Degas panting courtesy of wikipedia.org
Former Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter observed that “democracy cannot survive too much ignorance.” (FFRF, June/July 2025, pg. 17.) He’s right. Uniformed voters returned a failed former president to the Oval Office in the last election, thinking that change for the sake of change would produce good outcomes. What they got was a man suffering from dementia, among other mental illnesses, and a Cabinet hand-picked to create satire.
When the Director of Homeland Security, one of the government’s top law enforcement agencies, hasn’t a clue about the meaning of Habeas Corpus, one can either laugh or cry. Maybe I’m being too harsh. Maybe Director Kristi Noem knew the answer, but her tongue got stuck between her Botoxed lips.
Either way, the polls sag with voters’ remorse. Unfortunately, the disillusioned have given Donald Trump another 4 years to vent his spleen, wreak havoc on his enemies and the country, and rage like the demented King Lear. So far, Congress and the Supreme Court remain compliant to his will. As a consequence, millions of Americans will suffer. Ordinary life will soon become extraordinary. With the passage of Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill,” citizens and immigrants alike will see government systems desiccated–healthcare, the rule of law, voting rights, Citizenship birth rights, and even habeas corpus.
The vote in the 2024 election can’t be undone, but Trump can be thwarted. Complaints or mass demonstrations won’t be enough, however. Citizens will need help from experts. So far, the lower courts have done their best to defend the Constitution, but the attorneys for organizations that promote social justice must be paid. Contributing to these organizations is critical.
In addition, these groups need volunteers to walk precincts or man phone banks. Too many among us remain ignorant about the danger to our democracy and choose to stay that way. The rest of us will have to make a joyful noise to wake them up
Like a golden retriever that dives into a lake without testing the water, we must have faith in our endeavors. The oligarchs cannot be allowed to win. Two activist groups I favor are Indivisible and the ACLU. They offer practical advice on how to resist without confrontation. When dealing with police during demonstrations, for example, Indivisible suggests that we keep our hands visible and avoid arguing. If that doesn’t calm the situation, collect details: the officer’s badge number; names of witnesses; pictures of injuries… Turn the information over to a civilian oversight body. Check out Indivisible’s free and full primer.
Our Constitution is a document consisting of words. Noting more. What gives it life is a determined citizenry. Whenever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government; that whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to set them to rights. Thomas Jefferson to Richard Price, January 8, 1789
Fear is easy. Defending freedom is hard. Nonetheless, those are the options before us–to live in fear or to resist. And we must choose now. Democracy lies comatose upon a table.
BOYCOTT TESLA
