Pardon the Interruption
I recently read a thoughtful opinion piece in the Austin Chronicle by Erblin Ribari titled “There Is an ‘Us’ in USA. Let’s Act Like It.” Ribari, MIT and Harvard graduate, reflects on leadership, unity, and civic responsibility, urging Americans to live up to the “us” in USA—by building bridges instead of walls, showing care over convenience, and remembering that democracy only works when we all participate.
In theory, this is exactly how democracy should work. I say “in theory” because, under the Trump administration, we’ve seen a steady shift toward something more authoritarian in style. And let’s be clear—authoritarianism isn’t just about a strongman at the podium. It’s about limiting public input, tightening control over media and education, and shrinking the space where free expression once thrived (e.g. entertainment and the arts). These are all elements we've seen touched by executive orders and policy shifts, recently.
The result? A rising fear among Americans that speaking out might come at a cost. Students worry their scholarships or enrollment might be on the line for expressing dissent. Foreign students face the threat of deportation or harassment for joining protests. Judges’ families are being targeted--online and off-- for cases questioning the Trump Administration's directives. Meanwhile, militarized agents dressed like they raided a Spirit Halloween store are storming businesses and detaining elected officials for doing their jobs, representing their communities.
The fear is real. And in a climate like this, it’s no wonder many people are unsure if their voices matter—or even if they’ll be heard. But if we take Ribari’s message to heart, we’re reminded that the only way through this moment is together, by choosing courage over comfort and community over silence.
Sources:
https://www.austinchronicle.com/columns/2025-05-30/opinion-there-is-an-us-in-usa-lets-act-like-it/
https://cagle.com/cartoonist/guy-parsons/2024/11/25/290531/span-idtitle_290531trump-escalator-autocracy
No comments:
Post a Comment