Some thoughts on democracy:

If, in a democracy or electoral republic, a majority of the voters decide that democracy no longer works for them, isn't that a basic tenet of democracy? The death of democracy is built into its very functioning. I would point out that, historically, these deaths do not bode well for the society those voters belong to; Hitler was elected Chancellor of Germany, Putin was "elected", etc., etc. The examples go back for millenia. 

But the American form of democracy had never been seen before, and it works, for the most part and for the most people. When the Constitution was written, there was generational slavery (another uniquely American institution), women could not vote (or own land, sign a contract, etc.), and things have changed to the betterment of our society. A diverse and accepting society is the strongest type, against those things that threaten it from foreign shores or from within its own borders. A diverse view of a problem offers more solutions than a singular aspect. 

OK this next statement is going to get me in trouble with my liberal friends- MAGA Republicans (that aren't presently holding elected office) are not wrong in their beliefs. They are different from what others believe. And both sides of the political spectrum are equally guilty in preaching (And preaching and preaching) that different is wrong. Differences make us stronger. Quit trying to browbeat the opposition. Listen to what they have to say and persuade with your viewpoint. Notice that the first word in that sentence was "Listen". 

What I hear from my conservative friends is that are afraid. They are afraid of losing their rights, their money and their livelihoods. And, admittedly, some of those are legitimate fears. But no one should let fear be a force in their ethical behavior. "Do the right thing" shouldn't just be the title of a movie. Do what is right, as best as can be done, for the greatest number of people, even if it costs you to do it. If everyone did that, the individual costs would be offset by societal reciprocations.  

So, to be completely transparent, here is what I believe:

I am a married man with no biological children. I have no business telling a woman what she can or cannot do with her body.

I own guns, but have no problem proving to my community that I am a responsible and safe steward of those guns.

Inflation is bad, but nobody was complaining when salaries and wages went up. What did you think would happen?

I question when is it enough money. Yes, corporations owe their stockholders dividends, which means they need to make a profit. But it seems that no matter how much profit they make, the dividends stay fairly stable. Is that because their paying CEO's and executive millions in salaries and million more in stock options and other income producing benefits? How much is enough, and why aren't boards of directors setting boundaries on executive level expenses? Is that responsible stewardship?

I would vote every time for a candidate who is not afraid to do the right thing, even if its not politically expedient. I applaud Liz Cheney for standing by her convictions and speaking truth to power (and it cost her). Golly, what a President she would make!

Its time for old, white men to step aside and let younger people take the reins. Oh, and I'm an old white man, by the way. Boomers,  just retire already. We have disenfranchised our younger generations to the point that they have no hope of matching our own personal accomplishments. It is hard to have a healthy 401K when your paying off $250K in student loans you took so you could enter a professional career - that isn't paying enough to service that kind of debt.

Ok, enough of that...

Fear is not unreasonable, but should never outweigh hope. That's all I'm trying to say.