Democracy is messy because everyone has an opinion. Governing in a democracy is hard because finding common ground among swirling opinions is often exceedingly contentious. This dilemma can be resolved by moving to oligarchy and on to authoritarianism — ‘Leave the economic, social, and foreign policy decisions to those who know best.’ The problem is that this path leads to dictatorship, where common ground is never established and justice is never achieved.

The messy democracy dilemma can be resolved through democratic means. But only if a mature citizenship insists on basic principles. These principles are:

• The US Constitution is the bedrock of our government;

• The rule of law is sacrosanct and no one is above the law;

• One person, one vote is protected;

• Political adversaries are not enemies of the country;

• Dark money in politics is ruinous to our democracy;

• Contrary opinions are always welcome and are often valuable;

• Campaign lies of any kind are signals of cowardice, not strength;

• The peaceful transfer of power is a fundamental value;

• And respect for government institutions is essential, requiring good leadership and some citizen forbearance.

Does there not exist in this country a single person with enough common sense, experience, decency, and charisma to take this message to everyone?!

A loud-mouth cartoonish lying bully like a Donald Trump cannot be countered by an opponent wearing kid gloves. America’s democracy is worthy of a champion, someone who can roar the truth and inspire trust and confidence. I do not call for a great man to save our democracy. No, this person’s aim is to create within the country a willingness, even a passion, for us all to become effective citizens, respecting others, making prudent compromises, and modeling both strength and compassion.

The anti-democratic approach now gaining strength is led by people who are venal, of course. But they know just enough about history to play on fear and prejudice. But they are also deeply fearful.  Of what? Of a citizenship that sees their game and refuses to accept their rules. Americans are sometimes lazy and ignorant (hey, we are just people). But we insist that every person is worthy, that America belongs to us all, and that fair play is our mothers’ milk. So, the Trump crowd is terrified that the MAGA crowd, whom they duped, along with independents and progressives, will arise, expose their lies and hypocrisy, and kick them to the side of the road. They know we have that power.

Spoiler alert: The Trump crowd has two overall aims: (1) to dismantle the federal government’s role in protecting our health, welfare, and safety to divert vast sums, via low taxes, to the wealthy, and (2) to allow huge corporations to operate without those “thorny” environmental, safety, and code regulations. By the way, it is well-documented that from 1981-2020, 50 trillion dollars [$50,000,000,000,000] shifted from the working and middle classes to the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans. Is that rapaciousness not enough?

This would never have occurred without our ignoring the democratic principles listed above. And so we have a clear choice. I choose to roar. Join in and make some real noise. And encourage people with stature and charisma to stand and deliver!

Will Newman

TIverton