What The F*CK Are We Doing? - The United States Has Elected A Convicted Felon
Standing Together in a Time of Uncertainty and Fear
I don’t typically discuss politics, but something inside me, especially after yesterday, compelled me to speak out about all of this. I may end up sharing more of my thoughts in future newsletters, because the short answer is, I’m tired of this shit.
It’s hard to overstate the gravity of the moment we’re living through—November 6th, 2024, marked a day that felt like the culmination of an alarming, decades-long drift toward authoritarianism. Looking back, it's chilling to think that electing Donald Trump in 2016 might go down in history as one of the biggest mistakes a nation could make. At the time, many believed it was an aberration, that somehow America’s democratic institutions and values would hold strong, that checks and balances would prevail. But here we are, nearly eight years later, watching in disbelief as a man accused of 34 criminal counts—including sexual assault—again takes the highest office in the land. The stakes this time, however, are even higher, and the consequences far more dangerous.
The dream of a fair and just America—one that upholds the rights of every citizen—is increasingly slipping through our fingers. Power has become so deeply entrenched in the hands of a select few that truth and justice now seem like relics of a bygone era. It’s a system that has been gamed, manipulated, and corrupted to favor those with money and influence, leaving the rest of us to wonder if our voices, once a defining feature of democracy, are even still heard. The sobering reality is that millions of citizens have already lost their right to vote due to past convictions, while a man with such a controversial and dangerous record is once again in control of the nation.
The fact that Republicans now hold not only the presidency but also the House and Senate paints a grim picture. With this kind of power consolidation, Trump can push his vision for America forward unchecked. His base remains loyal, and GOP leaders continue to stand behind him, even in the face of his egregious past. The ideals of democracy, diversity, and justice—those things that have been the foundation of this country—now seem perilously fragile. The very institutions that were designed to protect us against this kind of authoritarian drift are in real danger of crumbling under the weight of unchecked ambition.
Trump’s vision for America, one that has always been exclusionary and divisive, is gaining steam. His push to rewrite the Constitution, perhaps even removing term limits to keep himself in power indefinitely, is no longer just speculation—it’s something that’s being actively discussed behind closed doors. His advisors hint at a potential third term, and rumors circulate about constitutional amendments that would further entrench his rule. This is no longer about a singular presidency—it’s about the very future of the country.
Now, more than ever, it’s critical for those who believe in freedom, equality, and justice to rise up. The road ahead is steep, but it’s one we cannot afford to turn away from. If we let this moment pass without taking a stand, we may find that the dream of a just and fair America has been forever lost, buried under the weight of fear, corruption, and a political machine that refuses to relinquish power. The time for action is now, before it’s too late to reclaim what’s been taken.
The Political Reality: A Fully Controlled Government
With Trump and the Republican Party in full control of the government, the legislative and executive branches move as one, leaving little room for opposition. This absolute power has transformed Congress into an extension of Trump’s will, further eroding the checks and balances that define a functioning democracy. Critical voices are sidelined, bills fly through Congress with almost no debate, and dissenters find themselves isolated and, at times, threatened. The concept of bipartisanship has been relegated to the past, a relic of a system that no longer seems to hold value in Washington.
One of the most dangerous elements of this newfound power is Trump’s open desire to dismantle or, at the very least, heavily alter the Constitution. He has repeatedly expressed disdain for what he calls “outdated restrictions” that stand in the way of his “America First” agenda. His speeches are increasingly peppered with references to “updating” the Constitution, framing his radical ambitions as necessary adjustments for a changing world. But behind this language lies a far more sinister plan—one that threatens the very foundations of American democracy.
Trump’s recent statements about extending his presidency beyond a second term have stirred the public, yet his base rallies around the idea, seeing it as essential for a stable and prosperous America. To them, the checks on his power are obstacles to be removed, not safeguards for the future. They applaud his intentions, not realizing—or perhaps not caring—that these moves edge the country closer to autocracy with every passing day. For the millions of Americans who feel they have already lost so much, the notion of a third Trump term is unfathomable, a future that defies every principle they’ve held dear.
