Commentary

COMMENTARY: Autocracy, Democracy, And Brittney Griner

Given revelations during the Jan. 6 Select Committee hearings, election deniers are a troubling aspect in our American democracy. The truth is well known. But loyalty to the lie transforms into a modern definition of autocrat. In their world, autocrats always win because they dictate the truth. They never lose an election even when they do.

Published

3 years ago

August 20, 2022

Oakland Post

Emil Guillermo is a journalist and commentator. He does a talk show on www.amok.com

Emil Guillermo is a journalist and commentator. Twitter @emilamok. See him on www.amok.com

By Emil Guillermo

The thought of Brittney Griner, the WNBA star turned political hostage, should make every freedom-loving American weep.

It’s going to be a long wait before it’s all over.

The televised images of Griner behind bars were nothing like the glory images of Griner on the basketball court. There was no joy from her cell in a Russian court, where justice is a sham, and a guilty verdict was handed down for less than a gram of cannabis in a vape pen.

But then came the capper, a prison camp sentence of 9 1/2 years. It was almost too much to bear.

Although Griner has said she doesn’t want to talk about politics or being a pawn, that is exactly what she is. It’s a different game where the U.S. and Russia now discuss prisoner swaps the same way NBA teams try to figure out trades. But is Griner equal to an international arms dealer? An angel for a devil doesn’t make sense, which only means any agreement will take time. And Russia has nothing but time.

So, we should take this unique moment as a civics lesson to appreciate the system we have in our own country, as flawed and as imperfect as it is.

When House Speaker Nancy Pelosi went to Taiwan last week, she emphatically defended her visit, saying U.S. stands by democracies like Taiwan which is standing up to its bully, China. Said Pelosi, “We take this trip at a time when the world faces a choice between autocracy and democracy.”

Democracy you know.

Autocracy? That isn’t being forced to drive a plug-in electric car.

No, autocracy in the starkest of terms is dictatorship. It’s total control. It’s what Putin has. Americans instinctively know the difference between autocracy and democracy.

It’s also a choice we face every day here in the U.S. and especially during any election in these unique times.

While Pelosi stood up for democracy in Taiwan, it’s been a mixed bag in America where Democracy triumphed recently in Kansas when a majority voted to keep abortion a constitutional right in that state.

But democracy remained befuddling in Arizona and Michigan in particular when voters chose candidates who believe in the “Big Lie,” that former President Donald Trump won in 2020.

Many Americans choose to believe the lie being pushed by Trump, who has publicly envied the idea of China’s Xi as “president for life.”

It also explains Trump’s reaction this week when the FBI raided his Florida home. The agents had probable cause and a judge’s signature. Only a failed president with autocratic dreams would question the legality of the raid.

And yet, the GOP remains in the grips of Trump.

But hope comes out of Pelosi’s trip to Taiwan.

More than 20 Republicans came out in support of the speaker, including Sen. Mitch McConnell. And all despite the military “tests” and general saber-rattling from China. In standing up to China, there were some rational Republicans who had to publicly acknowledge we really are on the same team, in support of our enduring democracy. And all democracies. Everywhere.

It was a rare moment of partial American unity!

That’s why Pelosi’s trip will be one of her legacy moments, one that shows us the stark difference between Autocracy vs. Democracy. It’s the choice before us.

In an autocracy, Griner stays behind bars. In a democracy, she goes free. It’s a lesson worth contemplating as we wait for the swap politics in Russia to play out.

Emil Guillermo is a journalist and commentator. Twitter @emilamok. See him on www.amok.com

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Oakland Post: Week of December 31, 2025 – January 6, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of – December 31, 2025 – January 6, 2026

Published

14 hours ago

January 2, 2026

Oakland Post

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Activism

Big God Ministry Gives Away Toys in Marin City

Pastor Hall also gave a message of encouragement to the crowd, thanking Jesus for the “best year of their lives.” He asked each of the children what they wanted to be when they grow up.

Published

5 days ago

December 29, 2025

Oakland Post

From top left: Pastor David Hall asking the children what they want to be when they grow up. Worship team Jake Monaghan, Ruby Friedman, and Keri Carpenter. Children lining up to receive their presents. Photos by Godfrey Lee.

By Godfrey Lee

Big God Ministries, pastored by David Hall, gave toys to the children in Marin City on Monday, Dec. 15, on the lawn near the corner of Drake Avenue and Donahue Street.

Pastor Hall also gave a message of encouragement to the crowd, thanking Jesus for the “best year of their lives.” He asked each of the children what they wanted to be when they grew up.

Around 75 parents and children were there to receive the presents, which consisted mainly of Gideon Bibles, Cat in the Hat pillows, Barbie dolls, Tonka trucks, and Lego building sets.

A half dozen volunteers from the Big God Ministry, including Donnie Roary, helped to set up the tables for the toy giveaway. The worship music was sung by Ruby Friedman, Keri Carpenter, and Jake Monaghan, who also played the accordion.

Big God Ministries meets on Sundays at 10 a.m. at the Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, CA Their phone number is (415) 797-2567.

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2025 in Review: Seven Questions for Assemblymember Lori Wilson — Advocate for Equity, the Environment, and More

Her rise has also included several historic firsts: she is the only Black woman ever appointed to lead the influential Assembly Transportation Committee, and the first freshman legislator elected Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus. She has also been a vocal advocate for vulnerable communities, becoming the first California legislator to publicly discuss being the parent of a transgender child — an act of visibility that has helped advanced representation at a time when political tensions related to social issues and culture have intensified.

Published

5 days ago

December 29, 2025

Oakland Post

Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City). File photo.

By Edward Henderson, California Black Media

Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City) joined the California Legislature in 2022 after making history as Solano County’s first Black female mayor, bringing with her a track record of fiscal discipline, community investment, and inclusive leadership.

She represents the state’s 11th Assembly District, which spans Solano County and portions of Contra Costa and Sacramento Counties.

California Black Media spoke with Wilson about her successes and disappointments this year and her outlook for 2026.

What stands out as your most important achievement this year?

Getting SB 237 passed in the Assembly. I had the opportunity to co-lead a diverse workgroup of colleagues, spanning a wide range of ideological perspectives on environmental issues.

How did your leadership contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians this year?

The Black Caucus concentrated on the Road to Repair package and prioritized passing a crucial bill that remained incomplete during my time as chair, which establishes a process for identifying descendants of enslaved people for benefit eligibility.

What frustrated you the most this year?

The lack of progress made on getting Prop 4 funds allocated to socially disadvantaged farmers. This delay has real consequences. These farmers have been waiting for essential support that was promised. Watching the process stall, despite the clear need and clear intent of the voters, has been deeply frustrating and reinforces how much work remains to make our systems more responsive and equitable.

What inspired you the most this year?

The resilience of Californians persists despite the unprecedented attacks from the federal government. Watching people stay engaged, hopeful, and determined reminded me why this work matters and why we must continue to protect the rights of every community in our state.

What is one lesson you learned this year that will inform your decision-making next year?

As a legislator, I have the authority to demand answers to my questions — and accept nothing less. That clarity has strengthened my approach to oversight and accountability.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians are facing currently?

Affordability and access to quality educational opportunities.

What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2026?

Advance my legislative agenda despite a complex budget environment. The needs across our communities are real, and even in a tight fiscal year, I’m committed to moving forward policies that strengthen safety, expand opportunity, and improve quality of life for the people I represent.