Two Herald opinion pieces recently celebrated this all too fragile, American experiment in democracy. The first was by a Herald Forum writer from Marysville, Ken White (“We have work ahead to restore and keep democracy,” The Herald, Jan. 1. White spoke to how precious our democracy is and how the growing participation by violence such as the Jan. 6 insurrection was undermining the fundamental welfare of our nation. He pointed out how some New Year’s resolutions to take on the actual work of democratic actions might be laborious but kept the foundations of democratic structures sound. His essay was positive and hopeful!
The Herald Editorial Board followed with an even fuller road map to this important participation in democracy (“Make a resolution that brings a more perfect union,” The Herald, Jan. 2). That map had compass points of staying current on issues with wide reading, writing letters to representatives or news outlets, speaking at local government meetings. An appreciation that each voice is significant was celebrated as a foundational value.
What followed from both pieces is the realization that constructive listening to address issues, solve problems collectively, becomes a huge part of the process! With a new legislative session coming to Olympia, these remarks are timely. Again, as we face the Jan. 6 anniversary of a very dark day in our nation’s history, both these uplifting commentaries refocus us on our personal responsibility to uphold this precious democracy with participation and civil discourse! Thank you for these reminders!
Joan Smith
Edmonds
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