1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

Governors, Senators, and Reps; At a time when democracy is under attack, real leadership requires courage, creativity, and strength. Governor Newsom in California and Governor Mills in Maine have shown us what it means to *fight fire with fire* and stand up to bullies. They prove that when leaders are bold, they can defend both their people and our democracy. It is shameful that so few others follow their example. Too many governors have chosen silence, timidity, or appeasement—choices that do nothing but enable authoritarian tactics to spread. That is not leadership. That is cowardice. We need every governor in this nation to step up, to fight back, and to use every tool available to defend democracy and protect the people they serve. If you cannot find the courage to do that, then step aside for someone who can.