In moments of political tension, it’s easy to fall into “us vs. them” thinking. When people feel unheard, overwhelmed, or misled, they want someone to blame. Typically, that blame lands on whoever isn’t currently in power, or whichever group doesn’t align with our worldview.
I want to explain why dissent is vital to democracy. But if you’re going to assign blame, let’s make sure we’re pointing the finger at the right people.
Dissent is a Safeguard, Not a Threat
Democracy doesn’t thrive on agreement alone. In fact, the very point of democracy is that we don’t all agree. That’s why we vote. That’s why we have checks and balances. And that’s why dissent (even when uncomfortable or unpopular) is not just allowed, but necessary. It is an essential part of our democratic framework.
Dissent isn’t destruction. It isn’t the enemy of patriotism. It’s a tool, a warning light that helps prevent the abuse of power. When one party dominates every branch of government, when critics are silenced or dismissed, and when voters stop holding elected officials accountable, democracy begins to erode.
Opposition matters. Protest matters. Whistleblowing matters. The right to speak out, even against your own government or party, is a freedom many people across the world do not have. In America, we do. And it must be protected.
Democracy is Built on Debate
Healthy democracies rely on friction. Not chaos, but productive tension. Tension that leads to compromise, negotiation, and accountability. It’s easy to celebrate democracy when things go your way. It’s harder when the people you disagree with are using the same democratic tools you value.
But that’s the design. No party should be immune to criticism. No side should rule unchallenged. These are our elected officials. They work for us. They need to be reminded of that regularly. And if that sentence made you scoff, maybe you need the reminder, too.
This is where the opposition comes in… whether it’s Democrats in a red state or Republicans in a blue state. The minority party doesn’t exist just to resist. It exists to represent millions of Americans whose voices deserve to be heard.
Democrats Aren’t “The Enemy,” They’re a Necessary Voice
You don’t have to agree with Democrats on everything. But dismissing them entirely, or blaming them for every problem, even when they aren’t in power, isn’t productive. It’s scapegoating. And it’s the oldest trick in the politics playbook.
A functioning democracy requires more than one viewpoint. Democrats (including progressives, moderates, and independents) often represent the people most vulnerable to shifts in healthcare access, education policy, voting rights, and social services. Silencing those voices means silencing entire communities.
Bottom Line
Dissent is a feature of democracy, not a flaw.
We don’t have to agree to work together. We don’t have to like every policy to recognize the importance of varied perspectives. And we don’t have to erase one party to value accountability, transparency, and civic participation.
Disagreeing with someone doesn’t make them your enemy. Sometimes, it just means you both care enough to speak up and believe this country can do better.
Let’s Talk About Blame: Who’s Really Responsible?
Now that we’ve addressed scapegoating, let’s identify who’s actually responsible for the issues Americans care about most. Because if we want accountability, we have to start with facts.
The Economy
Many people blame the President for every economic issue. But the economy is shaped by global markets, corporate decisions, the Federal Reserve, and long-term policy, not just one person.
Who holds the most control here?
The Federal Reserve. It’s an independent agency, though the President does appoint the Board of Governors (with Senate approval). The Fed sets interest rates and regulates monetary policy to stabilize the economy, not the White House or Congress per The Federal Reserve Act.
Why does independence matter?
Because if politicians directly controlled interest rates, inflation would likely rise due to short-term political pressures. Most lawmakers (even those who dislike the Fed) acknowledge this risk.
You can read more about “Why is the Federal Reserve Independent and What Does That Mean in Practice?” by David Wessel here.
Currently, Jerome “Jay” Powell is Chair of the Federal Reserve. He was appointed by Trump in 2018, and reappointed by under Biden in 2022.
Gas Prices
Presidents get blamed for high gas prices, but they don’t set them. Gas prices are driven by:
- Global oil markets
- OPEC production quotas
- Supply and demand
- Corporate profit margins
In 2020, gas prices were low. Why? COVID-19 lockdowns caused demand to plummet. In contrast, the 2022 price spikes followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, disrupting global supply chains. These aren’t partisan issues, they’re geopolitical and economic realities. You can get more context about gas prices during 2022 here.
Taxes
Republicans often accuse Democrats of “raising taxes,” but history tells a different story.
The 2017 Trump tax cuts (known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act) made corporate tax cuts permanent while giving temporary cuts to the middle class. That law added $2 trillion to the national debt. Those tax policies are still in effect today, extended by recent legislation under the Big Beautiful Bill, which then added even more to the national debt.
These tax cuts disproportionately benefited corporations and the wealthy. The working and middle classes? Not so much.
And yet, attempts to raise taxes on millionaires, close loopholes, or fund IRS enforcement of tax evasion are routinely blocked by Republican lawmakers—who simultaneously call for “fiscal responsibility.”
Trickle-down economics, championed since Reagan, has been repeatedly discredited. The theory promises economic growth by giving tax breaks to the wealthy, assuming benefits will “trickle down.” In practice? The wealthy hold onto their gains, and the economic benefits rarely reach working Americans. You can read more about Trickle Down Economics’s short comings here.
So, Wait… Isn’t the President Still Partly Responsible?
Yes, and no.
The President proposes economic and tax policies, and as the head of their party, their influence matters. But Congress passes the laws. And the Federal Reserve manages the monetary side. So blaming the President alone (especially for inherited policies) is misleading.
Let’s Be Honest: I’m Biased
I’m a Democrat. I support my party. And no, I’m not going to do the right-wing’s homework for them. But that doesn’t mean I ignore legitimate criticism or pretend Democrats are always right.
I live in a heavily Republican county. I hear the other side’s criticisms all the time. I don’t live in an echo chamber. I stay informed, because it impacts my family and my community.
So Why the Blame Game?
Because it’s easier.
It’s easier to scream “Socialism!” than admit that corporations are gouging us and getting away with it.
It’s easier to scapegoat Democrats than admit Republicans often offer no real solutions, just budget cuts and culture war distractions.
It’s somehow easier to rally around drag bans or book bans than to face the economic reality of stagnant wages and rising costs.
But voters deserve the truth. And that starts with these questions:
- Who’s in power right now?
- Who made the laws you’re upset about?
- And who’s benefiting from your anger?
Spoiler: It’s not the immigrant. It’s not the teacher. It’s not the working mom who voted blue.
It’s the billionaire lobbying for another tax loophole while the rest of us are left struggling.
Little Blue Texans 
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