Recently, letter writer Mike Kimbrell challenged progressives “to explain what you stand for besides hate for President Trump and MAGA voters and envy of the rich.”
Challenge accepted.
Though I hate what his policies are doing to people I care about, I actually feel sorry for Mr. Trump. Usually angry, he sees the world “rigged” against him: his wealth and power do not seem to have brought happiness.
Lately, he seems unwell, and the people around him seem to care about what he can do for them — not about him.
I don’t hate MAGA voters, either. But because I’m a Democrat, I’m labeled “vermin” by people who have never met me. A comment on one of my recent letters to the editor opined it was a shame my mother didn’t abort me.
I taught for 40 years: in MAGA eyes, that seems to mean I must be a “groomer.” Evidence-free accusations have become common coin.
Some think that those who earn far less than their potential because they want to teach this country’s young people are darkly evil, but billionaires who aren’t satisfied by having more money than God are beacons of virtue.
By the way, I don’t envy the rich, either. As the Beatles sang, “Money can’t buy me love.”
I see MAGA voters being lied to and harmed by their leaders. Example: MAGA voters seem to think the government shutdown happened because Democrats want to fund “illegals.”
In fact, under the president’s budget, Affordable Care Act subsidies are ended, so many Americans are discovering that their 2026 health care premiums are doubling or worse. Medicare, too, is hiking premiums.
But here’s the kicker: the “big beautiful bill” times its massive cuts to Medicaid to begin in January 2027 — so voters won’t have felt that impact before the midterm elections.
The Democrats have refused to accept that budget, and I’m glad. If enacted, it will hurt all of us, whether we vote red or blue.
Mr. Kimbrell asked what progressives like me stand for. Here goes:
I want to see anyone who works full-time able to buy a home, get good health care, put food on the table, and save for retirement.
I want everyone to be able to speak their truth without fear of retaliation from people in power.
I want people to be able to love whom they love without being persecuted for it.
I want a rational path to citizenship for people who work here without committing crimes.
I want a livable future on a planet we haven’t ruined for my former students and their children.
I want our country to be a peacemaker.
Mr. Kimbrell, you — and any curious readers — are welcome to visit a Rural Lewis County Indivisibles rally. You might find we’re not so bad after all. We’ll be out on Veterans Day, rallying for an end to SNAP cuts. About 8% of veterans nationwide use SNAP. We’ll be at 1100 S. Market Blvd. in Chehalis from noon to 1:30 pm.
Maybe we’ll see you there.
Susanne Weil
Onalaska
