Promote Democracy Worthy of Being Saved

Divisiveness is our greatest risk. It’s trendy today to build walls on foundations of false dichotomies and misleading information. What kind of democracy has members who too often vilify those who vote differently? A failing democracy. Is our democracy worth saving? If not, what should replace it? Who should benefit?Unity could salvage US democracy. Unity does not mean we have to like each other. It would entail listening, respecting, and perhaps understanding. It’s impossible to find commonalities if we do not listen, understand, and show respect. US democracy would be more apt to succeed if people were to judge others by levels of integrity, not by superficial criteria e.g., race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or political party. Efforts at influencing tend to be more successful if opposing views are shared calmly. Hearing “the other” with an open mind can be thought-provoking and insightful.

A successful US democracy would be worth saving if all could benefit, not just those of certain demographic groups, e.g., super-wealthy sycophants. It would invest in we the people. No full-time worker would need to collect food stamps or worry about heating, health care, housing, and communication costs. It would prioritize efforts such as promoting education; health; safe housing; news media that provide relevant and accurate information, not those that appeal to emotions and biases; and a safety net that does not include and exclude in a manner that promotes divisiveness.

My vote is to improve democracy so the majority would benefit and fight for it.

Sandra Polleys-Bunch

Concord