Hello John,
First things first: I know you're scared, and I know you're anxious about everything happening today—I feel the same way. The most important thing we can do right now is connect. We want to hear from you. If you have feedback, want to get involved, or simply need to reach out, reply to this email. Not only will we read your message, but we’ll also respond to every serious one because we know our strength comes from being united.
Today has been a gut-wrenching day. Watching Donald Trump sworn in as the 47th President of the United States was both surreal and deeply unsettling. The imagery—billionaires flaunting their wealth, the celebration of division, and the blatant lies—felt like a direct assault on the values we cherish. It feels as though our country is being hijacked, its soul trampled upon.
Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Those words resonate deeply right now.
This isn’t just a political shift—it’s an existential threat to the very fabric of our society.
Tomorrow, the nightmare will escalate. We’re already bracing for:
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Barbaric ICE Raids: Families will be torn apart, and communities will be terrorized.
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Militarization of Our Streets: Words like “invasion” are being deliberately used to create mass hysteria, justify military actions, and spread fear.
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Erosion of Democracy: The playbook is clear. Trump idolizes dictators like Kim Jong Un, Xi Jinping, Mohammed bin Salman, and Vladimir Putin. His actions today show he’s intent on emulating them.
I live in the suburbs of Chicago with my three young children, and here, it feels like we’re preparing for war. Notifications flood in every 30 seconds from friends and family. The language being used is chilling, calculated to frighten those who have already endured so much. It’s outrageous—and terrifying.
Let’s not mince words: this is how democracies crumble.We will not stand idly by. We will not allow our voices to be silenced. We will not surrender our values. Here’s how we fight back:
Stay Informed: Knowledge is power. Keep up-to-date and share credible information widely.
Speak Out: Contact your elected officials. Demand they uphold their oaths to protect the Constitution and safeguard everyone’s rights.
Support Organizations: Donate to and volunteer with groups fighting for justice, equality, and human rights.Organize: Join protests, rallies, and collective actions. Our voices are stronger together.
Never Lose Hope: Remember, unity is our strength. Together, we can and will defend democracy.
This is a pivotal moment in history. The choices we make today will define the nation we leave for future generations. We have faced immense challenges before, and we’ve emerged stronger.
Let’s stand together now—unwavering, determined, and united in our commitment to justice and equality.
In Solidarity,
Hassan Martini
