DEFENDING DEMOCRACY IS HARD WORK
Defending democracy is inherently difficult. Reminding ourselves why the job is so problematic helps point the way towards a more effective defense.
DEFENDING DEMOCRACY IS HARD WORK Read More »
Civic Education
Spite
Would you shoot your chief of police because he arrested your best friend? Or would you malign his reputation in a very public way? If you did, could you count on him to help you later? Don’t cut off your nose to spite your face.
Martin Luther King Day 2018
In a democracy, people need to trust that they will be treated fairly. They need to know they can vote like anyone else, that they will be treated just as well as anyone else, regardless of how they vote, and that elected officials will feel as accountable to them as anyone else.
Martin Luther King Day 2018 Read More »
Divided We Fall
What if those in power now could be given assurances that they could continue to compete politically all across the nation – if they end their dangerous tactics of retaliation and entrenchment – combined with assurances that today’s opposition will also swear off such tactics? Doing so would allow everyone to return to the business of getting better results for our country, for our children, and for our grandchildren. All that is required is that elected officials look out for the public interest instead of governing in pursuit of their self interest – and for each of us to insist they do so.
Happy Holidays
The religious tolerance and freedom that our founding fathers gave birth to is something to celebrate – and something each of us can uphold personally.
THANKSGIVING DAY 2017
On Thanksgiving Day, let’s give thanks for all the people who make up our American democracy.
THANKSGIVING DAY 2017 Read More »
From Fighting to Solution: Redwoods
It is possible to achieve good and useful things with people you disagree with. Here is a real world example. Photo credit: Unknown. Between 1973 and 1975, in Mendocino County, California, loggers, environmentalists, and government officials came together to try to resolve a longstanding and ugly fight over private redwood forests. The property tax on privately
From Fighting to Solution: Redwoods Read More »
Let’s Unite In Spite of Russia
Now that we know Russian leaders have been trying to divide us, let’s fight back. Let’s find ways to unite.
Let’s Unite In Spite of Russia Read More »
Does the FCC Care About the Heartland?
We voters need information about the problems facing us, how politicians and bureaucrats propose to solve those problems, and what they actually do. That’s why our Constitution includes our right to a free press. In today’s USA, our press may be free, but state and local news is becoming harder to find. We now have a serious problem with “news deserts” where people have few if any options to learn what’s going on in their area. New FCC and proposed decisions are not helping.
Does the FCC Care About the Heartland? Read More »
Hate-Bait: Anthem Kneeling Controversy
Hate-bait is meant to divide us. It appeals to our emotion and prejudices. It over-rides practical thinking as well as our nobler aspirations. Hate-Bait distracts us from the fundamental importance of the civil liberties our ancestors built into the constitution over time, including the right to speak and debate freely about uncomfortable things. Our ancestors
Hate-Bait: Anthem Kneeling Controversy Read More »
The End of Partisan Gerrymandering? Fingers Crossed!
One of the most fundamental aspects of a democracy is that citizens vote for their leaders rather than politicians selecting their voters through partisan redistricting (gerrymandering). On October 3, 2017, the US Supreme Court heard a case that could end this practice forever. It is hard to know how the justices will rule on this issue but one thing is certain: anything that leads to more political competition will be welcome. As noted in our August 14, 2017 blog, too many states, and too many districts within those states are currently noncompetitive. More than a few districts don’t even provide voters with a choice: no-one wants to waste time and money running as an opposition candidate, knowing they are doomed to lose. Americans deserve better. Let’s hope the Supreme Court justices lend a hand.
The End of Partisan Gerrymandering? Fingers Crossed! Read More »
Our Urban and Rural Cousins
At least some of our differences arise quite naturally from geography and demography – rural and urban situations are quite different. Cynical politicians and media use those differences to divide us. We don’t have to fall for it. We should vote for leaders who will honestly address our different needs.
Our Urban and Rural Cousins Read More »
Cyber Attacks and Election Integrity
Democracy truly is under attack. Cyber techniques are the latest weapons. They are aimed directly at us, seeking to stimulate emotion over thought, sowing doubt and distrust. More computerization is not the answer.
Cyber Attacks and Election Integrity Read More »
What Does Election Fraud Look Like?
The formation of the new Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity raises an interesting question. If there were cheating in the US presidential election, or any election, what would it look like? It is easy to visualize – if you can get the right data – but can be complicated to interpret.
What Does Election Fraud Look Like? Read More »
An Important Choice
There has been a lot talk about the urban/rural split in American politics, as well as growing political polarization. All true. But there’s a deeper point to be made. Our democracy is undermined when people are segregated into different camps with only limited opportunities for political competition and collaboration. We need to make a change. Fortunately, we have choices. There are viable options – if we are willing to put the work in.
An Important Choice Read More »
Confronting a Civic Crisis: The Future of Our Democratic Republic is at Stake
The educational foundations of our civic house rest on shaky ground. U.S., investments at the federal level in education for democratic citizenship—including in support for civics, government, and American history courses—have declined significantly.
Confronting a Civic Crisis: The Future of Our Democratic Republic is at Stake Read More »
The Big Ideas
For many of us, democracy is like part of the air that we breathe. It is simply there. But that’s wrong. Each democracy is actually something that people consciously decided to create. It isn’t always easy to get right, and it can be broken. It is not something to take for granted at all. It
Fear
Photo credit: Unknown. Fear affects our ability to think and act. It can affect our health. More than that, fear can motivate us to give up our rights – or to take away other people’s rights. If you value freedom and democracy, then it’s important to recognize fear-mongering and know how to combat it.
KINDNESS
The good and kind things ordinary people do far outweigh all the evil in the world. Here are some reminders. Enjoy! June 1, 2020. Nashville neighbors stepped up after a man posted on social media that he was scared to leave his house alone in the wake of George Floyd’s death. They marched together. Today.
Link
Post Format: Link – A link to another site. Themes may wish to use the first a tag in the post content as the external link for that post.
