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

7 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

Emil Guillermo

Emil Guillermo is a journalist and commentator. He does a micro-talk show on YouTube.com/@emilamok1

Posts by Emil Guillermo

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Activism

Oakland Post: Week of March 18 – 24, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of March 18 – 24, 2026

Published

4 days ago

March 22, 2026

Oakland Post

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

Oakland Post

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Advice

Financial Wellness and Mental Health: Managing Money Stress in College 

While everyone’s financial situation is unique, several common sources of stress have the potential to strain your financial health. These include financial and economic uncertainty, existing debts, unexpected expenses, and mental or physical health changes. Financial stress may differ from situation to situation, but understanding the factors contributing to yours may help you begin to craft a plan for your unique circumstances.

Published

1 week ago

March 17, 2026

Oakland Post

Sponsored by JPMorganChase

As a college student, managing financial responsibilities can be stressful.

If you’ve found yourself staying up late thinking about your finances or just feeling anxious overall about your financial future, you’re not alone. In one survey, 78% of college students who reported financial stress had negative impacts on their mental health, and 59% considered dropping out. While finances can impact overall stress, taking steps to manage your finances can support your mental, emotional and physical well-being.

When it comes to money, the sources of stress may look different for each student, but identifying the underlying causes and setting goals accordingly may help you feel more confident about your financial future.

Consider these strategies to help improve your financial wellness and reduce stress.

Understand what causes financial stress

2. Determine your financial priorities

Start by reflecting on your financial priorities. For students this often includes paying for school or paying off student loans, studying abroad, saving for spring break, building an emergency fund, paying down credit card debt or buying a car. Name the milestones that are most important to you, and plan accordingly.

3. Create a plan and stick to it

While setting actionable goals starts you on the journey to better financial health, it’s essential to craft a plan to follow through. Identifying and committing to a savings plan may give you a greater sense of control over your finances, which may help reduce your stress. Creating and sticking to a budget allows you to better track where your money is going so you may spend less and save more.

4. Pay down debt

Many students have some form of debt and want to make progress toward reducing their debt obligations. One option is the debt avalanche method, which focuses on paying off your debt with the highest interest rate first, then moving on to the debt with the next-highest interest rate. Another is the debt snowball method, which builds momentum by paying off your smallest debt balance, and then working your way up to the largest amounts.

5. Build your financial resilience

Some financial stress may be inevitable, but building financial resilience may allow you to overcome obstacles more easily. The more you learn about managing your money, for instance, the more prepared you’ll feel if the unexpected happens. Growing your emergency savings also may increase resilience since you’ll be more financially prepared to cover unexpected expenses or pay your living expenses.

6. Seek help and support

Many colleges have resources to help students experiencing financial stress, like financial literacy courses or funds that provide some assistance for students in need. Talk to your admissions counselor or advisor about your concerns, and they can direct you to sources of support. Your school’s counseling center can also be a great resource for mental health assistance if you’re struggling with financial stress.

The bottom line

Financial stress can affect college students’ health and wellbeing, but it doesn’t have to derail your dreams. Setting smart financial goals and developing simple plans to achieve them may help ease your stress. Revisit and adjust your plan as needed to ensure it continues to work for you, and seek additional support on campus as needed to help keep you on track.

 JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC