Disclaimer: Everything on this Editorial Page is my opinion only, not necessarily the opinion or view of the Shasta County Democratic Action Club.
Published In Response To
Letter to the Editor: Redistricting California is not a fight the Democrats can win.
By Curtis Scott ● Letter to the Editor ● August 14, 2025, Shasta Scout
Curtis, thank you for your concern and careful thought on the Congressional redistricting issue. However, here’s how another “progressive” Shasta County long timer views this issue. You didn’t mention your political party affiliation. The difference might be that I’m a Democrat—sometimes proud of my party, sometimes not—but steadfast and in the trenches. So, here’s just one “progressive Democrat” evaluation:
For too long, Democrats have relied on No Party Preference and political centrist affiliates to acknowledge we are on the moral high ground, vote our way, and we have been told that when they go low, we go high. The result? We have gotten our asses kicked. Now, most “progressives” are sick and tired of that and are becoming “Good Trouble Activists.” In fact, Curtis, the “fire” you talk about, is here, now!
MAGA Trumpism’s scorched-earth authoritarian policies are burning what’s left of the Voting Rights Act (60 years old this week) and what’s left of Democracy as we know it to the ground! Quite literally and very soon, we might not have a Democracy any longer, if we don’t stop with the passive “Mr. Nice Guy” gamesmanship and become socialy-politicaly active.
In my youth, I fought fire with a chainsaw, McLeod, and a drip torch to create lines and controlled burns, removing fuel in a fire's path. And that is exactly what all progressive Democrats are going to do, because Trump’s fire is about to cross lines and burn the whole House of Representatives down, and our country along with it! Quoting CADEM Chair Rusty Hicks:
“We’re fighting back and defending democracy from a wannabe dictator. Because we can’t just sit on the sidelines while MAGA Republicans silence millions of voters before they even make it to the ballot box, it’s time to step up, fight back, and show the Nation what it means to be California Strong.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom just announced a special election for Nov. 4 to approve the TEMPORARY redrawn districts. In closing, I reference an old “progressive” labor song, “What side are you on, boys, what side are you on!” Curtis, it’s time for you, and for us all, to answer that question, and your vote will do just that!
Christian Gardinier
I Don't Know About You, But I'm Worried! By Christian Gardinier.
Help! This morning, I woke in a Bit Of A Panic! This is a personal (not an official DAC) examination of what's wrong. Now, I ask, "What The Hell Are We Going To Do?" Send me ideas!
Three Steps To Authoritarianism, On The Path To Fascism
-
Authoritarian - Anti-Democratic Takeover of the American Government.
-
Mass Media and Corporate Cowardice, Submission to Authoritarian Governance.
-
The Powerful minority is making a calculated decision that more than half of the American People, who are pro-democracy, who have the morals of equality for all regardless of race, orientation, socioeconomic status, really don’t matter. They believe we lack the power, courage, or the will to oppose or resist and will therefore consciously or unconsciously submit to authoritarian governance. Often, Authoritarianism Leads To Fascism.
Overview of Authoritarianism and Fascism:
A Personal Reflection On The Assassination of Charles Kirk By Christian Gardinier
As we all know, Charles Kirk, a political activist, co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, was assassinated last Wednesday.
In my opinion, Kirk, like MAGA Cult hero Trump, was a White Nationalist and Christo-Fascist who was a rising star of the MAGA movement. Many of his ideas and statements were disturbing and, frankly, disgusting. But Kirk also had a family and two children.
We don't have to own Kirk's thoughts, feelings, behaviors, or labels. Buying into that sickness is an acceptance of the social disease that people like Trump and Kirk try to force on the American people. WE DO NOT ACCEPT! WE RESIST!
What we do own is empathy, nonviolence, equality of opportunity, and justice for all, regardless of skin color, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status, grounded in the principles and ideals of Democracy and the U.S. Constitution. Protest, speak out, stand your ground, get involved, demand equality and justice for everyone, but do so peacefully and with compassion for all.
Like Charles Kirk, Trump embodies the opposite of what we believe to be true. But adopting a stance that killing is just "Collateral Damage" in the fight for justice is submitting to the core principles of Trumpism, which lead to hate, fascism, and yes, political violence. Don't let MAGA take your core beliefs away from you. You are you, own yourself!