Midcoast Resistance Rising
It may seem like the affairs in DC are distant, yet the last four weeks of the Trump administration have done more to disrupt life in Maine than many of us imagined.
Many of you have already called your Congressional Leaders [King (202) 224-5344, Pingree (202) 225-6116, Golden, Collins-(202) 224-2523] at least once regarding the withholding of federal climate grants, privacy breeches, the rotting of international food aide as USAID gets gutted, the withholding of FEMA funds to repair storm damage, and the threat of NIH funding pullbacks which will result in the closure of many research facilities in the state, especially those in our University of Maine system. Thank you. It’s OK to keep these politicians on your speed dial and call again. And again. Keeping pressure on the congressional arm of our government is necessary while the judicial branch does its work.
In addition to the specific cuts and slashes to programs that keep us healthy and safe—employees in the Forest Service are getting cut, as are FBI agents, medical researchers, inspectors general, et al.—much of what is happening shows little care or concern for the American people. The Trump administration actions are cruel, based not on care but on greed. The administration is also full of deceit. When leaders don’t care about people other than themselves, and when they lie about their activities, we lose the basis of a civil society.
What can be done? First and foremost, we can’t normalize the inhumanity that is being shown. The traits our national leaders are showing are dark, inhuman, and uncivil. There is also a blatant disregard for the law. We need to speak up about what we are witnessing. When corruption and greed occur without comment or pushback, the dark leaders win.
Our aim in this Midcoast Resistance and Resilience newsletter is to connect you to information that you might not find in the legacy media, provide news of gatherings, and foster local community building.
Our power is in our building of a collective voice and action. We need to build a force together to reclaim a civil society.
Local Resistance Groups
We’re fortunate to have a strong group organizing in the midcoast. You can find out about The Audacity: Creative Action Together at this link. You’ll find lots of local information and options for joining in, ranging from their Saturday protests (Rockland) to their working groups. In addition, there’s a comprehensive calendar of events beyond the ones they’re organizing. There is also a newsletter.
Upcoming Local Protests
2.17.25, Monday, 12-noon, Augusta State House, No Kings Protest. See this link to a FB page.
2.14.25 to 2.24.25 Musk or Us, Congressional Recess Toolkit and Actions. Members of the House of Representatives will be back on their home turf from Friday, February 14th, through Sunday, February 23rd, and it’s our opportunity to remind them who they work for. At this link is everything you need to know about Recess, why it matters, our demands of our Representatives, and a few ideas for events that you can plan to get their attention.
2.19.25, Wednesday, 6 pm, Abbott Room of the Belfast Free Library (106 High Street, Belfast) Circle for Peace and Resistance. This is organized by Peace & Justice of Waldo County. They write, “If you are wondering what we can do in this challenging time, come share your ideas and we will share actions that are happening both locally and around the state, as well as inspirational videos of resistance happening around the country! We need each other as we stand for peace and justice. Nourish the Resistance! Free ad open to all. Potluck snacks are available and tea too (bring your own mug).” For more information, email peace.and.justice.waldo@gmail.com.
2.22.25, Saturday, noon (and every Saturday there after) Rockland. Creative Action Announcement: Community Sing Out Every Saturday at Noon in Rockland’s Chapman Park with The Audacity.
2.28.25, Friday, Across the Country, Buy Nothing Day. Buy Nothing to protest corporations who have been falling in line behind the totalitarian Trump. The boycott has already gained national media coverage. Postpone ALL purchases to another day. Demonstrate our collective power by joining in.
3.15.25, Saturday. Nationwide General Strike. More information to follow.
Recommended News Sources
These newsletters and podcasts provide broader information and insights than the legacy media. Dahlia Lithwick (with Princeton professor Kim Lane Scheppele)/Amicus, “Trump’s American Takeover;” Heather Cox Richardson; Robert Hubbell; Paul Krugman; Timothy Snyder/Thinking About, “Affirmative Action for Dictators,” Dave Rothkopf/Need to Know; Factcheck.org, The Contrarian, and Bernie Sanders, are some of the thought leaders from this week we’d suggest. Let us know others you’d suggest.
Opportunities for Connection/Discussion
Camden democracy reading/discussion group forming. If you’d like to come together to talk about what’s happening, come to an organizational meeting on 3.7.25. Email mmulhern2727@gmail.com for more information.
Concluding Thoughts
Our United States is changing rapidly, in ways we’re not yet in control of. Grassroots, local groups are the force we can mobilize to thwart the takeover of our country.
This is not a drill. This is a real, frightening moment. We’re here to help us connect and act. We won’t stop the current decimation of our democracy without collective action.