Commentary: We, the People, must continue to stand strong together.
Ed.: The essays, analyses and opinions presented as Community Voices express the perspectives of their authors on topics of interest and importance to the community, and are not intended to reflect perspectives on behalf of Salish Current.
These are not normal times.
Now, more than ever, for the love of democracy and our communities, our commitment to stay engaged with our federal government is essential.
Last year brought us the breakneck speed of the “flood the zone” tactic described by Steve Bannon, former Trump advisor and person listed in the Epstein files, to basically overwhelm and distract us from their own agendas. This billionaire class seems to be working from a different set of rules and laws.
We rely on our communities, both near and far, to defend our rights, freedoms and democracy. Recent weeks have exposed alarming threats from Trump’s administration, but they have also revealed our collective power — ordinary people coming together to protect democracy.
This collective power showed up in the streets of Minneapolis and Portland, in rural communities, with cellphones in hand, supporting neighbors as they exercised their rights while trying to protect one another’s. We all saw the videos. Our community, 1,700 miles away, held candlelight vigils in solidarity with Minnesota for Renée Good and Alex Pretti. We organized a local Free America Walkout on Jan. 20 with approximately 1,000 community members showing up in our small, rural town!
We, the People, are peacefully protesting in record numbers this administration’s abuse, corruption and lawlessness. In October 2025, nearly seven million people participated in the last No King’s nationwide protest. With the stakes higher now, collective action is crucial.
The key question: How do we slow and stop these harmful policies? The answer: Stay engaged and get involved in issues personal to you. Our democracy relies on active participation.
Take action locally. I joined a local Indivisible group to focus my efforts by helping organize protests with other community volunteers. By collaborating, we strengthen the communities this administration seeks to divide. If there is no local group near you, one can be started at indivisible.org. These grassroots actions make a difference and reinforce my commitment to stay engaged in the good trouble. March 28 is the next national No Kings Protest.
• Share factual information. This administration frequently provides its own interpretation of events. I assist in preparing and distributing our group’s press releases for our protests and events. Use your network to support accuracy in this era of widespread misinformation. Historian Heather Cox Richardson is a trusted source who provides historical analysis. She referenced a recent study showing that many Americans spend only four minutes a week engaged in politics, which is of concern given the decisions shaping the nation’s future.
• Communicate with Congress. I contact both Democratic and Republican leaders, as their decisions affect our lives. Elected officials should represent the public, and current policies are widely seen as unpopular and unconstitutional. Republicans currently hold the majority in both chambers and the White House. According to Richardson, it would take the action of 16 Republicans to stop federal agents from targeting communities, and 23 could impeach and remove Trump. Many Americans are now seeking accountability.
• Stay focused! Don’t let distractions keep you from the truth. Things can worsen before they improve when facing authoritarian regimes. But let’s also celebrate moments of hope, such as Bad Bunny’s uplifting Super Bowl halftime show “Together, We are America!” and the Seahawks’ Super Bowl win. We can’t let them steal our joy, even in dark times. Our resistance keeps us focused and connected. Resistance can take many forms, too! The Portland Frogs come to mind. 🙂
• Vote and consider running for office. The previous election demonstrated the importance of participation. Our vote is our voice. Consider seeking office at any level to help uphold democratic values. Support pro-democracy candidates.
I encourage everyone to participate in defending our democracy and protecting our rights. Our duty is to the Constitution, not one man. We are long past political affiliations; it’s about right and wrong, it’s about keeping a democracy or giving in to an authoritarian regime.
We, the People, must continue to stand strong together.
— By Debbi Fincher
San Juan Indivisible has organized two events this month:
• San Juan Islands Valentine’s Day Protest in Friday Harbor for the Love of Democracy; 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 14
• Constitutional scholar professor Garrett Epps discussing the Constitution, Supreme Court, and Executive Branch; Brickworks, Friday Harbor, 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 17
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