Commentary

Opinion: Will Californians Fight as Dirty as Republicans?

With Trump so willing to use executive orders to exert his will and with the Republicans so willing to accommodate, America is barely a functioning democracy. We are sliding toward that other “d” word, that starts with that “dic…” sound and it is not a pretty thought. To counteract that takes some action — and Newsom is ready.

Published

6 months ago

August 25, 2025

Emil Guillermo

Courtesy of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Facebook page.

By Emil Guillermo

Got to hand it to Gov. Gavin Newsom.

More than any Democrat — alongside State Attorney General Rob Bonta — he’s been trying to find the right way to fight the unlawfulness of the Trump administration that seems bent toward turning America into a functioning Republican dictatorship.

That’s right. I said it.

You can point to ICE and say it’s really fascist.

Or say authoritarian.

But we’re quibbling here, right?

With Trump so willing to use executive orders to exert his will and with the Republicans so willing to accommodate, America is barely a functioning democracy.

We are sliding toward that other “d” word, that starts with that “dic…” sound and it is not a pretty thought.

To counteract that takes some action — and Newsom is ready.

But it’s not going to be easy.

It’s one thing to file lawsuits about tariffs and military deployment. All that takes time.

But this new idea to fight the ending of democracy with democracy makes more sense — if Californians understand the urgency.

It requires we change the law that installed a commission to assure that gerrymandering of districts was held in check.

And then the state Legislature with a super majority would be able to draw up new maps that oust the same number of Republican seats as Texas and other red states are trying to rig the mid-term elections for Republicans.

Is it fighting dirty to fight dirty?

Or are the Dems finally coming to a knife fight with at least a big stick?

It is, however, using democracy to fight the abuse of democracy. Any time a president says, ‘I need five more districts,’ and Texas obliges, you know we are dealing with an abuse of democracy.

California has the power to fight back and it should.

But are people willing to do what it takes?

All it takes is voting.

This is where the “rubber meets the road” as they say. Most people just don’t vote.

People show up for general elections, but still, we don’t get 100% in our country.

The only place I’ve seen 100% voting was in Iraq, and guess what — everyone voted for Saddam Hussein.

What Newsom wants to do to counteract is risky. People have to go out there and be willing to say yes to the suspension of the state’s redistricting commission.

Will they do it?

It just depends on how bad we all want to stop America’s slide into a functioning dictatorship.

Do we have it in us?

Before we get there, Republicans who may get mapped out will try to stop Newsom and say the plan will impact voters negatively.

They’re only trying to save their jobs and California for Trump.

Let’s try Newsom’s way and see if people can muster the courage to fight the anti-democracy of Trump with the power of their sacred vote.

About the Author

Emil Guillermo is a veteran journalist, news commentator, and stage monologist. You can see him on YouTube.com/@emilamok1. Or see him perform on his Canadian fringe tour in Edmonton through Aug. 24, and in Vancouver in Sept. Info at www.amok.com