CONCERNS RAISED AT THE TOWN HALL
If last Sunday’s Town Hall taught me anything, it was that Kootenai Democrats are deeply concerned about what is happening to our nation. Four hundred concerned citizens turned out to hear from Representatives Larry La Rocco and Richard Stallings at the town hall at the Templin’s Red Lion. These former representatives help to confirm and validate our outrage.
Audience members expressed deep concern about the threatened DOGE cuts to essential earned benefits such as Social Security and Medicare. They also struggled to understand Trump’s threats to annex Canada, Greenland, and Panama. Additionally, attendees opposed efforts to dismantle the federal Department of Education. This issue is particularly vexing given the Idaho Legislatures recent decision to authorize vouchers in Idaho. It serves as another means of undermining the state’s already underfunded schools.
La Rocco and Stallings confirmed our worst fears. Although their message offered no immediate solution or quick fix, audience members were grateful that these former representatives took the time to listen and speak to us.
As evidence by this article in the Idaho Statesman, Idaho’s congressional delegation shuns town halls. What are they afraid of?, Senators Crapo and Risch, as well as Rep Fulcher, are avoiding us all together.
THE IMPORTANCE OF RESISTANCE AND COMMITMENT
At the recent town hall in Post Falls, audience members wanted to know what they themselves could do to save threatened programs and democratic norms.
Several actions were proposed, such as contacting legislators, sending letters to the editor, volunteering for Democrats, and running for office.
The take home lesson from this gathering is that resisting Trump and Trumpism will require all of us to commit to getting involved and organizing effective resistance. Additionally, it is important to realize that whatever we do, it will take a concerted effort and could take considerable time to effect change. So, we must get into the fight.
THE HANDS-OFF RALLY: A VISIBILITY CAMPAIGN
One possibility that is getting support is to march in the streets. As it happens, a visibility campaign is planned for April 5. This “Hands Off Rally” is part of a national campaign of mass mobilization to send a powerful message to our federal government that we refuse to accept the dismantling of vital services for the benefit of Trump and his billionaire allies. United with Americans nationwide, we will be marching, rallying, and protesting to demand an end to the chaos and to strengthen the opposition against the exploitation of our nation. Click here to find out more about this event.
SUPPORTING LOCAL DEMOCRATIC EFFORTS
Another way to help is to commit to making small dollar contributions to the Kootenai County Democratic Central Committee on a regular basis. These contributions help us organize effective public outreach.
The point is to “do something.” First lady, Michelle Obama was right when she said that cowering and hoping that someone else will act is not a solution. We must all do our part.
So, be part of the solution. Our nation’s future depends on it.
