We have a long history of striving to make our system more inclusive, fair, and equitable. President John Adams (a Unitarian) said, “Government is instituted for the common good: for the protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness of the people; and not for the profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family, or class of men.” At that time, Abigail Smith Adams told her husband, “Remember the ladies.”* It can be a struggle to recognize some rights.
The Declaration of Independence declared that people can govern themselves. But, the Articles of Confederation proved to be ineffective in paying and equipping the Revolutionary armies. Wealthy white men again debated how to best provide an effective system — with adequate checks and balances in sharing power. In 2024, we again find ourselves pondering the best way to govern ourselves.
Many people have “buyer’s remorse” after the 2024 elections. The checks and balances in the Constitution have not worked as intended. Let the pundits assess the failures of this party or that party. It is time for us to assert our principles and values in how we govern for the common good.
Today, wealthy, white business executives can amass wealth greater than many nations. Some feel that their wealth and their corporate influence make them the “kingmakers.” How will they influence decision-making if their primary concern is personal profit and expanding their business base?
Campaign Donations. With no limits on campaign spending, a corporate executive can donate $250 million to a campaign. In return, they can influence government policy regarding their own business. Unrestricted corporate donations significantly diminish the influence of voters. Should one unelected individual with more wealth than all of Congress be able to dictate what policy to approve?
National Interest. Does the global reach of their business conflict with the national interest of our country? Should they have the ability to: 1) cancel investigations into corporate malfeasance? 2) allow their company to build a new plant for military-sensitive technology in a hostile country? 3) make decisions that favor an adversary?
Business executives versus Politicians. Some voters saw business executives as a panacea for good government. These voters want to believe that the business executives are concerned about voter well-being. Are business executives concerned and skilled in government for the common good? Or, will they pursue “efficiency” and ignore the common good?
Profiteering. The Constitution has provisions to prevent people from increasing their wealth based on policy decisions while serving in government. Why have these provisions been ineffective?
Ethics. Trust erodes when the Supreme Court refuses to hold itself to ethical standards or takes a purely partisan stance. Trust erodes when the ethical standards are not fairly and equally applied to all officials and all candidates for office. Can we agree and adhere to a common code of ethics?
Legitimacy of the Court. The Constitution is based on the principle that no person is above the law. Facts supported the exclusion of an individual (who participated in an insurrection) from holding federal office. The Supreme Court gave a free pass to this person. The Supreme Court postponed several criminal trials — another free pass that allowed a convicted felon to participate in an election. How do we reestablish the integrity and independence of the Supreme Court?
Fair Representation. We do not have universal suffrage for all eligible voters. Some locales unfairly purge voters. In others, the party that only won 40% of the vote can get super majority status. Some locales strip power from newly elected officials. The electoral college can result in a president who did not win the majority of the popular vote. Some voters in large states feel disenfranchised and do not vote. How do we ensure fair representation in our systems of governance?
Press. Democracy depends upon a free press that informs the public on government policy and holds public officials accountable for their actions. Some journalists adhere to professional standards. Others stoke fear-mongering, repeat Russian propaganda, or spout conspiracy theories on the dark web. Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland encourages us “to promote better knowledge and understanding of history, civic engagement, and civility.”
Religion. The lack of tolerance devolves into the demonization of “others.” Some use their religious beliefs in attempts to codify their bigotry into law. They seek to undermine the separation of church and state. This betrays the universal commitment to be “good neighbors.” We must be our better angels, offering hope and healing of wounds in our beloved community.
Violence. Regrettably, too many condone violence: intimidation, witness tampering, murder, insurrection. President Abraham Lincoln was adamant that we decide our elections by ballots, not bullets. How can we renew our commitment to the rule of law and public safety?
One Nation. We are threatened with a “us versus them” mentality. How do we renew our pledge to be one nation? My own Senator, Ben Cardin of Maryland, encourages us to ‘leave our world and our community a fairer place, a healthier place, a more peaceful place, a more prosperous place for all to benefit.”
Our ‘imperfect’ nation was forged on a compromise for the common good. Once again, we must strive to develop a consensus of a government of all people, by all people, and for all people, making our way toward a more perfect union.
Ken is a UU of 47 years, a volunteer with the UU Legislative Ministry of Maryland, and a Chalice Dancer with Paint Branch UU Church. Husband to Rev. Karen Lee Scrivo and father to one son. Ken is a retired contracting officer. His passion for social justice engagement comes from belonging to a beloved community. Most days, if he’s not working on something for social justice, you can find Ken at a soccer match.
* Editors note: two corrections were made after publication. Jane Adams was corrected to Abigail Smith Adams and the quote “remember the women” was corrected to “remember the ladies.”