opposing Trump administration policies

Let me start by saying that I am not sure yet about what genetic counselors should be doing to fight the racist, vile, despicable, UnChristian/unMuslim/unJewish/unEvery Other Religion-In-The-World policies, actions, and statements of the Trump administration. I do know that we should not be cowering quietly in the corner, overwhelmed by the crap coming out of the bowels of (F)Elon Musk and PINO Trump (President In Name Only) in peristaltic waves. I have been thinking about this for a while and don’t have any really good answers, other than praying for debilitating strokes for those at the top (?bottom?). But I offer some thoughts and suggestions here. Some may be useless or impractical or simply not do-able.

In no particular order, consider these ideas, big and small, both on an individual level and on an organizational level:

Download the 5 Calls app. The group behind this app “research[es] issues, write scripts that clearly articulate a progressive position, figure out the most influential decision-makers, and collect phone numbers for their offices. All you have to do is call.” It provides phone numbers of senators and representatives along with a script about specific topics to read when you leave a voice mail. Calling is probably the most effective way to communicate with your government representatives, more so than letters, postcards, and emails.
Offer individual safe spaces – in person, phone, email, zoom, whatever – for colleagues to confidentially share their anxieties, fears, anger, and other emotions. Sometimes you just need to decompress, so, when appropriate, share comfort food and wine/whisky/beer/cannabis (where legal).
Encourage our professional organizations (NSGC, ASHG, ACMG, and whatever other organizations you belong to) to take a principled stand and boldly and clearly reaffirm their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Yes, it’s only a statement, and those may not add up to a hill of beans, but at least membership knows where their organizations stand, and offers something concrete to hold them accountable for.
Our professional organizations have lobbyists. Can their services be utilized to lobby representatives?
Our organizations also employ lawyers. Can they guide NSGC et al. to sign on as plaintiffs in relevant law suits against the government, where they might have some legal standing to file, such as those that might involve NIH funding or care of transgender patients? Or at least file amicus briefs?
Can NSGC et al. provide safe spaces, something as simple as zoom chats or webinars, where members simply get the opportunity to share their fears and anxieties, and keep us directly up to date on what actions they are taking? Can participants be anonymized if they so choose, if they are worried about their personal safety?
Have our organizations adopt as their temporary motto in bold capitals on their websites “Fuck Trump and Musk”? Okay, well, maybe that’s a bridge too far. But it would be really cool.
Take to the streets in peaceful massive protests. I do not condone violence of any sort, other than in self-defense. This may involve risking your personal safety, as some Pro-Trumpers now assume they have the clearance to bust a few heads, free from legal sanction. And one could easily imagine the federal government pressuring local law enforcement to deal severely with protesters.
Run for local offices – school boards, town/city councils, whatever – to formulate and fight for respectful, democratic, and decency-affirming policies.
Volunteer for organizations that work to do good in the world.
Write blogposts, letters to the editor, editorials, whatever media, decrying the inhumanity and ignorance of the government’s actions. Use your genetic counseling communication skills that we are alw
Don’t let the bastards get the best of you. Fight’em tooth and nail. Proudly wear our Woke buttons (“I’m Woke – Are You Asleep?”).
If it is financially feasible, donate to organizations that are fighting the good fight.
Event though we don our costumes and capes at work and play Super Heroes fighting for our patients, and even though there are some Marvel Universe villains running the governmental show, remember that each and every one of us is just a human being. Don’t take the weight of the world on your shoulders alone, and don’t emotionally whip yourself if you feel overwhelmed or temporarily defeated. Even The Incredible Hulk has a human core.

I encourage readers to suggest more. We need to do this for ourselves, our colleagues, our patients, and our country. Those genetic counselors who feel vulnerable in their lives and jobs are given a pass here. It’s up to the rest of us to take care of all of us.