📢 Obama Said “Show Up”—So I Did, at a Republican Club

🌟 Join activists powering the movement for progress—become a free or paid subscriber today and make your voice count! Subscribe to our newsletter 📰 for just $5/month or $60/year. https://www.newsletter.peoplepowerunited.org/Have I ever told you about the time former President Obama inspired me to walk right into a Women’s Republican Club meeting?After Trump's 2016 "win" (friendly reminder—Trump lost the popular vote), I fell into a dark place. Heartbroken, but not surprised. After living in Florida for over 30 years, I'd watched our state slide toward fascism in real time. I had seen the lies, the propaganda, the fear-mongering, and the MAGA cult forming. And I'd also seen a local Democratic Party that meant well but was nowhere near ready to meet the moment or save Florida—or America.Then came President Obama's farewell address. His words jolted me awake:"If you're tired of arguing with strangers on the internet, try to talk with one in real life. If something needs fixing, lace up your shoes and do some organizing. If you're disappointed by your elected officials, grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself. Show up. Dive in. Persevere…”I took that to heart. I had no interest in running for office, but I did want to understand my community—and where our divisions ran deepest. As someone who champions progress, I wanted to know why we couldn't unite to build a community where everyone could thrive.So, I laced up my shoes and headed to the Broward Women's Republican Club.This was just a few months into Trump's presidency. About 30 people attended. Men ran the meeting. The speakers were men. And it quickly became clear: this was not a space designed to empower women.Instead, it was two hours of Trump campaign talking points, lies, and grievances. Not a single real solution for the problems our community faced. It wasn't a forum for ideas but a pipeline for propaganda.That night, I walked away with two truths burned into my mind:* This group was ready to hand over America to fascism without a fight.* I would never be that person.Let me be clear: I'm not suggesting anyone attend a meeting like this. In some places, I'd advise against it. But for me, it was necessary to see with my own eyes who in my county was perfectly fine with racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, homophobia, misogyny, sexism, ageism, ableism, sizeism, transphobia, misogynoir, elitism, and bigotry.I didn't confront anyone. I was a respectful guest. But I left more certain than ever of my path: I will choose freedom over fascism.I will not just complain about problems but work to solve them. I will champion leaders who represent the people and hold them accountable.Because what I learned then and know now-MAGA Republicans don't want to represent America—they want to rule over us. And they want Donald Trump—91 times indicted, 34 times convicted, insurrectionist, serial liar, sexual assaulter, defamer, business fraudster, soldier-insulter—to lead them.From protecting our fundamental freedoms to building a fairer, stronger society, the stakes are crystal clear: we're fighting for a future where everyone can live with dignity, security, and opportunity.That's what we're building at People Power United. And friends, the truth is simple: fascism wins when good people stay silent. Your voice is not just a drop in the ocean—the ripple can trigger waves of change.Let's rise together. Let’s choose Freedom Over Fascism.Join us on the front lines for our rights, freedoms, democracy and rule of law. We can do this!* Click here to Protect the 2026 Elections* Click here to Demand Congress protect more than $100 million in funding for Tribal colleges now* Click here to Ban members of Congress and their families from trading individual stocks now!* Click here to Oppose Trump’s AI plan. Don’t give more power to Google & Musk’s xAI!People Power United UpdatesOur group is growing by leaps and bounds! Folks understand that with love in our hearts and hard work, we will reclaim our nation from cruelty, chaos, and confusion. We are having fun making impactful changes in our community! In case you missed it, this past week was busy:* Shout out to all of you!* People Power United joins coalition efforts to Urge Congress to Defend the National Education Association’s Right to Advocate* People Power United joins coalition to Urge Senators to Oppose Means’ Nomination* People Power United joined coalition efforts to Congress to eliminate the Hyde Amendment during the appropriations process* Updates can be found here.This Weeks Call to ActionWe need more messengers! This week we are asking our members to help us grow on Social Media.Are you passionate about standing up for freedom, defending our rights, and protecting democracy from the growing threat of fascism? Click here to join the People Power United social media team and be part of the frontline in the fight for justice!Can you follow People Power United on Social Media?Every heart ❤️, comment, and share helps—thank you! Just a friendly reminder: we don’t fundraise, we have no grant funders, and no paid staff. We’re 100% powered by the people.* Facebook* Instagram* Threads* TikTok* YouTube* Substack* Substack Notes* Pinterest* Linkedin* Mastodon* Spoutible* BlueSky* Google* TwitterXThanks for taking action!FYIPlease note that when People Power United uses the word “fight” in writing, online, or in speech, we mean to advocate fiercely, never to incite or support violence. We do not condone violence in any form, nor do we promote breaking the law.Our work is rooted in peaceful advocacy through exercising our constitutional rights: voting, free speech, peaceful assembly, rallies, protests, and acts of civil disobedience. We use these tools to defend our rights, freedoms, the rule of law, and our democracy. And together, we will win.OUR VALUESPeople Power United champions progress and power to the people.In this community, we will always speak out and show up against racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, homophobia, misogyny, sexism, ageism, ableism, sizeism, elitism, transphobia, misogynoir, and bigotry in all its forms!We are a group of people who believe in the possibility of change—and work every day to make it happen. Join us by taking action and speaking out to champion progress and power to the people!Join us to build People Power! Together, we can champion our rights, freedoms, and democracy, hold our leaders accountable to the people's will, and inspire voters to make a meaningful difference.Laurie Woodward Garcia (paid with hugs and kisses, not bought by special interests)People Power United is a group of community members that champions progress and power for the people.🌟 Join activists powering the movement for progress—become a free or paid subscriber today and make your voice count! Subscribe to our newsletter 📰 for just $5/month or $60/year. https://www.newsletter.peoplepowerunited.org/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.peoplepowerunited.org/subscribe