“We must declare that the only way a wannabe king can be king is if we bow, but bowing down is not an option.” – Rev. William Barber II

Just two days ago, the federal government ground to a halt. This shutdown is not procedural – the White House intends to use it as leverage by threatening “irreversible” cuts to programs like Medicaid and other social safety nets as well as mass layoffs of federal workers, many of whom are loyal veterans of our country. 

Behind this chaos, there are real consequences. Families are seeing their healthcare premiums triple, seniors are being left without vital support, and federal workers are struggling to pay their bills. Trump is treating these as bargaining chips at a table where he is betting on pain, but to millions of Americans, these are lifelines.

The chaos is everywhere. Inflicted on our nation by an erratic and irrational president and his cronies. It is tariffs – imposed, decreased, increased, at a personal whim. It is the attacks on the First Amendment and the right to free speech in public and on our airwaves. It is American troops sent in to police American cities. It is deploying a politicized, weaponized DOJ to attack individuals who dare to disagree with this administration or its “dear leader.” Meanwhile, he and his chosen few are making sweetheart deals and raking in millions. This president is not a president for all Americans. This president is for himself.

It was also no accident that Trump placed “Trump 2028” hats on the table of the Oval Office during negotiations with Sen. Schumer and Rep. Jeffries – it is an attempt at normalizing his plans for the future. Meanwhile, the Republican members of the House and Senate refused to even talk with their counterparts across the aisle.  They bow as supplicants before this administration and agree to its every demand – immoral or illegal. And they expect the rest of us to do the same. Trump wants to control and consolidate the authority of our democratic nation. He wants districts redrawn to secure his power in 2026.

The Pew Research Center recently found that 58% of polled Americans disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling his job as President, with only 40% approving. That shows a clear majority of Americans believe that he is failing. Even among the Republicans and independents leaning his way, only 58% support all or most of his policies – down from two-thirds in February.

Trump is facing political headwinds. The theatrics and confusion he causes may rally his base, but they also create openings for real pushback. During these challenging times, I want to hear from you so we can act more effectively. Would you take a brief survey to outline your priorities?

Thank you for standing with us. Remember, we will not bow, and we will fight for a democracy that serves all people.

Yours in service,
Dick