Democracy Requires Civil Civic Conversation
Let's speak truth to each other and to our elected representatives.
One of our elected representatives sent me an email. It contained a survey that asked two questions:
Q: “What do you love about America that is worth celebrating?”
A: We are a country of immigrants. Our diversity should be celebrated.
More than anything, we should celebrate our First Amendment. Our freedom to speak truth to the people we have placed in seats of power to represent US.
Q: “What does the nation’s anniversary mean to you?”
A: Our nation’s anniversary is a time of reflection. (Ironically, a person that too many people voted for has literally created the swamp he promised to drain.) Our 250th anniversary is an opportunity to look back at what we have done that is worth celebrating, worth preserving and worth continuing, and what needs improving. There are some systems in place that serve the people.
And there are some people and systems that work against the greater good.
They need to go.
We have much work to do.
It’s like a relationship. All relationships require some amount of conversation - the more respectful, the better. Telling the truth and considering the facts is a matter of respect.
Truth matters. And please remember that your opinion is not always the truth. It is your perspective, your opinion. That said, public opinion is what drives elections and legislation, which is why people in power do whatever they can to sway public opinion. In order to protect and defend democracy, citizens need to remain engaged and seek out truth.
What I find helpful is to look at several different versions of the same story, from several different sources. I consider evidence before forming an opinion and making a choice.
Hope this helps. Have a good day, and thank you for reading.
Best,
Mari
