What’s Next
Today, and every other day, we are faced with choices. Sometimes we have multiple decisions to
make; other times, there is only one option in front of us. Either way, decisions must be made.
Some may argue, “Well, one can simply do nothing,” but even indecision is still a choice,
because there are consequences attached to inaction. That is exactly why NatiDems will always
choose action. Making a conscious effort to help steer positive outcomes for the Black
community.
In today’s political climate, some of the decisions we face may not perfectly align with
NatiDems’ ideological beliefs. However, steering the boat through harsh winds is still a far better
decision than allowing those winds to sweep us away entirely while trying to reach our
destination.
As an organization, NatiDems has chosen to participate in Congressman Greg Landsman’s
Precinct Executive Dinner. Not because we agree with every decision Congressman Landsman
has made, but because we believe it is more important for the Democratic Party to find ways to
remain unified rather than allowing MAGA candidates to exploit divisions within our ranks.
With the continued threat of MAGA candidates attempting to gain more ground across Ohio,
Democrats must remain focused on the bigger picture. We need to see blue. An entire ocean of
blue sweeping across the state. NatiDems believes it is better to have difficult conversations and
disagreements within the family than to find ourselves fighting larger battles against those who
do not share our collective interests.
But while that MAGA threat remains present, we must focus even harder on local politics. Last
week, a report released by the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office found that in 2025,
Black people in Cincinnati were stopped by police 3.4 times more often than white people. Black
pedestrians were stopped 5.4 times more often than white pedestrians, and Black drivers were
stopped 3.2 times more often than white drivers. Throughout the history of tracking these
statistics, these numbers have never been equal, nor have Black Cincinnatians ever seen fair
treatment under these systems.
What is most concerning is that we have heard virtually nothing about this report from City Hall.
To me, that silence sends a troubling message. These tactics are simply being accepted as
business as usual. If that is not the case, I would have expected immediate outrage and a direct
response from our local elected officials. Where is the accountability? Where is the response
demanding answers from the police department regarding these clearly biased practices?
Was Congressman Landsman’s vote against the war-powers resolution on Iran acceptable?
Absolutely not. But is he the only Democrat who has made questionable decisions recently? Not
at all.
This message is not intended to encourage us to look beyond the decisions of any one individual
candidate, but it is a warning that there are bigger threats facing us locally than disagreements
with Congressman Landsman. If we do not get our own house in order, those threats will
continue to grow while our attention remains divided.
As the NatiDems Coordinator, I would appreciate all NatiDems Precinct Executives showing up
to the PE Dinner. I also look forward to connecting with and building a progressive bridge
alongside the entire PE body.
We must keep our eyes on the macro picture rather than becoming consumed by the micro.