I believe in progress—something better for all of us.
You don't make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas. -Shirley Chisholm
Hey there! I am so glad you all have my back! I have gone to great pains to write a post and often hastily put up a headline. Yesterday was the case, and I was called out for it. Shout out to folks who reminded me that we are a nation of immigrants, indigenous folks, and people who came here against their will as enslaved people. I have updated yesterday's headline and will do better when choosing a headline.
Progress: happening or moving gradually or proceeding step by step
Only I can define myself, and today, I want to talk about why I call myself a progressive. I believe in progress—something better for all of us. I don't think progress can happen if I whine, complain, and wring my hands. I have to do the work to make progress happen. It means holding our leaders accountable to the people's will and pushing them to do better. It also means working to replace the leaders who have failed the people.
I, too, was surprised when Bernie immediately announced his support for Biden in 2024. MoveOn also announced support for Biden. What about the war in GAZA, healthcare disparities, better conditions for working folks, immigration reform, environmental stewardship, and more? How could Bernie or MoveOn be for Biden again when there is so much more progress to be had?
Because we don't have another candidate.
Bernie knows we are progressing inch by inch, and the best chance of movement we have at this point is with Biden.
We still need to build more progressive power, but we must do so while pushing for Biden's reelection.
Some people were upset by my post "If you think Marianne Williamson or Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has a chance of winning the US presidency, then I have some swampland in Florida that I would like to sell you,"1 calling for them to bow out of the race.
And why should they bow out of the race?
Let's look at the bigger picture. If these fringe candidates fracture the Democratic vote, that only increases the chances of Donald Trump and other extreme MAGA Republicans winning in November. The results of such a win could be disastrous. A complete abortion ban, a ban on contraception, and a rollback of same-sex marriages would happen. We could see rising costs and inflation. We could see the decimation of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid programs. We could see a rise in anti-abortion legislation, homophobic legislation, and other discriminatory and dangerous laws. Book bans will only grow, and the environment will be left unprotected from groups like Big Oil. Countries worldwide will feel the pull of authoritarian leaders, encouraged by the US's example.
I am not trying to scare you, but I am sharing what I believe will happen if Republicans win the White House. I can't speak for Bernie, but I believe he was also looking at the bigger picture.
Let's also be clear that not voting is a vote for the Republican nominee. Period. By not voting, you are doing exactly what Donald Trump and these extreme MAGA Republicans want-reduce the number of people voting in the elections. A no-vote is more dangerous because it is a refusal of responsibility.
People Power or being a progressive is not about our individual needs; it is about all of us living lives where everyone can thrive, and that requires all of us to commit to carrying out our civic duty.
I'm with Bernie and MoveOn on this. I will double down to do the work to build progressive power and push our leaders to do better, and I will support Biden in this election. Why? Because Americans and Progressives don't quit. People who want world peace and better for our community (with healthcare, education, housing, civil rights, gun safety reforms, environmental justice, and more), we don't quit.
We roll up our sleeves and do the work to make change happen. And you better believe that whoever wins in November, I will be there pushing them for progress. Why? Because progressives don’t whine, and we don’t quit.
I hope you will join us.
Upcoming Events
Please note our events have moved to next week due to an injury by Laurie. (Sidenote: Moving a heavy dryer? Hire someone, or get some weightlifters!)
Progressive Issues Activism
Next Wednesday - April 10th at 8pm eastern - 7pm central - 6pm mountain - 5pm pacific is our monthly virtual meetup, signup here to join our People Power United Progressive Issues Activism
Letters and Postcards to Voters
Next Wednesday - April 10th at 6:30 pm eastern - 5:30 pm central - 4:30 pm mountain - 3:30pm pacific is our monthly virtual meetup, signup here to join our People Power United Letters and Postcards to Voters
People Power United Updates
Our group is growing by leaps and bounds! Folks understand that with love in our hearts and hard work, we will reclaim our nation from cruelty, chaos, and confusion. We are having fun making impactful changes in our community! In case you missed it, this past week was busy:
People Power United signs on to an Amici to the Supreme Court in support of Emergency Abortion Care
People Power United joined coalition efforts to urge Senators to nominate Adeel Mangi and denounce the Islamophobic attacks on Mr. Mangi and on all Muslims
Our members took over 100,000 actions this past month!
People Power United joined other local, state, and national groups to issue a statement on Trump’s Election Interference Case In Manhattan.
Can you help our People Power United efforts?
Can you recommend People Power United on Substack? Head to your Substack Settings page and click Publication Details in the left navigation bar. Next to "Recommend other publications on Substack," select "Start recommending."
The number one way you can help us is to engage. Please like, comment, and share our posts on whatever forum you are on. Big shout out to everyone who has stepped up to engage with us!
Can you give us a review on Google why you are a member and how we are impacting our community with People Power? 5 stars are appreciated.
Updates can be found here.
Did you know?
People Power United is a group of community members that champions progressive values and Power for the people. The 2024 election depends on us, and we are attempting to persuade people to vote for Freedom over Fascism. If you wish to support our efforts, please consider becoming a paid subscriber.
Everyone deserves to vote and thrive,
Laurie Woodward Garcia (paid with hugs and kisses, not bought by special interests
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People Power United - In this community, we will always speak out against racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, homophobia, misogyny, sexism, ageism, ableism, sizeism, elitism, and bigotry!
People Power United is a group of community members that champions progressive values and power for the people. The 2024 election depends on us, and we are attempting to persuade people to vote for Freedom over Fascism. If you wish to support our efforts, please consider becoming a paid subscriber.
Data disclosure: People Power United does not share information. You are always able to opt-out of any action alerts or event reminders we send. We champion progressive values and are a grassroots group committed to increasing voter registration and participation. We are paid with hugs and kisses, not bought by special interests.