Independence Week: Democracy will survive.
I have faith in the people renewed each time something terrible happens- they rise and support those in need. Our history is replete with instances where a disaster happens, and people outside the disaster area rise to the occasion and help those in need.
Maintain hope
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines hope as “to cherish a desire with anticipation: to want something to happen or be true.” We always hope for a better tomorrow. It is inherent in our human species.
In the 1950s and early 60s, I lived in Arkansas. I watched the civil rights movement change the US. Led by Martin Luther King and others, he described the hope that we should all feel for American Democracy. Here are a few short excerpts from that “I have a dream” speech.
Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.
And so, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”
This is what it means to have hope when things look the bleakest. All of us should read this in its entirety to see what hope can accomplish.
Speak truth to power
It doesn’t make sense to do this because we are just a single voice, but a single voice can become a roar. Someone has to be the first to speak up. Be Brave, and then others will join in. Speak the truth in letters, in opt-ed pieces in your local paper.
All of us should be writing our federal officials about our feelings about the recent court action in Roe V Wade and what they have to do to repair this egregious error against women and our constitution.
Speak to your local state legislators to ensure that your state remains a state where women ’s rights remain in effect until Congress acts.
Reform our Government agencies
- Congress — put in term limits
- Congress- end the filibuster rule in the senate
- States — end the gerrymandering antics
- States — Make it easier to vote rather than harder
- Police — try to find a balance that can demilitarize them and keep us safe even when we act stupidly.
- Public defenders — Give them the resources to provide equal legal support for their clients.
- Etc.
Above all else, hold your elected Senators and representatives accountable
Your vote will never count more than it will in this midterm election. Make sure you vote for those that you want to represent you. That they believe in equal justice and treatment for all.
Ask them questions in all public debates, and it is your right. Then, analyze the answers to ensure you hear the truth, not the party line.
We will survive
“You ask what is our aim? I can answer in one word: Victory. Victory at all costs. Victory in spite of all terror. Victory however long and hard the road may be. For without victory there is no survival.” Winston Churchill
We can and will survive as did Britain because we are resilient. When faced with a challenge we will find a way. Democracy will be victorious and we the people will prevail in the end.
