Democracy

On January 6, 2021, Donald Trump attempted to lead a violent coup. He failed. On January 20, 2025, there was a bloodless coup where the government changed from an oligarchic republic (constitutional oligarchy) to a fascist oligarchy. Donald Trump and his supporting oligarchy took the power and functions of government into their own hands.

Non-violent resistance is the best defense against a fascist oligarchy and the only way to defeat it. This is because non-violent resistance removes fascism’s ability to use violence and fear. But we need to hurry.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt is credited with initiating the concept of The First 100 Days during his radio address to the nation on July 24, 1933, as he announced the New Deal. The best lesson we can take for how to deal with the First 100 Days of this administration comes from him and Bishop Mariann Budde. Their approach to leadership requires acknowledging that fear must not be an option to action.