Hold Republicans accountable. Maps make it easier to understand how Republican votes hurt you and who to hold accountable. DemLabs creates interactive maps like the three below on Medicaid, mass shootings and pandemics. The maps overlay the Congressional district with the harm Republicans have and are causing in that area. The maps are free to share and you can find dozens more on plane crashes, Social Security, Veterans etc. on our website. Search by keyword under ARCHIVES. https://thedemlabs.org/blog/
Which 10 districts will suffer the most from Republican Medicaid budget cuts? Check this map!
I have been actively speaking out against my local Republican representative Darin LaHood in Illinois for months. He never responds to emails or phone messages. There are weekly protests at his office in Normal, Il. None of these things seem to have made a difference. I watched him on last night’s local news bragging about voting “yes” for the MAGA murder bill, and it made me so distraught that I was unable to sleep.
What really bothers me most about him is that he wins re-election every time he is up for it because there is never anybody running against him. How I wish someone would step up next year and run for his seat for IL-16. He does NOT represent the majority of us.
Another good piece. Adam Kinzinger says until GOP reps are more scared of their constituents than they are of Trump, they'll continue to obey him unquestioningly. As for protests as a tactic, I'd add two thoughts however. One, not only will the NOT dissuade Trump, they likely delight him as the narcissist craves being the center of attention irrespective of the nature of that attention. Still and all, I do believe there is a value to massive protest ALONDGSIDE the pressuring of GOP reps. That value is not in pressuring Trump but rather in drawing the attention of and potentially engaging millions of otherwise disinterested or timid segments of the electorate whose passions are stimulated by the sights and sounds of mass mobilization. Taken in concert, the two tactics together can inform a path forward.
Could not agree more. Both need to happen, among other tactics I’m not smart enough to think of. Only full court press will meet the moral urgency of what we’re up against.
This excellent, historical essay reminds us of the effectiveness of demonstrations and other forms of people power. This is inspiring! We need role models in our own country and other countries who have organized to banish their malignant autocrats.
Brent: What about local DEM lawmakers who are maga collaborators— not only refusing to resist, but even rubber stamping the maga agenda? Would the same recommendations hold? Or would you recommend a somewhat different approach?
Hold Republicans accountable. Maps make it easier to understand how Republican votes hurt you and who to hold accountable. DemLabs creates interactive maps like the three below on Medicaid, mass shootings and pandemics. The maps overlay the Congressional district with the harm Republicans have and are causing in that area. The maps are free to share and you can find dozens more on plane crashes, Social Security, Veterans etc. on our website. Search by keyword under ARCHIVES. https://thedemlabs.org/blog/
Which 10 districts will suffer the most from Republican Medicaid budget cuts? Check this map!
https://thedemlabs.org/2025/05/19/which-10-districts-will-suffer-the-most-from-republican-medicaid-cuts-check-this-map/
Republicans to allow deadlier guns: Mapping the Gun Lobby political donations and mass shootings
https://thedemlabs.org/2025/05/19/republicans-to-allow-deadlier-guns-mapping-the-gun-lobby-political-donations-and-mass-shootings/
RFK Jr. limits use of Covid vaccine: Mapping the 1.2 million reasons behind this death wish
https://thedemlabs.org/2025/05/18/rfk-jr-limits-use-of-covid-vaccine-mapping-1-2-million-reasons-behind-this-death-wish/
I have been actively speaking out against my local Republican representative Darin LaHood in Illinois for months. He never responds to emails or phone messages. There are weekly protests at his office in Normal, Il. None of these things seem to have made a difference. I watched him on last night’s local news bragging about voting “yes” for the MAGA murder bill, and it made me so distraught that I was unable to sleep.
What really bothers me most about him is that he wins re-election every time he is up for it because there is never anybody running against him. How I wish someone would step up next year and run for his seat for IL-16. He does NOT represent the majority of us.
We have vulnerable Michelle Steele near LA. Great idea.
Another good piece. Adam Kinzinger says until GOP reps are more scared of their constituents than they are of Trump, they'll continue to obey him unquestioningly. As for protests as a tactic, I'd add two thoughts however. One, not only will the NOT dissuade Trump, they likely delight him as the narcissist craves being the center of attention irrespective of the nature of that attention. Still and all, I do believe there is a value to massive protest ALONDGSIDE the pressuring of GOP reps. That value is not in pressuring Trump but rather in drawing the attention of and potentially engaging millions of otherwise disinterested or timid segments of the electorate whose passions are stimulated by the sights and sounds of mass mobilization. Taken in concert, the two tactics together can inform a path forward.
Could not agree more. Both need to happen, among other tactics I’m not smart enough to think of. Only full court press will meet the moral urgency of what we’re up against.
This excellent, historical essay reminds us of the effectiveness of demonstrations and other forms of people power. This is inspiring! We need role models in our own country and other countries who have organized to banish their malignant autocrats.
Brent: What about local DEM lawmakers who are maga collaborators— not only refusing to resist, but even rubber stamping the maga agenda? Would the same recommendations hold? Or would you recommend a somewhat different approach?