A number of requests for something more helpful than a warning appeared in the What Matters mailbox after numerous critical warnings about the state of American democracy were repeatedly issued.
What can the typical citizen do about it?
In January, I questioned a politician, an activist, and a scholar who specialises in democracy. Karl Rove also contributed some thought-provoking ideas. As Americans are ready for their first national election after the uprising on January 6, 2021, it all still rings true.
vote, demonstrate, and network
How Civil Wars Start and How to Stop Them was written by Barbara Walter, a lecturer at the University of California San Diego.
She is one of several who has warned that the nation’s democracy is in jeopardy.
She replied with a thoughtful and lengthy email after I asked her what regular people might do to defend democracy, which I’ll summarise into a few main ideas.
Vote. Millions of Americans abstain from participating in democracy, even during presidential elections. Midterm elections see even higher percentages of absentee voters, and local elections see even higher percentages.
If they cast ballots, Walter predicted that the composition of Congress may shift and the minority’s hold on many positions of power might be broken.
Protest. Walter asserted that nonviolent protest is a powerful instrument for bringing about change by citing Harvard University studies.
If even 3% of Americans continued to demonstrate in the streets until reforms were done, Walter added, “it would be very, very hard for politicians to refuse to transform our democracy.” “When individuals requested equal rights and freedoms for African Americans during the civil rights era, the government complied, satiating a need for equity and justice.”
Connect. This last idea is what got my attention. In an excerpt from her book, Walter makes the case that in order to “get off the path of self-segregating, predatory factionalism and restore hope in the long-term health of our country,” Americans need to reclaim and regulate public debate. She cited instances of regional organisations working to foster interpersonal communication across the nation.
Americans are starting to recognise how vulnerable their democracy is and move to protect it, according to Walter. We may once more unite and rediscover the strength of citizenship and community at the local level in churches, nonprofit organisations, and grassroots groups.
Engage in
There are numerous activist organisations trying to engage more Americans in politics. A group called RepresentUs promises to combat federal corruption and pass local legislation.
Joshua Graham Lynn, CEO of RepresentUS, advised me in an email to “be educated using a variety of reliable news sources and participate in the conversations happening in your neighbourhood.”
There are several allegations of targeted resignations of the types of civil servants, poll workers, and volunteers who keep democracy functioning.
“Show up to support your local election officials, school boards, poll workers, and other defenders of democracy if you see them being attacked. This might be anything from sending a quick email of encouragement to attending neighbourhood meetings, according to Lynn.
I’ll also mention that you can contact your local election office to inquire about open vacancies. Steve Bannon has informed us that Trump backers are attempting to fill as many election-related posts as they can.
It can be easy to tune out the world during this time of increased tension. But in order to prevent the collapse of our democracy, we really do need everyone on board, Lynn remarked.
Never generalise. Adopt reality.
Being respectful and truthful shouldn’t be partisan and isn’t.
Republican spin doctor Karl Rove stated in the Wall Street Journal that both Democrats and Republicans have a duty to the truth and decency.
Stop describing Republicans in generalities. Democrats should avoid their “petty propensity of escalating partisan fault lines by indiscriminately criticising those who arrived to Washington that day,” he advised.
Adopt reality. He acknowledged his own party needs to do more effort, demonstrating the point that Democrats need to distinguish between Republicans with genuine intentions and those who stormed the Capitol.
When I saw these coming from Rove, I was astounded:
“I’ve been a Republican my entire life, and I support the ideals that the Republican Party has stood for for many years. There can be no apologising for what occurred or pardoning of those who organised, encouraged, and supported the attempt to undermine our democratic system. Nothing less will do for a nation that loves it. This is genuine patriotism.