By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The American constitutional system relies on the self-interest of its leaders to prevent tyranny, as Madison argued in Federalist 51. Initially, a lack of ambition among politicians led to a reluctance to challenge the president. However, a recent shift is evident, with ambition resurfacing as demonstrated by Senator Van Hollen’s visit to El Salvador to meet with a victim of the Trump administration’s policies, highlighting a renewed willingness to confront executive power. This signals a potential return to a more robust system of checks and balances.
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Trump wants you to think resistance is futile. He wants you to believe that fighting back against his actions, his rhetoric, and his increasingly authoritarian tendencies is a waste of time and energy. He wants you to become complacent, to accept the status quo, no matter how detrimental it is to democratic values. But this is a deliberate attempt to undermine and dismantle the very foundations of our democracy; a tactic to silence dissent and consolidate power. It is a strategy predicated on the belief that apathy will allow his power to grow unchecked. It is a dangerous game, one that relies on the perceived futility of resistance to succeed. But the truth is, resistance is not futile; it is absolutely essential.
The very act of believing resistance is futile plays into Trump’s hands. Authoritarianism thrives on apathy. The moment we collectively decide that fighting back is pointless is the precise moment he wins. This is not hyperbole; it’s a well-documented historical pattern. It’s about understanding how power is consolidated, how seemingly insignificant actions contribute to the erosion of democratic institutions, and how the normalization of authoritarian behavior paves the way for far worse things to follow. History, as they say, doesn’t remember the quiet ones. It remembers those who fought for what they believed in, even when the odds seemed insurmountable.
Trump’s strategy of creating a narrative of futility relies on several key tactics. He attacks independent institutions – the free press, the legal system, academia, and even state and local governments – to suppress any voices that challenge his authority. This targeted assault on the pillars of our democracy creates an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, making people question the viability of opposition. He aims to isolate and marginalize anyone who dares to resist, creating the impression of an overwhelming, insurmountable power that leaves people feeling helpless.
But this impression is a carefully constructed illusion. The courts, for example, are still functioning, albeit with challenges and hurdles. Organizations are still fighting back legally, albeit slowly and at great cost. The reality is far from a complete collapse, it’s a fight, one that requires constant engagement, vigilance, and active resistance to maintain. The fight is happening, and even small wins against the steady erosion of democratic principles are crucial to maintain hope and demonstrate that resistance is not in vain. We can’t allow ourselves to be intimidated into silence.
The belief that all our efforts are insignificant in the face of Trump’s power is simply incorrect. Collective action, while perhaps not resulting in immediate, dramatic change, is still significant. Even seemingly minor acts of resistance, such as supporting independent media, participating in peaceful protests, holding elected officials accountable, and voting in every election, all contribute to a larger effort to counter Trump’s influence and preserve our democratic values. The cumulative impact of these seemingly small actions can become significant over time.
Furthermore, ignoring the importance of resistance isn’t just about preventing immediate threats; it’s about preserving the future. The implications of allowing Trump’s actions to go unchallenged are far-reaching and deeply troubling. The potential for further erosion of democratic norms, the normalization of authoritarian behavior, and the silencing of dissent are all real and present dangers. Apathy is not neutrality; it’s complicity.
The fight is not easy. There will be setbacks and frustrations. But to believe resistance is futile is to give up before the battle has truly begun. We must not let Trump’s attempts to demoralize and discourage us succeed. We must find creative ways to resist, to organize, and to fight back against his authoritarian tendencies, whether through legal channels, civic engagement, or peaceful protest. It is our duty, our responsibility, to defend the values of democracy and ensure a just and equitable future for all. Resistance is not futile; it is the only path to preserving our freedoms.