POSTED: JANUARY 13, 2024
In 2024 we are being told America is at a crossroads and the American version of democracy is at risk. I say the “American version of Democracy” as The United States it seems has an idea of democracy that is bigger than any of the institutions that are designed to sustain it. Certainly, the courts are not living up to their promise of being a pillar to defend it, the Congress and The Senate are hamstrung, and a person up on various charges, and already convicted of a few, is the front runner for the Republican leadership! And just when Trumps behavior has gone beyond imagination, he has stated that he thinks being a dictator for a day or so might cleanse the country of its problems!
Is democracy at risk – of course not. Democracy as a type of governance is a living thing that has taken on many forms and will continue to evolve in many places. It is far from a great system but in some countries is being improved with small incremental changes every year.
Is American democracy at risk – well it has its own life and evolution and is being challenged like never before. The United States has never been the best example of a democracy but may live up to that promise one day if changes are made. The dominance of only two parties and the control that comes from American Democracy being secondary to American Capitalism has become obvious over the last several years. Everything is negotiated, everything is up for grabs and the underlying assumptions of common decency has given way to self interest. So new versions of institutions will need to evolve for this countries version of democracy to have any relevancy.
And why am I ranting on about this? Our members have been part of that heritage of those who have stepped up to fight for those democratic goals. There has been a long tradition of those who have fought and died for their country, but not enough acknowledgement of those who have fought for justice at home. We are on the edge of a second civil war regarding a womans right to choose, what form immigration should take, and the publics safety over an individuals right to have a gun.
It seems that yes, America is at a crossroads but it seems that America consists of nothing but crossroads. One crossroad is passed and the next one looms.
Our organization has been referenced more than once as Traitors by Donald Trump. If you respect what our members have done, and if you value civil society, get out and vote to support causes and goals that respect individuals, and the institutions we thought would protect us. If you are a Democrat, vote. If you are a Republican demand your representatives respect the institutions they have been elected to serve. Denounce those who want to tear down our institutions, regardless of party affiliation.
And of course if you know of a family member who was once a Baker, encourage her to reach out to us and become a member. Increasingly, as our members age the secrets they kept for so long are now starting to be shared with family members and their bravery should be celebrated.
Best wishes for 2024.