Something Kamala & Elephants Taught Me About Democracy

Originally written 6/10/2025

In Vice President Kamala Harris' speech, she shared a story really resonated with me. It was not about politics or policy. It was about elephants in crisis. After a 5.2-magnitude earthquake shook Southern California, a herd of African elephants at the San Diego Zoo did something quite moving. The older elephants immediately surrounded the two youngest calves, forming what scientists call an "alert circle." They faced outward, alert and ready, shielding the most vulnerable with their own bodies until they knew it was safe again.

Using that image, Vice President Harris explained what we are all being called to do: to look out for one another, especially the most vulnerable, as threats continue to destabilize our democracy. That story punched me in the chest, as a social work student, and as someone who was trying to grow Citizens Against Tyranny into a space where people can look out for one another, connect, and stay informed and empowered. We may not be elephants, but we do have instincts with inherent responsibilities. When we see threats to justice, truth, and basic rights, we simply cannot look away. We must gather, stand firm, and protect those who are being targeted, isolated, or silenced. That is what solidarity looks like. And that is what real American patriotism means.

In this moment, I wanted Citizens Against Tyranny to be part of that alert circle — a space to gather, share, support, and act. Because the 'ground may be shaking,' but we do not have to face it alone.

(I believe you may click the elephant photo to hear Kamala's amazing speech. I know, I know – I still refer to her as Vice President: she earned it.)