Our Power Lies in Solidarity

After Donald Trump’s sweeping victory in last night’s election, where he won Pennsylvania and likely all seven battleground states in a landslide, we need to face the truth: the United States is descending into rightwing authoritarianism. Trump has promised to authorize mass deportations at a scale never seen before, send the National Guard into communities like ours, deport international students who express support for Palestine, and enact a plan to remake the entire government to shore up power for himself and rightwing loyalists. Right now, it looks like Republicans will also win the U.S. House, the Senate, and they already control the Courts, removing any barriers that might’ve slowed his agenda in his first term. 

In Pennsylvania, Republicans won control of the Attorney General, Auditor, Treasurer, and Dave McCormick is pacing to take Bob Casey’s Senate seat. This is a devastating blow for our communities. The AG, in particular, will directly impact the 5,300 people in PA sentenced to Death By Incarceration whose only pathway home is through a unanimous vote at the Board of Pardons. 

This is a harrowing moment for our country, especially the Black, Brown, and poor communities that make up much of our base. Queer people, incarcerated people, people with mental health challenges, people without health insurance, people who use drugs––everyone who does not fit into a white nationalist vision of America––is going to be extremely vulnerable in the weeks, months, and years to come. 

Liberalism has failed. Long term, we need a new political vision that will center the people who have been crushed by capitalism and pushed to the margins of our society. In the meantime, we can’t afford to isolate ourselves or scapegoat each other. Our power lies in solidarity. This is a moment to go deeper into building power in our communities to secure the material resources we need to thrive. It’s also a moment to donate to local organizations with deep roots working for racial justice, immigration justice, climate justice, disability justice, reproductive care, mental health care, and more. 

This isn’t the end of the road but merely the beginning of the next phase of the fight. We are proud to continue standing shoulder to shoulder with all of you and alongside our comrades fighting for the world we deserve. 

won’t you celebrate with me

By Lucille Clifton

won't you celebrate with me

what i have shaped into

a kind of life? i had no model.

born in babylon

both nonwhite and woman

what did i see to be except myself?

i made it up

here on this bridge between

starshine and clay,

my one hand holding tight

my other hand; come celebrate

with me that everyday

something has tried to kill me

and has failed.