Author Note: As simple and naïve as this may sound, my new subversive social message and political metric is kindness. The social message is intentional kindness. Kindness everywhere; kindness as often as we can muster. The political metric is, “Who is acting with kindness?” Let kindness be our judge.
Occasionally in my life, I’ve seen the future. This moderately delusional belief is related to my love of prediction. Right now, I see tomorrow’s opportunities unfolding. I’m sharing my vision here as a strategy for nudging these opportunities forward. The future I’m seeing is all about, “A Declaration of Independence.”
You might view this post as political. I’m sure it is. That said, my intent is humanitarian. I want people to be treated with respect and compassion. Again, think of kindness.
Donald Trump has begun his presidency at a manic pace. This is a planned mania. He needs mania now, because his days are numbered; his days are numbered due to his age and the forthcoming midterm elections—when he could and should lose substantial power. He and his team can feel the clock ticking.
His mania is a confession of vulnerability. Approximately half the republican party lie in wait for their moment of emancipation . . . the moment to make their declaration of independence from Donald Trump.
************************************
Dear Moderate Republicans,
This is your moment.
Now is the time to seize the day.
You have an unprecedented opportunity for heroism.
I know you can feel and sense this opportunity. You’re too smart and savvy to be ignorant of political opportunity. You must know that now is the time for you to stand up and do what’s right and good for the country and for the world.
Heroism requires self-sacrifice; it involves risk. You cannot achieve hero status without engaging in risky, humanitarian, and possibly sacrificial acts.
But you have a rare heroic opportunity to benefit OTHERS while simultaneously benefiting YOURSELF. Yes, there is still risk.
The risk involves standing up to Donald Trump. And, while that is a risk, most of the country and most of the world are waiting and hoping for someone to emerge who represents wise leadership. You know it’s not Elon Musk or J.D. Vance. It could be you.
Risk is frightening. Risk is also invigorating. Incredibly invigorating.
But why take a risk when you can—in poker terminology—stand pat, take no risk, and continue to experience a modest gain from remaining a status quo supporter of Donald Trump.
Here’s why.
You know in your heart how good it will feel to honor what you know to be true. To live your life with a clear conscience; to look yourself in the mirror and say, “I did something amazing.”
If following your heart and conscience needs a nudge, here are a few actions you’ve been asked to lie about—to yourself and to the American people:
- Allowing a vaccine-denier to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services, a Fox News analyst as Secretary of Defense, a potential Russian asset as Secretary of Intelligence, and a professional wrestling executive for Secretary of Education. You know America deserves better.
- Replacing traditional federal oversight mechanisms (like Inspectors General) with Musk and his DOGE crew to cruelly eliminate what they judge to be waste in the federal system. You know the depth and breadth of Musk’s conflicts of interest. You know that giving him more power will not satiate his voracious hunger for even more power.
- Ignoring the dangers of reaching out to Putin and turning our backs on Ukraine.
- Pretending that creating a Gazan coastal resort to further the Trump/Musk empire is a just and viable road to peace in the Middle East.
- Giving the go-ahead to illegal and unregulated mass deportations and the repopulating of an unaccountable Guantanamo Bay.
- Acting as if the U.S. can unilaterally annex Canada, grab Greenland, and steal the Panama Canal.
- Trusting that global tariff wars will improve relationships with our allies or reduce the cost of eggs.
- And finally, you cannot give up your critically important constitutional responsibilities to rein in a power-hungry executive branch. The founding fathers created a system with separation of powers for times like these. Don’t let them down.
Now is the time to pick one or more of the preceding issues and stand firm in the face of the Donald Trump-Musk bloviating firestorm. You risk threats, name-calling, and manipulation; but, the majority of Americans (and global citizens) are waiting, hoping, and longing for YOU to step up and stand strong.
People will shower you with praise, affection, and much more power and attention than you’ll ever get by playing it safe as a quiet member of the Trumpian order.
By standing up for truth, you will be revered.
Honor your conscience. Be honest with yourself. Make Americans proud.
This is your moment.
Be strong.
John Sommers-Flanagan 
Thank you for these caring words of wisdom.
Thanks Robin!
Thank you, Dr. John for your wise words and predictions that I pray come true. I know your crystal ball rarely lets you down. I hope the ‘ right ‘ people read and take your message to heart! My new slogan is MASA. Make America Smart Again. The mid terms MUST right so many wrongs.
your friend,
Kaye
Thanks, John, for daring to speak your truth.
John, I applaud your advocacy and message. And I envy your hope. Unfortunately, the Republican party and conservatives, who exist in name only in deference to the Trumpian party, had their chance on January 6 to reclaim their party (which many voiced a desire to do so) but retreated. Those who stood strong such as Liz Cheney no longer have a position and have been demonized and threatened. Perhaps it will get so bad that some Trumpians might band together and push back, but when the other billionaire has promised to throw millions of dollars into the campaign of anyone who challenges our dictator, I am NOT hopeful that integrity and courage will win the day. One of my sons was devastated after the election and warned of carnage. Another family member (who also voted for Harris) tried to provide comfort by saying that hopefully the dictator’s heartless decisions would have minimal impact on his daily life. My son was already let go from his consulting position with a local public health agency due to fear of Musk’s minion’s audit. He had been revamping and updating their emergency response protocols. But it could be worse. He could be depending on promised U.S. aid to survive or be fired at midnight after a career of public service with no explanation. Republicans stand by silently while human beings are viewed as political pawns. When they do speak up, it is a polite whisper focusing concerns about THEIR particular farmers, businesses, etc. with little or no regard to those PEOPLE outside their district. And there is something sadly ironic about two billionaires dismantling USAID. I imagine there are lots of farmers, business owners, and federal employees (and family members of these) who voted for our dictator who are now saying, “Geez, what did I do?”. I hate it that I find some solace in knowing that Trump will fire Musk at some point.
Sadly, Brent, I basically agree with everything you wrote. That said, I’m hanging onto whatever delusional form of hope I can manage to hang onto. Very sorry for your son losing his position. . . along with so many others. The bizarre thing about supposed “Waste and fraud” is that nearly everyone knows that these guys are the biggest wasters and fraudsters of all. That’s WHY they have all that $$ and power.