As Chair of the PCDC over the past year, I’ve been reflecting on the organization’s impact and considering its path forward for the next 12 months. The question before us is: how can we be more effective in fighting against actions that threaten to further erode our Democracy and fundamentally alter our way of life? Many people don’t yet fully grasp the implications of Trump’s agenda, but within a year or two, they will. By then, however, it may be too late to reverse course. If Trump succeeds, we may even lose the ability to vote in a truly democratic election again.
As Chair, I believe the mindset of “not my problem” no longer works. The policies Trump is pursuing under his *Revenge Agenda* will affect every one of us, directly or indirectly. To combat these threats and support candidates who will defend our Democracy, the PCDC must evolve into a more effective and action-oriented organization.
How Bad Is It?
Democrats often play by the rules; Trump and MAGA do not. Here are some examples by category, with potential outcomes:
– Economy:
– Tariffs increase costs for consumers.
– Mass deportation of undocumented immigrants paralyzes the construction and agriculture industries.
– Experts are saying this could lead to a major recession.
– Defense:
– Appointments like Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense or John Phelan as Secretary of the Navy could jeopardize national security.
– Intelligence:
– Tulsi Gabbard, lacking intelligence experience and with questionable alliances, could lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI).
– Homeland Security:
– Figures like Kristi Noem, with concerning track records, could take control.
– Healthcare:
– Appointments like RFK Jr. and Dr. Oz could exacerbate public health crises (e.g., H5N1, measles outbreaks).
– Medicare privatization and elimination of the VA healthcare system under figures like Vivek Ramaswamy threaten essential services.
– Education:
– Leadership from individuals like Linda McMahon (WWE background) undermines serious educational reform.
– Nepotism and Fox News Bench:
– Trump prioritizes loyalty over competence, e.g., Charles Kushner as Ambassador to France or ill-equipped envoys to the Middle East.
– Free Speech and Media:
– Intimidation of dissenting voices, attacks on tax exemptions for opposing organizations, and suppression of media criticism.
– FBI and Judicial Oversight:
– Figures like Kash Patel could use the FBI for political revenge, labeling dissent as treason.
– Proposals to eliminate checks on appointments could lead to unaccountable rubber-stamp governance across courts, Congress, and the Executive Branch.
Each day brings fresh announcements of incompetence and destructive intent, threatening the very fabric of our Democracy.
Mission and Goals:
While the mission of the PCDC is to get qualified candidates elected, the PCDC must evolve into a stronger, more effective organization. While we can’t predict every challenge we’ll face, we must build an infrastructure capable of meeting threats head-on and executing strategies with precision.
1. Effectiveness:
– Strengthen organizational structure.
– Identify key issues and set priorities.
2. Leadership:
– Inspire and motivate members to lead on solutions to issues.
– Cultivate leaders who can drive action.
3. Recruitment:
– Empower and energize volunteers and supporters.
4. Winning Elections:
– Focus on governor and local races to maintain democratic footholds.
5. Policy Advocacy:
– Identify critical legislation to support or oppose.
– Actively combat bills like HB-9495, which could strip 501(c)(3) organizations of their status for opposing Trump policies.
– What is HB-9495 (click here)
– What can we do about it (click here)
The time to get involved is now. Together, we can face these challenges, protect our Democracy, and ensure a brighter future for all.