Democracy or Dictatorship: Choose One

Now is not the time to give up or give in to apathy. There is still enough time to fight for our democracy and hold back the forces of MAGA who want a Trump dictatorship.

In this unbearable heat wave which has broken the AC in our Virginia home, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and exhausted with the firehose of chaotic news, terrible election poll numbers, and multiple failures of our institutions in the face of rising right-wing fascism.

But, let’s take a quick breath and center ourselves for a moment.

There are 4 months left until the 2024 election in which President Joe Biden is running against Donald Trump, who has promised to be a dictator for a day. The recent polls after Biden’s terrible debate have shifted the swing states to Trump’s direction. Corporate media outlets have lasered in on Biden’s age, health concerns, and debate performance for the past two weeks while mostly ignoring Project 2025, the Supreme Court allowing Trump to be a near King, Senator Josh Hawley openly proclaiming himself to be a Christian Nationalist, Rep. Mike Johnson, another Christian Nationalist, supporting Trump’s plan to create camps for millions of undocumented immigrants, and Trump calling for military tribunals to prosecute Liz Cheney.

Taking all of this into account, I hold all of the following statements to be true at the same time:

• Biden and Trump are both old men who have lost several steps.

• Biden isn't an ideal candidate for many reasons, but he’s the one Democrats have chosen.

• Biden isn't stepping down. If he does, for whatever reason, VP Harris is there and extremely capable. It’s happened before in US history: FDR died in office and Truman took over during this small crisis called WW2.

• The Biden Administration has been an abject moral failure on Gaza, which will be a stain on his legacy.

• At the same time, Trump and MAGA will be far worse on Palestine and every other foreign policy issue, including: Social Security, Climate Change, Women's rights, the economy, immigration, national security...and just go read Project 2025 when you have the time and be horrified.

• Trump and MAGA are playing for all the marbles. Take them literally and seriously. They aren't interested in democracy. They want a Christian Nationalist country by any violent means necessary.

• Trump will be a dictator on day one - and every other day. He is running for power and to escape accountability for his numerous crimes. He will pardon his violent insurrectionist minions and give them a green light to bully, harass, and terrorize anyone who is a critic or opposes his rule. Think Proud Boys but with competence and the backing of the state.

• This isn't about Biden vs. Trump. If you make this into a personality contest, then Biden will lose. This election is about protecting our freedoms and democracy from Trump and right-wing authoritarianism.

Too much is at stake. 4 months is enough time to rally the majority. Don't give up or lose hope. Look at France, the UK, and Brazil for inspiration. Organize and mobilize. Talk to your family and friends. Don’t underestimate your voice and your power to influence people on the fence. It'll take a multicultural coalition, but it's doable.

The Avengers aren’t coming to save us. It’s time to get to work. We have to do it ourselves. And, thankfully, we don’t need to wear caps.