The Vital Role of Democracy: Taking Action for Change
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Understanding Our Democracy
In the words of the US Constitution, our government is meant to serve all people—not just certain groups like MAGA supporters, progressives, or any specific demographic. The essence of democracy is inclusivity.
Currently, dissatisfaction with our government spans the political spectrum. Yet, it seems many are not fully grasping the gravity of our situation. We find ourselves with a national government that is largely dysfunctional, where the House of Representatives, led by a slim Republican majority, appears to be holding democracy at ransom as budget deadlines loom.
They are making no meaningful progress. The so-called investigations devoid of evidence serve merely as public relations stunts. This vast nation is grappling with significant challenges, yet the focus remains on the President's adult son, Hunter Biden, who, let’s face it, is simply a family member with his own issues.
What does that have to do with the everyday American? We all know families with a black sheep; Hunter Biden fits that bill.
If you are following the news—real news, not the sensationalized narratives of certain outlets—you might think our nation is on the brink of civil unrest over international issues like Israel and Palestine, or that we are gripped by fear over migrants who arrive here seeking better lives.
The intense anti-immigrant sentiment overlooks our labor shortages, especially in industries where only immigrants are willing to work—such as agriculture and hospitality.
And there’s more to discuss. I haven’t even touched upon the most pressing issue we face: global climate change. But we must address the root cause of these challenges.
It's us—each one of us.
As we approach the 2024 Presidential election, tensions are rising, and the stakes are high. A presumed Republican candidate who may be mentally unstable is facing serious legal challenges and is resorting to divisive rhetoric to divert attention from reality.
Moreover, we have a House Speaker who openly expresses disdain for LGBTQ individuals, advocating for a nation aligned with evangelical Christian values, despite the Constitution's clear stance on church-state separation.
Many of our founding fathers fled religious persecution, which is why a secular government is foundational to our democracy. The United States was built on principles of tolerance, and while we've made mistakes—like slavery—we have made progress, albeit through significant struggle.
Our society is constantly evolving, generally for the better. However, a powerful counter-movement threatens to drag us backward, with discussions of dictatorship being treated as plausible options.
Today's average American is not the simplistic stereotype of the past. We are a rich tapestry of cultures and ethnicities, defying easy categorization by intolerant politicians. But there is one commonality: we are all human beings, sharing basic needs and aspirations.
A Year for Change
This is a pivotal year, and the opportunity for transformation is within our grasp if we choose to focus on positivity and inclusivity rather than division and fear—tools often wielded by autocrats.
In many respects, we could be in a better position now. The economy has rebounded unexpectedly, and what once seemed like an inevitable recession has given way to growth. We have largely overcome a pandemic through science, not through misguided remedies or wishful thinking.
The transition to clean energy sources, long resisted by the fossil fuel sector, is becoming increasingly profitable—a clear demonstration of capitalism in action.
In New York, students can now attend state colleges without incurring tuition costs, a trend that is spreading across the nation. And contrary to the belief that only Ivy League graduates secure good jobs, companies like Google are now prioritizing degrees from public universities and community colleges.
The climate crisis is pressing, with 2023 marking the hottest year on record, exceeding all predictions. Those who dismissed climate change as a hoax are now facing the harsh reality as they struggle to secure insurance for homes devastated by natural disasters.
The world stands on the brink of a potential global conflict, as we see early signs of unrest—conflict in the Middle East, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and rising isolationism in China. These factors contribute to a massive flow of refugees fleeing from crises that often go unnoticed.
President Biden, aware of these international dynamics, is tirelessly working to prevent further escalation. Yet, foreign policy remains unpopular, as the right embraces an isolationist agenda reminiscent of a bygone era.
In our interconnected world, the notion of detaching from global affairs is absurd. Just look around your home—where were your clothes made? Where did your car come from? The answer is clear.
And if you think your American-made car is immune, remember that many sat unfinished during the supply chain crisis due to a lack of necessary parts sourced from abroad.
Failure to engage globally will cripple our economy. Ignoring the need for peaceful resolutions to international conflicts will have dire consequences. This is simply the reality we must face.
Given all these factors, why do so many Americans align with a right-wing ideology that is intolerant, isolationist, and autocratic, advocating for a state religion that excludes others?
It is entirely feasible to hold conservative values while not clinging to an idealized past that never truly existed. Our democratic system thrives on diverse opinions, but it has also succeeded through compromise and a willingness to engage with opposing viewpoints.
Compromise is not a weakness, as some politicians might suggest; it is a testament to strength and confidence, demonstrating the ability to collaborate across meaningless divides.
While my beliefs are strong, I am open to understanding differing perspectives—unless they insist on their singularity in being right. The coming year is likely to be contentious, unlike anything we have witnessed in decades. To maintain our democratic principles, we must engage in dialogue, listen to one another, and work together.
If we continue to view others as "the other," we are heading toward serious trouble. It's crucial that we initiate conversations before it’s too late.
Chapter 2: The Call for Collective Action
This video, "Rush of Fools - Undo," explores the complexities of personal and societal change. It reflects on how individuals can take responsibility for their actions and the implications for our collective future.
In "Carrie Underwood - Undo It," the themes of regret and the desire for redemption resonate deeply. It serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding our past to forge a better future.