By now, you’ve likely heard of Mariann Budde, the bishop who called upon Donald Trump to show mercy for marginalized people.

With a voice that carried quiet strength, she delivered a plea that resonated deeply with many Americans:

“Millions have put their trust in you. And as you told the nation yesterday, you have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy on the people in our country who are scared now.”

January 20th left many of us feeling defeated. With each executive order, we feel the weight of oppression pressing down, as if a boot is grinding us into the ground.

I am reminded of our French counterparts, who so effortlessly organize rebellion, highlighting my own sense of helplessness in the face of this struggle. In this divided and exhausted nation, the task of uniting our grief and channeling it into action feels insurmountable.

Many, including myself, are left asking, “What can I do?”

This question has forced me to reflect. In the past, while I’ve been vocal online about my beliefs, I’ve been complicit in my everyday interactions. During Trump’s last presidency, I often found myself appeasing others or remaining silent in the face of views I didn’t agree with, all to keep the peace and protect my relationships.

I watched as he brought out the worst in humanity—empowering people to speak the hateful rhetoric they had once kept hidden. But I endured because I believed it was temporary. Surely, I thought, no one would be foolish enough to let this tyrannical narcissist into office again.

So I chose to “agree to disagree”—a decision I now regret. Perhaps if I had been more active in my opposition, it could have made a difference.

People often say history repeats itself.

I see a dark future ahead with Trump as our leader…one that fills me with dread. Documented immigrants are already facing discrimination and persecution because of his example. People are preparing to report anyone they suspect of being undocumented, without evidence. He has undermined the Constitution and our democracy in his quest for complete control.

And only a fool would think it stops there. While transgender people, Latin Americans, Chinese, and Black communities are his current targets, it won’t end with them. He will expand his reach to the entire LGBTQIA+ community, women, and anyone who dares to hold a dissenting viewpoint.

At times, I’ve felt powerless. But with so much at stake, we cannot afford to be complicit. To protest is to act—to refuse to tolerate hatred.

We must no longer offer a sympathetic laugh at an off-color or racist “joke,” or entertain the idea that hateful rhetoric has any valid point. We must make it clear to those around us: if they support a man who is openly racist, who acts to harm our communities, and who disrespects women and so many others, they do not deserve a place in our lives. If that means estrangement and burned bridges, so be it.

This is how we fight back.

Make it clear that the lives of the oppressed are worth more than the price of eggs. Show them that preserving democracy matters more than their allegiance to their master.

This is the world our grandparents fought for. And while the principles of democracy have been distorted and perverted over generations, we cannot allow it to fall to authoritarian rule.

This is how we make a difference in our everyday lives: We disagree to disagree.

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