Rolling Back Rights: Women, LGBTQ+, and Immigrant Communities
As these policies take shape, it’s impossible to ignore the immediate and very personal impact they will have on women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and immigrant communities. Trump has made no secret of his intentions to roll back rights, undo protections, and reshape the social landscape according to his ideals. Women’s reproductive rights are under direct threat, with new legislation aimed at defunding organizations that provide essential services, and bans on abortion poised to sweep across the country. The fight for control over one’s body, a battle fought and won by generations before, feels as if it’s slipping away with each executive order and each conservative judge Trump appoints.
For LGBTQ+ communities, the outlook is equally grim. Trump’s administration has empowered a wave of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment, translating social hostility into policies that threaten our community’s hard-won rights. From employment discrimination to healthcare access, there’s a clear message: the freedoms we once took for granted are no longer safe. For transgender people especially, the landscape is darkening. Trump’s track record on issues of gender and identity rights has been harsh, with a series of reversals that have left countless people more vulnerable than ever. The reality of losing protections is not just a possibility—it’s happening now, in real time, and the fight to defend these rights feels like a race against an unrelenting tide.
Immigrant families face perhaps the most immediate and terrifying consequences under Trump’s new reign. His administration has announced plans for a mass deportation effort that mirrors the brutality of past campaigns but with a new fervor, pledging to remove “millions.” His use of the term “bloody story” to describe this campaign reflects a reality where the safety, dignity, and humanity of immigrant families are secondary to an agenda rooted in exclusion. For those who have lived here for years, raised families, and contributed to society, this reality is devastating. America, once seen as a beacon of hope, becomes a place of fear and instability—a land that welcomes, then casts out.
A Broken Justice System: Retaliation Over Justice
One of the most chilling aspects of Trump’s second term is his plan to weaponize the Justice Department against his opponents. His administration’s commitment to “cracking down” on dissent is an open secret, with numerous insiders revealing plans to target journalists, activists, and political enemies under the guise of national security. The justice system, a pillar of American democracy, risks transforming into a tool of retaliation, where laws are bent to serve one man’s vendetta.
In a country built on principles of fairness and due process, the idea of using the Justice Department as a weapon against critics is not just unsettling—it’s unprecedented. This shift threatens to undo decades of progress toward an equitable justice system, one where accountability applies to everyone, regardless of status. Trump’s tactics make it clear that, for him, governance is not about serving the people but about securing loyalty and eliminating opposition.
For activists, journalists, and everyday citizens who dare to question his policies, this new era poses real risks. We’ve already seen retired officers like Michael Fanone, who survived the Capitol riot, face continued threats and intimidation. The message is clear: dissent is dangerous, and loyalty is paramount. Under this regime, speaking truth to power could come at a high personal cost, making the act of protest itself a radical, defiant stand.
A Culture of Fear: The Normalization of Political Violence
The normalization of political violence under Trump’s leadership casts a dark shadow over the nation. His open support for Capitol rioters, his willingness to pardon them, and his alignment with fringe groups have created an environment where political violence is not only accepted but encouraged. This tacit approval emboldens supporters who see physical aggression as a legitimate tool for protecting their vision of America.
As tensions rise, so does the potential for real, everyday violence. For those of us who dare to speak out, the stakes have never been higher. Communities and individuals who value democracy, equality, and peace find themselves in a country where the threat of violence is never far from their minds. Political violence is not just a concept—it’s a rising reality that colors interactions, protests, and even simple conversations. For journalists, dissenters, and activists, fear has become a constant companion, shaping how we navigate a world where speaking out is a courageous, potentially dangerous act.
The Mask is Off: Project 2025 and the Accelerating Shift Toward Autocracy
As the weight of November 6th’s results settles in, one thing becomes abundantly clear: the mask is off. What was once a fringe set of ideologies has now fully entered the mainstream of American governance. With Trump at the helm, the GOP in full control of the legislative and executive branches, and a mission to reshape the very fabric of our country, the stage is set for a political overhaul like no other. And at the center of this transformation is Project 2025—a sweeping, behind-the-scenes initiative designed to retool the federal government, cement a conservative agenda, and grant Trump unprecedented power to rewrite the rules of American democracy.
