Rancho Mirage Town Hall

After spending several years in Irvine, I made the decision to return to Palm Desert. Over the weekend of May 2, I drove to Palm Desert to begin organizing my move. Providentially and unexpectedly, I had the opportunity to attend a Town Hall meeting in Rancho Mirage, hosted by Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz. Invited by friends, I spent my Saturday afternoon, May 3, listening to Democratic leaders discuss pressing issues that have caused me significant concern, anxiety, and dismay.

The panel featured Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz, Steering Committee Co-chair Congresswoman Nanette Barragán, and Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Teresa Leger Fernández of New Mexico. Most notably, I had the privilege of hearing House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries speak.

Since the inauguration, I have felt deeply disheartened by the actions coming from the White House and Congress and the Supreme Court. At times, it seemed as though I had been thrust into a parallel universe—one where everything was upside down, inside out, and spiraling into a negative regression. However, listening to these leaders, particularly Leader Jeffries, reignited my faith in our democracy.

Leader Jeffries characterized the first 100 days of the administration as a period marked by “Chaos, Cruelty, and Corruption.” I wholeheartedly agree with this depiction—it aptly encapsulates the unconscionable, unacceptable, un-American, and reprehensible actions and tactics of this administration.

This Town Hall meeting gave me hope. 

It reminded me that we, the people, hold the power. Our voices matter. We can succumb to hopelessness, as I have felt at times, or we can unite and fight to preserve our democracy.

Because our democracy is at stake, we need to voice our determination to claim it.

Bernie G.