Did You Hear? Leaders Are Speaking Out

July 31, 2025

Former President Barack Obama has urged Americans to actively participate in preserving democracy, emphasizing that citizens hold more power than presidents in a democracy. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson discussed her approach to dissenting opinions and expressed concern about American democracy during the Global Black Economic Forum. Voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams outlined ten tactics used in autocracies during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, encouraging resistance through truth-telling and community action.

Who is affected

American citizens and voters
People living in areas with immigration enforcement operations (particularly in Los Angeles' MacArthur Park area)
Individuals detained by federal immigration agents
Children and families near summer camps where enforcement operations occurred
Supreme Court justices in the minority on split decisions

What action is being taken

Former President Obama is speaking out at fundraisers and in interviews to encourage civic participation
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is writing dissenting opinions on the Supreme Court, particularly when she believes she can offer a distinct perspective
Stacey Abrams is raising awareness about threats to democracy through media appearances
Mayor Karen Bass is pushing back against federal immigration enforcement tactics in Los Angeles
Federal agents including Customs and Border Protection, National Guard, and plainclothes officers are conducting immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles

Why it matters

Democracy requires active citizen participation to function properly
The rule of law, free speech, and democratic principles affect everyday life for Americans
Federal immigration enforcement tactics in Los Angeles are raising concerns about overreach and intimidation
Supreme Court dissents provide important alternative perspectives on legal issues
Understanding the tactics used in autocracies helps citizens recognize threats to democracy

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint