I recently spoke with a few Democratic friends who remain hopeful that protesting, resisting, and organizing can push back against fascism and bring an end to this authoritarian grip on our country. But let’s be clear: we must use every tool available to us—not just to prevent what might happen, but to confront what has already happened. We are already living under a fascist regime. The longer we deny this reality, the stronger its hold becomes.
Blue states hold immense power— especially economic power.
Federal dollars from blue states subsidize red states; without that support, many of them would collapse. Meanwhile, red states have shown us for years that they do not ask permission to undermine democracy—they simply do it.
Think of Texas and its aggressive gerrymandering.
Blue states need to recognize that financial leverage is one of their strongest tools, and use it.
Even within this red state, we must resist authoritarian control with whatever methods we can employ.
When Trump turns the military against American cities, declaring war on places like Chicago—or any community he deems an “enemy”—it should chill every one of us to the bone. This cannot be tolerated.
When government branches are dominated by those loyal to a fascist leader, the levers of power available to us become limited. Do you really believe the next elections will be free and fair? If so, you’re not paying attention. Thinking outside the box is no longer optional—it is essential. As Gov.
Gavin Newsom has said, we must be ready to fight fire with fire. It’s not too late, but the time is now.
Pat Bley Durant