Rise Above Party to Defend Democracy
Free and fair elections are the fundamental bedrock of democracy. We must be prepared to put country over party to defend that democratic foundation. It’s why I joined with likeminded Republicans and Democrats in advance of the 2020 elections to form and fund a non-partisan group called Citizens for a Strong Democracy or CSD. The mission of CSD is to strengthen public confidence in our election systems and the results of the vote. CSD educated voters about how to safely and effectively vote in their communities. After the vote, we at CSD continued to work with other non-partisan groups, including the Voter Protection Program or VPP, to help ensure all legal votes were counted and the results were respected. Once it was clear that the will of the people required a change of Presidential Administration, we worked with the Partnership for Public Service to support a peaceful transfer of power.
I’m inspired by what I witnessed during this volatile election cycle – thousands of Americans regardless of political affiliation who rose above partisan differences to defend our Constitutional Republic when it came under attack. Donald Trump and those who aided and abetted him in his relentless undermining of our Democracy – including Senators Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz – must be denounced. In particular, I made it clear to Senator Cruz, whom I have known for years, before the Joint Session of Congress, that if he proceeded to object to the Electoral count of the legitimate slates of delegates certified by the States, I could no longer support him. In moments like this, all freedom loving Americans must put the survival of our democracy above loyalty to any party or individual. Now we must also begin the hard work of holding those accountable who committed violence, improving confidence in our elections and closing the vulnerabilities revealed by this dark chapter in our history so that all Americans can enjoy our beloved democracy for generations to come. If you want to join us in that critical mission, we welcome you to join us at CSD (https://citizensstrongdemocracy.org/).
Brand strategist, creative director and writer
2yI just read about your personal response to Ted Cruz's decision to promote his own short-term political future over the long-term health of our democracy – even after your appeal to whatever remained of his better angels. Too many people think patriotism is flag waving, "Support our Troops" bumper stickers and standing at the National Anthem with no understading, concern or respect for the actual principles those symbols represent. Some of those folks suffer from a lack of education. Others are extremely well-educated and should know better. The former could be helped with a few hours in a civics class. The latter – including Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley – already know better and are certainly the truly reprehensible group of Trumpanzees. I applaud your integrity and patriotism. Thank you!
Retired Attorney Mediator Consultant at Self-employed
3yThis has been my message for the last year.
Business Consultant for the Built Environment
3yWe can all agree that free and fair elections are a pre-requisite for a democracy. However I would qualify this to also mean easy access to vote is being just as important. The restrictions and difficulty in voting would embarrass many third world countries. Here's a thought, make voting mandatory. It works in Australia. Why not the USA? Rhetorical question.
Thank you. I know that was difficult.