To the Editor:

I am not an obstructionist. Not really.

But here I am encouraging Democrats to obstruct, delay and resist at every chance. One reason is because Trump's administration is proposing discriminatory practices that will set social progress back decades. The second is that after years of watching unprecedented Republican obstruction, Democrats have to either fight back or forever be the doormat to GOP steamrolling.

Since at least the 60's, the Republicans have been on the wrong side of history of essentially every civil rights fight. Letting them decimate the checks and balances in government and erode basic legislative process will only result in more oppression for minorities. This cannot happen. Therefore, we obstruct.

As McConnell himself said, Trump is entitled to the same respect that the Republicans afforded to his administration during his term in office. We Democrats are happy to oblige. Merrick Garland should be sitting on the Supreme Court and we will not forget as our Representatives filibuster his appointment.

Trump is an embarrassment and a threat to all Americans (if they realize it yet or not.) His attacks on marginalized groups cannot be allowed. He should be and will be removed from office one way or another.

The majority of this country is actually the "minorities" - pro-choice women, people of color, LGBTQ, and non-Christian. And when we come together, we are no longer "snowflakes" - we are an avalanche. We are not going to let our rights be denied by a bigoted administration all under the guise of "religious freedom" or "national security." We are larger than the Tea Party and the protests are only going to get bigger, louder, and stronger.

I applaud recent Democratic maneuvers against Trump but I also must submit a cautionary warning: Democrats need to know that this Resistance is ready and willing to primary any Representative – of either party – who supports Trump's discriminatory policies or turns a blind eye to his fascist tendencies. We are putting all Democrats on notice that incumbency will no longer equate to electoral success. We are awakeand we are paying attention to every vote, every speech, every silence.

I hope the North Country joins the fight for social justice.

Janice Brabaw

Hermon