Dear John, Less than a year into Trump’s second term, all the warning lights are flashing red. The past 11 months have shown just how fragile our democracy can be. Trump has declared anyone who stands up to him as “the enemy within,” sent troops onto our streets, and unleashed hundreds of violent attacks on our immigrant neighbors, journalists, and those brave enough to document the lawlessness with their cell phones. He has declared climate change a “hoax,” called green energy policies “anti-American,” and handed over the reins of federal agencies designed to protect the environment to the fossil fuel industry and polluters. And he has repeatedly threatened a free press, nonprofits, universities, judges, and the rule of law itself. It is by far the most radical assault on American democracy in our lifetimes. And, while millions of Americans wonder how they are going to put food on the table or pay for their health insurance . . . Trump plays golf and hosts lavish parties for the uber-rich. Still, We the People are resilient. Millions of us have taken to the streets to declare that there is no place for kings in America — not in 1776, and not today. And brave voices, like those at the Center for Media and Democracy (CMD), have refused to be silenced. Our democracy needs a fearless press. That’s why I’m asking you to support CMD today. | |
In the 1980s, U.S. media was dominated by 50 companies. Now it’s six. And we have seen just how low the corporate media and social media giants — controlled by plutocrats like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg — are willing to go to appease Trump. In this new era of media capitulation and pro-Trump propaganda, CMD’s independent voice and courageous investigative journalists are more important than ever. Year after year, CMD’s intrepid researchers and reporters dig deep to uncover threats to democracy and hidden corporate influence close to home in our states and cities. And this past year was no exception: - CMD shined a light on the violent attacks on journalists and observers made by federal agents in places like Los Angeles and Chicago. Through in-depth reports, videos, and webinars, CMD broke the story of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) declaring that taking and posting videos of ICE agents constitutes “violence,” gave seriously wounded journalists a national voice, and elevated the press lawsuits seeking to stop DHS’s targeting of journalists with tear gas and “less lethal” munitions.
- CMD sourced an exposé in ProPublica about ALEC’s scheme to force a constitutional convention. Documents obtained by CMD revealed that the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is pushing a plan to use the courts to order Congress to call a convention that could help Trump expand his presidential power and bake the radical goals of Project 2025 into our Constitution.
- CMD outed a right-wing astroturf group for older Americans for pushing an election rule that could disenfranchise more than 12 million seniors. AMAC Action went all out to support a proposed rule to require proof of citizenship for voter registration but had nothing to say about the $536 million cut to Medicare in Trump’s One Big Horrific Bill.
- CMD built a coalition of faith groups to ring bells for freedom on the 250th anniversary of the start of America’s Revolution against tyranny. Hundreds of houses of worship and individuals across the country took part in the “Let Freedom Ring” event in April.
And, week in and week out, CMD’s team continues to expose the Koch’s $8-billion influence network, the forces behind climate obstruction, anti-union front groups, and assaults on public education and academic freedom. | |
As I’ve said before, the first step to saving our democracy is identifying who has taken it hostage. Autocracy and fascism feed on darkness and disinformation. That’s why we need CMD’s independent, insightful, and award-winning watchdog journalism now more than ever! | |
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Robert Reich
Former U.S. Secretary of Labor &
Co-Founder of Inequality Media | |
