When Democracy Is at Stake, Silence Is Not an Option for West Seattle

By Miles Kotay

It's past time for people like me to speak out against the erosion of American democratic norms, institutions, and civil liberties.

It's time to stand against actions of the Trump Administration that fit the definition of authoritarianism.

By "people like me," I mean people for whom voting has been the extent of our civic engagement. We have not marched in protest, contacted our representatives, spoken out for causes we believe in, nor against actions we know are wrong.

To save our democracy, that must change.

Calling or writing to elected officials matters. Getting involved in nonviolent pro-democracy, grassroots movements -- such as West Seattle Indivisible -- matters.

Research shows that when at least 3.5% of the population actively participates, nonviolent movements succeed.

West Seattle's estimated population is around 83,000. 3.5% of that is roughly 2,900 people.

But because the pro-democracy movement in many red states is unlikely to reach 3.5% participation, West Seattle and places like it should aim for doubling our involvement.

That means we should encourage 6,000 of our West Seattle neighbors and friends to actively and continually push back against the erosion of American democratic norms and disregard for the rule of law.

6,000 West Seattleites calling or writing our elected officials matters. 6,000 West Seattleites participating in local pro-democracy rallies can make a difference.

Many West Seattleites already have joined the cause. We've seen impressive numbers of West Seattleites waving signs, marching, displaying banners above roads, and calling and writing the people we elected to represent us.

As many as there are, it is not enough.

As uncomfortable as it may be, now is the time for West Seattle people like me to stand up and speak out against unjust and oppressive governmental power, and to do so in significant numbers.

A good place for West Seattleites to start is with Seattle's "No Kings" rally, being held on June 14 alongside thousands of similar rallies across America.

If our civil liberties vanish and our children ask what you did to preserve them, what will you say?