Sample Narrative: A Country Based on American Values

Sample Narrative

We Americans value our freedoms, our way of life, our democracy. Based on the words that the anti-democracy folks are saying, it appears they want to turn the United States into an authoritarian country. A recent article in the Atlantic contains fifteen examples of what the former president has said that demonstrates what he plans to do if elected. 

Authoritarian leaders start by telling people how badly the country is being run, how totally corrupt the government is, and how crooked the elections are. Then, they portray themselves as victims who are the only ones who can solve the problems. They pick out minority groups to label as enemies of the country. 

Authoritarians all follow a similar script to the one being used by former President and now-candidate Trump. Authoritarianism is designed to divide us, to favor one privileged group over others, to oppress the unfavored groups, to make us angry and unhappy, and to destroy democracy. The large majority of Americans do not want this. 

Most Americans want a country based on the long and deeply held American values that give us hope: one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all; everyone is created equal and endowed with the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Most believe that everyone matters in our democratic process. Most agree we should address our differences by coming together to discuss issues and find viable solutions that meet our varying needs–in a peaceful process and orderly procedure. Most believe in the peaceful transfer of power.

Those who are pushing us towards an authoritarian form of government do not support these deeply held American values. We can not let them take control of our country. We need to come together to work to save our democracy. No one else is going to do this for us.

 

See Fred’s Related Commentary