We don't have a democracy problem

Friendly reminder: Our people power is stronger than people in power.

We don't have a democracy problem

Great news! I've concluded we don't have a democracy problem.

Unless you have been living under a rock, you might have noticed a heightened sense of apprehension over the state of our democracy. Everywhere in the news, on social media, and even when you stop for gas, you hear people discussing "politics." Lots of people are still claiming that the former president won the 2020 election and that it was somehow stolen. Others have begun to declare we have a democracy problem. I don't see it this way.

Wait, what? Laurie, you always talk about voting rights and democracy that works for all; why are you saying, "We don't have a democracy problem?"

As a mom, I know that when something goes wrong in my home, I have to find the root cause of the problem. Sometimes, it's source is something simple, but it's often more complex. The second is what I see here in America. We are a country of people — not Democrats, not Republicans. We are a nation of moms, dads, abuelas, abuelos, aunties, uncles, and chosen family and friends. And our American family has lost its way. We have forgotten we belong to one another, that we are our brothers' and sisters' keepers. We have wayward leaders who have abandoned this family. So we do not have a democracy problem. We have a leadership problem. 

Democracy works better when leaders represent it. Radical Republicans support troops in many parts of the world, but ignore those who stand guard at our Capitol during an insurrection. We spend almost one billion dollars a day defending this nation in a "war on terror," and yet we have crumbling infrastructure with a limited budget for repairs. Children go hungry, seniors skip meds, and countless people die prematurely because of a lack of access to healthcare. Our air and water are polluted, yet those offenders continue receiving tax breaks.

In my family, we meet our challenges head-on. We learn about the issue, we discuss, we debate, and we come together in action to fix the problem. We need our American family to do the same. And there will be naysayers who have lost hope. But I believe the second most significant threat to this family, aside from crazed conservatives, MAGA extremists, and radical Republicans, is the "dream busters" — those who make excuses not to take action. Lift your head and ignore them. I have hope in my family. I know we are not perfect. I know we are a work in progress. Some leaders may or may not change their ways. I will not let their choices talk me out of advocating for this family, and neither should you. We will call, click, tweet, door knock, donate, and write postcards and letters, and we will continue to do so because we must stand up and speak out when our family is under attack. We must advocate on issues and work to mobilize voters to elect candidates that will represent the will of the people. And we must hold them accountable. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

As champions for progress, we must double down in love.

This holiday season, I encourage everyone (myself included) to renourish our spirits. Next year will be a battle for our rights and freedoms as we push for new leaders and pressure existing leaders to do better. Please take time this next month to recharge, renew, and recommit to our core mission at People Power United:

• Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and be afforded housing, healthcare, and education.

• Regardless of whether you have a job or not. Regardless of your age, race, sex, or religion.

• Additionally, we all deserve clean air and water and a community safe from gun violence.

• Love never gives up.

• It will be our people power, determination, and love that will help us tackle racism, xenophobia, islamophobia, antisemitism, homophobia, misogyny, ageism, ableism, elitism, sizeism, and bigotry.

Calls-to-Action

If you have time today, please take action with People Power United by visiting our Action Alert page or our Coalition Action Alerts page.

Go be awesome today! Because you are!

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Everyone deserves to vote and thrive,

Laurie Woodward Garcia (paid with hugs and kisses, not bought by special interests)

People Power United | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Sign-up for our newsletter

I believe in the power of the people. People Power United members believe in the possibility of change and work to make it happen. I have seen the love and determination of folks stepping up to write letters and postcards to voters, signing petitions and letter campaigns, making calls, sending texts, hitting doors, and dropping literature. There is no power like that of the people, and People Power United stands ready to protect our communities against any and all injustices. - Laurie Woodward Garcia, People Power United

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People Power United - In this community, we will always speak out against racism, xenophobia, islamophobia, anti-semitism, homophobia, misogyny, sizeism, ageism, ableism, elitism, and bigotry! Can you help us spread the word? Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram

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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.

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