Independence Day Reflections & STL Political News
A few weeks ago, I went to the “No Kings” protest with my mom and our friend from our old Tower Grove South neighborhood to oppose the Trump Administration’s fascist makeover of our government. It felt good to be out with fellow St. Louisans against this administration, which has thrown our values and Constitution into a crisis, while imposing a severe economic threat on our middle class and poor.
One protest sign read “‘when tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes Duty’-Thomas Jefferson”, and I thought, “cool quote, but did Thomas Jefferson really say that?” After a quick Google search, I found that he did not say that verbatim, but there is something similar in the Declaration of Independence:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”
The Declaration of Independence established our identity as a nation of the people that values freedom and equality for all. It also encapsulates the spirit of our revolutionary beginnings, and that these values and way of life are worth fighting for!
This year, Independence Day feels different. Though I love explosions, BBQ, and partying with my family and friends to celebrate freedom, I can’t ignore that what we are celebrating is quickly slipping away. Here are a few anti-American developments of the Trump administration so far:
Unidentified masked ICE agents have been disappearing people to El Salvador and other prisons around the United States without due process rights.
Law firms, media outlets, and some universities have capitulated to Trump’s retribution-fueled demands by settling in court or following his orders.
Many public administrative experts have been fired and replaced with Trump loyalists.
And one of the worst pieces of legislation, “The Big Beautiful Bill” passed yesterday. This legislation adds 3 trillion dollars to our national debt so that billionaires can have more tax breaks while stripping insurance and food from poor and working class Americans.
Enjoy this Independence Day- blow things up (safely) and celebrate with family and friends! Also, maybe consider what kind of action that you can take to protect our freedom. Here are some ideas of how to get involved:
Attend a protest and protest peacefully.
Support Democratic candidates through volunteering, donating, and posting on social media. Republicans in Congress have relinquished their power to the executive, and we have a chance to take it back in 2026. Feel free to send me a message if you are interested in volunteering and need to be connected with a campaign or a cause!
Attend neighborhood meetings-connect with the community. If you are interested in attending a Democratic Ward Organization meeting, the 2nd ward is open and meets the second Thursday of every month! Our next meeting will be:
July 10th at 7pm Location: The American Czech Center 4690 Lansdowne One free drink ticket per person!
What Else is Going on Around Town
Jami Antwi Cox is the new alderwoman of the 8th ward!
Image from the St. Louis City Board of Elections Website: https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/board-election-commissioners/elections/results/
The 8th ward held their Special Election this past Tuesday to fill the vacancy left by Mayor Cara Spencer. The Democratic Central Committee endorsed Shedrick Kelley, a committeeman and longtime neighborhood advocate. As confident as the DCC was in Kelley’s leadership, Cara Spencer’s pick, Jami Antwi Cox won a sweeping victory with 55% of the vote against Kelley and 3 other opponents. Sadly, only 14% of residents of the 8th ward showed up to vote.
The 8th ward covers parts of downtown, Lafayette Square, Soulard, and Gravois Park. Many Soulardians I know were torn over who to vote for, but a last minute endorsement from Board of Aldermen President Megan Green for Shedrick Kelley moved several of my Soulardian friends to choose Antwi Cox. The wave of progressivism in St. Louis that led to the elections of Tishaura Jones, Kim Gardener, and Cori Bush in the 2017-2022 era is receding as crime and basic city services declined during their tenures. An endorsement from one of the last remaining leaders of the local progressive wing, Megan Green, had the opposite intended effect in the ward that generates some of the most economic activity in the region.
The downtown business community and other 8th warders are concerned with growing issues in their ward. They have seen an increase in property crimes in their neighborhoods, and have witnessed the decline in business from patrons who do not feel safe going downtown. Antwi Cox is a public policy major with a masters in global economics. She understands that business partnerships are important to further neighborhood improvement. Congratulations and good luck to 8th ward Alderwoman Jami Antwi Cox!
The Sheriff
I never thought I would agree with any actions from our god-awful AG, Andrew Bailey, but here I am pleased with his quo warranto lawsuit to remove Alfred Montgomery as sheriff. As I previously wrote, Montgomery has abused his position by illegally detaining a jail commissioner, refusing to transport prisoners to the hospital, creating a massive deficit in his department, and so much more! The first hearing is scheduled for this upcoming Wednesday, July 9th at 11am.