Project 2025 isn’t just about policy—it’s a playbook for the future, a calculated effort to extend and solidify Trump’s vision of America, one that bends to his will and his interpretation of nationalism. With the goal of centralizing power, dismantling established norms, and sidestepping democratic safeguards, this project looks to create a permanent conservative regime, sidelining those who dare oppose it.
The Project 2025 blueprint reveals the true scope of Trump’s ambitions. The plan calls for the ideological purging of government agencies, a complete overhaul of the judiciary with the placement of far-right judges, and an aggressive restructuring of civil service protections. In essence, it is a radical remaking of the federal government that leaves little room for dissent or checks on power. The project is not just about governing—it’s about consolidating authority, erasing opposition, and rewriting the Constitution to align with Trump’s authoritarian impulses. Under the guise of “draining the swamp,” Project 2025 aims to replace the democratic institutions that have long been the hallmark of American governance with a rigid, top-down structure that answers only to Trump and his loyalists.
Perhaps the most chilling aspect of Project 2025 is its focus on creating a system where loyalty to the leader becomes paramount, and where checks on executive power are either stripped away or rendered meaningless. The discussions around eliminating constitutional limits, extending presidential terms, and sidestepping rules meant to ensure a healthy democracy reveal the true intentions behind this sweeping initiative. With a growing chorus of Trump allies calling for a third term or permanent stay in office, it’s not just a fear—it’s a real, tangible threat. What was once unthinkable has now entered the realm of possibility.
Project 2025 represents a shift from the usual rhetoric of conservative governance into something far more dangerous: the machinery of autocracy. And the implications for democracy are dire. For those of us who believe in equality, justice, and a fair government, the stakes have never been higher. Project 2025 is the mask coming off, revealing the true agenda beneath—a plan to reshape America not as a land of freedom and opportunity, but as a stronghold of authoritarian control where power is concentrated in the hands of a few, and dissent is punished.
This is a moment that demands action. It is no longer enough to simply oppose bad policies—we must fight to preserve the very structures that make democracy possible. As Trump’s full vision for America unfolds under Project 2025, it’s crucial that we stand firm, raise our voices, and protect the rights and freedoms that define us.
How Dismantling the Department of Education Threatens Democracy
The gutting of America’s educational system isn’t just a policy debate; it’s a calculated attack on the fundamental pillars of a free, informed society. As the calls to dismantle the Department of Education grow louder, it’s clear that this isn’t just about budget cuts or curriculum adjustments—it’s about power, control, and the strategic erosion of democratic values. The consequences of this movement reach far beyond the walls of classrooms; they reach into the heart of what it means to be an informed, self-governing society.
Donald Trump’s push to dissolve the Department of Education fits perfectly into this larger narrative. His rhetoric, while masked as a desire for smaller government, is in reality a dangerous power play designed to reshape the educational landscape to suit a narrow, ideological agenda. This isn’t simply about saving money; it’s about eroding the capacity for critical thought, creating a more compliant citizenry, and controlling the flow of information. The Department of Education has long served as a safeguard against educational inequality, protecting marginalized students and ensuring access to a diverse range of ideas. Stripping away its influence would create a vacuum, opening the door for state and local authorities to shape curricula in a way that serves political motives rather than academic truth.
Education has always been a battleground for power. Those who control the narratives taught to the youth often control the future of society itself. Whether it’s the denial of literacy to enslaved people, the restriction of education for women, or the suppression of ideas that challenge authority, we’ve seen how the manipulation of education is used as a tool of oppression. Trump’s attempt to dismantle the Department of Education is an echo of these darker chapters in history—a calculated attempt to ensure that young Americans grow up with a limited understanding of their own society, history, and the world around them. The removal of federal oversight opens the door to a future where history is rewritten to fit a specific narrative, critical thinking is stifled, and education is reduced to mere indoctrination.
