By Lillian Poulsen, Digital Organizer
250 years ago, Americans rejected monarchy to form a democratic republic. While it feels like this country is headed toward authoritarianism, it’s important for us to remember we, the people, are in charge.
America became a country because we wanted our freedoms. Freedom of speech, the right to vote, and freedom of religion; these are what Americans think are most important. But we worry the government is threatening our freedoms. We feel nervous, disheartened, and even angry about the direction of the country.
Questioning America’s history and current politics isn’t an attack on patriotism or culture, but a concern for whether America prioritizes the right things. We want leaders who celebrate this country and make it affordable to live here.
Every day, Americans experience the reality of a country run by the corrupt, ultra-wealthy. We face constant rising costs, unaffordable and inaccessible housing, cuts to healthcare and social programs, and endless attempts to undermine voting rights.
Trump’s Presidency
People who view this country heading in the wrong direction blame Trump, war, inflation and gas prices. Americans feel concerned about the Iran conflict and the U.S.’s ongoing involvement in the Middle East.
Many Americans view Trump as a divisive president, and point to his stances on transgender rights, access to health care, voting restrictions, and more. His fight to keep trans people from using their preferred bathrooms, his attempts to make it harder for people to qualify for and keep Medicaid, and his Executive Order that restricts mail-in voting are all attempts to hurt the American people.
Trump’s presidency has been marred with political conflict on both sides of the aisle. While he often fights with progressives for most of their stances, he also attacks conservatives’ rights to privacy, security, and safety.
Regardless of political views, Trump targets marginalized communities, especially people of color, rural individuals, and LGBTQ2S+ folks.
Indigenous History
While some Americans celebrate this historical year, Indigenous communities reflect on what the U.S. government stole from them. Their lands, their rights, and their lives changed because America became a country.
The U.S. would not exist without Native history or acknowledging the land Americans stole. The 1830 Indian Removal Act and the 1887 Dawes Act enacted by two presidents forced Indigenous people to relocate. The Trail of Tears forced the displacement of Indigenous communities, resulting in the ethnic cleansing of over 60,000 people.
America broke countless treaties with Native communities. The U.S. signed about 370 treaties with Indigenous people in its first 100 years, saying each tribe was an independent nation. Americans used western expansion as a reason to break these treaties and move into Native communities, pushing them to small parcels of land.
Indigenous communities are resilient. There are between 3 to 8 million Indigenous Americans with 326 federal Indian reservations and 574 recognized tribes. Native Americans celebrate their cultures through dance, storytelling, food, and more.
Montana is home to seven reservations – Fort Peck, Fort Belknap, Blackfeet, Crow, Flathead, Northern Cheyenne, and Rocky Boy’s – and 12 recognized tribes – Blackfeet, Crow, Confederated Salish, Pend d’Oreille, Kootenai, Gros Ventre, Assiniboine, Sioux, Little Shell Chippewa, Northern Cheyenne, Chippewa, and Cree. American Indians make up about 8% – 91,000 people – of Montana’s population.
We the People
America is for the people. The ones on the ground helping their friends and neighbors through hard times. Those organizing around the issues that impact us all. The people who share hope and joy in challenging times. We who make change and serve as the voices of reason and justice.
Montanans advocate for the right of LGBTQ2S+ people to exist without persecution. We introduce and vote for ballot initiatives that aim to protect our rights. We fight against the construction of AI data centers. We challenge a president who tries to disenfranchise voters. We use youth power to stand up for liberty and justice for all.
While we bear witness to Trump and his administration’s attempts to silence us, we must remember that we hold the power. Together we can create the change we need to protect ourselves and our neighbors.
Sign petitions, register to vote, vote in local elections, and use your voice to stand up to fascism. Reject white supremacy, stand with marginalized communities, and give a shit about what’s happening in your local and state governments.
Celebrate America’s birthday with an act of resistance; it’s American.