When I first started Democracy Docket, I made a promise that I would tell it like I see it and let the chips fall where they may. However, when it comes to my emotions, that hasn’t always been easy to sort out. In the last seven months alone, I’ve written about being worried, hopeful, optimistic and defiant.

But as I sat down to write this note, I found myself overwhelmed by a different emotion. I am beside myself with rage. I am — in short — furious.

And it turns out I am not alone.

According to a new poll, when asked what emotion best describes how they feel about Trump’s actions as president, 49% of Democrats and 11% of Independents chose “furious.” Another 20% and 10%, respectively, chose “angry.” In total, 69% of Democrats and 21% of Independents are furious or angry about what Trump has done so far in his second term.

As they should be. There’s a lot to be furious about. 

I am furious that Trump has issued executive orders in violation of the Constitution; flouted federal laws and claimed he is not bound by them; fired officials protected from removal; purged military officers who might disagree with him; seized the power to levy taxes and spend money without congressional approval; and directed the political investigation and prosecution of his opponents.

I am furious that he has targeted the most vulnerable among us for ridicule and persecution; stripped health care from those most at risk; and showered the wealthiest with tax breaks they don’t need.

I could go on and on.

But if I’m being honest, I’m not only furious at Trump and his sycophants. I am equally — if not more — furious at how little is being done in response to his destruction.

Every day, I am furious at the people and institutions that loudly claimed to stand for democracy when President Joe Biden was in office but have now gone silent in their complicity and collaboration. I am furious at those who have so much yet are willing to risk nothing.

I now understand Martin Luther King Jr.’s warning that the greatest tragedy is “not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.” Except I don’t see them as good people — and instead of offering Christian forgiveness, I am filled with the fury of Ezekiel.

As the head of a law firm fighting for free and fair elections, I know the risks of standing up to Trump and his election-denying supporters in court. In fact, I experienced it first-hand — I have been targeted by Trump by name.

As the founder of a pro-democracy media company, I know the pressure of exposing this administration’s attacks on democracy. As an outspoken opponent of the regime, I know the personal and professional risks I and others are taking.

That is why my rage is so consuming. That is why my contempt for those who know better yet remain silent runs so deep.

The largest law firms have not only failed to stop Trump but have pledged $1 billion in free legal services to his chosen causes. Legacy media outlets and their owners have shoveled tens of millions into his coffers. And just recently, the richest, most powerful tech CEOs disgraced themselves by showering Trump with praise at a White House dinner seemingly convened for that very purpose.

I understand why Trump does what he does: he wants money and power. But what about the leaders of civil society? What about the business leaders who once promised us they could solve any problem? What about the news outlets that swore to report without fear or favor? Where is indignation? Where is their rage?

And it is about to get worse.

Trump is deploying the military to undermine democratically elected leadership in several cities and states. It has already happened in Los Angeles. It is happening right now in Washington, D.C. We are told Chicago is next. It will not end there.

On Saturday, Trump posted on social media that “Chicago is about to find out why it’s called the Department of WAR.” On Sunday, the administration escalated further, sending White House border czar Tom Homan onto the Sunday shows. He spewed lies, but his message was clear: National Guard troops will be deployed this week “in most sanctuary cities.”

Trump is hoping for conflict. He wants a spark to ignite a blaze that will give him the pretext to crackdown on democracy even harder. In a different era, it was a fire at the German parliament building. In this one it might be an unruly protest, a violent confrontation or even a sandwich thrown at the wrong law enforcement official. 

In the 1954 Army-McCarthy hearings, Joseph Welch, the lawyer defending the Army, famously erupted in fury when Sen. Joseph McCarthy targeted one of his colleagues by name: “I never really gauged your cruelty or your recklessness…You have done enough. Have you no sense of decency?”

Donald Trump has built an entire administration and political movement around cruelty and recklessness. He has no shame. He certainly has no decency.

My question is: where is our fury?

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