To the editor:
It was so encouraging to hear that proud patriots in Jefferson County were holding a protest rally in front of the county courthouse to speak out against the potential privatization of the U.S. Postal Service. However, it was also discouraging to be told that it was "not smart" for the Democratic party to lead a protest. That's all I needed to hear to convince me that I had to be there for last Sunday's event and I was so pleased to see that other local Democrats made sure to be present to offer their support.
The crowd that gathered was diverse and included representatives from the United Mineworkers and Service Employees International Union. Ron Green, who's vice president of the National Association of Letter Carriers, local branch 164, told us what's at stake. If the Trump administration is successful in dismantling one of our oldest and most important institutions, it will only benefit Trump and his authoritarian regime. Green says we can expect higher prices and diminished service, especially in our rural areas. That would mean attempts at communication and getting out your message would become even more difficult. Simplified absentee voting by mail won't be so simple. Grandma doesn't go online, so will she be able to send those birthday cards to her beloved grandkids? Even if she does, will they get there on time? You can bet any corporatist that buys the USPS won't consider Grandma a priority. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk consistently show their eagerness to limit the free speech of others, while they demand theirs.
I am the child of a strong and legendary union leader who taught me always to fight for the underdog, even if it's just for spite. I walked my first picket line at the age of 12, alongside my dad, where I also learned that the loss of freedom is greater if we don't fight for all people to be free. That's why we need more courthouse rallies for all the groups facing attacks. Speak up for the veterans, the seniors, the women, the teachers, people of color, LGBTQIA, the hungry children, the lawyers and the judges. All of our futures and the future of our children are at stake. Consumer activist and one-time presidential candidate Ralph Nader recently said, "When you shut down the civic community, you shut down democracy."
That's why we need to organize right here in our county. Rally weekly. Hold town hall meetings, even if the elected officials don't show up. Change starts in our own backyard. Chuck Schumer isn't brave enough to save us. Our local leaders won't save us. We must band together and save ourselves. Our democracy, our cities and towns and our people are worth it.
Marjie DeFede
Rayland