Calls for Nonviolent Resistance Amid Threats to Democracy

Columnist urges Americans to embrace Quaker-inspired nonviolent resistance to combat authoritarianism.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 7:00am

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In a passionate op-ed, columnist Jamie Stiehm argues that the only way to overcome the current threats to American democracy is through nonviolent resistance, drawing inspiration from the Quaker tradition. She warns that slogans like "fight for your rights" are no longer enough, and that citizens must organize broad community bonds and spirit across state boundaries to save the country from the "Trump juggernaut."

Why it matters

Stiehm's call for nonviolent resistance comes at a critical juncture, as American democracy faces grave challenges from an authoritarian-leaning president and a complicit Congress. Her essay taps into a rich history of nonviolent social movements, suggesting this approach may be more effective than cycles of violence in creating lasting change.

The details

Stiehm highlights the Quakers' long history of nonviolent resistance, from refusing to serve in the British army to making peaceful treaties with Native Americans. She points to the recent example of civilians in Minneapolis organizing and standing up to "brutal masked federal agents." Stiehm argues that a mass nonviolent movement, inspired by the American Revolution, is needed to overcome the "everyday evils and injustices" of the Trump presidency.

  • The planned "No Kings" March 28 one-day street protest is mentioned as an initial step.
  • Stiehm warns of Trump's scheme to seize the 2026 midterm election with the so-called SAVE (voter ID) Act.

The players

Jamie Stiehm

The author of the op-ed and a columnist who may be reached at JamieStiehm.com.

George Lakey

A leading Philadelphia Quaker author who has trained volunteers in resistance and taught a peace studies course at Swarthmore College.

Donald J. Trump

The current president of the United States, whom Stiehm describes as an authoritarian-leaning leader threatening American democracy.

Abraham Lincoln

The 16th president of the United States, who Stiehm contrasts with Trump's divisive approach.

Andrew Johnson

Lincoln's successor, who Stiehm says "was a lot like Trump and sowed seeds of division and white nationalism."

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What they’re saying

“The willingness of Congress to accept President Lyndon Johnson's escalation (when) declaring war was, after all, its responsibility under the Constitution. ... It was up to the citizens, once again, to generate a mass movement that would force the government to do the right thing.”

— George Lakey, Quaker author and peace studies professor

“With malice toward none, with charity for all.”

— Abraham Lincoln

What’s next

Stiehm suggests that the planned "No Kings" March 28 one-day street protest is a starting point, but that broader community bonds and a mass nonviolent movement will be needed to overcome the threats to democracy.

The takeaway

Stiehm's call for a Quaker-inspired nonviolent resistance movement represents a bold and historically grounded approach to combating authoritarianism and protecting American democracy in a time of grave peril.