Democrats Need to Grow a Spine

Before you come after me, hear me out. I understand that some may be upset when I call out the democrats the same way I call the republicans out, but if people like myself don’t do it then who will?

This past week was very telling for a multitude of reasons. Before the week started, I analyzed that SOTU was the opportunity for Democrats to come out and vocally oppose the Trump administration. Given their track record of abysmal protest, I'm not sure why I was expecting them to. Call me naive, I guess.

While Trump took the stage and gave the most extended presidential address in our nation's history, Democrats wore highlighter pink, held up bingo signs, and wore shirts writing “resist”. Some were even brave enough to walk out silently! (sarcasm)

VIA Politico

It’s not like Donald Trump gave us anything factual either.

Qasim Rashid, Esq.

fact-checked Trump’s 100+ minute speech, and it turns out it was filled with lots of false information—right wing propaganda backed by feelings, not facts. Imagine being in a place of privilege - having a secure job, sitting in front of Donald Trump with the opportunity to oppose him for all of your constituents who voted you in. Still, then you squander it by playing performative bingo.

The only Democrat who dared to stand up to Donald Trump was Texas Representative Al Green. He's a very low-key Democrat with a phenomenal track record. He’s not the type of Democrat who tweets and gets viral numbers—he works, does his job, and stays mostly behind the shadows.

VIA CNN

He stood up and vocally opposed Donald Trump, courageously waving his cane while talking about his almost one trillion-dollar Medicare cut. As a federal politician, he doesn’t need to do this because he receives the best insurance in the nation, but he did it anyway (as we expected at least half of the other representatives to do).

Instead of supporting him, 10 democrats came together to censure him with republicans. A cowardly move, given that Republicans stand together no matter how Hitler-like their party becomes. The same party that tries to convince Americans that Republicans are a national threat, sits in silence and wakes up the next day to censure their only colleague with grit.

This is where you come in…

From @dear_white_staffers VIA Insta

These are the 10 democrats who decided to vote with their republican politicians to censure Al Green. What you are going to do is call them and leave them a voicemail… let them know how you feel!

Ami Bera (202) 225-5716

Ed Case (202) 225-2726

Jim Costa (202) 225-3341

Laura Gillen (202) 225-5516

Jim Himes (202) 225-5541

Chrissy Houlahan (202) 225-4315

Marcy Kaptur (202) 225-4146

Jared Moskowitz (202) 225-3001

Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (202) 225-3536

Tom Souzzi (202) 225-3335

This past week, we witnessed a stark reminder of the dysfunction and hypocrisy that plagues both major political parties. While the Republicans remain unified in their support for Donald Trump, no matter how far removed from the truth or decency his actions become, the Democrats continue to disappoint by failing to stand up when it matters most.

Instead of using their voices and positions to oppose the lies, the policies, and the harm being inflicted upon the American people, they resort to performative gestures that do nothing to challenge the status quo.

Al Green's courageous stand in the face of overwhelming opposition from both sides should serve as a model for being an effective representative. But the fact that his party abandoned him—censuring him alongside Republicans—speaks volumes about the political cowardice and lack of integrity running through Washington.

So, yes, I will continue to hold both sides accountable. If we don't, who will? Those who genuinely care about this country's future must stop playing the game and start demanding real action, regardless of political affiliation.

The time to speak out is now.