The Lone Democrat
Senator John Fetterman offers a refreshing contrast on the left, as he has rejected the extreme positions that too many in the Democratic Party have adopted.
Writer’s note: I’ve prepared a different piece but what’s happening in LA warrants a response. Please click the ❤️ or the share 🔄 button so more people will read it. Thank you!
Los Angeles finds itself in flames once again. It’s only been a few months since part of the city was engulfed by forest fire, an incident we could at least attribute to an "act of God," along with a multitude of man-made factors, such as misdirected forest management. Yet this time, we are witnessing a deliberate eruption of chaos. Agitators are setting fire to driverless cars and American flags, throwing fireworks and rocks at law enforcement, and even looting stores while proudly displaying Mexico’s flag.
If we set aside the display of the Mexican flag for a moment, the current chaos in Los Angeles is hauntingly familiar. We've encountered this before—five years ago, during the summer of unrest that followed the tragic death of George Floyd. What began as demonstrations quickly spiraled into riots; cars and buildings became infernos; law enforcement were attacked, and businesses were looted. Despite these events, mainstream media insisted that the situation was “fiery but mostly peaceful.”
The most concerning responses, or lack thereof, came from Democrats. From mayors in Chicago to Minneapolis and governors in California to Minnesota, these officials chose to stand idle in the face of the riots. They failed in their duty to protect innocent citizens and businesses and to uphold law and order. While their cities were engulfed in chaos, small business owners fought desperately to save their hard-earned livelihoods from criminals. The Democratic leadership didn’t even make a token effort to condemn the rioters. In fact, Kamala Harris, then a Democratic Senator from California and presidential candidate, went so far as to publicly fundraise to bail out those arrested for rioting.
The 2020 summer of rage has caused enormous economic damage. According to Mike Gonzalez, a fellow of the Heritage Foundation, “During the civil unrest between May and July, more than 2,000 officers were injured in the line of duty… Of 8,700 protests across major U.S. cities that summer, 3,692 involved some level of illegal activity, and 574 included outright violence, including attacks on police as well as destruction of local businesses and other private property…In Minneapolis and St. Paul combined, about 1,500 properties sustained severe damage, nearly 80 completely destroyed. Reporting from Axios found that the destruction resulted in at least $1 billion to $2 billion of paid insurance claims.” The inaction from Democratic leaders to prevent such a level of devastation contributed to the seeds of their defeat in the 2024 general election.
Five years have passed, and once again, we see rioters in Los Angeles indulging in violence, looting, and widespread destruction. Legacy media labels these acts as “peaceful” protests, with some even characterizing it as “just a bunch of people having fun watching cars burn,” according ABC news.
Despite this turmoil, Democratic leaders—including LA Mayor Karen Bass, Governor Gavin Newsom, and various Congressional representatives—refuse to condemn the rioters, opting instead to place all the blame on Trump. They portray him as the arsonist and instigator of violence. While we can debate whether the deployment of U.S. Marines to LA was an excessive response, one fact remains clear: these Democratic leaders seem paralyzed, much like they were five years ago, leaving everyday citizens and businesses to face the chaos alone. We must ask: Does the Democratic Party truly want to govern, or is it only focused on clinging to raw power? Are they even capable of effective governance?
Amid this chaos, there was one Democratic leader who was willing to speak the truth and call things as they are. His name is John Fetterman, the Democratic Senator from Pennsylvania. He posted on X.com,
“I unapologetically stand for free speech, peaceful demonstrations, and immigration—but this is not that. This is anarchy and true chaos. My party loses the moral high ground when we refuse to condemn setting cars on fire, destroying buildings, and assaulting law enforcement.”
This wasn't the first time Senator Fetterman had diverged from his party's positions on various issues and criticized his fellow Democrats.
Since Hamas terrorists’ brutal attack against Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, Senator Fetterman offered Israel unwavering support, condemned Hamas, called for the release of hostages, and criticized pro-Hamas protestors on American college campuses. He’s quickly become a lonesome figure within the Democrat party where most of his fellow party members and leaders accused Israel of committing genocide. When leftists tried to harass his outside of his residence, Senator Fetterman responded with something most of his fellow Democrats would never have done nowadays, that was to wave an American flag.
