Resist
It's been a week since the election, and the reality of another Trump presidency is sinking in. After years of what felt like endless political marathons, we're right back where we started.
It's been a week since the election, and the reality of another Trump presidency is sinking in. After years of what felt like endless political marathons, we're right back where we started.
The exhaustion is real.
There is a large part of me that feels like all is lost, it’s too late.
But here's the thing: we can't afford to stay quiet anymore.
Our voices give us power, and I refuse to let fear or fatigue silence mine. So let's talk about what we're up against and how we fight back.
The Looming Threat of Project 2025
Trump's victory isn't just about one man returning to power. It's about implementing a comprehensive plan to reshape our government and economy.
Project 2025 is the blueprint, and it's terrifying.
We're looking at massive tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations, increased tariffs that will hit consumers hard, and a rollback of environmental protections.
Perhaps the most alarming proposals are those targeting our healthcare system, education, and civil rights.
Defending the Affordable Care Act
Remember when Trump promised to repeal and replace the ACA during his first term? He failed then, but now he's back with renewed determination. While he's recently claimed he wants to make the ACA "better," his track record and the goals of Project 2025 tell a different story. Here's what's at stake:
Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions: Vice President-elect JD Vance has suggested placing people with chronic conditions into separate risk pools. This could make insurance unaffordable for millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions.
Essential Health Benefits: The ACA mandates coverage for issues like mental health, maternity care, and prescription drugs. These could be on the chopping block.
Contraceptive Coverage: The federal contraceptive coverage guarantee, which requires most private insurance plans to cover contraceptives without out-of-pocket costs, could be dismantled through religious and moral exemptions.
The ACA has become "baked into people's lives," as one expert put it. But that doesn't mean it's safe. We need to be vigilant and ready to fight any attempts to gut this crucial legislation.
Protecting Civil Rights
Trump's agenda isn't just about healthcare – it's a direct assault on civil rights across the board. Here's what we're facing:
Reproductive Rights: Trump has promised a nationwide abortion ban, jeopardizing access to essential healthcare for millions of women.
LGBTQI+ Rights: Project 2025 aims to eliminate federal rules that protect LGBTQI+ Americans from discrimination.
Voting Rights: Interestingly, there aren’t any calls from the Right about voter fraud anymore. Trump's baseless claims of election fraud have already inspired states to slash voter protections. We can expect more attacks on our fundamental right to vote.
The End of the Department of Education?
Trump has repeatedly vowed to abolish the Department of Education, calling it federal overreach. "I say it all the time; I'm dying to get back to do this. We will ultimately eliminate the federal Department of Education," he told a campaign rally in Wisconsin. This isn't just empty rhetoric. Trump's transition team is already exploring ways to dismantle the department, with some suggesting its functions could be distributed to other agencies. The consequences of this move would be devastating:
Loss of Civil Rights Enforcement: The Office for Civil Rights, which protects students from discrimination, could be weakened or eliminated.
Cuts to Essential Programs: Programs like Title I funding for low-income schools and Pell Grants for college students could face severe cuts or elimination.
Reduced Oversight: Without federal oversight, there's a risk of increased disparities in education quality across states and districts.
Threat to Special Education: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) could lose its teeth, jeopardizing support for students with disabilities.
The Broader Attack on Public Education
Beyond dismantling the Department of Education, Trump's agenda includes:
Expanding school choice and voucher programs could drain resources from public schools.
Cutting federal funding for schools teaching "critical race theory" or "gender ideology."
Ending teacher tenure and implementing merit pay systems.
Allowing parents to elect school principals directly.
These policies could fundamentally reshape American education, potentially widening inequalities and undermining the quality of public schooling.
How We Fight Back
Stay Informed: Knowledge is power. Understand the implications of these policies and share accurate information with your networks.
Local Action: Get involved in your community. Attend city council meetings, and support progressive candidates in local elections. Change starts at home.
Protect the Vulnerable: These policies will hit marginalized communities hardest. Support organizations fighting for educational equity, LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare access, and civil liberties.
Economic Resistance: Be mindful of where you spend your money. Support businesses that align with progressive values.
Coalition Building: This isn't the time for ideological purity tests. We need to build broad coalitions to resist these regressive policies.
Raise Your Voice: Call your representatives, write letters to the editor, use social media platforms to spread awareness—every voice matters.
Legal Action: Support organizations like the ACLU and others prepared to take legal action against unconstitutional policies.
Support Public Education: Volunteer in schools, mentor students, advocate for increased funding and resources for public education.
Remember, Trump's vision of America isn't inevitable. We have the numbers, we have the passion, and most importantly, we have each other. Find your tribe, and your community and take consistent action.
We can not only resist this regressive agenda but build a progressive future that prioritizes healthcare access, civil rights, and quality education for all. I'm done being quiet, and I hope you are too. Our future – and our children's education – depends on it.
Are you ready to resist?