John,
I recently had the chance to hold a town hall meeting with Democrats Abroad in Berlin. I met Americans who love our country deeply—and who are worried about the direction it’s heading in.
Julia was one of them, and I wanted to share with you what she said when it was her turn with the mic:
“If I had to name a couple reasons why I feel like I can’t go back to America, it would be affordable health care that I have here and affordable child care; thank you very much, Berlin!”
She said she even feels guilty talking to friends back home—because the things that make her life stable in Germany feel out of reach in America.
She’s right. These shouldn’t be privileges—they should just be human rights.
We are the wealthiest, most powerful nation in the history of the world. We have everything we need to make sure every American can see a doctor, afford a home and child care, send their kids to world-class public schools, and live their life without working two or three jobs just to get by. We’ve only lacked the political will to get it done.
That’s what we’re fighting for. That’s why we’re organizing.
While in Germany, I also saw the rise of the far-right AfD—a party built on fear, resentment, and division. It was a reminder that when people lose faith that democracy can deliver for them, they turn to those who promise an alternative.
We can’t let that happen here. Not in Texas and not across America.
Powered by People is proving that democracy can work—by registering voters, organizing communities, hosting town halls, and fighting for leaders who will fight for health care, child care, our public schools, and the dignity of every person.
But we can’t do it without you.
Beto O’Rourke
P.S. Watch my exchange with Julia here.
