Don’t wait for the mid-terms; protest now

Much talk in the media today is about when we will reach a tipping point regarding the actions taken by the Trump administration. Was it when Gregory Bovino, commander at large of the border force said recently in Chicago regarding the rationale used for ICE arrests, “obviously, the particular characteristics of an individual, how they look. How do they look, say, compared to you?” Or was it when ICE agents in Chicago were telling citizens, to “show us your papers.” Or perhaps when ICE agents rappelled from helicopters to target suspected gang members and proceeded to enter buildings using flashbang grenades, while dragging children from their beds to U-Hauls.

To the Republican members of the House and Senate — have we reached the tipping point yet? Or should we now expect ICE to cut the dreadlocks of black Americans, as the Nazis did when they shaved the heads of Jewish citizens. Maybe require black Americans to wear a B on their clothing or Hispanics to where an H on theirs, as Jews were required to wear the Star of David on their clothing.

To Americans, I suspect Republicans will not change regardless of how heinous, unlawful and unconstitutional these actions are — as they will continue and even worsen. Yes, the mid-term elections are coming in 2026. But we cannot wait and hope that we will prevail in 2026 and unseat these unpatriotic people. The time is now. Protest, contact your representatives and make your voices heard.

To the Democratic leaders of this country — be it local, state or federal — when challenged with new actions by this administration — stand up and just say No. You will find that unity in numbers and a strong commitment to resistance will succeed.

Hope and prayers will not do it or change things — it is action, action, action.

Wayne Bartosik

Wheaton