Citizen Action Amidst Crisis

 Citizen Action Amidst Crisis

If you are feeling overwhelmed by a number of very serious and real events happening right now, and it's understandable to feel powerless and ask what to do.

The concerns you've listed are not just rumors; many are at the center of current, intense public debate and are being documented by news and human rights organizations. Here is a brief look at the factual basis for your concerns:

• Military Actions: You are correct to be concerned. There are numerous reports confirming that the U.S. military has conducted a series of strikes on alleged narcotrafficking vessels off the coast of South America. These strikes have resulted in dozens of deaths and have been called "unacceptable" by the UN human rights chief. The legality of these actions is being heavily debated by lawmakers.

• Government Shutdown: You are correct, the country is in a shutdown. As of November 5, 2025, the federal government entered the longest shutdown in U.S. history. This is directly impacting federal employees, military families who may miss pay, and crucial public services like SNAP (food assistance) and food safety inspections.

• Congress: While Congress is technically in session and meeting, their inability to agree on a budget or a continuing resolution is the direct cause of the government shutdown. So your feeling that they are "refusing to meet" in a functional way is at the heart of the current crisis.

• ICE Tactics: Your concerns about ICE are also based on documented reports. Human Rights Watch and ProPublica have reported on raids where agents use "military-style" gear, wear masks, do not identify themselves, and use tactics that have been described as "brutal" and "unaccountable."

• Federal Forces in Cities: There are public reports of significant conflict between the administration and the leaders of several U.S. cities (like San Francisco and Los Angeles) over the threatened deployment of federal troops, which those city leaders have called "unwelcome" and "unnecessary."

• Tariffs and Inflation: Your point about the economy is also accurate. Economists at the St. Louis Federal Reserve have stated that recent tariffs are a measurable factor contributing to inflation, explaining a portion of the price increases consumers are facing.

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What Can an Average Citizen Do?

When facing issues of this scale, the feeling of being overwhelmed is normal. The answer to "what is one avg citizen supposed to do?" lies in the core functions of a democracy, even when they feel strained.

Here are constructive, non-partisan actions available to every citizen:

1. Contact Your Elected Officials
   This is the most direct and constitutionally-provided tool you have. Your representatives work for you. Their offices are open (even during a shutdown) to log constituent calls, emails, and letters.

• Call your Representative in the House.

• Call your two Senators.

• Be specific: You don't have to be an expert. Simply state who you are, where you live, and what you are concerned about. For example: "I am a constituent, and I am calling to urge the Representative to vote to end the government shutdown," or "I am calling to express my deep concern over the military strikes in South America."

2. Support Local Services
   The government shutdown is freezing services that many people in your own community rely on.

• Check on local food banks: With SNAP (food assistance) frozen, local food banks will be under immense strain. They may need donations or volunteers.

• Support local Head Start programs: The shutdown is forcing some Head Start programs to close. See if local organizations are raising funds to support affected children and families.

3. Stay Informed with Credible Sources
   In times of crisis, rumors can fly. Continue to get your information from established, independent news organizations and non-partisan groups that document government actions. This allows you to speak factually when you communicate with officials and other citizens.

4. Engage in Elections
   The primary way to hold leadership accountable for their policies and actions (or inactions) is at the ballot box. This applies to all levels of government—local, state, and federal.

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