📢 The United States is now in a battle between Freedom and Fascism

🗽Let’s prepare to protect our communities while embracing lives filled with joy, hope, and a vision for a brighter tomorrow.

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I do not write these words lightly, and it pains me to say this, but we are now at battle in the United States. Before you accuse me of hyperbole, please hear me out.

The Modern War Institute at West Point defines war as arising when a society or its leader becomes unaccountable, ideological, uncertain, biased, or unreliable.

I know I am preaching to the choir, but this is a friendly reminder about our incoming leaders in the three branches of government:

• Executive (President Trump): The Trump administration fostered a political environment that prioritized divisive cultural issues, spread misinformation about election integrity, and resisted accountability for actions like the January 6th attack, undermining democratic trust.

• Legislative (Congress): Senate and House Republicans have blocked voting rights legislation, restricted reproductive and LGBTQIA+ rights, prioritized cultural battles over policy solutions, and resisted climate action, gun safety reform, and pandemic relief, sidelining marginalized communities.

• Judicial (Supreme Court): The Supreme Court, perceived as increasingly biased and influenced by special interests, has issued landmark decisions like overturning Roe v. Wade and weakening environmental and voting rights protections, aligning with conservative priorities over public interest.

When leaders escape accountability, it sends a chilling message: power, not justice, reigns supreme. This erodes trust, destabilizes society, and paves the way for authoritarianism. Billionaire-bought justices and the wealthy few, wielding influence over elected officials, are striving to strip us of our fundamental rights and liberties. Their aim is not to represent us but to rule over us. They employ illicit schemes to swindle, suppress, and undermine the voice of the majority of Americans.

History has shown us that unchecked power breeds corruption, oppression, and the silencing of voices—threatening the very freedoms we hold dear.

This Freedom Over Fascism war we're fighting isn't just about defending our nation but protecting the values that define us. As members of People Power United, we stand against hatred, bigotry, and discrimination in all forms. We are the advocates for justice, fighting for a society that values equality and freedom over the forces of fascism. The fight for our rights, freedoms, democracy, the rule of law, our families, and our communities is here—and now is the time to take a stand. Biases and unaccountable actions by leaders threaten our nation as an insidious and covert act of war. This isn't an exaggeration; it's our reality today.

Let me be clear: when I use the word " fight," I am in no way advocating for physical violence. At People Power United, "fight" means a struggle—a dedicated, peaceful push for change through discourse, advocacy, and non-violent civil disobedience. We unequivocally reject violence as a tool for change. If you believe that fighting back against the rise of fascism requires weapons or an "eye for an eye" mentality, this is not the place for you.

However, neutrality in the face of injustice is complicity. Democracy works better when leaders represent it, and people hold their leaders accountable. We must hold our leaders accountable to the people's will; if they do not listen, we must work to replace them. If you want to complain and take no action to make progress, then you are part of the problem and complicit. If you're ready to take meaningful action, join us. If not, understand that inaction is a choice—and one that aligns you with the status quo we're working to change.

Progress isn't just a concept; it's a movement. By taking action, holding leaders accountable, and advocating for dignity, respect, and opportunity for all, we can build an America that lives up to the values of liberty and justice for all.

Here are some quick and easy ways to plug in and advocate for holding our leaders accountable and pushing for progress:

• Click here to take our People Power United member survey.

• Click here to subscribe or upgrade your subscription to our Substack Newsletter.

• Click here to sign-up for our next event: Why We Must Stop Recess Appointments

• Click here to sign-up for office hours if you have questions or need support for your advocacy

• Click here to take the Freedom Over Fascism pledge

• Friendly reminder you can find Action Alerts here and Coalition Action Alerts here

• Help us build a resistance to fascism!

How do we fight Fascism?

Hope

Hope is a powerful weapon against fascism, serving as both a shield and a rallying cry in the face of fear and oppression. While fascism thrives on division, despair, and apathy, hope inspires unity, action, and resilience. It fuels our belief in a better future, reminding us that change is possible when we come together with determination and courage. Hope empowers us to envision a society built on equality, justice, and freedom, motivating us to take meaningful steps to protect these values. By cultivating hope in our communities, we counteract the darkness of fascism with light, proving that love, solidarity, and persistence can overcome even the most daunting challenges.

Respect

Respect is a formidable weapon against fascism, countering its foundation of hatred and dehumanization with dignity and inclusivity. Fascism seeks to divide and conquer by pitting communities against one another, but respect bridges those divides, fostering empathy and understanding. When we listen to each other, honor diverse perspectives, and uphold the inherent worth of every individual, we dismantle the narratives that fuel authoritarian ideologies. Respect strengthens our resolve to protect the rights of all, reminding us that democracy thrives when we treat each other as equals. By leading with respect, we create a society where collaboration and compassion overpower fear and division, rendering fascism powerless in the face of unity.

Unity

Unity is one of the most powerful weapons against fascism, as it dismantles the divide-and-conquer tactics that authoritarian regimes rely on to maintain power. Fascism thrives on sowing division, exploiting differences, and isolating communities, but unity creates an unbreakable bond that transcends those divides. When people from all walks of life stand together, recognizing that an attack on one group is an attack on all, they form a collective force too strong to ignore. Unity amplifies our voices, strengthens our movements, and ensures that no one fights alone. It reminds us that our shared commitment to freedom, justice, and democracy is far greater than the fear and hate that fascism seeks to spread. Together, we can build a future where unity prevails, ensuring that democracy is not just defended but strengthened.

🗽The strength of a nation is not its ability to fight wars, but rather by its ability to prevent them. - Gene Roddenberry

In closing, I’ve heard some are choosing to live in fear—but please don’t! That’s exactly what Trump, the MAGA cult, and radical Republicans want. Instead, let’s choose empowerment. Let’s prepare to protect our communities while embracing lives filled with joy, hope, and a vision for a brighter tomorrow. Together, we can create the future we deserve.

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Join us to build People Power! Together, we can protect and empower those we love, champion our rights, freedoms, and democracy, hold our leaders accountable to the people's will, and inspire voters to make a meaningful difference.

Laurie Woodward Garcia (paid with hugs and kisses, not bought by special interests)

Leader, People Power United

Representing America's largest grassroots organization with over 200,000+ members, driven entirely by the energy and commitment of everyday people. We are proudly 100% independent, powered by people—not special interests.

Laurie joining other activists and organizations to drop thousands of petitions off to Congress to advocate for reforms to the Supreme Court

People Power United | In this community, we will always speak out against racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, homophobia, misogyny, sexism, ageism, ableism, sizeism, elitism, transphobia, misogynoir, and bigotry!

People Power United is a group of community members that champions progress and power for the people.

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