We’re Facing a Threat to Democracy – But We Can Fight Back

 Right now, it feels like everything is falling apart. With big influences like Elon Musk trying to control elections and people like Pierre Poilievre pushing for change that harms our communities, we’re facing a serious threat to democracy. But we don’t have to give up. We can fight back—just like Robert Reich suggests—and we can do it in a way that focuses on what truly matters: housing, food security, and the climate.

1. Don’t Panic – Change Takes Time

Even when bad leaders like Trump or Poilievre push to take control, it doesn’t happen instantly. Countries like Turkey and Hungary took years to break down their systems, and even though the threat is real, the systems we have in place—like local governments, courts, and free speech—will slow it down. We have more power than we realize.

2. Stay Connected – We Need to Organize

It’s tempting to shut off the news or hide away when things are tough. But that’s not the solution. We need to stay connected, to share ideas, and organize for what matters most: housing, food security, and addressing climate change. We can’t let these issues be ignored by people who just want power. We’ve seen people in other countries come together to fight back, and we can do the same.

3. Don’t Worry About the Arguments

Yes, there’s a lot of fighting within political parties right now, and it can seem like it’s getting us nowhere. But honestly, it’s bizarre to see so much disrespect and childish behavior from supposed “professionals.” These people are meant to be leaders, and instead, they’re bickering like schoolchildren while the real issues—like homelessness, food insecurity, and climate change—go unresolved. The debates may be messy, but we need them to figure out how to move forward and make real change.

4. We Need a Leader Who Cares About Our Communities

To fight back, we need a leader who understands that the most important issues are not just about economic growth but about people’s basic needs—safe housing, healthy food, and protecting our environment. Indigenous knowledge teaches us that we must live in balance with the land, care for the Earth, and respect all living beings. We need a leader who not only speaks to these issues but also listens to Indigenous communities, who’ve been warning us for generations about the importance of caring for the land.

5. Focus on Housing, Food, and Climate – Not Just Economics

We’ve been stuck in a mindset that values profits over people for too long. Focusing only on economics has led us to the crisis we face today—homelessness, food insecurity, and climate disasters. It’s time to change that. We need to push for affordable housing, sustainable food systems, and solutions to climate change. These are the issues that truly matter to people’s well-being, not just the economy.

6. Keep Hope – We Can Overcome This

It might seem like the odds are against us, but we have powerful systems of governance, like free speech and the rule of law, that will keep pushing back. And we have a rich tradition of resilience—especially from Indigenous communities who have been fighting to protect their land and culture for centuries. When we listen to Indigenous knowledge and work together, we can overcome even the toughest challenges. The mistakes of autocrats like Trump or Poilievre will catch up with them.

In short, we’re facing a serious challenge, but if we stay focused on what truly matters—housing, food security, and climate action—and learn from Indigenous wisdom, we can push back. We can’t let single-minded power grabs take away the things that make us strong. Let’s organize, stay hopeful, and fight for a future that works for everyone.