To all the ppl nearby:

Yes, we are fighting for our democracy.

Let's not fight for it by becoming the enemy. Let's not fight for it by marginalizing already marginalized voices. Let's remember what really stands out here is our commitment to some basic beliefs.

1. Do we believe racism, misogyny, and other bigotry is wrong and has harmed our country, slowly twisting it into what is now a terrible, unrecognizable mess?

2. Do we believe there are standards of decency and kindness and truthfulness that we shld at least try to follow?

3. Do we believe that rule of law matters?

4. Do we believe in our Constitution?

5. Do we think that those we have marginalized deserve a voice?

6. Do we believe in basic human rights?

7. In transparency in government?

8. In honesty as a basic premise to uphold?

9. Do those among us w/ more privileges understand there is pain we don't experience and that we don't see? Pain we shld not perpetuate, as it makes us like those we are fighting to stop?

10. Do we truly want to stop the pain of those who have been marginalized all this time?

I mean, these are questions we should be asking. And I'm sure I missed a lot of questions that wld naturally follow.

My point is we can't give up our ethics right now; we are the only ones holding onto any at all.

When you tell ppl we're supposed to be standing with, standing side by side and fighting for, that they need to shut up now, so we can "win," your message isn't that you are really standing with them.

When we lower our ethical standards like this, I am positive they hear "I don't really care abt you. I care abt me. But I'll tell you that I care abt you to win. After this is over, I want you to go back to the shadows where you belong." If you want truly strong voter turnout?

Giving up our ethical standards isn't the way to do it. Turning our backs on those among us who are oppressed is not it.

Those w/more privilege need to check their privilege and need to admit their faults and need to, in many cases, step aside to allow someone else to lead, if they can't keep hold of their ethical values when they are afraid. Also, why the fuck are you letting your fear rule you?

Quit that, too. We can win this if you don't start freaking out. You can't beat them if you have to become them.