Stories and images of Ukrainians fighting for their democracy have inspired citizens worldwide. Many Americans have wondered what we should do to defend ours. They’re right to wonder. American democracy is in grave danger from the same anti-democratic forces.
Authoritarianism — the political belief that danger and chaos require a strict obedience to authority (a strong leader or strong government), even at the expense of individual freedom — is growing in America.
Worse, authoritarians have used their scary appeals to fear and conspiracy theories to gain public office, erode protections to privacy and individual freedom, and violate democratic norms.
So far, we’ve let them. The threat to our democracy exists.
The situation is urgent.
We’re vulnerable
As community organizing scholar Marshall Ganz explains: inertia, fear, apathy, self-doubt, and isolation are all barriers to communal action.
Democracy thrives when we urgently believe that democracy is valuable, when we allow ourselves to hope for better, when our righteous anger overcomes […]
There are some points to take from this article. Understanding interdependence, and blocking cynics are two important points for me.
I have found, that “Fundamental Christians” are difficult to deal with, or even talk to about democracy. It seems most of them, are within the Republican, authoritarian, white supremest mindset.
It’s no wonder there are so many non-denominational, and interdenominational Christian churches popping up in the last decade. Places where shame and fear don’t keep people devoted, but love for all -as Christ taught. I believe we need to hold our earth, and all its people, in love and positive light. I also believe we should protect and promote democracy, which gives us the right to exercise practical, common sense boundaries. Especially in our choices of political, and personal relationships
What a funny article. I suspect that author is writing with tongue in cheek. Democracy is a wonderful goal for American, and I am looking forward to it; however, don’t expect the entrenched duopoly to surrender it to you.