Tag: american democray

Harvard political theorist Danielle Allen will be speaking at Gonzaga University, Friday, Sept. 8, on the topic of America’s fractured democracy — the speech entitled "Bringing Democracy Back from the Brink."

Although we established the first modern democracy, we’re not at the top. Some nations are improving the model. Certain characteristics, such as low voter participation or polarization, contribute to our current lower ranking. The recent upheavals we’re enduring are growing pains. Efforts are being made to repair our faults, yet opposing efforts undermine our democracy.

The 61st Annual Freedom at the Arboretum event begins at noon this Fourth of July at John A. Finch Arboretum with an opening concert and a meet-and-greet candidates program at 1:15 p.m.

I imagine democracy as a one-way freeway headed for the future. The vehicles on that freeway carry inspired concepts such as, freedom of many kinds, inclusion of all persons, equality and justice for all persons, citizenship, civility and mutual respect, consent of the governed, voting rights for all citizens, minority rights and personal and social responsibility.

Yet our adolescent democratic republic remains unfinished. Despite its influence on the world stage, it struggles to live up to the potential embodied in its name