People Power United is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Thank you
, , , , , and many others for tuning into our live video!💥 Power to the People
Washington, DC, is where laws are written, but real Power does not reside there. It belongs to the people. Time and time again, we have seen politicians who claim to represent us fail when it matters most. They bow to pressure, cave to corporate interests, or prioritize their own political survival over the needs of the people. The latest betrayal came last night when 10 Senate Democrats, under Chuck Schumer's leadership, folded in the face of a Republican power grab. When confronted with two options—negotiating in good faith with their fellow Congress members or calling out bad actors who refuse to deal with a dangerous and economic disaster for a budget proposal—Schumer and these ten democrats did neither. They let the Trump-Musk-Republican regime take full control of our government, which lays the groundwork for transforming our democracy into a theocratic oligarchy.
This was not just a betrayal of Democratic principles but of the American people. Nearly 80% of people who call America home did not vote for Trump, Elon Musk, or the Republican Party's brutal assault on our rights, freedoms, democracy, and rule of law. Schumer had one job: stand firm, rally the people, and fight back. Instead, he handed Trump a victory. And he wasn't alone—we all failed. But failure is not the end—it is a call to action.
Republicans now control the White House, the House, and the Senate. They will dismantle programs, gut, and departments and consolidate Power however they see fit. They don't negotiate in good faith because they don't have to. In the past, at least a few members from both parties were willing to negotiate in good faith. That era ended the moment Trump took office. While Senate Democrats fractured, the House Democrats—under Hakeem Jeffries—stood united. Nancy Pelosi put it plainly: "Democrats must not buy into this false choice. We must fight back for a better way. Listen to the women, For The People." Yet Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer ignored her, betraying not just House Democrats but also the Senate leaders who sit on the appropriations committee, Patty Murray and Rosa DeLauro, and all of America.
This is what is most infuriating. Republicans stand by a felon, a liar, a sexual abuser, a fraudster, a slanderer, and an insurrectionist. Meanwhile, our side can't even agree to defend seniors, people with low incomes, children, and the most vulnerable because they are too worried about securing their district's piece of the pie. How do we recover from this? How do we survive under an authoritarian regime?
For those who think this is hyperbolic, look at the facts. In the past week, a student activist has disappeared. Reports are emerging that asylum seekers and refugees are also disappearing. The want-to-be-dictator Trump is planning on increasing his travel ban to 43 countries. And this is just the beginning—ICE has been handed a massive infusion of funds to ramp up its reign of terror. This is happening right now, and too many people are still sitting on their hands.
So, how do we fight back?
We organize. We mobilize. We build people's Power in every city and every state. If DC will not stand up for democracy, then we, the people, must. We need 10 million+ people in the streets—protesting, rallying, shutting down business as usual with work stoppages, boycotts, and more.
We must organize, mobilize, and refuse to let our democracy fall into the hands of a would-be dictator. We must show up, speak up, and build Power.
We don't have time to wait.
The fight for democracy is our fight.
I want to clarify 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 exercising our constitutional rights, including freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, peaceful rallies, protests, and acts of civil disobedience. We use these tools to defend our rights, freedoms, the rule of law, and democracy.
And together, we will win. Because when we fight together, we win together.
Democracy is not a spectator sport. The Power of the people does not reside in DC—it resides in us. Now is the time to use it.
Today’s Calls-to-Action
Click here to show up tomorrow at 6:30 pm Eastern for Rapid Response for Our Freedoms
Click here to speak out on social media
Click here to build Power with state teams
Click here to join the Hands Off April 5th National Day of Mobilization
Thanks for taking action!
Join the crew
🗽People Power United is a grassroots group of over 200,000+ members in all 50 states powered by people like YOU. We champion progress and power to the people.
Be part of a community of people who share your interests. People Power United Subscriber benefits include:
Free Subscription: The newsletter is free.
Monthly or Annual Subscriber: Ability to comment and engage with all posts. Access to archives and subscriber chats.
Founding Member: A permanent paid subscription. We are deeply grateful for your support.
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! Check out our 2023 recap post to see how impactful our scrappy People Power United group is!
People Power United is a group of community members that champions progressive values and power for the people.
People Power United is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Share this post