Rick Steves and the Defense of American Democracy

Screenshot from The Traveler & American Democracy with Rick Steves

Rick Steves recently delivered a powerful address in defense of American democracy in his hometown of Edmonds, Washington.  We’ve all been thinking and reading about this topic a lot, but I think Rick’s speech was the strongest call to defend our democracy against MAGA that I've heard.  Part of what makes it powerful is that Rick’s life and business are focused on European travel, but he has been moved as a concerned citizen to action in defense of democracy.

My forthcoming book, Poverty Abolitionists, is about restoring progress against poverty, but that depends in part on pushing back effectively against MAGA. The second Trump administration has slashed international aid and also both health and food assistance to Americans. They have also ended government promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as the federal protection of the civil rights of groups who have long suffered from discrimination. The mass deportation of immigrants has disrupted the lives of many people who came to this country to make a better life and are contributing to our communities. 

After dramatic progress against poverty in recent decades, poverty in our country and worldwide has been thrown into reverse. When Rick spoke in Edmonds, he took extra time to talk about the destruction of U.S. international aid in 2025.

Rick’s speech was paired with a speech by Shelly Bryan Wee, the Lutheran bishop of Washington. She explains that MAGA is not only an attack on our democracy, it is also a corruption of Christian faith. Bishop Bryan Wee ended her remarks with a confession of faith that our loving God will rescue us from the current attack on both faith and democracy.

The Traveler and American Democracy with Rick Steves

Understanding Christian Nationalism with Shelley Bryan Wee