Be loud to save our democracy
Use our power while it is available to us. It looks increasingly likely that it might be taken away, if we stay silent.
I am writing this mid-week, as I plan to be visiting dear friends this weekend. And I’m sharing my concern about our democracy, again. Or is it still?
One of the two major parties in this country appears determined to ignore the real problems of real people, to the point of being willing to let the national economy crash and burn, in order to solidify its power. Its commitment to supporting the demands of a small group of super wealthy donors over the needs of the wide scope of our nation’s people is disturbing; its complicity in using propaganda based on lies to do so is an existential threat to our democracy.
I’m deeply skeptical of both major parties, even in the best of times. I believe that power begets the desire for more power. Power has a quality similar to any other addiction: those in its thrall lose perspective, walk away from their values, and throw over anything that gets between them and their next fix.
Increasingly, however, the reticence of too many of us to call out the Republican stance for what it is - an organized campaign to subvert constitutional checks and balances, to install leadership by, of, and for the elite, and to marginalize all people who do not conform to the perceived identity of eliteness (typically white, male, and wealthy) - is allowing too much harm to be done.
Yes, the right accuses the left of subverting democracy, also. Yes, the strident divisions are damaging. But let’s not be subdued into silence about the facts, simply because we do not want to be considered just another loud voice.
Legislation to protect and enhance the right of every American to vote languishes. Gerrymandering, voter suppression, and the hijacking of election control by partisans, all thrive. Dark money continues its dark work. The attempt to subvert the results of the last election, the “slow-moving coup,” goes on, steadily, as if it is not even news anymore. Real people suffer.
If we truly want to build social and economic structures based on the values of inclusion, we must mobilize all our energies to protect the only political system - so far - that shows promise in this regard: messy, incomplete, work-in-progress democracy.
What could be more urgent than this? Without the foundation of democracy, we will not be able to address climate change, help people through the pandemic, support families, provide education and health care to all.
Tell the people who represent you in Washington DC and your state, your county, your town: protect the right to vote. Ensure fair districting. Refuse dark money. Tell the truth. Be loud. Be strident. Be insistent. Make your voice one that cannot be ignored.
Use our power while it is available to us. It looks increasingly likely that it might be taken away, if we stay silent.
Sent, as always, with gratitude for your participation in this journey.