“What is Democracy? “Of the people, by the people, for the people” Abraham Lincoln. The word democracy comes from the Greek words “demos”, meaning people, and “kratos” meaning power; so democracy can be thought of as “power of the people”: a way of governing which depends on the will of the people.” Oxford languages
I can’t stand to start my posts with a quote or definition, but I had to get a working definition of democracy myself. Democracy has been ripped up, torn down, taken for granted, and given an unrecognizable face. What?!
I remember the Black Panthers’ cry, “Power to the people!” Immediately, that cry conjured up revolutionary socialism that threatened the political and social norms of the USA. That cry was signaling the truth – in a democratic government, the power should belong to every American. Each government member should represent our voices and needs to encourage and enact an equitable nation. So far, we have not experienced this. Where does accountability start? Right In our own backyards.
Y’all know I live in Alabama. We are the guinea pig for Project 2025/Agenda 47. My daughter’s activist org. and other Black childcare providers across the state advocate for a hot topic in Bama – Women’s Reproductive Rights: Equitable Childcare Policy and Family Justice. Camille is the lobbyist. She tells me about the rampant posturing and egos of politicians looking out for their reelection and capitalism rather than the needs of the people (“the community-based providers on the ground”). She claims both parties fall prey to this disposition, leading to inaction for the people.
As Lobbyists, her team has to gain access to politicians to discuss bills on the floor. They primarily work to modify or kill bills enacted against their advocacy areas. They speak for the needs of constituents who might never get the ears of local politicians. They also speak during sessions related to their bills. I travel with her to Montgomery to support her. However, she will not let me go to the Statehouse while lobbying. She fears that I will not be able to contain my emotions. (Hmph…’think I can’t stand and deliver?) What?!
I asked Camille what we could do in Alabama to secure Democracy, and she answered:
“What can we control in Alabama.? We are a Red State. In 2024, if you are voting against Project 2025, your vote is simply for data collection, which is very important. However, we must pay attention to the policies created in our city and state. Beyond that, we must hold our elected officials accountable, regardless of their political affiliations. Politicians are public servants who work for us – not celebrities, not to be hero-worshipped, but public servants who should treat the people with respect. When we send out a Call for Direct Action, please lend your participation.”
My two cents are that we must dust off our civics books (at least they aren’t banned) and learn how the government/democracy works, from local to the White House. Then, we can do what we can to support important issues by calling, writing, and doing what we can to hold our government accountable. It should reflect all people, and we people hold the power.
Joy Juice
Guess what? I can post the good, bad, and ugly about our country without being persecuted. I feel that, as Americans, we all have the responsibility to work for and maintain democracy. After we elect folks, we must hold them accountable and do our part to help in any way possible. Democracy? Yes, Lord, Democracy.
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. African Proverb
Government is “to seek, serve, and promote the common good of the people, not the good of the rulers” (Romans 13:4)
“A Peaceful World Begins with Small Peaceful Actions.” Buddhism, Lion’s Roar
“It’s all good/love/God” – Victorine
© 2024 Vicki Goldston, All rights reserved.
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Author of Be S.A.F.E., StillAware, Faithful, Excellent, now available on Kindle Amazon as an e-book.
“…the book title and its content are intended to be a whisper, reminding us that by connecting with our spiritual self, we can center through anything and that we are forever within the bubble of God’s protection.”
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