1. United States
2. Conn.
3. Letter

I write to you not only as a concerned Danbury constituent but as someone deeply invested in the future of our democracy. I worry for my transgender friends and their families facing escalating discrimination. I worry for my friend, a dedicated public servant of 16 years, now uncertain in a government that undermines its own institutions. I worry for the immigrants whose labor sustains our communities yet remain unprotected. As a woman, I fear for my own rights in a country backsliding on gender equality. These anxieties have even led me to consider leaving—a thought I never imagined having. As a resident of a blue state, I’ve always believed voting and civic engagement were the best ways to enact change. But what do you do when your elected officials already share your concerns? How do we make ourselves heard by the Republican leaders with the power to reverse their party’s alarming trajectory? Will this letter even reach you, or is it just one of thousands? Since Donald Trump’s return to office, his administration has continued its dangerous authoritarian push—undermining independent oversight, eroding judicial independence, limiting press freedom, and deepening political polarization. The White House itself has used language referring to him as a “king.” His appointment of Elon Musk to a government position is equally alarming. Musk’s erratic leadership, conflicts of interest, and blatant disregard for ethical governance are dangerous. His Roman salute only reinforces global fears of rising authoritarianism. We cannot allow billionaires unchecked influence over policies that affect millions. The executive branch no longer prioritizes the needs of its people. Instead of protecting rights, healthcare, education, and economic stability, it serves the wealthy and powerful, leaving ordinary Americans without the protections they deserve. The resulting instability has forced me to embrace self-sufficiency—growing food, installing solar panels, and reducing my reliance on corporations that contribute to democratic erosion. These are not the actions of someone who feels secure in their own country. I urge you to take decisive action. Our representatives must be more vocal, using media strategically to make democracy protection a priority for voters. What measures are you supporting to safeguard elections, hold bad actors accountable, and restore public trust? Will you fight for bipartisan voting rights legislation? Will you push for Elon Musk’s removal from office? More urgently, will you support the immediate impeachment of Donald Trump before his grip on power becomes irreversible? For 37 years, I have loved calling this country home. But if we continue down this path, I may have no choice but to leave. If our nation fails to take a stand now—through political action or reform—I fear there will be no future left worth fighting for. I don’t want to lose hope. Please give me a reason to believe our democracy is still worth saving.