This push to strip down educational resources and oversight is part of a broader ideological movement designed to reshape how young Americans view the world. Without access to comprehensive, unbiased knowledge, young minds are left vulnerable—susceptible to misinformation, radical ideologies, and a narrowed worldview. As we’ve seen with the rise of online misinformation and echo chambers, the absence of a strong, objective education system only compounds this vulnerability. Young people today are already living in a world where media bias, fake news, and conspiracy theories can shape their perception of reality. By removing the checks and balances provided by an educated and well-rounded curriculum, leaders like Trump are leaving the door wide open for the rise of radical ideologies and authoritarian thinking.
More disturbingly, this trend is mirrored in the increasing recruitment of young, disillusioned individuals into extremist groups. As schools are underfunded and marginalized, and as critical perspectives are erased from the curriculum, we see a troubling rise in the radicalization of disenfranchised white men. These individuals, without the tools to critically assess the world around them, are drawn to groups that fuel resentment and validate violent, often racist, ideologies. By stripping education of its capacity to foster empathy, understanding, and diverse perspectives, Trump and his allies are not just attacking the Department of Education—they are actively creating a fertile breeding ground for extremism.
In essence, the dismantling of the Department of Education is not just an attack on one institution but an assault on democracy itself. Education has always been a cornerstone of democratic societies, providing the knowledge necessary for self-governance and civic engagement. If we allow these attacks to succeed, we are not just jeopardizing the future of our educational system—we are endangering the very fabric of our society. History teaches us that when education is restricted, when knowledge is controlled, democracy itself is at risk. The rise of authoritarianism, radical ideologies, and social division is not just a possibility; it’s a dangerous and inevitable consequence if we allow these attacks on education to continue unchecked. If we fail to defend our schools, we risk losing not only our future leaders but our very ability to shape a society that values liberty, justice, and equality for all.
How Isolationism and Weakening Alliances Could Pave the Path to Global Conflict
The current crises in both Palestine and Ukraine highlight two of the world’s most complex and urgent humanitarian emergencies, and they offer a stark reminder of the critical role of global alliances in maintaining peace and stability. Yet, as the suffering unfolds, Donald Trump’s past and current positions on foreign policy raise concerns about America’s role on the world stage under his leadership—particularly when it comes to NATO and our commitments to international allies.
Trump’s stance on NATO has long been one of isolationism, often framing the organization as a burden rather than a vital alliance. Throughout his presidency, he repeatedly questioned NATO’s relevance, even threatening to withdraw the United States from the alliance. For Europe, this would be an unimaginable blow: NATO has been the backbone of collective defense since World War II, deterring aggression and providing a sense of security in a turbulent world. If the U.S. were to leave, the power dynamics in Europe would shift dramatically, potentially emboldening adversarial forces, notably Russia, which has shown repeated interest in expanding its influence across Europe.
Trump’s history with Vladimir Putin is also well-documented, and it has many people justifiably worried. His praise of Putin as a “strong leader” and his unwillingness to criticize Russia’s increasingly authoritarian and expansionist actions raised eyebrows during his presidency. With Russia now aggressively invading Ukraine, these past statements and interactions cast a shadow on Trump’s capacity to effectively address—or deter—Russian aggression. In the face of this conflict, a united NATO remains a formidable barrier against Russian advances. If the U.S. were to abandon this alliance, Europe would be left vulnerable and potentially unprotected, giving Russia a significant upper hand in reshaping the continent’s political landscape.
Meanwhile, Trump’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has similarly leaned toward favoring the interests of the Israeli government, while showing little willingness to engage in meaningful diplomatic efforts to bring peace to the region. During his presidency, the relocation of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem was widely criticized as a move that fueled tensions rather than eased them. The suffering of civilians, the humanitarian crises, and the need for a sustainable solution are overshadowed by a pattern of dismissive isolationism that doesn’t serve either side’s long-term interests. As violence escalates in Gaza and the West Bank, the need for a committed diplomatic approach that addresses the needs of all parties is more crucial than ever.
