Almost three weeks into a second Trump administration and it’s as hellish as promised. A slew of executive orders, some unenforceable. Running off seasoned federal employees and seizing control of agencies by an unelected, private citizen. 67 people lost in an aviation disaster in the nation’s capital. The president did not even bother to fake compassion. Tariffs that will raise the cost of all products. Communities in fear as residents are threatened with deportation. Everything is a mess. Every move is a ploy to scare, overwhelm, and energize the worst parts of the populace.
Recently, I was told about a person who’s irritated by their neighbors. The neighbors are immigrants but have an Orange Man flag. This person was told that they should turn them in, there’s a monetary reward. My immediate response to this story was “No, no, absolutely not.” Do I see how ludicrous it is for any immigrant to support that man? Of course. Is it okay to suggest tipping off ICE? Hell no.
Every action since January 20th is overwhelming and infuriating, that is by design. People who voted against their interests are now shocked that their horrible choice affects them. Even potential targets support him. It’s appalling to witness and, for some, tempting to quickly show fools the error of their ways. Do not go down that path. What you seek is not there. Lashing out, aiding the administration’s plan is a short sighted and ignorant choice. It’s immoral to step through any door they open. At the very least, have some self-preservation. When they’re done coming for your neighbors, they will come for you.
Fear is a strong motivator and the United States has utilized it from day one. Weaponized against indigenous people and enslaved Africans to justify centuries of horror. Fear built a house of lies of every conceivable type. Lies that affect everyone, either through suffering and neglect or inflated ego. The latter the most dangerous because how far will people go to protect a false sense of self? Fear of being replaced, fear of revenge, fear of having to face the truth.
Fear is often expressed in anger. Americans are perpetually angry and always very fearful. Every facet of American life primes us to move in fear. A new, outlandish declaration is made every day, stirring up emotions, and in some cases rescinded the next. Louis DeJoy, a curse upon the United States Postal Service. A demented circus is running the national show. I beg of us to not fall into fear tactic traps.
Do not turn on the equally vulnerable. Disgust and annoyance are justified when people support their own destruction. Leave it at that. Do not comply in advance. Do not legitimize the administration’s actions by letting your annoyance or anger turn against someone who is in the same position as you. They’re deluded but keep yourself together. Take note of their foolishness, remember, but don’t take action that aligns with the administration actively turning the clock back in this country to day one.
It seems to me that resistance requires finding meaningful community for support and safety. It also requires opposing all actions of the powers that be. Every move is rooted in power and greed. Any discord they bring, will affect us all. There is no need to hasten it by aiding in their plans. We all have differing capacities, learn to resist in whatever way you can. Their hope is to demoralize and distract us. Do not fall for their games.
Disruption and suffering are likely, the government is under siege by two megalomaniac losers. No one likes them for who they are. They use their racial and financial privilege to claim the work of others as their own. Their only talent is preying on people as willfully ignorant as them with delusions of joining their ranks. They’re full of self-importance and devoid of empathy and intellect. They are the worst type of people. They are the enemy, focus the energy toward them. We don’t have time to constantly point fingers at each other. Find the helpers and resistors, aid them in your capacity. The road ahead is long and arduous. Opposition is survival.
Don’t Give in to the Fear
