While decorating our awesome purple Jeep Wrangler Rubicon to drive in Tracy’s Annual 4th of July Parade, I was approached by an older gentleman who had just observed me placing a sign on the side that read “Keep Democracy Alive.” I had seen him walking throughout the pre-parade “float” staging area, stopping at each group’s spot, sometimes engaging in conversation, sometimes just looking at the various artistic additions the different participants were adding to their vehicles. Nodding at the sign I had just placed, he asked me, “So, how do we keep democracy alive?”
A fair question, I thought, in the current political climate. I had already mentally prepared myself for possible rudeness, but I felt his question deserved a detailed answer, especially as it had not been presented with any obvious rancor. I smiled, adopting my most polite smile and tone, and answered him:
“We keep democracy alive by never letting it waver, but never becoming complacent, by marching, by rallying, by keeping the need to promote the democratic values this country was found on in the headlines, so we never forget, reminding everyone that democracy is for everyone, not just a select few…and is everyone’s responsibility to nurture.”
As I spoke, he nodded his head, and I was encouraged that my words had been well chosen (one doesn’t always know until the words are actually spoken). When I had finished, he responded in kind with:
“Does that include the Jews?”
For a split second I was shocked at the brazen and casually hateful tone he delivered his words. But, as I noted before, I had expected that we might encounter someone like this. I adjusted my tone to be firmer, stating:
“Yes. It includes everyone. Democracy is for everyone.”
He mumbled something more about “the Jews” before walking away.
This interaction stuck with me, but not in the way one might assume. In the end, I was not angry; I was resolved. This is why we do what we do. This is why we protest. This is why we rally, this is why we make the effort we make to engage with our community, a community that clearly still has elements in it that need education, regardless of their age. It is our task, our obligation, our responsibility to continue to educate.
During his victory speech in Nevada in February 2016, Donald Trump stated, "I love the poorly educated," highlighting his appeal to voters without college degree. But it goes deeper than that. He doesn’t want anyone to question him. He doesn’t want anyone to actually know what our Constitution protects as that ignorance just makes it easier for him to continue to destroy the values upon which our country was founded on. The MAGA movement was founded on arrogant ignorance, actually reveling in their willful denial of facts, creating their own narratives that feed that ignorance.
The Democratic Club of Greater Tracy serves the purpose of safeguarding our democracy and educating all on the value and importance of that task. When we say, “all hands on deck,” or “we need boots on the ground,” we mean we need each and every member to do whatever they can to help us educate our fellow Tracyites…and beyond. Volunteer for a committee, show up to an event, create signs for rallies/protests, write or promote articles that help to educate others, decorate Jeeps for community events to show we care about our community and its traditions…and if you are a member, please pay your dues (follow this link)! This is how we can all be involved, how we can all take action to protect our democratic (with a small “d”) values that benefit all.
Join us and be involved. Your town – and your country – really, truly need you. Now more than ever.