“A nation divided against itself cannot stand” – Abraham Lincoln, June 16, 1858

I’ve been deeply concerned about the state of our democracy. Frankly, I’m terrified.

What I’m seeing is that our democracy, the very foundation of our country, is in danger. We cannot take our democracy for granted or be complacent. We must ensure that our country does not become an autocracy. It’s critical that all those who believe in and support our democracy – whether Republicans, Democrats, or Independents – actively work together to preserve our basic freedoms and shared values.

But right now, as I look around, I see divisiveness, violence, hatred, people turning against each other, people working to overturn our norms. Chaos seems to pervade our national politics. You see it, too. The large-scale efforts to deny voting rights, the violent attempt to overturn the results of a free and fair election, and the attempt to make our national legislative bodies ineffective. Efforts by some states to restrict the rights of its citizens. I am worried that too many people in our country no longer share the democratic values that make our country what it is.

In fact, a small group of legislators is working to, and in some cases is succeeding at, eliminating many of our rights as Americans. They seem to be pushing us towards an authoritarian form of government. These people are working to eliminate the values we treasure, including freedom, liberty, equality, and a government that protects us.

I am tired of living in a polarized nation where nothing gets done. I want legislators to go back to the time when many reached across the aisle to compromise, to work out solutions that benefited us all.

What impact would such changes have?

What would you and I lose if our democratic norms went away? We would live in a very different country. A country in which our right to vote might be taken away for no legitimate reason. A country where our gay/lesbian and trans family and friends are persecuted. A country where lies, propaganda, and untruths are passed off as truth. One where we are no longer allowed to express our opinions openly or to gather to protest government actions. We could see a country in which political violence and chaos are not only tolerated but even encouraged.

The U.S. is viewed as the leader of the free world and the leader of democracies around the globe. What would such a transformation in our country imply for the world? That’s not a world I want to live in!

How can you and I help?

It is time for those of us who support our cherished democratic rights to stand up and take action to save our democracy from the powerful forces that are attacking it. Dale Anderson, a member of the UUSJ Board, urges us to give up being “democracy worriers” and to become “democracy warriors.”

We must work to ensure that all those who represent us in Congress create and participate in a federal government that works effectively – and honestly — to meet our needs. We need our elected representatives to provide legislation and funding to ensure our rights and secure us.

At the same time, we must be pragmatic and honest about the forces that threaten our democracy. We must be inclusive in finding those who share our concerns, regardless of their background or party affiliation, and give them a pathway to help.

I invite you to become a “democracy warrior.” An easy first step is to join the events and activities organized by the UUSJ Democracy Action Team. Find out how by contacting democracy.uusj@gmail.com or following the Democracy Action Team in the UUSJ monthly Newsletter. Above all, vote for a healthy democracy.

What will YOU do to help save our democracy?

Dee Ellison, Volunteer
Democracy Action Team, UUSJ
Virginia