Today Americans woke up and began their day facing a new self-inflicted crisis we didn’t ask for. “Tariff” might be a magic word to one individual, but it’s always meant “tax” for the rest of us. The economic pinch is already more than most can handle. Now a senseless war has been started and it’s about to do untold violence to our already stretched bank accounts, undervalued earnings, and eroding retirements. The executive actions taken since January 2025 are almost certain to hit middle and lower-class Americans the hardest, dramatically increase the risk for a global recession in the calendar year, and decrease the wealth in America for a generation.[1] This is not making America great, it’s making it worse.

Poverty and financial strain is a well-known factor that increases stress, anxiety, and poor health outcomes for individuals and their families. For a nation already struggling with mental health conditions, weakening or disappearing social institutions, and fracturing communities, we need policies and opportunities that unify and build societies, not divide or weaken them. As we watch the markets tumble, uncertainty about the future rises and so does despair among those simply trying to feed their families, give their children the best education possible, and perhaps take a Disney vacation.

There is no valid justification for the devastation predicted to befall us. The harm these policies will have will be felt for years to come, especially among the most vulnerable in our nation. With no clear rationale or end game, we can reasonably expect the chaos machine to continue. Without clarity, there is no vision or imagination for what the day or year will bring. All that’s left is our hope and ability to create change.

Change can be incrementally progressive or catastrophically regressive. Narcissists thrive on creating chaos while maximizing gain and image for themselves through drastic change and exploitation. Peacemakers, helpers, and builders of a better tomorrow seek steady or progressive change by working within existing institutions and systems, improving or reforming them one step at a time. Their goal is to build on the advancements of the past while making the future work for everyone holistically and equitably. When it comes to living in a diverse and integrated world, we need more peacemakers who seek to improve the systems that sustain our modern economy and social systems, not dismantle them. 

Despite what is about to come, hope is still alive. Hope is inherently progressive because it looks forward, not backward. Its aim is growth and positive change over stagnation and protectionism. Humanity has an incredible ability for resiliency in the face of crisis, and people always find a way to rally together to oppose oppression and injustice. Progress is the belief and pragmatic actions that seek transformation and sustainable solutions to promote freedom, justice, and human flourishing for all.

Progress is a core value of hope and change—the cure for despair. Our movement seeks to channel anxiety toward self-reflection and realignment to values that inspire hope for ourselves and each other. When we choose progress in the face of destruction, we resist chaos by restoring order and meaningful change for a sustainable future. When we stand together and compassionately support our neighbors in these difficult times, we can be sure that a better tomorrow will come.

[1] For a curated breakdown with factual sources on the Trump tariffs, see, https://www.perplexity.ai/page/2025-trump-tariffs-economic-im-sFYq9RnkQ36fPicVAm9AeQ