The news is full of political and media operators trying to make this country less democratic and less fair. So many folks are putting out ideas about how to “fix” our system so that it works “right”. But I want to weigh in about being practical. For example, there is no way that the Electoral College is going to be changed. There is no way that two senators per state is going to change. Citizens United will not be overturned. Term limits will not be implemented. Local school boards won't be replaced and a national curriculum will not be enforced. The two-party system is entrenched and creates/enforces the primary election system. I could go on listing the aspects of our American political system that are entrenched and unchangeable features at this point. Many of these systems were invented by our Founders!
The reason I list these "un-doable" things is to get folks to concentrate on what we really can do. Listen to Elizabeth Warren for example. Stacy Abrams. Cory Booker. Bernie Sanders. Again, I can go on, but the point is we need to WORK within our system as it exists, and we have to make it work fairly and equitably as it has for over 200 years; we have had roughly the same systems the whole time and yet we can point to earlier times when the United States was held up as a paragon of good democratic design. Of course, for history buffs, there were plenty of times in the past when the operation of our political systems or government seemed questionable or wrong.
In today’s world, when there seems to be so much to worry about, what is needed to hold politicians, oligarchs and corporations accountable is a vigorous Democratic regime that is, and continues to be, on the side of justice, equity, rule of law, fair play, ethics and economic equality of opportunity and outcomes for all Americans. Does that sound dumb? Naïve?
Margaret Mead was wrong when she said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Contrary to her conclusion, it is also true that a large group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Americans of all stripes, but Democrats particularly at this juncture, need to pull out the stops and become activist citizens working for fair elections and getting out the vote to ensure that the relatively more honest and faithful candidates are put into office (where ever a Putin/Trump supporter is running) and that our Democratic majority in Congress is increased.
Maybe this doesn’t sound glorious or “fun” but a workmanlike approach to politics is the best real tool that we have to protect our democracy.