We the People

The Republican Party, as it exists today, is the antithesis of Abraham Lincoln’s purpose. 

Instead of aspiring to create a political system for everyone, the Party has metastasized into the MAGA cult. The party has no intention of sharing power with alternative views or of governing responsibly. They appear determined to burn the system down and eliminate any person or group that stands in their way. For Democrats, it's like bringing a knife to a gun fight.

Many talk about “getting rid of Democrats” like it’s a policy change. Many appear happy when protestors are shot. They seem gleeful when schools ban books and punish teachers, strip voters from the rolls, or brag about suppressing the youth vote. 

For a former history/government teacher with 40 years of experience who encouraged young people to participate in our democratic system, it is painful to witness the challenges our youth face in doing so.

Republicans like to take credit for our country’s greatness, but fail to actively encourage the youth vote for the main reason that the majority of young people vote for democratic candidates. However, young people aren’t going anywhere. 

One reason is that they have learned that Democrats have fought for a social safety net for all Americans. In addition, they have pushed for labor, civil and voting rights and have advocated for bodily autonomy, better schools, and a pollution-free environment: issues that matter to our youth. 

What Republicans don’t understand is that our democracy is not theirs to monopolize. Their antipathy towards diversity is not what a democracy is all about. Our young people understand our system is based on civic participation. “We the People” is not a meaningless catch-phrase.

Republican hatred of Democrats has not always been this way. Today, Lincoln's party is the greatest internal threat to democracy in modern American history. The difference between parties boils down to intent. Democrats want a future. Republicans want control. Democrats want liberty and justice. Republicans want theocracy and rule by billionaires.

America’s political system has never been perfect. But it has survived 250 years because people fought to make it better, not destroy it. I often think of my lessons as a history teacher, the worthy contributions of our forefathers and the compromises that were made to create our Constitution. 

The sacrifices that men and women have given their lives so that our democracy could exist and prosper. Maybe it's time to pause and reflect on what we, as Americans, have in common rather than what divides us. 

Like our Founding Fathers, Lincoln knew there's a fine line between advocating one’s point of view and a purpose that’s greater than oneself. Can we say this about his party today? 

David R James, Eureka, MT