Letter to the Editor: Can our democracy still be salvaged?
As I rose to celebrate the birth of our nation on July 4, I was challenged by the many burdens that seek to undo the pillars of freedom, liberty and justice.
After 247 years of independence, our social experiment, democracy, is in peril. How can democracy be equitable when the minority amongst us seeks to dismantle the mechanisms that the majority amongst us wants implemented or enhanced? I can easily channel all my anger and frustrations at the Republican Party for encouraging and condoning anti-democratic behaviors and policies. However, that is low-hanging fruit and too simple an answer to such a complicated question.
The Democratic Party is failing democracy with inept leadership and candidates, failed messaging, infighting and a lack of relatable policies and platforms (in states that matter). Many liberal-leaning organizations have failed at engaging constituents and building long-term relationships with people outside of shared tragedies and selective hardships. The Democratic Party is ripe with disconnected rich intellectuals; we have forgotten how to communicate with the working and middle classes. Many Democratic leaders (me included) will point to the large and diverse groups that make up our party for the mixed messaging and lack of cohesiveness.
Today, I will push back on that narrative.
The Republican Party has had long-established political goals that they have been able to achieve, regardless of leadership, party control and era. These policies include destroying unions, demolishing abortion rights, dissolving Second Amendment restrictions, dismantling affirmative action, allowing tax loopholes for corporations and low taxes on the rich, banning books, privatizing public education, defunding Social Security and filling the judiciary with radical, extremist Republican judges. Republicans have been successful at every juncture of implementing their long-term plan because Democrats have failed to connect with Americans meaningfully and consistently.
It is time for Democrats to implement long-term political strategy that unites a fragmented party around shared goals and mutual interests.
For instance: ensuring the viability of Social Security, securing a liberal-leaning judiciary, term limits, an equitable tax system, a nationalized high-speed rail system, affordable health care, abolishing the Electoral College, nationalizing abortion rights, uniform gun laws in concert with the Second Amendment and reinstating affirmative action. This strategy should be a 30-year commitment by the party, regardless of candidates, leadership and era.
In highlighting the failures of the Democratic Party, I would be remiss if I did not mention the missed opportunities of organizations like NAACP, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union and historically Black colleges and universities. These organizations have a profound impact and presence in disenfranchised and marginalized communities. The messaging from these organizations must align with their mission statements, coupled with the political agenda of the Democratic Party, which overwhelmingly helps facilitate their efforts.
I am disheartened and appalled by the actions of the U.S. Supreme Court and the Republican Party.
Over the past couple of years, this rogue court has systematically destroyed fundamental rights that sought to protect our freedoms and promote democracy.
Though my feelings for the Fourth of July are juxtaposed with the reality of our democracy, I am encouraged and optimistic that our democracy is salvageable. As the 2024 election cycle begins to pick up speed, I ask all our Democratic leaders and members to remember that conflict and adversity forged America into what it is today. Diversity, equity, inclusion, tolerance, respect and compromise are our nation’s North Star. The Democratic Party is America’s conscience and moral compass. Without our input, this social experiment fails. Democracy is lost without Democrats.
Terrell A. Williams
Middletown
