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Letter: Spread democracy, take nothing for granted
Op-Ed · July 04, 2014
We live in a country of opportunity and freedom, founded and defended through the years by people who believed in the spirit of democracy. So what is this democracy so many have given their lives to defend?
Most sources give this definition: “a form of government in which all eligible citizens participate equally…either directly or indirectly through their elected representatives … in the proposal, development, and creation of laws. It consists of; social, religious, cultural, ethnic and racial equality, justice and liberty and its citizens are endowed with rights and responsibilities by the government”.
In over 200 years we have made great progress toward that ideal, but that progress is under threat. Conservatives are working to make voting more difficult, if not impossible for many low-income and minority voters and many states are passing laws which take away a woman’s choice and opportunity to access reproductive care. Public education is under attack and the gains in equality are threatened to be overturned in many states, including Iowa.
But perhaps worse of all is the threat to democracy. When billionaires can now give unlimited amounts of money to influence elections, and legislation, what chance does the average citizen, armed only with his vote, have? Sadly not much, when you consider that barely 50 percent of our citizens vote.
This nation needs a rebirth of democracy along with an appreciation of the responsibilities of citizenship. Don’t look for billionaires and those who benefit from reduced voter turnout to promote this idea any time soon. It is, therefore, up to each of us who care about democracy to register every voter and educate them on the importance of their vote.
This 4th of July when we celebrate our freedoms, which so many take for granted, let’s vow to carry that spirit with us year round and spread democracy so we truly can have a government of, by and for the people.
Larry Hodgden, Tipton
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