As I write this, the current administration is signing a flurry of sweeping executive orders with far-ranging consequences. But I’m not here to talk about politics. I’m here to talk about humanity.
As with every new White House administration, many are elated, and others are despondent. This time around, emotions are more extreme — and more polarized.
Right now, millions of people fear for their jobs, their families, and even their lives.
Pregnant women in many states face the terrifying prospect of being unable to get the care they need if complications arise. As if suffering a miscarriage isn’t hard enough, experts worry that anti-abortion laws may result in criminal charges against the woman.
Thousands of people face the threat of unemployment. Administration has directed federal agencies to make lists of people they could easily fire and mandated workers return to the office, which will create substantial hardships for many. They also ordered all federal DEI programs to shut down and put the employees on immediate leave. The end of DEI programs may reverberate across the job market.
Many people are on edge after administration ordered — then rescinded — an abrupt freeze on federal grants and loans. This money funds Medicaid, healthcare research, education programs, disaster aid, food stamps, and many other initiatives.
Educators and parents fear schools will lose funding and resources. This threat is imminent here in Indiana, where House Bill 1136 threatens to dissolve several local school districts.
Legal immigrants have mounting anxiety over the administration’s immigration and deportation policies.
Transgender and nonbinary people are panicked about what the new policies mean for their lives.
People who understand economics dread the likely impact of tariffs and deportations on the price of everyday goods.
Many are troubled by the new administration’s actions regarding health and the environment. The U.S. will withdraw from the World Health Organization. Experts say this move will put the country at a disadvantage when responding to a health crisis. The U.S. also exited the Paris Agreement, hampering the world’s efforts to fight climate change.
Based on the first healthcare-related executive orders, experts believe the administration plans cuts and changes to the Affordable Care Act and Medicare, which could increase drug costs and the number of uninsured people. While the changes aren’t confirmed, their potential is making many uneasy.
These are only a fraction of the people impacted by the new policies. The list will grow longer by the time you read this blog.
Why should I care?
I’m not asking anyone to change their stance on issues — I’m begging each of us to recognize that our worldview is not the only one. Even if you’re not among the millions of people now living in fear, people around you are hurting.
Just because we agree with policies does not mean they won’t hurt others. We are all humans with feelings, families, and friends, and every one of these executive orders affects someone. These people are our friends and neighbors, not our political foes.
We must support one another. Check in on your friends. Consider volunteering, participating in advocacy groups, or doing activities that broaden your perspective. You can find more ideas for improving our communities in this article.
If you do nothing else, please be kind. Everyone carries hidden burdens, and small acts of kindness matter more than you realize. Things as simple as a “Thinking of You” text, holding the door, letting someone go in front of you, or even a smile make our world a better place. This kindness extends to social media. As Bambi’s friend Thumper reminds us, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” It takes no effort to keep scrolling.
While we don’t have to agree on politics, we do have to live together. Compassion, empathy, and kindness will help bridge the gap between us as we navigate the next four years — together.
Love it!