The polls show that Americans have lost confidence in both political parties. Admittedly, so have I. However, it is clear to me that the Democrats have not completely rejected the Constitution nor the rule of law and most importantly, they do not support Project 2025 nor the white “Christian” nationalist agenda that places white males in a permanent position of dominance based solely on their whiteness. And so, I wrote to the Democrat minority leader, Hakeem Jeffries, this past Friday and I share that letter with you, hoping you will be inspired to do the same. It is time that our lawmakers hear from us.
September 5, 2025
Dear Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries,
I’m frustrated with our Party. Where is our fight? I abhor the flawed and out of touch messaging and inept strategy that is causing Democrats to bleed support during this chaotic, criminal and incompetent reign of Donald Trump. I’m voting and sending in donations to your fund and to individual candidates because we need to win. But many citizens are disengaging at a rapid speed. We should be winning over these citizens amid the cowardice, hypocrisy, constant lying, and blatant discrimination of the Republicans, but we are not. Our messaging is unclear, muted, and weak when it needs to be stronger and louder and everywhere.
I believe democrats stand for the actual values and needs of the American people, but you guys behave like you lack the ability to articulate those values in a simple way and that you aren’t willing to fight for them in a meaningful way. Perhaps you are too beholden to certain donors? I do think that hosting Town Halls was a good start, and I appreciate what Gavin Newsome and other governors are doing. But we need to be everywhere. You don’t even need to talk about the Republicans. Their true colors are apparent, and most people aren’t happy with the direction they are taking us. Democrats need much more visibility and a clearly heroic message to save the country.
These are dangerous times for women, children, LGBTQ folks, seniors, immigrants, workers, veterans, the disabled, people of color and the planet itself and you guys are losing support because you aren’t standing strong against the evil forces coming for us. It’s time for you to put forth a clear vision for this nation’s future. Be everywhere with a message, not just with your hand out!
Our platform should first and foremost include codifying the Constitution and its ideals through actual legislation so that no future president can run circles around it. Trump should not have been allowed to run for office again, but there was no way to enforce the Constitution. We must close the gaps between the Constitution and the actual laws to enforce it.
Second, Democrat leaders must clearly and loudly announce a vision for this nation that includes a fair and simplified tax code, fairness in opportunity, equal protection under the law that includes a woman’s right to choose and strengthens anti-discrimination laws, reasonable gun regulations, prioritizing public health and safety by following scientific evidence, ensuring the education of our children, regulating AI to protect humans, comprehensive immigration reform, investing in infrastructure, expanding the social safety net for our seniors, disabled, children and veterans. All this in addition to funding research and innovation that benefits the nation.
And finally, I believe the Party will gain support by labeling yourselves the actual representatives of the people by pushing for campaign reform that eliminates dark money and limits donations from individuals, groups and corporations. Be the Party that supports independent redistricting by the citizens, not politicians. Limit campaigns for all public offices, including the presidency to just 6 weeks before an election. Ensure easy, safe and fair elections that eliminate the ability to cheat. This constant campaigning, fundraising, and election conspiracies are driving the nation away from even wanting elections at all.
It is imperative that you take the time to address the concerns of conservatives and others. Stand up for secure elections. Dispel the myth that Democrats support killing healthy, viable fetuses in the womb up to the nineth month on a whim. Make it clear that our Party is not anti-business, but pro-business when it adds value to American life. Make it clear that regulations are needed for public safety. Make it clear that we are a Party that values law and order as well due process and accountability. Defend the value of immigrants and commit to passing immigration reform that serves the nation without cruelty.
I suggest that the Party quickly gets on the same page and delivers this kind of comprehensive message everywhere and often before the mid-terms. In the minds of too many Americans, Democrats are no different from Republicans because they are too weak to stand up for what is good and what is right for the American people and the planet. Many believe you are owned by corporations and the wealthy so that you can’t represent us well. I hope you throw off such shackles.
I call upon you to act fast to change that perception or our nation will continue its freefall and more people will suffer under the authoritarianism and lawlessness of Trump and the white nationalist agenda of the Republicans will move forward.
Sincerely,
Dr. Juanita A. Hall, voting citizen