| New Jersey – Mayor Ras J. Baraka issued the following statement on President Trump’s first day in office:
“The inauguration of President Trump signals not just a change in leadership, but a jarring departure from the ideals that bind us as a people and a democracy. His administration’s early actions – from threatening the fundamental right to citizenship through an attack on birthright citizenship, to pulling down the reproductive healthcare website on the eve of Roe v. Wade’s anniversary, to retreating from environmental justice when our planet can afford no retreat – are divisive, dangerous and above all, un-American.
“These actions do not reflect the values of New Jersey or the millions of people across this nation who stand for justice, equality, and inclusion. We must stand with our immigrant brothers and sisters, who are the backbone of this nation’s strength. We must protect the rights of women to have autonomy over their bodies. We must double down on our commitment to addressing the climate crisis, because justice delayed is justice denied, and the earth cannot wait.
“I have said it before and I will say it again, now is the time to lean into our democratic values, not retreat into moderacy. The best way to fight back is to prove that a better, more inclusive society is not just possible, it’s the key to building a stronger, fairer, more affordable, and safer economy and society for all our people. In the face of policies rooted in fear, exclusion, and division, the strongest response is succeeding together. Let them see our cities thrive, let them witness our communities grow stronger, and let them know that we will not be divided.” |
