Hanging by a Thread

This post is for Utah Republicans who are now realizing how dangerous Trump has become, and want to know what can be done.

I grew up hearing a rumor that one day the Constitution would hang by a thread, and that it would be up to “the Saints” to save it. I’m not sure anyone believes that these days. I don’t believe much anymore, but I do believe this country is in trouble. And I believe you could help.

I’m hearing more and more from Utah friends and family who voted for Trump and can finally see he must be checked. If that’s you, your red-state voice carries more weight than you might think. Here’s how you can help draw the line.

Contact your reps:
GOP leaders are afraid they could be replaced in the next primary by a MAGA loyalist with billionaire backing… unless they believe their base won’t stand for it. That’s where you come in, red-state resident.

Email may be your best tool. You’ll need to say who you are, where you live, and how Trump’s actions are affecting you. Lost work? Financial instability? Say so. And yes, it’s okay to contact them every day or every time some new situation causes concern.

This form can help you find your reps. I’ve also found email contact links for each federal rep from Utah. Note you have two Senators (Lee and Curtis) and one House Rep, so if you’re not sure which one, the form I mentioned can help:

Stay informed, mindfully:
You may have already noticed some media outlets aim to keep you infuriated. Its hard to stay productive when you’re glued to a screen, but it’s also important to know what’s going on and to use a source that shows receipts.

I recommend historian Heather Cox Richardson. She regularly shares clear updates with context and citations. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Substack, Youtube, and probably other sites.

Spread the word:
If it’s safe for you, speak up. Not just online, where algorithms can bury the signal. Talk to friends, family, and neighbors. Just name what’s happening. You might be surprised who’s ready to listen now. And if they aren’t ready, it’s okay to step back.

Join peaceful protests:
If you’re able to attend a protest, it can be incredibly encouraging to see who’s standing beside you. I haven’t found a reliable way to hear about protests more than a day or two ahead of time, so you might start by following politically active friends on social media. If you know of better ways to stay informed, please share.

Keep going:
Some of Trump’s targets may feel you chose to hurt them, especially if they warned that his reelection would impact them. You will need to figure out how to understand and sit with that, but don’t let it stop you from the work. If it were too late, you wouldn’t be here.