Love in Action: Blood, Protests, and the Fight for Democracy
It’s Valentine’s Day—a day for love—and suddenly, I remember a promise I made to myself: donate blood for my first time and continue doing so at least once a year on Valentine’s Day. Without hesitation, I go online, using DuckDuckGo (refusing to let Google track me), to sign up for a donation time. In my ADHD-driven determination, I’m convinced there must be an appointment available today, even amidst the chaos of the Musk coup in America. No luck. Undeterred, I call the Red Cross, and while they can’t fit me in on Valentine’s Day, they schedule me for the next day. Stick with me here (needle not necessary)—why this sudden urge to donate blood? America is in turmoil, democracy is being dismantled, but I’m a patriot and a humanitarian. I’ve heard there’s a blood shortage, and I feel compelled to act.
The next day, as I’m donating blood, the phlebotomist asks about my plans for the rest of the day. I tell her I’m meeting a girlfriend for lunch, then heading to a supply store to buy materials for making protest signs. Her eyes light up, and she asks, “What protest? Where? When?” I explain it’s an Anti-Trump/Anti-Musk rally on President’s Day at the Tesla dealership. She’s excited to hear that protests are happening—proof that people are fighting against Trump 2.0 and the unelected oligarch Musk.
I encourage her to provide me with her email or text number so I can forward her information about upcoming protests. After I finish donating, she writes her email on an unopened swab package and hands it to me. It’s a small but meaningful connection, and it reminds me of something I’ve been trying to do lately: talk to at least one person a day about actions we can take to save democracy. Whether it’s donating blood, protesting, or simply having a conversation, every small effort counts.
Right now, Trump 2.0, with Musk and the GOP as his enablers, is dismantling American democracy piece by piece. To be a true patriot in this moment means being ready to fight—not just in big, dramatic ways, but in the small, everyday acts of resistance that add up. Democracy isn’t a given; it’s a fragile system that requires vigilance, courage, and the collective power of countless small actions. Every conversation, every donation, every protest matters. Together, these small fights form the backbone of the larger movement to protect democracy.
Who Am I, and Why Am I Here?
Hi, I’m Zorha—a democratic socialist, feminist, wife, mother and IHSS provider who’s tired of the bullshit and complicity in our system. I’m also someone who believes in the power of small actions to create big change. Whether it’s donating blood, making protest signs, boycotting, or having conversations with strangers about democracy, I’m convinced that every act of resistance matters — and I will not be silenced into submission.
This newsletter is my way of fighting back. It’s where I share my unfiltered thoughts on politics, feminism, and the fight to get money out of politics, uphold the Constitution, and protect democracy. I’m here to fight for equality, inclusion, and a government that works for ALL of us—not just the wealthy and powerful. I’m not here to preach or sugarcoat; I’m here to provoke thought, foster dialogue, and inspire action.
If you’re tired of the status quo and ready to join the fight for democracy, you’re in the right place. Let’s build a movement together—one small act, one conversation, one protest at a time.
P.S. If you’d like to support this work, consider subscribing (it’s free!) or chipping in to help cover the cost of protest signs and other activism efforts. Every bit helps.