Between Donald Trump, Mitch McConnell and the pandemic, it seems we're in a perpetual state of "fight or flight." Fleeing the country isn't a satisfying option, and tweet fights and Facebook postings are more likely to increase unhealthy stress than alleviate it. But there is a practical and satisfying way to fight: political action.

We've been watching our democracy slowly being destroyed like the proverbial frog in the heated pan of water. The pandemic and Trump's shambolic response is now making actual human life and death a real policy issue. The solution to these problems is our participation in the electoral process – winning elections.

While our attention is drawn to Trump and his incompetent administration (hello, Jared) – and let's face it, Trump is a genius at drawing attention to himself – we need to recognize that our legislatures are worth fighting for, too. Congress and our state legislatures are where judges and other administration officials are confirmed, where fiscal decisions shape our economy, and where gerrymandering occurs.

This November, Tosans will participate in the selection of our congressional representative and representatives to the state assembly. Candidates include:

• Tom Palzewicz (D) 5th Congressional District
  Tom is running against Wisconsin Mitch McConnell mini-me Scott Fitzgerald. He'll be replacing Jim Sensenbrenner.
• Robyn Vining (D), the incumbent in the 14th Assembly District
  Robyn stung the GOP when she won her seat in 2018, and the GOP is going to go all out to defeat her. But Robyn's progressive agenda and people power can beat the GOP's big bucks – if we the people show up.
• It looks like we could have a Democratic primary in the 13th Assembly District, with Sara Rodriguez and Gabriela Suliga collecting nomination signatures. You can learn more about them at their web sites and/or Facebook pages, but whomever you support in the primary, please pledge to help defeat GOP rubber-stamp Rob Hutton in November.

There are plenty of ways you can help the campaigns:

• Donating
• Phone Banking
• Personal outreach to family, friends, and neighbors
• Canvassing and lit drops (when it's safe, of course!)

Please reach out to these campaigns and offer your support. Only our commitment can turn the tide against hyper-conservative assaults on our democracy, economic well-being and the rule of law. 

This is no time to be timid; this is not the time to let someone else do it. 

Democracy isn't a spectator sport. It's time to get in the game!