We have all been thinking about the assault on the U. S. Capitol last week, and its consequences.
Democracy is fragile. Democracy is not a given, it needs attention, nourishment, and most of all, painful work. Only a tiny sliver of our educational and social training systems are devoted to inculcating the responsibilities of citizenship. The result is that the majority of Americans have a poor understanding of what democracy is, and are disengaged with the political process. This is a danger to us all.
Democracy requires active engagement by each of us. It means thinking beyond oneself, of having a sense of what we want for the future, for our children and our grandchildren. Democracy lives and dies by the numbers of citizens who are actively, day by day, engaged in defending it. Without this commitment, our democracy will continue to be hijacked by the political class, demagogues, monied special interest groups, and wither and die. Without constant vigilance, in times of crisis and fear, a people will readily give up their freedoms.
Think about what America values most; individualism, celebrity, wealth and possessions. We idolize the lone hero. The American ethos is at odds with the social cohesion and respect for the ‘other’ that is the basis of peace and democracy.
Human beings are essentially social beings who seek security in the group one can identify with; our political, religious, ethnic, socio-economic ‘tribe’. This is the place where we are emotionally secure, safe, which is essential for physical and emotional survival. What happens when we no longer feel ‘safe’, when we feel threatened by other people, groups, tribes who do not agree with us on fundamental issues? Fear sets in, real or imagined, the gloves come off. We hunker down, all social niceties get thrown out the window, the most basic survival instincts set in; it is me (we) or them.
• Respect each other.
• Recognize and acknowledge, (but not necessarily agree with), the arguments of our opponents.
• Have a deep commitment to each other.
• Always be willing to question our deepest most fundamental beliefs.
• Know that there is a line, that under no circumstances will be crossed.
What can you do? This is the hard part.
• Read and listen to more than one political point of view.
• Talk to, interact with, people who are not in your tribe.
• Examine if what you are exposed to makes sense.
• Does the story you are told, or believe, jive with reality?
We all spend hours a day on our handheld devices. Spend one of those hours researching political issues and candidates. Register and vote, and I mean more than once every four years and go down the entire list, one by one. Local races have far more impact on your life than the presidential race. Contact your elected officials (Senator, congressman, governor, state representative, state and local officials), and tell them what you think; if they are doing a good job or not so good a job.
Democracy is precious and fragile. It is not a given and can be taken or given away. It deserves your care. My best wishes to all of you on this endeavor of safeguarding our democracy and our freedoms.
I invite your further discussion and comment on this issue.
The Law Office of Elliott Klein, PLLC