All progressive Democrats must say: No more. Let's live up to the ideals of the hard-fought Democratic platform that speaks to all Americans. As Trump would say, "What the hell do you have to lose?" We've lost most of the state houses and senates. We've lost most of the governorships. But we have not yet lost all of the people. So let's stop the insanity.
First of all, each of us needs to do our part. We do not wait for some edict from the top. We all know what we need in our respective communities and if we don't, we must learn. We must engage progressives, liberals, Democrats, Republicans, Greens, Libertarians, anarchists, and everyone in between. Have a cup of coffee. Listen more. Don't try to convince all at once. In fact, you might realize some of what they are saying has merit and might make our platform even better, more inclusive, and more robust.
Get out of your comfort zone. Go to some evangelical churches and picnics. Go to tea party events. Be seen. Be approachable. Don't make it a stunt, but your way of being. Over time you build trust and people will start giving your thoughts a listen.
By no means is this a call to acquiesce to all that is wrong. We must force Democrats to oppose every Trump policy that attempts to dismantle the social safety net: No to helping repeal Obamacare. No to dismantling and privatizing Social Security and Medicare. No to destroying Medicaid. No to polluting the environment. No to global warming policies.
And yes to reaching out to our fellow Americans, irrespective of their current value system. That is what I intend to do in the age of Trump. This is what we must do for our children.
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