The outrages come so fast and frequently these days, it’s hard to keep track of them all. Before we got into an unnecessary and potentially devastating war with Iran, we were talking about protests and the dangers that come with them. I experienced those dangers firsthand when I attended a town hall with US Representative Eric Swalwell Thursday night in Mission Viejo.

What could be so dangerous about listening to a politician answer questions from voters? A group of Trump supporters had gathered outside, not just to protest, but to attempt to disrupt the meeting. The back window of the meeting hall was against a patio. They assembled there shouting, chanting, blaring sirens, and singing the National Anthem off key. Although the curtains were closed, their massive Trump flags were visible in the gaps. When the town hall was over, they formed a gauntlet by the front entrance. They waved their tall Trump flags and shouted, “Are you ready for the deportations?” One guy in a “White Men for Trump” t-shirt was taking picture of us as we walked by. Fortunately, Sheriff’s Department officers kept everything peaceful. But if they weren’t, those Trump supporters could have gone all January 6.

It’s easy to mock these people at a distance. (A friend of mine asked if those tall flags were to compensate for something.) Or to look at them as just people who have a difference of opinion. But when you see the hatred in their eyes, it’s easy to go back to the days when you were bullied in middle school.

And it’s not just us average citizens who feel this fear. Representative Swalwell was asked why more Republicans in Congress aren’t standing up to the regime, especially when they realize their political power is being stripped by it. He said, “No one wants to be the tallest poppy.” We saw what happened when Republicans like Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger, and Mike Pence spoke out against the tyrant. The threat of violence can quiet the objections of the most staunchest opponents. But when a side has no good ideas, and the ones they tried are failing, intimidation is all they have left.

That’s why it’s OK to be afraid, but we can’t let fear stop us from doing what is right.

Fear is a natural reaction to what we’re going through right now. If you’re not afraid, you’re not paying attention. They may go after someone else today, but they will eventually come after you. And history shows us time and time again the consequences when we sacrifice our deepest values for the illusions of comfort and protection. The question is, where will you draw the line and take a stand? Because doing nothing makes you complicit and subjects you to the harsh judgement of history.

And that’s where community gives us strength. We feel vulnerable by ourselves, especially when we’re doomscrolling on our phones. But when we stand together, we support and protect each other. It also builds our confidence and motivates us to keep fighting.

That was another lesson from Representative Swalwell’s town hall. There were many more of us than there were of them. And when you compare the millions of us who took to the streets last Saturday to the thousands at his miserable squeaky tank parade, it’s clear which side has the strength and momentum. When those in Washington DC recognize this, they may gain the courage to take definitive action to defend the Constitution and save our country.

It’s OK to be afraid, but we must still muster the courage to act anyway.