Letter to the Editor: Indivisible groups in the 7th District set the record straight

April 15th, 2017

Dear Manchester area residents,

In the two months since the inauguration of Donald Trump, the efforts of many engaged citizens in opposition to Mr. Trump’s policies and orders have sparked questions about the origins and motivations of these citizens.

Indeed, with so many acting in accord with what is known as the “Indivisible Guide,” the term “Indivisible” itself has become familiar enough nationally to be associated with the budding resistance movement. Note: you can read the Indivisible Guide for yourself at www.indivisibleguide.com

As members of Indivisible groups spanning Michigan’s 7th District, we would like to briefly explain the goals of Indivisible groups and respond to some of the false claims that have been made about us.

Michigan’s 7th district is home to at least 12 groups that are in some way utilizing the Indivisible Guide and/or adopting the Indivisible name. The main focus of these groups is to oppose the Trump agenda and fight for various protections and policies, including those pertaining to the environment, healthcare, women’s rights, and internet privacy. Specifically, the group focuses on lobbying our congressional representatives by writing emails and letters, attending town halls, protesting public events, and/or organizing rallies.

Simply put, the Indivisible groups are dedicated to speaking out against the Trump agenda and the trickle down hate it has inspired. The attempted repeal of the Affordable Care Act, for example, was met with a powerful response. In coffee hours and office visits, our representatives were told in no uncertain terms that any change to the healthcare currently available to Americans would need to be one that resulted in more coverage, not less. The appointment of Scott Pruitt to head the EPA and his clearly anti-environmental and anti-science rhetoric have been met with equally forceful resistance by Indivisible. These are just a few issues that Indivisible members have addressed.

While the Indivisible Guide emphasizes opposition to these new federal policies, many Indivisible groups also take on issues of concern in their local communities. Collectively, Indivisible members are responding to threats to the health and safety of our communities in a peaceful but forceful manner. While it is true that town hall exchanges are at times heated, neither the Indivisible guide nor Indivisible groups in the Michigan 7th promote or tolerate violence, threats of violence, or destruction of property. At town halls, our members pose difficult questions, demand answers, and hold representatives accountable for their policymaking and voting record. There may be yelling, there may even be booing, but it is Indivisible’s position that policies as harmful as those supported by Trump and many of our representatives should be met with loud opposition. Our members will remain persistent, vocal, and non-violent.

Furthermore, contrary to many claims, Indivisible members are not paid for their participation. We are certainly not, as some Republican senators, representatives, and media outlets have surmised, supported by wealthy liberal philanthropists like George Soros. We are working people, retired people, mothers, fathers, teachers, librarians, nurses, line cooks. We attend rallies and make phone calls in our free time, and spend our own money to pay for meeting space and materials.

Indivisible members believe strongly in the dream of a free and welcoming America. We believe that a working democracy is possible only when citizens are engaged, and willing to voice opposition when necessary. While President Trump has attempted to weaken the free press and continues to demonize those who exercise their right to free speech and assembly, Indivisible has responded with dissent. When Trumpism threatens our children’s education, the safety of our water supply, and our relationship with allies around the globe, Indivisible can and will dissent. We believe this is not only our right, but our duty.

We welcome all, regardless of party affiliation, to join us. Our efforts are paying off. We will win back a government that is truly “of the people, by the people, for the people.”

Sincerely,

Chelsea Stands Indivisible
Forward Action Michigan-Jackson
Forward Action Michigan-Manchester
Freedom Indivisible Manchester
Headwaters Indivisible
Indivisible Dexter
Jackson Progressives
Lenawee Indivisible
Monroe Advocacy Work Group
Saline Indivisible
Stronger Together Monroe
Stronger Together Saline

submitted by Cynthia Every, Manchester Village

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.