Just when you think it can’t get much worse, American diplomacy led by President Trump and Vice President Vance – implodes on national television.

Regardless of which side you’re on, most will agree what happened during last weeks meeting with Ukraine President Zelensky, has severely harmed America’s reputation as a leader in the free world.

Actually, it’s worse than that. Without question, the health, safety, and stability of our world is much more at risk today than it was just one week ago.

When leadership was needed the most, these guys whether intentionally or unintentionally, totally dropped the ball.

Berating and belittling an international friend and ally on a world stage, then shutting him down when he tries to defend himself – is not leadership.

President Donald Trump calling former President Joe Biden “stupid” on national television while sitting in the Oval Office are not the actions of a leader.

Telling the President of Ukraine who’s fighting desperately to defend his country, essentially to “Take my deal, give me your minerals, take a knee, kiss the ring, and say thank you, or I’ll leave you and your people to Russia and they can do with you as they like.” – is not leadership. It may demonstrate the presence of a powerful deal-making thug, but it’s not leadership.

President Trump’s recent speech before Congress, just added fuel to the fire. To say his presentation was full of half-truths and misstatements of fact, and that he was totally lacking in courtesy, empathy, modesty, or humility – would be gross understatements.

I received an email a few days ago with a short and to the point message, “I’ve been reading your stuff for a while. Can you help us on the national level? The manure pile that’s been building up has been flung into the windmill. Can you please direct me to the revolution?”

I’ve gotten more than a few of these notes recently – referring to “revolution” and/or expressing fear of a coming “civil war”.

As individuals living in a small community far from the global centers of power, what positive and tangible actions can we, and must we take?

I can only speak to what I personally am doing and encourage others who feel similarly, to do similarly.

First of all, take a deep breath. Go for a walk. Turn off the news. Throttle back the fear and anxiety. Take a dip in the ocean. Hug your kids. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in years.

Next, think about your own security and tighten up the loose ends. Think about “disaster preparedness” and get ready – flashlights, radio, batteries, water, etc – I’m serious. Hopefully I’m wrong and if so, at least you’re prepared for the next hurricane or tsunami.

Stay informed. Resist “doom scrolling” through the news, but stay informed.

Plant food. I’m personally cleaning my yard of overgrown greenery that feeds no-one, and replanting with stuff I can eat.

While my budget may not allow me to “leave the grid”, I’m looking into it.
If disruption comes, we must be ready first in our own homes.

But what else must we do?

For starters, we must actively boycott those businesses supporting this testosterone charged madness.

We must also continue contacting our members of Congress, as well as friends and relatives across the continent offering encouragement and support.

In addition, today I’m signing up for news/action alerts and sending in a little bit of money to Indivisible Hawaiʻi https://indivisiblehawaii.org

The Indivisible Hawaiʻi Statewide Network has eleven chapters, spanning four islands, mobilizing thousands of residents.

AND we must continue to monitor and push our local government to support truly affordable housing, protect those minority communities now under attack, increase energy independence, and block efforts to dismantle environmental protections.

What is lacking most of all is leadership. We must step up our own personal efforts to lead in our own towns and communities, and we must seek out and encourage others at the state and national levels to do the same.

But let’s not fool ourselves, this is not just about electing a new President in 2028 who will somehow lead us to the promised land.

It’s about each and every one of us stepping up and taking ownership of our democracy – TODAY.

Remember, The Revolution Will Not Be Televised – “True change will not be brought by corporations, but rather through a change in one’s own mind and actions.” National Civil Rights Museum

Gary L. Hooser
https://garyhooser.blog

8 years – Kaua`i County Council

8 years – Hawai’i State Senate – 4 as Majority Leader
Former Vice Chair Democratic Party of Hawai’i