22 hours Ago
Millions of Pennsylvanians have found their voices joined in previously unfathomable ways. We are fearful for our families’ financial future and the safety of our neighbors. We are disgusted by naked political corruption, for the attacks on the rule of law and the future of democracy themselves.
The question is simple: What can we do? The brutal nature of the Trump regime — combined with their willingness to increase costs on every American — has awoken far too many from their previous misconceptions about what President Trump and his allies in Congress would and would not do. America’s greatness has always been in its ability to expand freedom and opportunity at every level. Here’s how you can fight for your freedom despite the despots ruling from the top.
First, remember: No American is truly alone. There are countless ways to get involved across Lehigh Valley, including through party organizations, issue-based groups and unions. All of these organizations provide support, ideas and tangible actions.
If you care about the impact that proposed funding cuts will have on the working poor, seek out the Community Action Lehigh Valley. If you are worried about women’s rights, connect with Planned Parenthood. If you care about LGBT Americans, join the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center.
Second: Elected officials do hear you, even if it doesn’t seem like it. You have every right to petition the government for grievances. Contact your officials at every level.
Demand answers to questions on issues you care about. Attend a protest, like the “Monday’s With Mackenzie” that have started outside of our congressman’s office. As someone who has been on the receiving end of such campaigns, I can absolutely guarantee that they make a difference.
Third: Please understand that government everywhere is not broken. As one of your locally elected officials, know that Pennsylvania Democrats — including me — are doing everything possible to defend our constituents. We are fighting for record funding for schools, even as Trump attempts to defund the Department of Education.
We are fighting to expand working and middle class tax cuts, even as Trump proposes tariffs and tax cuts to the wealthiest. We are fighting to expand health care access, even as Trump undermines Obamacare. We are working to strengthen democracy, even as Trump ignores the judicial process.
Much of the chance to mitigate the harm of the federal government comes from your state and local government. Our area faces critical judicial, county, municipal and school board elections. As a voter, your job is to cast an informed ballot.
As someone who wants to do something, find a candidate or issue you care about, and get involved. Remember, These priorities come directly from you, the will of the voters. This is the moment where your time and talent are needed — now, more than ever.
Finally, remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. This isn’t the first time that American democracy has been attacked. Yes, this threat is graver than any point in many of our lifetimes, but it’s not without precedent.
Americans have always had to defend progress and advance the causes of real freedom and opportunity. From the founding of this country through the civil war, Great Depression, Great Recession and COVID, all of us have been challenged to protect life and liberty. The long view is critical.
Trump and his allies want you burnt out. They want you depressed, cynical, and snarky. They want you staring at your phones, doomscrolling through social media and feeling hopeless.
The antidote to this hopelessness is action. To be clear, there are long days ahead. We will lose fights.
But it took the Civil War to give us Abraham Lincoln. It took Great Depression to give us Franklin Roosevelt, and the Great Recession to give us Barack Obama. Please know that so many of your elected officials — including me — are more than just politicians.
We are your neighbors and we are in this fight with you. Repairing our communities can’t be done only behind the letters of a keyboard. Pushing back requires people in the Lehigh Valley and across Pennsylvania come together.
Now, more than ever — we need you. This is a contributed opinion column. Michael Schlossberg, a Democrat elected from the 132nd District, is the state House majority whip.
The views expressed in this piece are those of its individual author, and should not be interpreted as reflecting the views of this publication. Do you have a perspective to share? Learn more about how we handle guest opinion submissions at themorningcall.com/opinions.
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