The first Star Wars movie appeared on America’s screens back in 1977 when most Baby Boomers were in their 20s or late teens. At the time, I felt Darth Vader’s character was especially effective in portraying human evil as the Galactic Empire threatened the peace and stability of the entire universe. What a shock is was to learn that Vader was actually Luke Skywalker’s own father, Anakin Skywalker, encouraging him to embrace the totalitarian “dark side” as well.
Of course, the entire franchise focused on the hope that “The Force” would prevail and characters would choose the light side over the dark. We learned that redemption was possible when Darth Vader ultimately chose to save his own flesh and blood, rejecting evil in favor of justice and enlightenment.
At first glance, president-elect Trump seems to be producing his own mini-series similar to Star Wars, casting a set of characters more at home in the famous bar scene than in realistic democratic leadership. Many of us are rooting for the U.S. Senate to take on this threat to our domestic tranquility and international stature, hoping against hope that Trump’s proposed tariffs or totalitarian sympathies do not land us in another recession or World War III.
However, like Luke Skywalker, many of us are shocked to see many of our own family members on the dark red side as well, at least for this episode of electoral politics. There must be a lesson somewhere for those of us who still believe in racial and economic equality; who know the difference between right and wrong; and who cringe at the indecent language and behavior of Donald Trump and his supporters.
So, it is back to minority status for the Democrats nationally – a place we Idaho Democrats know very well. Fortunately, this is not an endless movie plot, nor are we powerless to make significant change. Here are my suggestions for moving forward:
1. Registered Republicans who previously were Democrats should return to their roots and leave the GOP to fight their own internal battles. We Democrats need your leadership and commitment to help restore our “big tent” party that once governed Idaho with wisdom and moderation.
2. Democrats need to listen to all those who feel left behind, whether because of discrimination or intentional disinformation, and act to restore equality in hiring, wages and ability to buy a home.
3. We all must act to safeguard a woman’s reproductive freedoms and ensure that Idaho retains a statewide health system that provides a standard of care equivalent to that of neighboring states.
In 1976, I was attracted to Idaho for its balanced tax structure, its traditional agricultural base, and its outstanding public lands. Politics were moderate, and leaders of both parties held office. Fifty years later, by 2026, I pledge to help to restore to our state a more sane politics.
Idaho truly is worth the fight, and I do expect that the “The Force” will be with us.
Jan Brown is a non-profit consultant and the state committeewoman for the Bonneville County Democratic Central Committee.