"If I were to remain silent, I'd be guilty of complicity" attributed to Albert Einstein

National, local, and international organizations are planning potentially thousands of demonstrations across the US and the world on April 5, 2025. The purpose of these is to loudly and to visually voice opposition to the policies and actions of Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and the Republican lawmakers who have allowed the gutting of the service infrastructures, unauthorized access to sensitive personal information, and in some cases the disrupting funding for federal services.  These essential services include Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and many others.

While some of the courts have attempted to restrain the destruction of the services, the administration continues to defy judges’ rulings. The Republican controlled congress has not stepped up to their US Constitutional role to check  the administration’s abuse of power and protect these lawfully created and funded institutions.

What can individual citizens do? First, you can call, write, email, and visit your representatives and senators. It is important that they hear from their constituents even if they do not respond, respond negatively, or worse respond with dubious talking points from unverified sources. Apps, such as “5 Calls” offer help with accurate phone numbers and even with dialogue if you are a little shy with words. Internet search engines can locate online access. Often the congressional assistants and online processes will request your address and/or Zip Code. Remind them that you vote. You don’t have to have voted for them to demand that they hear your grievances and your needs. If you are in your voting district anytime, especially this summer, try to attend your representative’s town meetings, if he/she has them. You also can request in person meetings when they have returned to their districts. Keep the contact and the pressure up! Contact them weekly and across media and formats. Help your friends to contact their representatives.

Second, you can attend a “Hands Off” gathering this Saturday April 5 at 11:00 AM. However, be aware of special considerations for foreign (non-Mexican citizen) residents while in Mexico. Foreigners are prohibited from engaging in political activities, including demonstrations. There are legal discussions that advise that this only applies to Mexican politics. However, the US Embassy advises: “U.S. citizens should avoid participating in demonstrations that may be deemed political by authorities, as Mexican law prohibits political activities by foreign citizens, and participation may result in detention or deportation.” The warning does not reference any carve outs. What a Mexican entity may deem political may be broader than anticipated or the demonstration may be misinterpreted resulting in actions that could take months or years to reverse. Always verify that any gathering you attend has met legal requirements for permits and locations and watch to avoid being in or near any gathering where people show signs of violence or destruction of property. Democrats Abroad members can consult the events pages for “DA Resistance Events” and April 5 for any listed “hands Off” events near them.

Third, you can create your own virtual “hands off” rally. Watch news of the rallies worldwide and repost your favorites on your own social media platforms. Create your own signs and focus on your key concerns with Trump and Musk and the complicit Republican Congress. Homemade signs that look homemade are the most eye-catching and newsworthy as they affirm the grass roots authenticity of the participants. If you take photos or selfies with you and your signs, you can send them to Democrats Abroad Costa Banderas Chapter by email [email protected] so that we can include them in a collage of the event while obscuring facial recognition and identifiable backgrounds.

Remember that Resistance to what is occurring in DC is not contained within a single date or time, but it is an ongoing process that will lead us to the restoration of our democracy and our government based on truth, justice, and equality. The most important action is to continuously pressure your representatives to represent your needs. Make your voices heard and seen by them always and sometimes across the globe in a chorus too strong and clear to ignore. We are united and we are determined!