Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Post

Sounding the Alarm ‼️ There will not be another time to Fight Against the Takeover ‼️ The Republican GOP PROJECT 2025 government take over plan in the 2024 Presidential Election to include four Pillars “Mandate, Recruitment Project, Presidential Training Academy, and the Playbook.” https://lnkd.in/eyjy9VQz Project 2025 envisions widespread changes across the government, particularly economic and social policies and the role of the federal government and its agencies. The plan proposes slashing funding for the Department of Justice (DOJ), dismantling the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS), sharply reducing environmental and climate change regulations to favor fossil fuel production, eliminating the Department of Commerce, and ending the independence of federal agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Project 2025 recommends abolishing the Department of Education, whose programs would be either transferred to other agencies, or terminated. Cutting funding for climate research while the National Institutes of Health (NIH) would be reformed along conservative principles. The Project urges government to explicitly reject abortion as health care and eliminate the Affordable Care Act coverage of emergency contraception. The Project seeks to infuse the government with elements of Christianity. Project 2025 proposes criminalizing pornography, removing protections against discrimination based on sexual or gender identity, and terminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, as well as affirmative action. The Project advises the future president to immediately deploy the military for domestic law enforcement and direct the DOJ to pursue Donald Trump's adversaries by invoking the Insurrection Act of 1807. Policy - to build a total authoritarian dictatorship, to gut governmental bodies (administrative Agencies) which governs federal and state level government, FDA, EPA, CDC, DOH, FBI, etc! Placing all national power to the President under the control of the elite! Outlawing China media control technology, Pornography, Same sex marriage and LGBTQ 🏳️🌈 Outlawing and removal of Books that speaks of anything that doesn’t follow and include National Christianity Tracking government position application databases - To select individuals that will follow the 2025 Project appointed by the President Training - To prepare candidates to serve under the new administration Project 2025 critics described it as an authoritarian Christian nationalist movement and a path for the United States to become an autocracy. Several experts in law have indicated that it would undermine the rule of law and the separation of powers. Some conservatives and Republicans criticized the plan, for example in the contexts of centralizing power, climate change, and foreign trade.

Time to address the elephant in the room, because change is here, whether some want it or not. As Barbara F. Walter highlighted in her TED Talk, "The people who tend to start civil wars, especially ethnically-based civil wars, are the groups that had once been politically dominant but are in decline." This insight strikes a deep chord when we look at the current landscape of the U.S. In the U.S., the rise of militias, primarily driven by white men who see America's changing identity as a direct threat to their status, is alarming. These were the same individuals who marched on the Capitol on January 6. Their tactics to preserve dominance are insidious and multifaceted, in attempts to manipulate the system using institutions like the Supreme Court to do their dirty work by: ** Taking Away Reproductive Rights: The assault on women's reproductive rights is a blatant effort to control and subjugate women. ** Attempting To Make Interracial Marriages: There are even attempts to roll back progress by challenging the legality of interracial marriages. ** Installing Minority Puppet Leaders: Installing minority leaders who will act as pawns to keep their communities in check is another insidious tactic. So, why is this happening now? As Walter puts it, "It's happening now because of demographic change." The shifting demographics of the country are seen as a threat by those who once held unchallenged power. To address this potential slide into anocracy, Walter suggests, "We have to improve the rule of law. We have to ensure equal access to every citizen to the vote. We have to reduce corruption and we have to improve the quality of government services." However, reforming a government is a monumental task. It takes time and often seems impossible. This is exactly where the U.S finds itself today, almost paralyzed. Change is coming, and while it may be met with resistance, it is ultimately for the betterment of all. I see this as a pivotal moment. What are your thoughts? WHAT IS AN ANOCRACY GOVERNMENT? Anocracy, or semi-democracy, is a form of government that is loosely defined as part democracy and part dictatorship, or as a "regime that mixes democratic with autocratic features." https://lnkd.in/eMAw46P6

