The Civic Duty We Can No Longer Ignore

This essay series called “76 Days” is my response, my effort to engage readers in a dialogue to restore civility to our civic life. It is a count down to the November 5, 2024 U.S. Election.

Like many of you, I've been a quiet observer, dutifully voting in elections but rarely engaging beyond that. I'm an independent who's voted for Reagan, H.W. Bush, B. Clinton, Gore, G.W. Bush, and Obama, H. Clinton and Biden. But for most of my life, I've been content to go about my business, worrying more about my family's well-being than the state of our union because I believed in the American institutions of governance.

But as I look at the calendar and see November 5th fast approaching, I can no longer afford that luxury. This election isn't just about who will occupy the Oval Office for the next four years—it's about the very future of our democracy. The cracks in our foundation have grown too wide to ignore, and the threats to our most cherished ideals are too urgent to dismiss. The time to act is now.

So I'm putting down my remote, stepping away from the nightly news, and using the next 76 days to wrestle with the most important civic duty we share as Americans: the responsibility to be informed, engaged, and accountable citizens, not just in national elections, but also in our local communities and governments.

A Reckoning with Our History

When our Founding Fathers gathered in Philadelphia to draft the Constitution, they understood that the success of this 'grand experiment' hinged on the active participation of the people. Their vision of a government 'of the people, by the people, for the people' was not just a lofty ideal, but a profound truth that we must uphold.

And for much of our history, we've done just that. We've marched in protests, written letters to our representatives, and shown up at the ballot box in record numbers. But somewhere along the way, we've allowed our civic muscles to atrophy. We've traded our civic pride for political apathy, our thoughtful deliberation for partisan talking points.

Now, as we stand at a crossroads, we must reckon with the consequences of that neglect. The very freedoms and ideals that our ancestors fought and died for are under siege, threatened by forces that seek to divide us, erode our institutions, and undermine the democratic norms that have sustained us for over two centuries.

A Call to Arms (of the Civic Variety)

This essay is my attempt to sound the alarm, shake us out of our complacency, and rekindle the spirit of civic engagement that has always been the lifeblood of this nation. Over the next 76 days, I'll explore what it means to be a responsible, engaged citizen—not just in the voting booth but in our communities, our workplaces, and our daily lives.

I'll delve into the history of American leadership, examining the character, values, and ethical standards that have defined our greatest presidents. I'll challenge us to look beyond party lines and consider what qualities we truly want in our elected officials. And I'll urge you, the reader, to not just vote but to vote with the full weight of your conscience and your love for this country.

The decisions we make in November will shape the course of this nation for generations to come. Your vote is not just a mark on a ballot but a powerful force that can uphold the ideals of liberty, justice, and equality or resist the forces of division, demagoguery, and despair.

A Shared Journey, a Renewed Purpose

I invite you to join me on this journey. Let's rediscover the civic pride that has sustained us through our darkest hours. Let's engage in civil discourse, listen to different perspectives, and find the common ground that has always been the foundation of American progress. Remember, our collective action is more powerful than any individual effort.

Together, we can reclaim our role as active, informed citizens - not just on Election Day, but every day. We can demand more from our leaders, hold them accountable to the highest ethical standards, and ensure that the promise of America remains alive and well for our children and grandchildren.

The path ahead may be daunting, but we can overcome any challenge if we summon the courage to fulfill our civic duty. It's time to rise to the occasion, to be the citizens our Founders envisioned, and to secure the blessings of liberty for all.

Call to Action: Reflect on your own civic engagement over the years. When have you felt most empowered as a citizen? What barriers or obstacles have prevented you from being more involved? Share your thoughts with friends, family, or your local community, and commit to taking at least one concrete step to deepen your civic participation in the weeks and months ahead.