Yes, America, There is a Democracy

Today, I came across the 1897 letter to Virginia from the New York Sun assuring a little girl of the existence of Santa reprinted in a local paper. It reminded me of the importance of believing in ideals greater than what we can see in front of us. I would like to say to everyone feeling politically hopeless over the last year, “Yes, America, there is a democracy.” And then I feel I should add the cautionary and ominous words of Benjamin Franklin referring to our new republic, “…if you can keep it.”

At this time last year, I might have said authoritarianism and fascism are at America’s door. This year, they are inside the house. An election is on the horizon, so 2026 is the year that we need to use every advocacy legislation and election campaign tool available to sweep out our government with the vigor of an auntie cleaning house before the Chinese New Year.

Now is the time for those who have been silently despairing to join in calling, writing, and telling elected officials what we need them to do. Hand-wringing without political action is not helpful. We no longer have time for armchair quarterbacks to complain about the system to family or yell at the TV. It’s time for everyone to get off the couch and bring demands for common decency into the public forum. We are long past the time of comfortably and passively expecting someone else to take care of the problem.

This might mean getting on a bus to protest at a state capitol. You could take a stand by submitting a letter to the editor for all your friends and neighbors to see in a newspaper. Maybe you’ll fly to Washington D.C. for a conference and lobby day to learn new skills and meet your members of Congress face to face for the first time. Is the year you get into some Good Trouble with an act of civil disobedience? Whatever is in your power to remind members of Congress of their responsibility to us, do it. Try something new and uncomfortable until action becomes your habit. Do it until the scary thing is less scary, then do the next right thing.

Not sure what to talk about? Start with the federal budget. Demand that Congress remember it has a duty to pass and enforce one. The Trump Administration’s illegal impoundments and partisan rescissions this year were a calculated assault on Congress’ constitutional authority.

Americans are reeling from the destructive policies passed in 2025. The poorly named “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” delivered massive tax cuts to the wealthy by slashing Medicaid and SNAP. Those cuts start in 2026, threatening millions of people–people we know, people we love–with hunger, poverty, and loss of care. And now the Trump administration is targeting housing and homeless assistance.

Congress has until January 30 to pass a long-overdue FY26 budget. It must stop the cuts to SNAP and Medicaid, fully fund Housing Choice Vouchers, and reinvest in proven global health and education programs.

Congress must reassert its constitutional authority. Any FY26 agreement must include enforceable safeguards so that Congress can ensure funds are used as intended.

When our elected officials return to D.C. after resting and feasting, they should deliver a budget that serves people, not billionaires. But WE have to make them do it. So, take time to reflect and recover. Then, come out fighting in January like you never have before to keep our democracy.

My first book, “From Changing Diapers to Changing the World: Why Moms Make Great Advocates and How to Get Started,” is a warm and witty guidebook helping moms to make a better world for all of us. It provides inspirational stories and “how-to” instructions for new and experienced activists to get more involved in advocacy.

My second book, “Advocacy Made Easy: How to Turn Civic Frustration Into Powerful Action,” is a practical handbook designed to demystify the advocacy process for everyone. It offers a convenient, step-by-step guide to making your voice heard in the halls of power—no political experience required.

• Buy an autographed copy from my website at www.changyit.com/books.

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