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Some moments in life hit like a gut punch, leaving you breathless and certain that nothing will ever be the same. After more than 30 years of living in Florida, watching the rise of the MAGA cult has been a relentless series of devastating realizations and also opportunities to rise up against fascism.
One of the most haunting was my visit to Homestead Air Force Base, where I stood before more than 3,000 children, ripped from their families by the Trump administration in his first term. At that moment, I saw Fascism taking root in my backyard—and it was terrifying. My smiles in the pictures were of joy for the children we waved to, but I cried every day. Whenever I left Homestead, I wept for the families, and even today, years later, I am saddened to know that our government under Donald Trump and complicit Republicans sanctioned the mental torture of children—and that even to this day, there are still children who have not been reunited with their families.
Another moment etched into my memory was boarding one of over ten buses filled with students, teachers, and parents on the way to Tallahassee, demanding action on gun violence prevention after 17 innocent lives were stolen at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Valentine's Day in Parkland.
The lawmakers' response? They snickered, dismissed, and outright disrespected the grieving families who came seeking solutions. Meanwhile, the top gun lobbyist was treated like royalty—lawmakers fawned over her as if she were the actual victim. It was a sickening display of where their priorities stood.
We came to Tallahassee seeking a solution to the senseless slaughter of children at Parkland and were met with a cult that was obedient to gun lobbyists.
And it didn't stop there. Over time, we watched as extremists in Tallahassee systematically stripped away our rights—from clean air and water to healthcare to housing and more.
Florida, once a beacon of diversity and opportunity, has become a testing ground for the most radical elements of the MAGA agenda. This state—my state of Florida—is home to Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis, Rick Scott, Marco Rubio, Matt Gaetz, and other radicals who have no interest in representing us—they want to rule over us.
People often ask, "Why should I care about Florida or a state that isn't mine?"
The answer is simple: what happens in Florida doesn't stay in Florida. This state is ground zero for the MAGA experiment—book bans, trans bans, voting restrictions, union crackdowns, protest bans, Medicaid cuts, and more.
Florida, Texas, Kansas, and other red-state laboratories are testing these extreme policies before exporting them nationwide. If you're worried about Fascism rising in your state, don't wait until it's at your doorstep—help stop it where it's already taking hold.
Finally, let me share another reason why other states need your attention. In 2018, a ballot flaw in Broward County triggered a recount. What should have been a routine process turned into a media spectacle as MAGA extremists, bused in and well-organized, descended like an angry mob, ready to spread lies and subvert democracy.
Seeing how quickly they mobilized to manipulate the narrative and undermine the electoral process was terrifying. Others and I acted to counter their disinformation (see photo below). In that picture, you will see alt-right paid stooges trying to make a case for why votes should be thrown out. Thankfully, democracy prevailed that day. But we must stay vigilant against anyone attempting to suppress our votes, rights, or freedoms.
Wherever you live, wherever you work, we must advocate for every city and every state in this nation to have equal opportunity and equal representation. We must ensure that every vote is counted, everyone has an opportunity to thrive, and that no one is allowed to override the will of the people.
For far too long, special interests, ultra-wealthy donors, and vote suppressors have dominated our politics and attempted to silence the voices of everyday Americans, especially in our Black and Brown communities.
America's democracy is under attack as the MAGA agenda seeks to undermine our democratic institutions, erode the rule of law, and strip away the rights that ensure every voice is heard and every vote counts. Join us at People Power United to champion our rights, freedoms, and democracy, hold our leaders accountable to the people's will, and inspire voters to make a meaningful difference.
Advocating for your home state—or any state—isn't just about one place; it's about shaping the future of our entire country. Every election, every act of advocacy, every rally, protest, and boycott, no matter where it happens, is a chance to build a government that serves all Americans.
A government by and for the people—not by and for billionaires.
Let's ensure that when history looks back at this moment, it sees that we spoke out, showed up, and built people power.
We must organize, mobilize, and refuse to let our democracy fall into the hands of a would-be dictator. The fight for democracy is our fight.
I want to make it clear that whenever People Power United uses the word "fight" in our writings, posts, or spoken word, we mean fiercely advocate—never to incite or support violence. We do not condone any form of violence, nor do we advocate for breaking any laws.
Our commitment is to peaceful advocacy through the exercise of our constitutional rights, including freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, peaceful rallies, protests, and acts of civil disobedience. These are the tools we use to defend our rights, freedoms, the rule of law, and democracy.
And together, we will win. Because when we fight together, we win together.
Today’s Calls-to-Action
Click here to Become a grassroots co-sponsor of the Social Security Expansion Act
Click here to Stop Trump's Attacks on the Environmental Protection Agency
Click here to Demand Trump Restore Aid to Ukraine ASAP
Click here to Reject the GOP’s Massive Cuts to Medicaid
Click here to join an Event
Click here to join your People Power State Team
Click here to write Letters and Postcards to Voters
Join the crew
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Together we can champion Progress and Power to the People
Join us to build People Power! Together, we can champion our rights, freedoms, and democracy, hold our leaders accountable to the people's will, and inspire voters to make a meaningful difference.
Laurie Woodward Garcia (paid with hugs and kisses, not bought by special interests)
Leader, People Power United
Representing America's largest grassroots organization with over 200,000+ members, driven entirely by the energy and commitment of everyday people. We are proudly 100% independent, powered by people—not special interests.
People Power United | In this community, we will always speak out against racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, homophobia, misogyny, sexism, ageism, ableism, sizeism, elitism, transphobia, misogynoir, and bigotry!
People Power United is a group of community members that champions progress and power for the people.
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