The Nov. 3 election has given us much to celebrate and fosters a belief that we may have saved our democracy. While it is a joyful and necessary step toward that end, it is important to recognize that it is only the first step. We are not there yet, and there is a lot more work to be done. If the Democratic Party does not stand up strongly for democracy, fight hard and not capitulate to MAGA Republicans, we have not won and are only enabling the undermining of our democracy to continue.
Many years ago, a friend gave me a card that reads “A luta continua,” which is the first part of a Portuguese phrase that means “The struggle continues.” It concludes with “vitória é certa,” “victory is certain.” The only way victory can be certain and we can preserve and strengthen our democracy is to support and hold accountable the elected Democrats and the Democratic Party to do the right thing — to stand up to the forces favoring fascism and not compromise in ways that undermine that work. There is no quick fix, and we need to continue to fight and support each other in the struggle. Only if the struggle continues will it be possible for democracy to be certain.
Frances Welson
Holyoke