If you are concerned about the fate of our democratic institutions, the rise of xenophobia and hate, and the rule of law, please consider visiting affirmingdemocracy.org — an ongoing group blog aimed at affirming our democracy and opposing the racism, lawlessness, and authoritarianism we now face.
This group blog describes its goals in these terms —
We are a small group of friends and neighbors who reject the turn to authoritarianism, racism, and lawlessness shown by the current Federal administration. This site will serve as a hub for sharing stories and discussions about the realities facing our country and our many communities.
We support a just and equal multicultural democracy, governed by law and constitution, and we want to work together to return our country to these values. In Rousseau’s words, we support a “free community of equals”.
We have many thoughts and fears about the policies and actions of our government today. We do not have a shared credo, but we are united in our love of freedom, equality, constitution, mutual respect, and civil community.
In particular, many of us notice many of the same things:
- We condemn the assault on immigrants and the cruel and lawless enforcement regime the Federal government has enacted.
- We are horrified at the assault on Medicaid and the likely effects these policy changes will have on millions of people in our country.
- We reject the administration’s attack on scientific and medical research, universities, and academic freedom across the country.
- We fear for the future of our country when we consider the ongoing assault on medical research and sound public health planning.
- We condemn the current administration for its lawlessness and its contempt for both Constitution and the Federal judiciary.
- We abhor the administration’s efforts to censor and dictate the museums, libraries, parks, and collections that document our country’s history and share its art, music, and literature.
- We are ashamed of our government’s desertion of Ukraine and the president’s embrace of a bloody-handed dictator, Vladimir Putin.
- We are horrified at the embrace of white supremacy and racial resentment that is encouraged by the current government.
- We reject the government’s war on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, with full awareness of how far our society must go in order to achieve real justice.
Readers of Affirming Democracy are encouraged to find their own ways of supporting peaceful protest and advocacy in support of our shared democratic values and institutions. There is power in collective protest and shared support for our constitutional system.