With these mounting crises, it feels as if we are staring down the terrifying possibility of a global conflict, a “World War III” that is now more conceivable than at any other time in recent history. The stakes could not be higher, and the gravity of the current moment makes the need for unity and firm alliances ever more critical. Trump’s disengagement from NATO and his alignment with autocratic figures like Putin make it unlikely that he would prioritize resolving these complex conflicts or protecting vulnerable populations abroad. These alliances and commitments are not mere formalities; they are the bulwarks that uphold stability in a world where aggressors will exploit any power vacuum they can find.
Finding Strength in Unity: A Path Forward
Thinking about what’s to come in the next four years fills me with a profound sense of fear and uncertainty. Living here in Florida, where political forces often seem to move against progress, I feel the weight of this moment all the more. This is supposed to be home—a place where I should feel safe and accepted. Yet, as someone just beginning to navigate my own journey within the LGBTQ+ community, it often doesn’t feel that way. I’m not quite ready to share every part of that journey with the world, but that doesn’t lessen the very real, visceral fear I feel for myself, for friends, and for the community I’m only starting to fully embrace.
This fear isn’t abstract. It’s the fear of seeing hard-won rights eroded, of being pushed back into the shadows just as I’m finding my place in the light. It’s the fear of facing discrimination, judgment, and hostility in my own backyard—of watching leaders who seem more interested in stoking division than fostering inclusivity. And though it sometimes feels easier to withdraw, to stay quiet and avoid the battle, I know that silence doesn’t serve anyone. This is the reality for so many of us who want to live freely and authentically, without fear of persecution or backlash. For those like me, who are still learning to speak up for our truths, it can feel daunting. But this fear is shared; I’m not alone in feeling this way.
Across Florida and beyond, millions of people share the same fears, the same anger, and the same resolve. There are countless individuals who believe in the values of compassion, justice, and equality, and they’re unwilling to let these principles fade without a fight. From small-town communities to massive cities, people are rising up, forming networks of resistance, refusing to let fear silence their voices. In moments like this, when the future seems so uncertain, I find hope in the strength of unity, in knowing that each voice, each vote, each act of resistance adds to a larger movement—a movement that, over time, has the power to bring about change. This is not the time to back down; it’s the time to push forward, to harness the strength that comes from standing together, and to demand a future that aligns with the principles that define us as a nation.
I can’t tell you how long this fight will be, or when we’ll see victory, but as long as we stay united, as long as we continue to stand together, the fight for justice and equality will endure. The good fight will carry on. Our unity is our strength, and with it, we will continue to demand the future we deserve, a future where love, equality, and freedom can truly thrive.
As we face the prospect of four more years under an administration that seems intent on dismantling the very fabric of democracy, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But history is filled with examples of ordinary people standing against extraordinary odds to protect the rights and freedoms we hold dear. Our path ahead will not be easy; it will be fraught with challenges, and the fight for justice may be a long one. But it’s a fight worth waging—a fight that we must wage. Democracy may be strained, but it is not broken. With every protest, every vote, every story shared, we reinforce the truth that power ultimately belongs to the people.
These are dangerous times, no doubt, but they are also times that call for bravery, for resilience, and for an unyielding belief in the promise of a better tomorrow. By standing together, by refusing to be silenced, we can chart a path forward. This is not the final word on the American Dream, nor on who we are as a people. If anything, this moment is a rallying cry—a call to action that echoes across generations, a reminder that the fight for justice, equality, and freedom is never truly over. Maybe, just maybe, by standing together, we can create a place where every person—no matter who they are, who they love, or where they are on their journey—can feel safe, welcomed, and truly at home.
And yet, we cannot ignore the larger picture. In the global context, the United States' leadership is critical—not just for the sake of our own people, but for the world. Trump’s time in office showed us how his policies were not only bad for the U.S. but for the world as a whole. His reluctance to engage with international allies, his isolationist stance, and his admiration for autocratic figures undermined global stability. The consequences of these actions still ripple across the globe, reminding us that leadership matters—not only for the people we elect, but for the world they influence. This is why we must be vigilant and determined in safeguarding democracy and justice—not just in our own country, but across the world.