The People vs. the (Wannabe) Dictators

In this edition of FrameLab: First, a short (2 minute) read about yesterday's nationwide demonstrations. Second, an important update for members of the FrameLab Book Club.

Some good news: The American people are beginning to stir against the nakedly corrupt authoritarian takeover of our democracy. Yesterday, thousands of Americans took to the streets to make their voices heard. This is just the start.

Democracy isn’t just a system—it’s a moral commitment to fairness, justice, and the idea that government should serve the people, not the powerful. That’s why, on Presidents Day, thousands took to the streets from D.C. to Oakland to Houston, standing up against authoritarianism. Their message? No dictators, no kings. No billionaires pulling the strings. No democracy for sale.

From the Associated Press:

“I thought it was important to be here on Presidents Day to demonstrate for what America stands for,” said Emily Manning, 55, a Boston engineer who came to the rally with her two teenage sons. “American values are not the values of the plutocracy or the limited few rich people.”

Organizers of Monday’s protests, which were focused on state capitals and major cities including Washington, D.C.; Orlando, Florida; and Seattle, said they were targeting “anti-democratic and illegal actions of the Trump administration and its plutocratic allies.”

We’re facing a critical moment, a moment that demands our immediate action. When power consolidates at the top—whether in the hands of corrupt politicians or unelected billionaires like Elon Musk—it crushes the very foundation of democracy: empathy. A truly democratic government doesn’t exist to serve the rich and powerful; it exists of, by, and for the people. That means policies rooted in care, community, and the understanding that we’re all in this together.

Right now, we’re watching the opposite unfold. Instead of leadership grounded in moral responsibility, we see power-hungry elites bending government to their will. Musk wields influence without accountability, while Trump threatens to make his authoritarian fantasies real. They believe democracy is something to be owned and destroyed—but democracy is something that must be lived and defended.

And where is the Democratic Party in all of this? Cowering on the sidelines, for the most part. No clear vision, no real fight, no moral leadership (with few exceptions). This is why the people are acting. Because if the so-called leaders won’t rise to defend democracy, we must. But we also must force them to stand up and fight. This is their moment to prove they believe in democracy, not just when it’s convenient, but when it’s on the line.

The protesters aren’t just making noise—they’re laying the groundwork for a movement. The 50501 Movement ("50 states, 50 protests, 1 day") is working to unite people in defense of democracy, dignity, and a government that actually works for the people.

Your involvement is crucial. because democracy isn’t a spectator sport. It’s a collective responsibility.

The power is in your hands. Make sure your voice is heard.

The 50501 is a good place to start. Show up. Speak out. The future depends on it. Sign up for the 50501 Movement here:

50501 — 50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement

Join the movement to uphold the Constitution and end executive overreach. 50 protests, 50 states, 1 day: #50501.

50501 Movement

And make sure to call your elected officials and let them know that sitting on the sidelines is not an option:

5 Calls

Spend 5 minutes. Make 5 calls. Make your voice heard.

5 Calls

FrameLab Book Club Update

After some delay (Gil has been traveling) and technical work, we are going to try another online book club meeting. Save the Date: 11 a.m. on Sunday, February 23. We will confirm in our next post.

This session will cover chapters 3 and 4 of The Political Mind: A Cognitive Scientist's Guide to Your Brain and its Politics. Please submit any questions in any of the following ways (we'll pick the best ones and try to answer them. Please keep the questions focused on the chapters, this is not a general Q&A).

1. Leave your question in the comments on this post. (Note: You may need to log in to FrameLab to do this. Go to the FrameLab homepage, click "log in" in the top right corner and follow the instructions.)
2. Email your question to me: gil@theframelab.org. Please put "Book Club Question" in the headline.
3. Enter your question at the bottom of this Google Doc.
4. Post your question on social media.
   1. Dr. Lakoff's Facebook page has an open thread where FrameLab book club members can post questions.
5. If you prefer to send a text or voice message, the FrameLab hotline is 415-475-9644.

It's not too late to join! Buy the The Political Mind at Bookshop or wherever you get your books.