Democracy in Danger

Something is happening in our country, and we can stop it.

Fifty years from now, historians will discuss “democratic backsliding” and ask how the world’s leading democracy drifted toward authoritarianism and right-wing extremism. 

They will ask, "How did this happen?"

One answer will be: "History repeats itself, and once again a sociopath figured out how to manipulate millions of people with lies, threats, and conspiracy theories.”

Another answer will be: 

“Day-by-day, inch-by-inch, we, the people, let it happen.”

This is not fate. 

We can work hard to stop MAGA extremism by defeating Donald Trump and electing Kamala Harris and other Democrats.

But we have to face the ugly facts. 

Ugly Fact #1: Project 2025

This is Trump’s blueprint for another term as president. Developed by the Heritage Foundation, it aims to make permanent changes in the United States Government to favor Republicans. It advocates an isolationist foreign policy. It intends to dismantle the Department of Education. The plan also includes promoting fossil fuel production by rolling back environmental regulations and terminating climate-related programs. It proposes significant changes to health care, including restricting reproductive rights, eliminating coverage for emergency contraception, and infusing government policies with Christian principles. It intends to bring the Department of Justice and other key agencies under direct presidential control to ensure they align with the administration's agenda. This includes prosecuting officials who are perceived as betraying conservative values. 

Ugly Fact #2: Nobody is coming to save us.

There are no heroes coming to save us. GOP moderates are not going to save us, because they no longer exist. Liz Cheney tried to save us, but can't. And the United States Supreme Court is sure as hell not going to save us. 

We have to save ourselves. 

We have to defeat Donald Trump at the ballot box.

But it isn't enough to vote. We each have to get others to vote.

The only way to save ourselves is to GET OUT THE VOTE, 

especially in the swing states.

If every registered voter in the United States went to the polls in November, it would be a landslide against Trump. 

But due to factors like apathy, cynicism, hopelessness, voter suppression, misinformation, Trump-fatigue, as well as some aspects of the media (liberal and conservative), many voters will decide not to vote, or they just won’t get around to it.

Nonetheless, if we all do our part to get as many people to the polls as possible, especially in the swing states: 

WE CAN WIN.

I’m asking you to think about what you can do to help defeat Trump and his MAGA movement, and then make a commitment. 

Whatever is right for you.

I am asking you to act out of your love for our country.

There are various forms of patriotism. I don’t march in parades on July 4th and I don’t have a flag outside my house. Mine, like many Americans, is a quiet patriotism. I love the ideals this county was founded upon. Democracy, equality, individual dignity, community, justice, freedom. And even if these ideals are yet to be fully realized, I hold them dear. They’re worth working hard for. 

This site provides information to help you find volunteer activities that works for you. 

Trump will only win, and do the damage to our democracy that he fully intends to do, if we let him.

Democracy is worth it.

Feel free to contact me to discuss anything on this site.

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Rob Ferguson is a psychologist and author living in Durham, North Carolina.  He is co-author of several books on leadership and conflict, including Making Conflict Work: Harnessing the Power of Disagreement, with Peter Coleman. That book won the 2016 International Association for Conflict Management Outstanding Book Award.