NEW: Accountable.US and the Center for American Progress conducted a poll confirming that Americans see Project 2025 exactly for what it is — an extreme plan to: 👉 Consolidate power in the presidency like in other authoritarian governments 👉 Gut checks and balances to give extremists more control over everyday Americans’ lives 👉 Take away our personal freedoms It’s no surprise that conservatives keep trying to distance themselves from Project 2025. The far-right agenda is deeply unpopular with everyday Americans, who clearly don’t support this outrageous power grab by extremists, big corporations, and special interests allies. We can’t let these powerful interests take total control over our lives, our rights, and our freedoms. Read about our new polling in this summary memo — https://lnkd.in/eKigHfYp — and learn more about Accountable.US’s work to expose who’s behind Project 2025 at ExposeProject2025.org.

As we conclude the "Democratic Voices From" series, we shine a spotlight on remarkable individuals from #LatinAmerica who are leading the charge for democratic values. Paola Gálvez Callirgos🌐 from IdonIA Lab, along with Alexa Zamora and Isadora Suarez de Zubillaga from the World Liberty Congress, exemplify unwavering commitment and courage in their efforts to build societies marked by peace, freedom, and opportunity for future generations. Latin America's diverse voices echo a resounding call for democratic progress. Their tireless dedication reminds us that despite the challenges we face, democracy remains not only resilient but also essential for shaping a brighter future. Let's come together to protect and fortify democratic principles, today and every day to ensure that the voices advocating for positive change in Latin America and beyond are heard and respected. #ThankYouDemocracy #VoicesOfLAC #SocialChange

Today, for Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we celebrate the culture, history, and accomplishments of Indigenous peoples in the US, while recognizing the ongoing struggle for recognition and equality that Indigenous communities face. Read more about the history and meaning of Indigenous People's Day here: https://bit.ly/4eIpegC

As we enter 2024, the complex political landscape in the United States, marked by division and a struggling Congress, presents unique challenges and opportunities for Christian engagement in public policy.

This piece calls to mind the heady days of 2017, working with my fabulous then-colleagues Gauri van Gulik, Ashfaq Khalfan, and Osama Bhutta, on how Amnesty International should respond to surging right-wing populism. We proposed four things. #1 and #4 are echoed here by The Economist, but all remain necessary: 1. Engage issues that matter to people who feel left behind, their legitimate grievances. Don’t ignore them. 2. Speak to the heart. If you want to know how, go to Thomas Coombes whose hope-based communications is so transformative. 3. Build movement diversity so we look like the societies we want to influence. To do this we have to think holistically about diversity. 4. Don’t stay in the abstract realm of international law but go local, partner with faith communities, be in the places where people’s deepest values are formed and sustained.

Honoring Indigenous Peoples Day today, but one day is not enough. Here is an article to learn how to think and act in ways that support Indigenous Peoples beyond this one day. https://lnkd.in/gfhpC4qB

As we observe Juneteenth, the AAMC recognizes the significance of this day in American history and the importance of reflecting on our collective journey toward equality. June 19 marks the true end of slavery in the United States, a crucial moment when Major General Gordon Granger and Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. Yet, nearly 160 years later, we continue to strive for the fundamental promise of ‘liberty and justice for all.’ Systemic change requires more than new rules; it demands personal accountability, education, courage, and the willingness to engage in difficult conversations. We must unlearn long-held societal norms and confront the ways historical injustices shape today's inequalities. As Frederick Douglass wisely noted, “The life of the nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous.” Let us seize this moment to commit to creating a future where equity and justice are realities for all. #Juneteenth #Equity #AcademicMedicine #SocialJustice

As voting season approaches for indigenous community, notice a growing sense of division murmuring through community, which once stood united in support of one another. In the past, if an elder or mother needed anything, the community rallied together to provide assistance. However, I fear unity has waned due to the historical injustices within the colonized system, where one was forced to fight for meager resources to survive. That era has passed, and it's time to transcend divisions. Instead of pitting one member against another, let us remember our strength lies in unity. As we navigate the intersection of tradition and the future, it's essential to strike a balance that preserves our heritage while embracing progress. Stand together drawing upon collective wisdom and resilience to forge a future where solidarity prevails over division.