An Update about the US Midterms
Hey All –
It’s Parker here. I normally write these emails, but this time I’m handing the reins over to our other co-founder, Kalifi. If you’ve been to any of events, you’ve probably seen her giving a speech or calling things out on a megaphone. She’s got a few things she wanted to say about the US Midterms and what we’re thinking about as an organization:
DEMOCRACY WINS
From Kalifi
My nervous system has been run ragged over the last ten years, watching Donald Trump and the Republican Party joyfully and frenziedly embrace war, corruption, and the vilification of the vulnerable, all with stunning impunity. Even with polls calling for a Democratic sweep, I spent Tuesday evening bracing for disappointment and outrage. I expected some combination of fraud, billionaire interference, intimidation, or an electorate still in the grip of Trump’s cult of personality.
Democracy Rising began as a response to an unprecedented assault on democratic institutions. My hope was always that it would be a temporary project, and that we could dissolve once far-right extremism stopped battering down our door. I’m hopeful this is the beginning of the end, but we’re not out of the fascist woods yet.
Donald Trump still commands the executive branch, and he’ll hold a veto for the next two years. There’s no reason to expect him to ease up on violent ICE raids, election denial, or threats to Canada.
And so, here’s what’s next for us:
* Rapid response: We’ll keep coordinating with national movements (No Kings, Hands Off) as new attacks on democracy develop. Watch our newsletter and Instagram, as these actions may come on short notice.
* Corporate campaigns: Hootsuite recently renewed their contract with ICE, and we’re going to call them out on it. As Democrats turn to accountability, we’ll use that momentum to call out its shameful support of Trump’s fascist administration. You can head to HootsuiteIce.com to learn a bit more, and also sign the petition we’ve got out about it.
* Domestic checks: As BC moves under Conservative government, we’ll call out attacks on human rights and any policies that endanger our democratic principles.
It’s probably important to acknowledge- this swing wasn’t a moral reckoning . It was largely a reaction to the cost of living, and voters who swung this far can swing back. The work of values continues, particularly here in BC, where we’re seeing the same bigoted, anti-democratic views take hold in our own communities.
For now, I’m going to linger in this moment and revel in democracy in action, the winds of change, and the immense relief of a regulated nervous system. I hope you will too.
And lastly: Thank you to everyone who is part of this community. Thank you for showing up, for being vocal, for being a part of meaningful resistance. Every 10 people who stand up give one more person courage to do the right thing.
Anyways, you made it this far. Here’s a picture of a dog!
