Open Letter to Elected Leaders

Dear Elected Leaders,

Thank you for your service and commitment to representing the people of United States of America. In these unprecedented and unpredictable times, leadership rooted in truth, accountability, and a commitment to democracy is more critical than ever.

I am reaching out with deep concern about the ongoing threats to our democratic institutions, particularly the implications of Project 2025 and President Trump’s continued assault on our government. Too many of our fellow citizens still do not grasp the full extent of these dangers—from claims of unilateral control over Gaza to devastating cuts in funding for underserved communities, and even the shocking proposals to outsource American citizens to El Salvador’s harsh prison system or detain non-criminal immigrants at Guantanamo Bay. These are not hypotheticals; they are policy proposals that require urgent and unwavering opposition.

The stakes are high.

We must remain vigilant against the systematic dismantling of our healthcare, judicial, social, and democratic systems. As an elected leader, your voice carries weight, and I urge you to stand firm in protecting the foundational values of our nation. This is not about partisanship—it is about the rule of law, human rights, and the preservation of democracy itself.

However, it is not enough to engage only with those who already understand these threats. I strongly urge you and your colleagues to break through the media silos and ensure your message reaches right-wing circles. Too many Americans are consuming a steady diet of disinformation, reinforcing dangerous narratives that threaten our democracy. We need leaders who are willing to step into difficult conversations—on conservative talk shows, podcasts, town halls in red districts, and community events where misinformation is rampant.

I also encourage you to take this message on the road. A nationwide town hall approach—traveling state by state, district by district—would provide the opportunity to speak directly to the people, answer their questions, and build bridges in communities where fear and propaganda have taken hold. This fight cannot be won solely from Washington; it must be fought in the hearts and minds of everyday Americans who need to hear the truth from leaders they can trust.

For ongoing, fact-based historical analysis of our current political landscape, I highly recommend historian Heather Cox Richardson’s Letters from an American newsletter. She provides daily insights connecting current events to their historical context in a way that is both accessible and deeply informative. Here is the link:

🔗 Letters from an American – Heather Cox Richardson

The press plays a critical role in upholding democracy, and I commend journalists continuing to inform the public with integrity. But they cannot do this alone. Our elected leaders must take the lead in reaching those who are being misled, countering disinformation with truth, and ensuring that every American—regardless of political affiliation—understands what is at stake.

Please do not give up. As history has shown us, when one group is targeted, others soon follow. We must be bold, relentless, and willing to meet people where they are. This is the time for real leadership.

Thank you for your time, your leadership, and your dedication to serving the people. I appreciate your attention to these urgent matters and look forward to seeing how you take a stand.

With gratitude and solidarity,

RS
Richard Silvia
YesRising Together
🔗 https://linktr.ee/YesRising