David Anthony Sam

For a couple of decades, I debated some folks about whether we were a democracy or a republic. (Of course, we are a democratic republic.)

Now I realize many did not want a democracy if it means their side ever loses.

I debated whether affirmative action discriminated against white people. Whether Black people had “enough rights.”

Now I realize many wanted discrimination for white people.

I debated whether the Federal government was too big.

Now I realize that many thought it too large if it gave support to the “wrong” people.

I debated whether the Federal government was taking away our rights.

Now I realize that the “right” many most feared losing was the right to take away the rights of others.

Those who truly are Conservative are appalled by the radical and destructive administration.  

So the continuing support of the many for Trumpism makes them anything but Conservative.

Now I know what needs to be argued against…and what must be argued for.

Conservatives feel betrayed by the present because it doesn’t fit their imagined memory of a false perfect past.

Liberals feel betrayed by the present because it doesn’t fit their imagined dream of a false perfect future.

Too many then concluded that democracy has failed because it doesn’t give them the results they want and somehow deserve—and that a dictatorship of the “right” people is the only solution.

Most of the people throughout history or around the world today would love to be alive in the U.S. today.

Yes, we have serious problems. Yes, there are many left behind.

But the solutions lie in civic action today by engaged citizens working together, not in the destruction of democracy.