Silenced? Not a Chance: Standing Tall in the Face of Threats

Silenced? Not a Chance: Standing Tall in the Face of Threats

How a Social Media Post Sparked a Death Threat—And Why I Won’t Back Down

It happened. I received a death threat.

Not the first one in my life—my time in the Army and my younger years exposed me to risk—but this one was different. This wasn’t about combat or reckless choices. It was about words. A post asking what people felt about the job Trump was doing was enough to ignite the kind of fury that leads to threats.

For a moment, I felt the weight of it. The reality that my stance, my voice, had made me a target. But that moment was brief. Because I refuse to let intimidation dictate my path.

Speaking Up in a Divisive World

Since the January 6th 2021 insurrection, I’ve dedicated myself to protecting democracy. I started with a soft approach—leadership content, non-political discussions, and efforts to find common ground. But as misinformation, authoritarian tendencies, and attacks on free speech increased, I realized neutrality wasn’t an option.

So… I spoke up. I wrote articles. I posted. I engaged.

And then came the threats.

Inspired by Those Who Stood Before Me

My decision to take a stand wasn’t born in a vacuum. It was inspired by  Adam Kinzinger and Liz Cheney, who risked their political careers by putting democracy before party loyalty. Watching them refuse to bow to pressure gave me the courage to speak up.

And then there’s Jim Acosta. His recent resignation from CNN is a reminder that truth in journalism is under siege. His relentless pushback against disinformation inspires me. If people like him can stand their ground, so can I.

The Tactics of Fear and Control

Death threats, lawsuits against journalists, defamation claims, and misinformation campaigns—these aren’t just random actions. They’re calculated intimidation tactics. Donald Trump and his loyalists understand that silencing voices is the fastest way to consolidate power.

Consider the lawsuits aimed at the media:

• Ann Selzer, one of the most respected pollsters, is facing legal action simply for reporting data Trump didn’t like.
• CBS, ABC, The Washington Post, CNN, and Meta have all been hit with billion-dollar lawsuits meant to suppress journalism.
• Independent journalists face daily attacks just for reporting facts.

​The goal is clear: make people afraid to speak. Make them doubt whether it's worth the risk.

The Rise of Independent Voices

But here’s the thing—fear isn’t winning. If anything, it’s fueling a countermovement. Independent voices like the Meidas Touch Network and The Contrarian are stepping up, filling the void left by compromised traditional media.

And everyday people like me are refusing to back down.

Here’s how I’m ramping up my efforts:

• ​Writing and publishing content
• Speaking publicly 
• Hosting workshops on communication
• Supporting independent journalism
• Mentoring new voices who want to make a difference

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Silence isn’t an option.

The Cost of Speaking Up

Of course, standing up comes at a cost. Social media trolls attack my character. I’ve lost friends. I’ve been ostracized by some.

But history shows us that every movement for justice—civil rights, voting rights, press freedom—has come with sacrifices.

The question isn’t whether it’s risky. The question is: Can we afford to stay silent?

Moving Forward—Louder Than Before

So where do we go from here? How do we fight back against those who seek to suppress dissent?

1. Support Independent Journalism – Subscribe, donate, and share reputable sources.
2. Engage Locally – National elections matter, but change starts at the local level.
3. Speak Up – Even when it’s uncomfortable. Even when it’s hard.
4. Educate Others – Help others understand what’s at stake and how they can get involved.
5. Hold Leaders Accountable – Demand transparency and integrity from elected officials.

I got my first social media death threat. But I’m still here. I’m still speaking. And I’m just getting started.

Because democracy isn’t just worth fighting for—it’s worth risking for.

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