When Power Ducks, People Step Up
It’s been a week of whiplash: wins and setbacks colliding at breakneck speed. Just as the people score a major victory against the political machine, the institutions meant to protect them reveal their deep rot. This is the rhythm of American politics now—one step forward, two gut punches back.
Let’s start with the good news.
In New York City, Zohran Mamdani delivered a stunning win against the Democratic machine. His opponent, the disgraced former Governor Andrew Cuomo, backed by Clinton, Clyburn, and Bloomberg’s $25 million Super PAC blitz, fell flat. Mamdani’s campaign, rooted in people-powered politics and bold progressive values, showed what’s possible when politicians actually listen to their communities instead of their donors and consultant led focus groups.
Impeachment Cowardice in the House
But while voters were rejecting establishment power in NYC, House Democrats were enabling it in Washington.
When presented with a chance to hold Donald Trump accountable for illegal airstrikes on Iran, 128 Democrats voted to block an impeachment inquiry, aligning with the GOP. It was a stunning act of political cowardice.
On democracyish Live, Representative Ro Khanna defended his vote by citing “consistency,” arguing it would be hypocritical to impeach Trump for something past presidents like Obama and Biden also did. But this logic fails to account for scale and context: Trump’s presidency was defined by domestic terror, white nationalist alliances, and lawless violence. Inaction here doesn’t look like principle—it looks like surrender.
The Court’s Quiet Cruelty
That same week, the Supreme Court delivered a blow with enormous consequences. In a 6–3 ruling, the Court cleared the way for South Carolina to defund Planned Parenthood, giving red states permission to deny Medicaid funding to clinics that provide abortions.
This isn’t just about reproductive rights. Planned Parenthood provides lifesaving care—cancer screenings, pap smears, OBGYN services. The ruling will hit rural women, especially poor women of color, hardest. It’s part of a broader strategy: weaponize courts to dismantle rights under the guise of "state control."
And while Republicans try to defund your healthcare, they’re also trying to sell your public lands—literally. Hidden in their budget bill was a provision to sell 3.3 million acres of federal land to offset tax cuts for the ultra-rich. Only parliamentary rules forced its removal.
Hope, Pride, and the Power of Persistence
Amid the setbacks, there were still sparks of joy and resistance. June 26th marked 10 years since the Obergefell decision, which legalized marriage equality. It’s a powerful reminder that progress comes from relentless organizing—and that the fights of today will shape the victories of tomorrow.
As Pride Month ends, we must remember: Pride began as a rebellion. The LGBTQ+ community is once again under siege, and defending their rights is a shared responsibility. You don’t have to be queer to stand for dignity and freedom.
The Road Ahead
The Democratic Party now faces a fork in the road. It can continue chasing mythical “middle ground” and letting fear dictate strategy—or it can embrace the people who are ready to lead. Voters are no longer asking politely. They want leaders who fight like they mean it.
This week proved the stakes are higher than ever. But it also proved the people are paying attention—and they’re not afraid to change the game.
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