Meeting the moment
Remember: If Republicans were upholding their oaths of office, we would not be in this moment to begin with.
In all fairness, when living through a moment like this one, it can be hard to see the full field at any one time. This week’s vote in the Senate might be an example: was a federal government shutdown, as Minority Leader Schumer stated, a chance for the administration and its billionaire owner to do whatever they wanted using the powers granted the executive in such situations? Or was opposition to the Continuing Resolution one of a set of dwindling chances for Democrats to stand against the onslaught of destructive actions, since Republicans needed their votes?
I am clearly in the second camp. The Senate has essentially handed over a blank check; the billionaire and administration are doing what they want anyway. Now they have a budget that continues levels of funding for programs they have promised to slash. Where will all that extra money go? Into whose pockets?
But let’s not lose sight of the real problem. Yes, Democrats need to be forceful and united in resisting the attacks on Constitutional separation of powers, protections of free speech, and our standing with our allies. All week, I called daily, left messages, occasionally talked to staffers. Our two Senators voted against the CR, standing strong. This week I will call to thank them.
As a nation, as the people who will lead ourselves out of this mess, we also need to keep the focus on the perpetrators of these offenses against the Constitution and common decency. The Republican party has apparently decided that it does not need, want, or respect the framework of democracy, as long as it can hold power. The Republican party has sold its soul to Tesla, Starlink, and the fossil fuel industry. No longer can it pretend to any kind of “conservatism” while it shreds federal agencies, fires inspectors general who actually work to prevent fraud and abuse, removes military leaders who are not loyal enough, and hollows out law enforcement at the Justice Department and FBI, turning them into agents of retribution rather than public safety.
Tactics can be argued forever, and I do hope we will see more outspoken courage, a willingness to use the few means entrusted to our Democratic representatives in the House and Senate to jam the wheels of this train barreling through our democracy. I’ll continue to call, write, and demand it, and remind them that they have my support if they act, not if they don’t. Many millions around the country are hungry for courageous leadership. Caving in and getting no concessions in return is squandering the moment.
At the same time, we squander energy scolding Democrats if it prevents us from holding Republicans accountable. We cannot fall into the old dynamic that perpetrators rely on: blaming those with less power for the actions of those with more power.
Remember: If Republicans were upholding their oaths of office, we would not be in this moment to begin with.
Our work continues, and it must focus on the goal of preserving democracy. Skirmishes will be won and lost along the way (major victories in court this past week, also, including restoring jobs for thousands of federal workers who were fired illegally).
Stay true to our principles, and take one step at a time.
