In our opinion: The resistance grows stronger, deeper

Attitudes are changing in Brunswick County. Concerned residents believe our democracy and freedom are threatened. With Independence Day upon us, Brunswick County Democrats are questioning whether this July 4 might be our last.

And they’re speaking out.

These days, it takes not a little bit of courage for worried Americans to stand and be counted. Political commentator Thomas Hartmann writes that many of us are “going quiet — self-censoring, withdrawing, biting their tongues.” He adds, “People feel less free to speak their minds than they did during the McCarthy era. That should send chills down your spine.”

For too long, erstwhile Democrats in Brunswick County have thought of themselves as “blue dots in a red sea.” They’ve stayed in the shadows, hidden their true allegiance and beliefs, avoided political discussion, and registered as unaffiliated voters. No longer. Those days are behind us, because, as Hartmann says, “Silence isn’t an option, not now, not ever.”

A growing number of Brunswick County Democrats have decided they no longer want to remain silent. Many have signed on as volunteers to telephone, email, write or solicit voters to join our cause, starting with this autumn’s municipal elections. Others are considering running for political office, many for the first time.

We want more members of our party and other disenchanted voters to be counted. We seek county residents who are willing to speak truth to power at all levels of government. We need passionate citizens who refuse to accept the hijacking of our democracy, our heritage and our freedom. 

Many have responded. The BCDP list of volunteers is growing each day. Nearly 1,000 protesters showed up in Shallotte on June 14 for our “No Kings” rally. Several hundred more demonstrated at a similar protest in Leland. And close to 1500 vented their anger at our two earlier rallies in Bolivia. 

Based on these turnouts, we’re looking forward to more large crowds at two “Good Trouble Lives On” national day of protest events on Thursday, July 17. The first is a “Liberty and Justice for All” civil rights walk (5:30 p.m.), sponsored by the Liberals of Oak Island and BCDP. The second is a rally at Dram Tree Park (6 p.m.), across the bridge in Wilmington, sponsored by Wilmington Indivisible, the New Hanover County Democratic Party, BCDP, ILM Action Network, and SE NC Women Forward. Look for details on our website, in upcoming BCDP Notices, and on social media. Bring your passion and join us!

Above all, be a proud patriot on Independence Day. Fly your flag and support your country. As Democrats, we will continue advocating for your rights, dreams and ideals. We will run to the fight, not away from it.