ITHACA STANDING UP TO BULLIES - TOGETHER

GRATITUDE FOR A POWERFUL GATHERING

I want to thank all our friends and neighbors who came out for Ithaca’s No Kings protest on Saturday. It was a powerful reminder that democracy still matters to people, that we still care enough to show up, speak out, and stand together when it counts.

A NATION AT A CROSSROADS

There’s no question in my mind that our country is facing one of the greatest crises in modern history. The President and his inner circle are following the well-worn steps of authoritarians throughout time: divide the people, discredit the press, dismantle institutions, and consolidate power. We’ve seen this play out in other places, and we know how it ends if we stay silent.

WHAT CAN WE DO LOCALLY

So what do we do here, in our corner of the world? On a personal level, we keep showing up. We protest. We vote. We look out for one another. We refuse to turn our neighbors into enemies. And we recognize that, even with all our differences, most of us want the same basic things, safety, fairness, and dignity for everyone.

LEADERSHIP IN DIFFICULT TIMES

At the local government level, the challenge looks different but feels just as urgent. We’re facing budget cuts, health care shortfalls, and rising food insecurity. In times like this, we need leaders who can make hard choices and share the burden fairly, not by protecting one group over another, but by ensuring every voice and neighborhood matters.

STANDING UP TO BULLIES

I’ve always stood up to bullies, and I believe that’s what this moment demands of all of us. Bullies don’t stop because we ask nicely. They stop when enough people stand together and make it clear that we won’t be intimidated or divided.

A CALL TO ACCOUNTABILITY

This is our chance to do that, as a community, as neighbors, and as Americans who still believe that no one, anywhere, should be above accountability.

Respectfully,

Gepe Zurenda