Excerpt #4 from my book, Interconnected, Interrelated & Interdependent, Like It or Not:
If the constructive change, envisioned by Jefferson, is ever to occur, it is likely that the United States, because of its visibility, strength, and promise, must serve as the initiator, certainly the example.
Our form of government, democracy, is theoretically one in which political power resides in all the people.
It is a practice of governing that involves and links political, legal, and social equality.
It recognizes the intrinsic value of widespread participation and broad-based input.
Coincidentally, it invites the richness of diversity.
• Democracy says, “Do not look only to yourself and likeminded for answers; rather avail yourself of that which others have to offer, for life is diverse.”
• Democracy says, ‘’Do not be rigid or inflexible; rather be open and adaptable for life is dynamic and alive.”
• Democracy says, “Do not compete with each other; rather cooperate, for life presents challenges enough.”
• Democracy says, “Do not make participation exclusive; rather make participation inclusive, for life is allencompassing.’’
• Democracy says, “Do not gravitate toward extremes; rather seek moderation, for life requires balance.’’
• Democracy says, “Do not represent only those who have influence; rather represent all, for life demands equality.’’
• Finally, democracy says, “Do not tamper with this process, for it is your lifeblood.’’
The final wisdom of life requires not the annulment of difference or incongruity, but the achievement of serenity within and above it. (Reinhold Niebuhr)
Despite the extraordinary depth of wisdom, promise, and achievements of democracy, today we find ourselves faced with many dilemmas.
Instead of respecting the integrity of our democratic process, we have drifted away from it and have diluted its potency.
Gradually, we have eroded that which has given us our strength.