Like most of us, I’ve been thinking.  A lot.  I know I’m not the only one feeling twinges of anxiety during this year’s political climate, so I need to ask…  What’s going on?  Why are we stuck?

How do we pull ourselves out of the cyclone of information, misinformation, and disinformation that populates our confusion, with abundant thanks to the onslaught of media coverage, social media, random opinions, and judgment?  How can we distill all this noise to facilitate the best possible decision-making for us, our country, and, most importantly, our future?

So, I did what I often do when seeking clarity.  I reached into my home library and found that one book, a manifesto, that prompted me to focus.  Sometimes we need that little kick in the booty that prods us to remember why we should fight to the end to keep our promises to our country — the one that gives us our rights and privileges that we all too often take for granted until they’re threatened.

Thirty-two years ago, I had the opportunity and honor to interview Richard N. Goodwin for his book “Promises to Keep: A Call for a New American Revolution”.  After serving as assistant to Senator John F. Kennedy, Goodwin became assistant special counsel to President Kennedy.  Serving as Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs, he later became special assistant to President Lyndon B. Johnson.  His many accomplishments include the Alliance for Progress for President Kennedy and the Great Society for President Johnson.

It’s been a while since I opened this book and, in fact, had to blow off a few dust bunnies.  “Promises to Keep: A Call for a New American Revolution” was published in 1992.  In this book, he speaks to the breakdown of American society, the impact of money on modern politics, a paralyzed government.  Is the American dream alive and well?

I ask, how much has changed in the three decades since it’s publishing?  Quoting the intro on the book’s dust jacket, “There is in America today a palpable discontent with politics as usual.  Apprehension over the nation’s future abounds.”  Sound familiar?  I would even argue a disconnect.  We are now positioned squarely within the 21^st century and, sadly, find ourselves absent of collective unity, more than ever.  Division and polarization are part and parcel of why we’re so stuck.  So, what do we do? 

I knew what I was looking for was in the pages of this book.  It’s always a bit risky to extract passages out of context but these words stand on their own.  I remembered reading it eons ago and there it was.  Goodwin wrote:

“Democracy bestows on the sovereign people the means and obligation to alter or abolish misdirected or abusive power.  Only by acting toward this end can we sustain our loyalty to two hundred years of history and help preserve America’s defining values for our descendants.  Our duty is thus clearly established.  Only our will is in doubt.”

What’s the line?  The more things change, the more they stay the same?  I don’t necessarily agree with that.  But now, we must ask ourselves, to what degree will we sanction, as engaged citizens, changes in our leadership that conflict with our established values — those bestowed upon us in our Constitution, the rule of law, worthy of our centuries-long fight for freedom?  We don’t.  We don’t concede to a single authority who threatens our freedom.  Plain and simple.

During this critical juncture in our nation’s history, as we approach the presidential election of 2024, do we weigh our thoughts and actions on what we have to lose or what we have to gain?  I think both.  

Do we want to continue a legacy of entrepreneurial spirit, freedom to choose, freedom of speech and thought, raising a village with passion for the possible, opportunity, and success?  Or do we want to lose the very privilege it is to be an American, warts and bruises and all our imperfections, and not fight for those rights bestowed upon us all those centuries ago?  Do we consider how the next generation’s freedom, that we’ve fought so hard to defend, will be challenged if our commitment and loyalty to history is tested?  Or are we simply glib?  

If you feel powerless, or you’re resigned to thinking the outcome of our future is out of our control, stop. If you think of us as one big impenetrable network, then the power to protect and justify our places in this great nation is defined, simply, in one word – Vote.  This is what we can do, for each other and the future of our nation.  This is our inherent right and responsibility.

I’ve been voting since I was 18 years old, the age when I was allowed, by law, to cast my voice and be heard.  I recall that day, driving down the hill with my dad, to the church, our polling place, and entering the booth, ballot in hand as a first-time voter.  I don’t know which of us was most proud.  The privilege of that moment has never been lost on me.

Let’s not allow disenchantment with politics to erode our faith in the system or to sway our decision whether or not to exercise our power.  It costs absolutely nothing to vote and the gratification of exercising your individual right is unlike any sugar high.  All it takes is the will to take action. 

Allow yourself the time it takes to cast an informed vote, not one based on emotion or uncertainty.  The sheer volume of communication can be difficult to untangle, that’s understood.  But the single most fundamental ingredient on which this country is built, that fosters our accomplishments, our victories, is democracy.  Our country may not be perfect because neither are we.  We do our best as did the founders of this nation’s Constitution who strived to design a foundation for progress.  So please take a moment to appreciate what’s at stake – our freedom.  I don’t know about you but, the unthinkable loss of our freedom gives me pause.

Democracy is what gives the American citizen a voice – whether born to this country or welcomed to our shores.  Democracy is our responsibility and duty to uphold and defend.  My vote, your vote, is consequential. You and I are more than just a drip in the pool.  We count.  We matter.  

All we need to do is show up.

Just my thoughts…

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The United States Constitution. https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript

If interested, “Promises to Keep: A Call for a New American Revolution” by Richard N. Goodwin is available on Amazon.   You might also check out Good Reads online or your local public library.