By J. H. Irwin
Author | Storyteller | Capturing Life, Memory, and Meaning
I am momentarily breaking my vow to not post political dialogue. This is just too important to remain silent.
So here we are, the 2026 midterm elections are approaching rapidly and may be the most consequential election in the history of the United States. It will most certainly be a make-or-break moment for the second Trump presidency, which up to now has rarely been held accountable. Similar actions by other presidents could have resulted in impeachment proceedings or serious congressional accountability.
Since retaking office Trump has desecrated foundational institutions such as the White House, the Kennedy Center, and the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. His likeness hangs on banners in the country’s capital, reminiscent of Putin’s Russia and Kim Jong Un’s North Korea.
He has strained long-standing relationships with allies on the American continent and abroad. Trump presented himself as someone who would end wars and promote peace, yet his second term has involved significant military action.
This administration has a record of dehumanizing immigrants and implementing policies reducing hard-won LGBTQ+ rights. The president has signed executive orders limiting transgender rights, reversing anti-discrimination policies and restricting gender-affirming care.
ACA Marketplace costs have risen substantially in 2026. KFF reports that average monthly premium payments rose 58%, while Marketplace enrollment fell by about 3 million amid higher premiums. The expiration of enhanced premium tax credits and policy changes contributed materially to increased healthcare costs for millions.
Reducing inflation was a key campaign promise, yet the cost of living continues to negatively impact the country. Current CPI inflation is 3.5% year over year, with energy prices up 15.7% and gasoline up 26.7% through June 2026.
So, what are we going to do about it? VOTE. Vote to restore sanity, vote to ensure democracy continues in the United States, vote to send the message we are tired of this insanity, and we are not going to take it anymore.
Michelle Obama once said at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, “When they go low, we go high.” In a perfect, pre-MAGA, pre-Trump world that is the course of action Democrats have generally taken to maintain political standards. Under Trump we can no longer afford to take that approach. Going high cannot mean passivity, unilateral restraint, or refusing to fight aggressively when democratic institutions themselves are threatened. If we are to maintain American democracy, we must review our actions and adjust in a way that is effective while maintaining our moral clarity. Turning ourselves into that which we argue against should not be the solution to our current situation. When all is said and done, we must be able to look in the mirror and recognize the reflection looking back at us.
John F. Kennedy once said regarding the Moon mission, “We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.”
We must modify this quote to reflect the challenge we face today
“We choose to save American democracy, not because it is easy, but because it is hard.”
Words can still move the world. Read mine → https://substack.com/@jhirwin