UNLESS ......

We need to start to care a whole lot more if we want to have this country after the Trump Regime.

Editor’s note- This post is my way of introducing the second installment of my Issues that Matter series, Voting.

I’ve been reflecting on what America needs to do to prevent a second Trump regime.

Donald Trump is like a schoolyard bully—someone who has never been told no or allowed to fail. Each time he stumbles, he bounces back quickly. On the playground, he keeps lashing out and using his power to harm others.

Then one day, someone says enough.

Photo by Saif71.com on Unsplash

This “enough” doesn’t come from the Iran war, job losses, economic struggles, cruelty, misogyny, or racism. It comes from realizing that if it doesn’t stop, there will be no United States of America left to save.

In Dr. Seuss’s “The Lorax,” there is a stone in front of the Once-ler’s house that reads “UNLESS.”

That word is powerful. Unless you are willing to give up power and comfort, unless you care more about others and see them as human beings, nothing will change; unless you choose information over ignorance.

America has grown complacent. We act like we’re the center of the world and can do whatever we want to whomever we want without consequences because we are Americans. But that’s not true. I’ve always believed that how you treat others matters and that life is circular.

That’s why I believe in the power of voting. Voting is the moment when you choose the path forward. Joe Biden once said America is a battle for its soul. The question Trump forced us to face is: what does it mean to be American in 2026?

America failed a test. People had all the facts and knew who Trump was, but they chose the easy path. They wanted quick fixes instead of patience. They voted based on lies despite clear facts about what would happen. This was predictable and preventable—all with votes. Voting can change the course of every country on this planet.

Now, we live with the consequences. Obama recently said that every day we wake up to a new assault on the norms and standards that define us. We must decide who we are and what we will do.

Are we willing to continue what Trump and his administration are doing? Are we willing to risk our lives? Are we willing to turn a blind eye to rampant corruption? Are we willing to let our daughters lose their rights, and our sons lose their empathy? Is this the America we want?

Because when it’s all said and done, these four years will be over.

UNLESS…….

Nothing changes in America UNLESS you start to care for your neighbor, the stranger, the child, and the least among us. The first step comes with the power of a vote.