Time to Change the Tone - The Growing Pushback
Dear SLO County Democrats and friends:
Let's acknowledge the growing movement to push back against the MAGA regime's spreading authoritarianism. To those who have taken to the streets of SLO County so far, we salute you. To those who haven't yet, we invite you. No, we beseech you – Please join the ever-growing number of your neighbors, friends, and families as we take to the streets to defend and protect our freedoms. (Look here for coming events you can join.)
TIME FOR A CHANGE OF TONE
The words we use are important. Do they convey a positive vision for the future, or just emphasize our fears? Do they repeat MAGA talking points or do they provide an alternative framework? Do they emphasize the values we hold dear, or just what we oppose?
Indigenous leaders around the world have led successful movements against aggression and oppression by framing their fight not as protest, but as protecting and defending their values, principles, and way of life. Think of the fight against the Keystone XL Pipeline, led by Indigenous water defenders and land protectors. The water defenders of El Salvador brought down an international mining company. Native Hawaiian land defenders stopped development of the sacred mountain Mauna Kea.
I'd humbly suggest to all SLO County activists—Indivisible, 50501, every SLO County Democratic Party club, and everyone else who’s in this fight—that we adopt similar framing. Let’s rally in the streets not to oppose, but to defend and protect what matters. Let’s post about our values and our vision for the future we want, not just the latest MAGA outrage.
In our street actions, social media posts, and day-to-day conversations, let’s consider a shift in language from negative to positive. Rather than focusing solely on our opposition or disagreement, let’s talk about safeguarding the things we value most -- our freedoms.
The freedom to breathe clean air and drink clean water.
The freedom to have a stable, affordable roof over our heads.
The freedom to be cared for when we’re sick, without fear of going bankrupt.
The freedom to learn in fully funded, high-quality public schools.
The freedom to have an equal say in the decisions that impact our lives.
The freedom to leave a better life behind for our children, grandchildren, and future generations.
Black, brown or white, Native or newcomer, we all deserve the freedom to thrive.
Yours in unity,
Tom Fulks
Chair SLOCDP | chair@slocdp.org