Elections: An Action Plan for Voters (Part 3)
February 6, 2025
Take Joe’s advice. Organize a group to do the same. Publicize your efforts. You have power - in lots of different forms! Use It!
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© 2025 Sharon Lawrence
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Like your article today,Sharon, and will reStack ASAP 💯👍🇺🇸
“It’s just politics.”
No, it is not. I’m angry about what has happened to—and is happening in—U.S. politics today.
I say this with absolute respect for others’ personal beliefs and political affiliations: if you are not mad too, you are not paying attention to what’s actually happening—and you are a huge part of the problem. I don’t say that lightly, and I don’t say it with malice. Please bear with me.
I’ve seen “That’s just/only/simply politics” used as a rationale for what’s going on in the Trump/Vance/Musk administration. No, it is not just politics. It is not something we should expect or accept.
Below, I use the word “just” in that sense, but even more importantly, as an adjective—with synonyms like reasonable, proper, correct, righteous, and lawful:
• Respecting the rule of law is just politics.
• Understanding and defending the plain language of the amended U.S. Constitution is just politics.
• Following the intent and letter of the law is just politics.
• The peaceful transition of power after an election is just politics.
• Establishing and adopting clear ethics guidelines for the new team is just politics.
• Rejecting bribery, corruption, and undue influence of any sort is just politics.
• Eliminating (even the appearance of) conflicts of interest is just politics.
• Nominating competent (not even the best) cabinet members is just politics.
• Vetting competent staff through well-established methods before delegating authority is just politics.
• Supporting nonpartisan government employees in the continuation of their sworn duty is just politics.
• Not demonizing opposing viewpoints is just politics.
• Avoiding petty retribution against the opposition is just politics.
• Understanding the fundamentals of one’s avowed religion—and not twisting or perverting those principles into hateful bigotry (especially in light of direct feedback from those who shepherd)—is just politics.
• Embodying the ideals of the American Dream as a shining beacon of what’s possible is just politics.
• Working for the American people is just politics.
Those are my expectations. What are yours?
STOP ignoring and/or rationalizing the shit they are doing.
Non-Partisan Actions We Can ALL Take:
• If someone is protesting, listen. Learn why.
• Add reputable news sources with high journalistic integrity that differ from your usual ones.
• Compare multiple sources when you hear something, even if—especially if—it sounds good.
• Think critically and check in with your conscience.
• Remember your civics lessons!
• Participate! Write to your representatives, call them, meet them in person. Don’t forget state and local issues and resources.
• Have conversations (not shouting matches) with your friends, neighbors, and colleagues.
• Vote with your dollars too.
If this resonated with you, share it.