An opinion in the New York Times by Ben Rhodes – deputy national security adviser under President Barack Obama.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/21/opinion/democrats-trump-resistance.html

Ben Rhodes has some great advice about the grassroots of organizing; he brings it up in the context of Donald Trump, but some core precepts apply here in Manitoba. Here are some highlights from the article.

Ben Rhodes quoting Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut:

“There’s a lot of folks who are nervous about getting into our tent,” Mr. Murphy said, “because they think they’ll use the wrong words, or they’ll get canceled, or if they’re with us on 11 out of 12 issues we don’t want them.” It is easier to invite someone into a movement if all you both must agree on is one issue, not a dozen.

Mr. Rhodes adds:

We need authenticity. We need to know that the party is willing to fight for the things that matter most to people in this country and is unafraid to take on the special interests that are destroying it. Don’t just tell us what policy or program you are for; tell us why you are for it. Show leadership by letting a new generation ascend. 

I believe that people across the country want to be asked to join an opposition where they can be part of the solution.

The opposite of shame is pride. Let’s be proud of fighting back, of caring about one another, of committing to rebuild what is being destroyed.