📢 Obama inspired me to visit a Republican Women's Club
🚨 Our rights are at stake. Don’t just watch – take action to protect democracy and reject fascism. Together, we’re stronger!
I don't recall if I mentioned this, but did I tell you about the time when former President Obama inspired me to visit a Women's Republican Club meeting?
After Trump won the presidency in 2016 (a friendly reminder he lost the popular vote), I went to a very dark place. I was heartbroken. Living in Florida for over 30 years, I witnessed the slide toward fascism in real-time. The fact that Trump won was not a surprise to me. I had firsthand seen the misinformation, lies, rhetoric, and fear-mongering all slowly building up the MAGA cult. At the same time, I saw the local Democratic Party as a dysfunctional group of people who meant well but mainly were not up to the task of helping Florida or America.
My hope for America (and Florida) was reenergized when I heard President Obama's farewell speech, whom, in his great wisdom, reminded all of us:
“If you're tired of arguing with strangers on the internet, try to talk with one in real life. If something needs fixing, lace up your shoes and do some organizing. If you're disappointed by your elected officials, grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself. Show up. Dive in. Persevere. Sometimes, you'll win. Sometimes you'll lose … More often than not, your faith in America – and Americans – will be confirmed." 1
I took those words to heart. While I was never interested in running for office, I was interested in trying to understand how I could make a difference.
As a progressive, I wanted to know where our differences lie and what stopped us from coming together to champion a community where all of us could thrive. I was lacing up my shoes as President Obama had instructed us to try and understand our differences and find ways that we could bridge the divide.
In his farewell address, President Obama emphasized the ongoing struggle for democracy and called on citizens to remain engaged in activism. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but reminded Americans that progress is possible through collective effort. Obama highlighted the importance of unity, resilience, and hope, urging people to continue the fight for justice and equality. His emotional speech was both a reflection on the progress made and a rallying cry for future activism. I took to heart the marching orders he relayed.
I and a friend decided to visit the Broward Women's Republican Club.
The night I visited was a few months after Trump took office and had 30 attendees. The meeting was run by a group of men. There were two male speakers.
My takeaway that night was that it was not a group meant to empower women. As it turns out, most of their meetings have male speakers. Aside from the sexism, it was also clear that the speakers and attendees were not looking to create solutions for problems our communities were facing. Much of the conversation was about the same talking points as those of Trump's campaign. It was two hours of complaining. My takeaway that night was that it was a group fixated on lies and rhetoric — not creating policies to help our community.
It was not a platform for change, it was a group of sycophants. I have often said that the day we stop holding our leaders accountable to the will of the people is the day we give in to fascism. That night showed me there was a group in my community of Broward County ready and willing to give in to fascism.
Disclaimer: Let me be clear, I am not suggesting you attend a meeting like this — in fact in certain states and areas I would probably advise against it. This piece exists merely to share my own lived experience and is not a directive of what I think others should do.
Someone later asked me about that experience and if I regretted going. Absolutely not! I needed to confront who in my community was ok with racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, homophobia, misogyny, sexism, ageism, ableism, sizeism, transphobia, misogynoir, elitism, and bigotry.
Don't worry; I didn't confront anyone; I was a respectful guest during my visit. I needed this experience to reassure me of my path. And here we are, the night before the Democratic Convention.
The choice between the two paths ahead couldn't be more distinct. While not without flaws, Democrats are actively seeking solutions that can enhance our lives. In stark contrast, MAGA Republicans push for centralized power, an oligarchic structure, and a society that punishes those who don't conform to their narrow vision.
I'm genuinely inspired by the gathering of thoughtful leaders this week who lift each other up and demonstrate our Democratic party's commitment to inclusivity. In the coming days we will see and hear from competent Democratic leaders from across the country sharing their vision for an America where we don't just get by but where everyone can thrive!
I'm incredibly excited to see discussions centered around real solutions—tackling urgent issues like healthcare, housing, education, the economy, the environment, gun safety, immigration, and more. The 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago will be a powerful gathering focused on reigniting hope and driving progress for a future where everyone can thrive.
As Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz step forward as the party's nominees, the event emphasizes a vision of America rooted in opportunity, equality, and justice for all. With themes like "For the People" and "A Bold Vision for America's Future," the convention champions the accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration while outlining an inclusive and optimistic path forward.
The biggest lesson that I learned that night when I visited the Broward Women's Republican Club is that I choose freedom over fascism, and I will do more than complain about problems without looking for solutions. I will champion leaders who represent the will of the people, and I will do the work to hold them accountable.
Friendly reminder: MAGA Republicans don't want to represent America; they want to rule over us. And they want Donald Trump, 91 times indicted, 34 times convicted criminal felon, insurrectionist and traitor, 30000 + lies, sexual assaulter, wife cheater, disability mocker, female genitalia grabber, twice-impeached, defamer, business failure and fraudster, slanderer, gas lighter, and someone who called our U.S. soldiers "suckers" and "losers" to lead us.
From protecting fundamental freedoms to building a stronger, fairer society, the message is clear: we're fighting for a future where everyone can rise together. This isn't just about politics—it's about shaping a nation where every person, regardless of background, can live with dignity, security, and opportunity.
I hope you will join us at People Power United to make a difference.Â
Friends, I don't know what the future holds but I know that we can all make a difference and push for Freedom over Fascism. Fascism takes root when good folks say and do nothing. Your participation is not just a drop in the ocean, it's a ripple that can create waves of change. Let's stand together and make our voices heard.
Join us on the front lines for our rights, freedoms, democracy and rule of law. We can do this!
Click here to Pass Tim Walz's Free Lunch For Kids Program in EVERY state!
Click here to Don't Renew Trump's Tax Cuts for the Wealthy Next Year
Take Action Tuesdays
We are texting, phone banking, writing letters and postcards, and much more-Every Tuesday at NOON Eastern. Learn more & how to get involved
Virtual Postcard and Letter Writing to Voters
September 4 at 6:30pm Eastern. Learn more & how to get involved
Progressive Issues Activism
September 4 8pm Eastern. Learn more & how to get involved
JOIN OUR VOLUNTEER TEAM - FOR THE PEOPLE
Learn more and how to get involved
2024 Presidential Debate
The Presidential debate is back on, join us for a watch event. Tuesday, September 10th at 8:45 pm eastern. Learn more & how to get involved
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:
Shout out to all of you!
We hit the 200,000 member mark!
We became a top publisher on Substack.
Updates can be found here.
Thanks for taking action!
Everyone deserves to vote and thrive,
Laurie Woodward Garcia (paid with hugs and kisses, not bought by special interests
***
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 free or paid subscriber.