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Preserving Our Fragile Democracy Demands Vigilance

by Andy Lee

As Americans, we often take our democratic system for granted. But history quickly reveals how fragile democracy is – and how crucial it is for engaged citizens to vigilantly protect it.

As FDR warned, “Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.“

At its core, democracy depends on an informed populace exercising its rights and responsibilities. When the electorate disengages, authoritarianism can exploit that void.

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction,” cautioned Ronald Reagan. Active citizenship education is crucial to hand it down.

When you study democracies unraveling, it often starts with partisan forces dividing and turning citizens against each other through wedge issues and hostility. As JFK stated, “One person’s apathy allows others to speak for him.“

“All tyranny needs is for good people to remain silent,” Jefferson forewarned. Civic engagement and accountability must supersede party loyalty.

Teddy Roosevelt put it bluntly: “To announce there must be no criticism…is morally treasonable.” Rising above partisan identities keeps democracy healthy.

This isn’t a partisan call, but a plea to focus on our shared citizenship first. As Eisenhower said, “May we never confuse honest dissent with disloyal subversion.“

We can disagree, but must still discuss issues substantively and ultimately compromise on solutions without resorting to tribalism. Democracy relies on bringing our brightest minds to challenges.

Preserving this democratic experiment painstakingly passed down demands perpetual engagement. It’s our civic duty as Americans to remain vigilantly protective of it.

Stay informed, stay engaged – our fragile democracy depends on it! 🗽