“It’s just politics.”

 “It’s just politics.”

No, it is not. I’m angry about what has happened to—and is happening in—U.S. politics today.

I say this with absolute respect for others’ personal beliefs and political affiliations: if you are not mad too, you are not paying attention to what’s actually happening—and you are a huge part of the problem. I don’t say that lightly, and I don’t say it with malice. Please bear with me.

I’ve seen “That’s just/only/simply politics” used as a rationale for what’s going on in the Trump/Vance/Musk administration. No, it is not just politics. It is not something we should expect or accept.

Below, I use the word “just” in that sense, but even more importantly, as an adjective—with synonyms like reasonable, proper, correct, righteous, and lawful:

 • Free, fair, and accessible elections are just politics.

 • Ensuring Congress, the judiciary, and the executive branch uphold their constitutional roles is just politics.

 • Respecting the rule of law is just politics.

 • Understanding and defending the plain language of the amended U.S. Constitution is just politics.

 • Following the intent and letter of the law is just politics.

 • The peaceful transition of power after an election is just politics.

 • Establishing and adopting clear ethics guidelines for the new team is just politics.

 • Rejecting bribery, corruption, and undue influence of any sort is just politics.

 • Eliminating (even the appearance of) conflicts of interest is just politics.

 • Nominating competent (not even the best) cabinet members is just politics.

 • Vetting competent staff through well-established methods before delegating authority is just politics.

 • Supporting nonpartisan government employees in the continuation of their sworn duty is just politics.

 • Appreciating the role of a free and independent press is just politics.

 • Fighting disinformation and ensuring access to factual information is just politics.

 • Funding public education and ensuring media literacy is just politics.

 • Not demonizing opposing viewpoints is just politics.

 • Avoiding petty retribution against the opposition is just politics.

 • Seeking common ground is just politics.

 • Equal rights under the law regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or disability is just politics.

 • The right to bodily autonomy and medical decision-making (including reproductive rights and healthcare choices) is just politics.

 • Ensuring a strong social safety net for the most vulnerable is just politics.

 • Protecting Social Security, Medicare, and disability benefits is just politics.

 • Defending democracy and human rights globally is just politics.

 • Providing humanitarian aid and support to refugees is just politics.

 • The right to unionize and collectively bargain is just politics.

 • Preventing corporate monopolies and ensuring fair economic competition is just politics.

 • The right to clean air, water, and a healthy environment is just politics.

 • Protecting public lands and natural resources for future generations is just politics.

 • Ensuring responsible gun ownership while preventing gun violence is just politics.

 • The right to practice (or not practice) any religion freely is just politics.

 • Separation of church and state to prevent religious extremism in governance is just politics.

 • Ensuring science-based policy decisions is just politics.

 • Embodying the ideals of the American Dream as a shining beacon of what’s possible is just politics.

 • Working FOR the American people is just politics.

Those are my expectations. What are yours?

STOP ignoring and/or rationalizing the shit they are doing.

Non-Partisan Actions We Can ALL Take:

 • If someone is protesting, listen. Learn why.

 • Add reputable news sources with high journalistic integrity that differ from your usual ones.

 • Compare multiple sources when you hear something, even if—especially if—it sounds good.

 • Think critically and check in with your conscience.

 • Remember your civics lessons!

 • Participate! Write to your representatives, call them, meet them in person. Don’t forget state and local issues and resources.

 • Have conversations (not shouting matches) with your friends, neighbors, and colleagues.

 • Vote with your dollars too.

If this resonated with you, share it widely. Send it to your elected officials (in your party or not) and ask them what their expectations are. If they don’t answer, send it to the local paper and have them ask.  We the people are the source of power.

text SIGN PWEPNT to 50409 to ask your elected officials where they stand (it’s pre-written using resistbot and is free of charge .)

The latest version is here: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=8697124047083075&id=100003566975110