Thanks for reading this free post from the Lowdown! If you enjoy what you’re getting here, please consider upgrading to a paid subscription— here’s why other folks have made the jump to support our work: “Jim is the voice of the underdog and for honesty, integrity, and fairness.” —Dahlia, Oklahoma "Jim Hightower's folksy, country style progressive political viewpoint is a refreshing respite from the the commentary of mainstream political pundits." —MR, Florida “I enjoy Jim’s work because there's always humor and hope.” —Donna, Illinois Paid subscribers get full access to all posts, the ability to comment on everything, invitations to live events with Hightower, and a fuzzy glow from helping in the fight for genuine, “small-d” people’s democracy. We’re glad to have you with us!   Jim Hightower's Radio Lowdown In 2025, Have Faith in the Po… 0:00 2:10 In 2025, Have Faith in the Power of Democratic Ideals Jim Hightower Dec 31 One of the most perverse political gambits this year has been pushed by foam-at-the-mouth, right-wing extremists. They’ve been trying to convince Americans to close their minds to all efforts promoting our society’s democratic goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion. “Don’t Be Woke,” they bark. Hello, numbskulls! From 1776 forward, being wide awake to oppressors and exploiters is literally what made America… and continues to advance it. Our diversity, our national striving for equity, and our persistent struggle to include all in our historic democratic experiment are three core pillars that sustain the USA. My workaday father expressed this unifying reality to me in these profound words: “Everybody does better, when everybody does better.” But a group of self-proclaimed “Anti-Woke” crusaders has surged from the fringes of autocratic, xenophobic, racists politics, demanding that schools, corporations, churches, and families shut our eyes, ears, and minds to our own DEI values. All this would be a depressing end to this political year, EXCEPT that people across the country are rebelling, openly scoffing at the “Don’t Be Woke” hokum. Even the petty autocrats governing states like Florida and Texas can’t stop local school officials from looping around official “bans” against teaching the obvious virtues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Also, while a few corporations have bowed to the right-wing drumbeat, nearly all have continued their DEI programs this year… or even increased them. Why? Because the programs make sense, their workers and shareholders support DEI values, and not all CEOs are suck-ups to right-wing goofiness. So let us not head into 2025 with political fear, but with a recommitment to the persuasive power of democratic ideals. Jim Hightower's Lowdown is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.