IT'S OUR FAULT

We Allowed This to Happen, Now We Must Fix It

It is our fault.

We let fascism take over this country. We allowed it to fester, to rise, and to seize control. We elected so-called Republicans who are not conservatives at all but fascists. With their blueprint, Project 2025, they have laid out their plan to dismantle democracy, replacing it with a regime of authoritarian rule, cronyism, and oppression.

We cannot say we weren’t warned. The signs were all there: the erosion of democratic norms, the rejection of facts, the vilification of the press, the packing of courts with extremist judges, the normalization of corruption, and the open attacks on voting rights. And yet, we let it happen.

Jon Stewart said it best: It’s our fault. And if it’s our fault, then it’s our responsibility to fix it.

Step One: Discernment and Accountability

Before we can recover, we must understand what went wrong. How did we, the people, allow a radical movement to hijack our government? The first step is discernment, recognizing and acknowledging our role in the crisis. We cannot continue to blame politicians alone. Yes, they (Biden) failed us, but our failure allowed them to fail us without consequence.

We were complacent. We assumed democracy was invincible. We believed the system would correct itself. It didn’t. Democracy only survives when people actively participate in it. That means all of us, not just activists, not just journalists, but everyday Americans.

Step Two: Get Off the Couch and Into the Fight

We don’t have time to wallow in regret. The moment demands action. We cannot sit idly by while authoritarian forces consolidate their power. We must take immediate steps to reverse the damage.

The most straightforward, most direct action? Vote.

But it’s not just about voting in presidential elections. That is not enough. We need to:

• Vote in every election, especially the midterms. Republicans have used the midterms to lock in their power while Democrats historically fail to turn out. That has to change.
• Vote locally. School boards, state legislatures, and city councils are critical battlegrounds. The radical right has spent decades infiltrating these spaces. We must take them back.
• Defend voting rights. Voter suppression is a cornerstone of the fascist playbook. We must push back against laws designed to disenfranchise Americans, particularly in swing states.

Step Three: Take Back the House of Representatives

The next major milestone in the fight to restore democracy is the 2026 midterms. If serious about reversing this disaster, we must take back the House of Representatives.

Right now, the House is controlled by extremists who are using their power to dismantle the federal government, attack our institutions, and erode the rule of law. Removing them is not just desirable—it is essential for national survival.

Step Four: Build a Local Movement

National elections matter, but change starts in our own communities. It is time to:

• Get involved in local politics. Attend town halls, run for office, and support progressive candidates.
• Fight disinformation. Challenge lies, educate voters, and stop the spread of propaganda.
• Hold elected officials accountable. Demand action from Democrats. Push them to fight harder, govern boldly, and defend democracy without hesitation.

We Can Still Fix This, But Only If We Act Now

America is at a crossroads. We made a monumental mistake, but we cannot correct it. If we fail to act now, the consequences will be irreversible. But if we rise, take responsibility, and commit to real political engagement, we can reclaim democracy from the brink of collapse.

This is no longer just about party politics. It is about preserving a free nation.

We must vote. We must organize. We must fight.

And we must never let this happen again.

William James Spriggs