Courage is Contagious
As more people speak out and act against authoritarianism, courage catches on.
Welcome to our new Courage is Contagious series, which brings you examples of people and institutions within pillars of support taking bold and brave action to challenge authoritarianism and advance democracy.
Authoritarian systems rely on the cooperation of key pillars of society —businesses, faith communities, veterans, unions, professional associations, and others. When those pillars withdraw their support—or stand up to defend democracy—authoritarian power weakens. As more people speak out and act, courage catches fire.
Veterans Speak Out Against War with Iran
Across the country, veterans and veterans’ groups are speaking out about the risks of war with Iran. They are calling into doubt the administration’s justifications for war and highlighting the President’s abuse of power in launching an attack without congressional approval. This is happening in places like Iowa, Ohio, and Washington, DC, where a Marine Corps veteran’s arm was broken while being forcibly removed from a Senate Armed Services subcommittee meeting. In open letters and statements, veterans are warning of the escalating costs of war in lives and resources, calling on the President to choose diplomacy, and reminding service members of their duty to refuse illegal orders.
Veterans are a critical pillar of support. They have the power to shift the narrative about war and inspire others to speak out, especially around unconstitutional and illegal orders and actions.
Family-Owned Toy Company Wins Court Battle Over Illegal Tariffs
A family-owned educational toy company that sued the administration over illegal tariffs won in a case that made it to the Supreme Court last month, Learning Resources Inc. v. Trump. “We’re not a company that is accustomed to standing by idly,” said Stephen Woldenberg, SVP of Sales for Learning Resources in a conversation with EdWeek’s Market Brief. “So, we wanted to take action specifically when we felt strongly that what the administration had done was illegal. I’m hopeful and optimistic that perhaps what we did could be inspiring to others.”
The administration now faces more than 900 lawsuits from other companies challenging its tariffs—which could cost this administration billions in refunds and erode its support among the business community.
Christian Leaders Voice Concerns Over Cruel and Oppressive Policies
In a statement issued on Ash Wednesday, a group of 400 prominent Christian leaders called this administration “cruel and oppressive.” The statement, which was signed by leaders across a mix of denominations, called on: “all Christians to join us in greater acts of courage to resist the injustices and anti-democratic danger sweeping across the nation. In moments like this, silence is not neutrality—it is an active choice to permit harm.” The letter, which speaks about the dangers of Christian nationalism, is particularly salient as the administration uses religious rhetoric to justify war with Iran.
With many evangelical leaders and communities aligned with the President, this call to conscience from a prominent group of faith leaders opens the door for more people of faith to act with courage against authoritarian policies and practices that do not align with their beliefs.