By William Tauro

When is enough truly enough? For many Americans, January 20th couldn’t have come soon enough—a date that represents, for some, a return to common sense leadership and traditional values in the White House.

Vice President Kamala Harris came under fire after a 2017 video resurfaced in which she urged Americans to “stay woke.” According to The Republic News Source, the clip has sparked widespread criticism across social media. Conservative author James Lindsay and others have labeled her a “Communist functionary,” fueling public debate about her stances on immigration, drug policy, and broader social issues in her current role as Vice President.

Watch the video: Harris says “everybody needs to be woke” https://www.foxnews.com/politics/harris-says-everybody-needs-woke-unearthed-clip-spreading-like-wildfire-social-media.amp

But this controversy isn’t limited to national politics. Right here in Somerville, our local elected officials are also embracing performative politics rather than focusing on real community needs. One city councilor has drawn attention—not for policy, but for a viral video in which she dances on social media. Rather than showboating, she should be concentrating on tangible issues: supporting our homeless, veterans, seniors, improving our schools, fixing crumbling infrastructure, and ensuring our police and firefighters have the tools they need to keep us safe.

Watch the video: Dancing Somerville City Councilor https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AnfEa2b9M/?mibextid=wwXIfr
In another example, a male city councilor reportedly advocated for polygamy and has been seen attending meetings in a black dress and heels. While people are free to live how they choose, questions arise when personal identity politics seem to take precedence over effective governance. Anecdotes like one in which this councilor reportedly declined to reveal a baby’s sex—stating instead that the child would choose later and had been named “Freedom”—underscore the cultural shift underway.

To be clear, everyone deserves the freedom to live as they choose. But many people are growing increasingly concerned about the imposition of radical ideologies, especially in our schools. What began as a push for tolerance has, in some cases, morphed into an aggressive campaign to normalize fringe concepts, such as exposing elementary-age children to drag queen performances and confusing gender messaging. These are sensitive issues that deserve thoughtful, age-appropriate consideration—not politicized theatrics.

Author Kiara Alfonseca points out that the definition of “woke” varies depending on who you ask. Lately, it’s been used as a blanket term for progressive policies, often carrying negative connotations. For many, it’s become a symbol of political overreach and ideological coercion.

Growing up, I was a proud Democrat—back when the party stood for the working class and real results. But over time, as the party shifted toward progressive extremes, I found myself disillusioned. I eventually became a Republican, then an Independent, guided not by party loyalty but by common sense. I believe voters should support the person, not the party.

During my own campaigns, I could’ve run as a Democrat, but I refused to compromise my values. Today, too many elected Democrats are more interested in promoting ideology than serving the public. The result? Division, dysfunction, and a society where even basic truths are up for debate.

We’re at a crossroads. Over the next four years, we must prioritize reason, restore civility, and rebuild the foundations of our country. Most importantly, we need leadership grounded in reality—leaders who know who they are and who work for the people, not the performance.