Organizing the Maine Coalition for Democracy before Nov. 5--Please join

[Larry Dansinger]

July 14, 2024

To all those concerned about a rise in authoritarianism and a loss of democracy in our government and society in Maine (especially on and after the November 5, 2024 election). ALSO, PLEASE FORWARD TO OTHERS YOU KNOW AND TO GROUPS (AND GROUP LISTS) YOU ARE CONNECTED TO: 

On November 5, 2024, a presidential election may be won by a former president (#45). If that person is declared the winner, our “democracy” (such as it is) may be the victim of an authoritarian takeover. Our freedoms and civil liberties (what we have now) may be in danger of being lost to a small number who want greater control over the government and the rest of us. 

According to choosedemocracy.us, that former president has made numerous statements that suggest he will: (1) Issue a large number of pardons to those involved in the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the US Capitol and for himself; (2) Investigate past, present, or future critics of him and his government; (3) Remove government bureaucrats that may not toe the new president’s line and refuse to give information to some national media; (4) Use federal law enforcement against opposition; (5) Use the US military in cities and states; and (6) Refuse to leave after four years in office. 

While such statements may not be serious, we can’t assume they are false intentions. They may be part of his 2025 “Playbook” (based on Project 2025 from the Heritage Foundation) of plans to seize greater control of government policies and agencies. (A brief summary of those statements and plans are attached below.) We don’t know, but choosedemocracy.us suggests we should take them seriously and be prepared to resist them. The recent Supreme Court decision offering immunity from prosecution for much of what he has said suggests that these stated intentions will even be considered legal.

What should we do? (This is not about who to vote for in this election but rather what to do if #45 is declared the winner or loses but claims victory without evidence.) Wait and see? Or, be prepared sooner so we can respond (before and) on Day One. Choosedemocracy.us suggests a number of responses, one of which is to create a 

Maine Coalition for Democracy (or a similar name) 

to push back against any efforts to take away our rights (especially of immigrants who are not citizens) and to control public policies, to the detriment of most Maine people. 

What would a coalition do? First, it would recognize and emphasize the danger to our current system; and, second, it would devise strategies that member groups and individuals and most Maine people would support to retain whatever rights and benefits we value that are being threatened.

I have heard and seen nothing yet in Maine (except earlier this week from a friend asking about the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, a 900-page blueprint for a government takeover) about any kind of concern or plan to respond. I think we need a plan—not on November 5th but much sooner.

Project 2025 is beginning to get notice and concern throughout the country as an indicator of how such a takeover could occur. For more about that:  stopthecoup2025.org. Again, all the warnings and predictions may not actually be attempted, but there is credible evidence that they could, as pointed out by both Stopthecoup2025.org and Choosedemocracy.us. 

I am prepared to be part of such a coalition. Are you? Let’s work together to save and preserve what we have and to mobilize/organize people throughout the state to speak out and act to resist any illegitimate attacks on our government and our people.

Contact me (so we know who and what groups will organize and take action) but, more importantly, contact others in your group(s), your friends, your co-workers, and start preparing.

Larry Dansinger  (Bangor)

lar...@myfairpoint.net or (207) 262-3706 (land line, leave message)