Let's find unity on nation's 250th birthday

“We have a republic, if you can keep it.” (Ben Franklin)

Many scholars and historians have determined the average lifespan of a democratic republic is between 200-250 years. Why? Democracy is fragile.

Modern democracies usually die from within (Germany, Hungary, Turkey, Venezuela, Nicaragua). This is largely due to erosion of institutional guardrails, deep partisan division, and the weakening of civic engagement.

Is our democracy broken? Seventy-five percent of Americans believe so. (The Week)

With this in mind, consider the signs of fascism: extreme nationalism, disdain for human rights, angrily scapegoating and blaming “enemies” as a unifying cause, suppression of critical journalism, undermining truth, glorification of the military, normalization of violence, blurring of religion and government, protection of corporate/oligarchic power, disinformation and propaganda, hostility toward intellectuals, academia and the arts, rampant sexism, obsession with national security, suppression of labor power, obsession with crime and punishment, and rampant cronyism and corruption. (U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum)

As we prepare to celebrate 250 years, let’s remember who we are. Our values are based on the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Statue of Liberty.

The flag belongs to ALL of us, red, white and blue. Also, all shades of brown, black and rainbow colors. We are ALL immigrants or descendants. We ALL deserve respect, integrity and justice. We ALL know, deep down, that love is louder than hate.

Let’s unify on this important birthday. And let’s vote as if our democracy depends on it.  “Remember, democracy never lasts long.” (John Adams)

– Nancy Teggeman, Polson