.’
Open Mic is a weekly feature in the ‘Bohemian.’ We welcome your contribution. To have your topical essay of 350 words considered for publication, write [email protected].
