Dear John,
As Executive Director of No Dem Left Behind, I frequently travel to our nation's capital. Like many of my colleagues, I’ve come to consider DCA, or Ronald Reagan Airport, a second home. The recent tragedy on that familiar flight route has deeply affected me.
Countless times, I’ve gazed out the window as we approach DC, taking in the sight of the Washington Monument, the White House, and the Capitol Building. These landmarks evoke a sense of history and purpose, reminding me of the importance of our work. These flights are filled with people like myself—traveling for work, living in DC, or visiting as tourists eager to experience our nation’s rich history. DC is a diverse and vibrant city, welcoming people from all walks of life.
I can’t help but think that many passengers on flight AA5342 were doing exactly what I do in those final moments—looking out the window in awe of the city’s beauty, perhaps even capturing a photo or two. My heart aches for the victims and their families. I hope they find some peace in time. For now, we can only offer our prayers and support.
This tragedy comes at a time when our nation is facing yet another crisis. MAGA and Trump are tearing apart our democracy—eroding progress, innovation, and human rights, one department at a time. The hearings this week for Trump’s nominees would make our Founding Fathers turn in their graves—whether due to their incompetence, ignorance, or, in the case of Tulsi Gabbard, outright treasonous behavior. Before anyone accuses me of being melodramatic, let’s be clear: she has a history of praising our country’s enemies, parroting their propaganda, and doing so at the expense of the United States. If that’s not treason, what is?
Right now, Trump, Elon Musk, and their oligarch allies are doing whatever they want—boasting about it every step of the way. But we are taking notes. We are exposing their actions and, more importantly, explaining why they are doing them. Musk’s Doge program is designed to replace federal government employees with AI bots. They don’t value human capital because they don’t value humans. That is who they are. But that is not who we are as Americans.
I know times are tough. As the saying goes, elections have consequences—and boy, are we feeling them.
Meanwhile, something important is happening in DC this week that isn’t making headlines: the DNC is meeting to elect a new chair. No Dem Left Behind has proudly endorsed Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler for the position. We’ve worked closely with the Wisconsin Democrats over the years, and they run exactly the kind of operation our party needs—listening to all voices, trying new ideas, and exploring innovative ways to connect with voters from all walks of life. Ben has done that in Wisconsin, and we are confident he can bring that winning formula to the rest of the country.
That said, I’ve been incredibly impressed with all the candidates running for DNC Chair and Vice Chair. Their ideas are refreshing, and regardless of who wins, I hope they come together to implement those ideas into our party. We must rebuild, win again, and restore everything Trump is trying to take away from us.
We have work to do, and we are doing it. In the meantime, we must raise our voices, exercise our First Amendment rights, and call out wrongdoing wherever we see it.
In Solidarity,
Hassan Martini
