Civic engagement still a powerful tool in defense of democracy
By GuestDear Editor:
On March 28, thousands are expected to attend peaceful protests across the country. At these gatherings — and in the months leading up to the November midterm elections — citizens will confront a multitude of issues that will have a long-term impact on generations to come.
Recent events in Minneapolis have reignited debates over balancing constitutional rights with upholding the rule of law. Federal immigration operations have resulted in multiple shootings involving heavily armed and masked ICE and other federal agents, which have led to civilian deaths and public unrest. During his January 13 podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, Joe Rogan asked, “You really want militarized people in the street just roaming around, snatching up people, many of whom turn out to be U.S. citizens?” He continued, “Where are your papers? Is that what we want? … It’s also very ugly to watch someone shoot a U.S. citizen.”
Equally alarming are discussions surrounding the federalization — or even cancellation — of the November elections. The possibility that such proposals face limited opposition from Republican members of Congress should concern every American, regardless of political affiliation. Just picture an ICE agent checking your voting status at your polling place this November — or learning that the election had been postponed or canceled by the federal government.
As the Department of Homeland Security allocates nearly $100 billion to immigration control and nearly $40 billion to construct detention facilities across the country, including nearby Merrimack, New Hampshire, millions of Americans struggle to find affordable housing, heat their homes, buy food, or access affordable health care. With scientific research and public health at risk, diseases once fully eradicated have re-emerged. A February 13, 2026 report by the CDC lists 910 cases of measles (current year to February 12, 2026). The number of total cases confirmed for 2025: 2,280. In 2023, the CDC reported 59 cases nationwide.
Much of this can be attributed to vaccine misinformation, which undermines decades of medical science and public health progress.
Lastly, as the world pivots to renewable energy, the U.S. recommits to coal, eases controls on fossil fuels, and eliminates policies that recognized carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases as threats to public health and welfare.
Hopefully, these gatherings on March 28 will serve as a call to action. As in Minneapolis, civic engagement remains a powerful tool in the defense of democracy.
Sincerely,
Michael Feeney
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=133535
Posted by Guest
on Feb 27 2026. Filed under From One Citizen to Another, Opinion.
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