August 19, 2025
Today is one of those days where the news feels like a gut punch… but we all know lately all of these days feel this way.
The Authoritarian Threat Index now rates the U.S. a (56/100) – “Severe Threat.” That’s not clickbait. That’s the reality: media freedom, civil liberties, executive checks, and the truth itself are under siege. Elections and even the potential for political violence are on that list, too. The other day experts were warning there’s nearly a 1 in 5 chance we see a four-year democratic breakdown – honestly probably even greater by the time you’re reading this… sadly.
Let that sink in.
The Alarm Bells Are Everywhere
Polls show the people feel it. A Reuters/Ipsos survey says political extremism and threats to democracy are now the top concern for Americans – higher than inflation, higher than jobs, higher than anything else on our minds. In California, more than 64% of voters say democracy is “under attack” and another 26% say it’s “being tested.” That’s 90% of people who know something’s wrong.
And they’re right.
The Playbook Is Authoritarian
Analysts are documenting moves straight from the authoritarian guide:
- Targeting universities, courts, public media, nonprofits.
- Defunding PBS/NPR.
- Gutting Planned Parenthood.
- Reshaping education rights for children (Prager U is attrocious)
- Undermining the judiciary.
- Silencing us and revoking our First Amendment Rights – just take a peak at the new Terms & Conditions on TikTok – or the clips of the peaceful protesters being beaten, arrested, and attacked.
It’s a slow, strategic hollowing out of the institutions we rely on – the ones meant to keep power in check. The problem is – for us at least – it doens’t feel slow at all.
August 11th, Trump put Washington, D.C.’s police under federal control and deployed the National Guard. That should set off alarms for anyone who cares about civil liberties – but it gets worse – red states are now sending in their National Guard to D.C. – it’s been ONE WEEK – it feels like a lifetime. Meanwhile in Texas, the redistricting has taken an even darker turn as Republicans imprisoned Nicole Collier – and send in state troopers to imprison those protesting for her release. They aren’t even listening to their constituents.
Elected officials are KIDNAPPING the opposing party.
So… What Do We Do?
I’ve been wrestling with that question for months… I wish I had an answer that was more powerful – but this is what I know I can do:
I started Cryptids for a Cause – my plan to send my “Liberty” art across America through USPS, each with a QR code that links back to a hub of nonprofits fighting for democracy. I want people to find them in public spaces – libraries, parks, community gardens – and feel a spark.
But in a moment like this, it can’t just be about sparking. We need fuel.
How We Turn Art Into Action
Here’s what I’m doing – and what you can do if you join me:
1. Give Context.
When someone finds my art, they’ll see a zine – explaining how important our 1st amendment is, but they’ll also be linked back here – so they know what we’re doing and the why! You can create your own zine – there’s a free printable in my Digital Downloads section.
2. Offer Next Steps.
Not just “learn more” – but do more. That could mean sending an email, making a small donation ($65 for PBS streaming anywhere or $5 a month – it’s all they need), volunteering, or showing up at a local civic event… it’s okay if you can’t protest – but you CAN take action.
3. Go Local.
Public spaces are still ours. That’s why I drop art in libraries, bus stops, parks, and other public spaces.
4. Build Together.
If you run a nonprofit, organize locally, or just want to paint a mailbox with me, I want to hear from you. This work doesn’t need one loud voice – it needs a chorus… it needs all of us.
The Truth?
This is bigger than any one artist, and scarier than most people want to admit. But I believe in making the threats visible, not hiding them under platitudes. I believe in using what’s still free – our speech, our art, our streets, our public spaces – while we still have them.
So I’m putting this out there: I will keep making art that resists. I will keep putting it in the commons. And if you find one of my pieces, know this – it’s not just for you to hang on a wall. It’s a call.
I need you – we all do.
Public Service Is Power. And it’s time to use it.
