Midterm Takeaways from UUSJ Democracy Action Team Convener, Fred Van Deusen

[Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this commentary was published online last month in Medium]

The very good news from the recent midterm elections is that our democracy survived to fight another day. No significant disruptions occurred to voting around the country, and no loud cries of voter fraud. However, 70% of the people in this country believe our democracy is broken, and they are right.

The authoritarian anti-democracy movement, led by the previous president, is still alive and eager to strike back with r better candidates for office. They currently have the power to block the drastically-needed reforms in the environment, economy, gun violence, escalating inequality, immigration, women’s rights, and voting rights. We need a functioning democracy to address these very serious and difficult issues. And we won’t get it if we keep electing people who oppose democracy and have no desire to solve these problems.

The second takeaway is the negative impact the media has had on our democracy. One example is the effect negative political TV advertisements have on us, those running for office, and the lifeblood of our democracy. These negative ads are aimed at brainwashing people into thinking all the candidates are corrupt and bad, so why vote? The ads lie and provide inaccurate portrayals of those running for office. They try to convince people not to vote for someone rather than learn why to vote for someone. We need good information to decide who to vote for, and we don’t get it from negative political ads. 

In addition, the media can be quick to point out problems — inflation, mass shootings, dramatic weather events — but not explain what’s causing these problems and what’s needed to address them. Instead, we are often fed a barrage of short snippets that zip from the war in Ukraine to the latest snowstorm to the lack of availability of Taylor Swift concert tickets. It’s ridiculous.This can leave people feeling numb and helpless. And lose hope and the motivation to make things better.

To have a democracy of the people, by the people, and for the people, we need to know what is happening in the country and why. We need to put similar events into a useful context that can be readily understood. We need to know that people are working on these issues and how we can help make things better and more just for all. We need to understand where our candidates for office stand on the important issues we care about, and we need to be encouraged to vote. Is that too much to ask?