In the wake of the brutal Hamas attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, Senator Fetterman has emerged as a steadfast advocate for Israel on America’s political left, firmly condemning Hamas and calling for the immediate release of hostages. He has also taken a bold stance against pro-Hamas protests on American college campuses. As a result, he has quickly become a solitary figure within the Democratic Party, where many of his colleagues and leaders accused Israel of committing genocide. When leftist activists attempted to harass him outside his home, Senator Fetterman responded in a way most of his fellow Democrats would not have: he waved an American flag.
Senator Fetterman's willingness to break from the party line was further demonstrated by his visit to Mar-a-Lago to meet with Trump after the general election, as well as his trip to Israel to meet the embattled Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Democrats are so loathsome of Senator Fetterman’s political convictions, independent thinking, and outspokenness that they tried to discredit him by claiming concerns for his health. This is ironic given that, after Fetterman suffered a stroke and was unable to campaign for months in 2022, the Democrats and their supportive media outlets consistently reassured voters that his health was not a concern. They insisted he would have ample support to fulfill his responsibilities as a Senator if elected. Despite Fetterman's physical struggles, the Democrats were reluctant to let him go, believing that he was key to securing a win for the party, especially since he endorsed Bernie Sanders and vocally criticized Donald Trump during his presidency. Now that Fetterman’s outspoken nature has begun to reveal the hypocrisy and shortcomings within the Democratic Party, it’s clear that they are eager to push him aside.
I never imagined I would write an article commending Senator Fetterman. We hold many contrasting views on economic policies—he supports a $15 minimum wage, while I believe in a more free-market approach. Our perspectives on the role of government also differ considerably; I advocate for less intervention, while he tends to favor a more active government role. Additionally, I think senators should present themselves professionally, rather than opting for casual attire like hoodies and shorts, which can undermine the seriousness of their positions.
Yet, as Fetterman exhibits a level of independent thought, moral courage, and common sense that many in the Democratic Party seem to lack, my respect for him has grown. His bravery in standing apart from the crowd is not just commendable; it is essential for true leadership.
He reminds me of this quote by Captain America:
“Doesn’t matter what the press says. Doesn’t matter what the politicians or the mobs say. Doesn’t matter if the whole country decides that something wrong is something right. This nation was founded on one principle above all else: the requirement that we stand up for what we believe, no matter the odds or the consequences. When the mob and the press and the whole world tell you to move, your job is to plant yourself like a tree beside the river of truth, and tell the whole world — “No, you move.”
The Democratic Party’s recent expenditure of $20 million to connect with American men appears to be a misguided effort. The issues plaguing the party extend far beyond merely establishing a rapport with this demographic. As Stephen Miller from The Spectator aptly noted on X.com, “I genuinely have no idea how a national party whose primary concerns are illegal immigration, supporting Hamas, and allowing boys in girls' sports and locker rooms can hope to win a national election again.” Senator John Fetterman offers a refreshing contrast on the left, as he has rejected the extreme positions that too many in the Democratic Party have adopted. If the party is serious about winning elections in the future, it should embrace and support individuals like Fetterman rather than trying to sideline them.
This Sunday is Father’s Day, so I'd like to end this piece with a story about my father.
During Mao's Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), my father was imprisoned in a labor camp by the Red Guards. His only “crime” was being the grandson of a landowner. While in the camp, he endured unimaginable torture. The prison guards offered to ease his suffering if he would name someone else as a “counter-revolutionary.” However, my father stood firm in his principles and refused to lie about an innocent person to save himself. His unwavering moral conviction only fueled the guards' anger, which led them to increase their cruelty toward him. Remarkably, he survived that hellish ordeal and was ultimately released after three long years. When people ask who I look up to, I always mention my father. He embodies values such as decency, honesty, and unyielding courage. I am truly fortunate to have him as my role model.
Happy Father’s Day, and thank you, dad!
