Don’t check out on democracy

Donald J. Trump will be President of the United States for the next four years. For slightly less than half of Americans who voted in the recent Presidential election, that is a sobering, worrisome, even terrifying reality. But it is reality, and I have some suggestions for those of us who have those feelings.

Join or contribute to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The ACLU has teams working to protect free speech, voting rights, reproductive freedom, immigrants’ rights, and more. Or find another organization to support that fights for social justice and the rights of all Americans.

Subscribe to local and national newspapers and magazines. Many news organizations are struggling financially, but it has never been more important to have a free press in our nation. President-Elect Trump’s numerous lawsuits against newspapers and his frequent references to “fake news” pose a serious threat to freedom of the press.

Resist the urge to “tune out” from the news! Although it is often painful to watch, it has never been more important to stay informed. And when you are motivated to speak out, here are some important telephone numbers in Washington:

Sen. Chuck Grassley: 202-224-3744

Sen. Joni Ernst: 202-224-3254

Rep. Ashley Hinson: 202-225-2911

Join or contribute to the NAACP. Racism is evident in the incoming Trump administration in so many ways. One example is the absence of people of color among nominees for leadership positions in the administration. The NAACP, the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization, advocates for social justice and civil rights.

Speak out for the rights of LGBTQ+ people and advocate for the rights of our country’s thousands of trans citizens, including medical care for those in transition. Support same sex marriage when opportunities arise.

Become as knowledgeable as you can be regarding the complex political landscape in our nation and world. For example, I found the new book, Age of Revolutions, by Fareed Zakaria to be very insightful in understanding the profound anxiety brought about by globalization, technology, and tribal identity. Zakaria is a CNN Sunday morning anchor who was born in India but educated in the United States. He believes that if we act wisely, “ … the liberal international order (the classical liberalism that came out of the Enlightenment in opposition to monarchical and religious authority) can be revived and populism relegated to the ash heap of history.”

With efforts to save our planet under siege by the Trump administration, take whatever steps you and your family can to reduce your carbon footprint. Perhaps buy a hybrid or electric car or have solar panels installed on your home. Replace old appliances with new, much more energy efficient units. When weather is favorable, ride a bicycle to work.

You may have more and better ideas than I. What is important is that those of us who see President-Elect Trump as an existential threat to our democracy and our way of life do not check out!

Ralph Plagman is a retired educator, having worked as a teacher and administrator in Cedar Rapids Schools for nearly 50 years.

Opinion content represents the viewpoint of the author or The Gazette editorial board. You can join the conversation by submitting a letter to the editor or guest column or by suggesting a topic for an editorial to [email protected]