democracy – Bearings (of Burkhardt)

Ashamed of America

I’ve never been proud to be an American, but at times, I’ve been proud of America.

It makes me proud whenever our country does something really humane. Several of these proud moments predate my birth. Lincoln’s “Emancipation Proclamation” is one of those moments. Another is the liberation of France from the Nazis. In my lifetime, two events stand out. The leadership of Martin Luther King, Jr. in the 1963 protests against American racism that led to the passing of the Civil Rights Act in 1964 is one. The other is more symbolic, when, in 1987, President Regan shouted, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” Continue reading “Ashamed of America”

Insurrection Day, a National Day of Remembrance

With the power invested in me by a persistent state of shock, I proclaim January 6 as Insurrection Day. Continue reading “Insurrection Day, a National Day of Remembrance”

Liz Cheney Changed My Mind

After listening to yesterday’s speech by Liz Cheney—a dyed in the wool Republican all her life—I’ve decided to vote for Kamala Harris. I’d like to contribute to the message that we don’t like, believe, trust, or endure Donald Trump.

Until today, I was going to vote for a third party, probably Jill Stein, because I like to protest the two-party system in the United States.

Cheney’s speech, though, reminded me that a vote for a leading candidate can be a protest vote. Protesting the end of democracy (Donald Trump’s trajectory) addresses a problem that is even more dire than the duopoly itself. My message to those who find themselves with divided allegiances: vote for Harris in 2024 if for no other reason than so you can vote for someone else in 2028. Continue reading “Liz Cheney Changed My Mind”