By Kevin Henning
For the “Progressive Views” column, Boerne Star, September 14, 2025
The attacks on “Woke” are disgraceful. Radical right-wing Project 2025 politicians continue to attack a word that best translates into love of one’s fellow human beings. The “woke” American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) notes that the Heritage Foundation, an ultraconservative think tank, and over 100 former Trump staffers authored Project 2025. The ACLU describes it as “a roadmap for how to replace the rule of law with right-wing ideals that will erode our civil rights and civil liberties.”
Radicals have weaponized the word and used it as a criticism of folks who fight for social justice. “Woke” is being socially aware, caring about those less fortunate, and wanting to make our communities, our nation, and the world a better place. It is positive and wonderful. The “Golden Rule is “woke.” What could be wrong with treating your neighbor like you want to be treated?
Originally, “woke” was more of a term that referred to understanding racial hatred and the plight of minority groups in the United States. That understanding of “woke” has been changing over time and it now has a much broader meaning and supports the fundamental freedoms our nation was founded upon.
Yes, science is “woke” since science seeks the truth. Thanks to HHS dictator Kennedy, we are about to find out what it was like before vaccines. “Woke” climate science continues to predict a dire future. The “woke” Smithsonian is about to see truth ripped from its halls. The “woke” baseball owners in Cleveland are being told by our Project 2025 leader they can’t call their baseball team the Guardians. The anti-“woke” big beautiful bill is bringing us one step closer to a recession.
The White House has called for the Smithsonian Institution to be reviewed to root out so called “woke” items. Trump on Truth Social claimed the Smithsonian is “out of control” because of things like showing a Pride Flag or art depicting immigrants. He went on to claim that “everything discussed is how horrible our country is.” I can only guess that he has never been there, probably because he spends so much time golfing. I have been there a number of times and find the Smithsonian a remarkable and historically accurate place. It does depict what is great and good about the United States and doesn’t lie about our warts. We aren’t perfect but at least, historically, we have learned from our mistakes and strived to be better.
I wish Climate Change was not a threat to our survival but it is. Calling it “woke” and a hoax is Trump’s and Project 2025’s effort to sabotage environmental protections that protect human health. The earth is warming and sea levels are rising, hence storms are getting stronger and more damaging. You just have to watch the news to understand what’s happening. The Energy Department’s recent report on Climate Change falsely claims that it will not be an issue. The report has been blasted by 85 top scientists for being full of errors and deceit. Future generations will pay the price for this folly.
Changing the name of a baseball team to something not racist is “woke” and so it must be changed back to the Cleveland Indians. I was born in Cleveland and remain a fan of the Browns and Guardians. Many years in Houston have added the Astros and Texans to teams I love and, of course, the Spurs. I particularly admire their great retired coach, Greg Popovich. The Indians caricature of Chief Wahoo was definitely over the top and racist. As a white kid growing up near Cleveland, I never really thought about how racist it really was. Changing to the Guardians was brilliant. Those of us who lived there know about the art deco guardian statues on the old bridge over the Cuyahoga River. It was an inspired choice; changing back would be despicable.
Unfortunately, we are witness to actions by those who would destroy our nation. They would destroy the basic principle of our democracy, that our allegiance is to the Constitution not any individual. The dysfunction threatening our democracy requires immediate action to address partisan extremes. Let’s come together to bring back the norms and values that make our system work.
To save democracy, join the Kendall County Democratic Party at www.kcdems.us.
Kevin Henning is a local Democrat.
