Living in the land of the free and home of the brave, we may forget that democracy isn’t a spectator sport. We will soon celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, adopted in 1776, when the 13 American colonies severed their political connections to Great Britain and launched us on this great experiment of self-rule and democracy. We should ask: Can we keep this democracy going to celebrate its semiquincentennial anniversary?

Democracy certainly has its detractors. Dictators across the globe would likely tell you that the very concept of democracy, the system of government by all the eligible members of a state, comprises a threat to their authority. The response of Russian President Vladmir Putin to Alexei Navalny, now in prison for the crime of opposing Putin, showcases how dictators respond to the threat of democracy. As Winston Churchill famously said, “democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those others that have been tried.”

For those cherishing their liberty and freedom, defending democracy when it’s under attack must transcend all other disagreements. Those valuing our democracy must recognize it is now under attack from a wannabe dictator in Donald Trump, who is pursuing the presidency with no interest to serve the people but who just seeks a “get out of jail free card.”

Defending democracy starts locally. In every election, we should ask where candidates stand — do they support or reject the would-be dictator? We should reject those toeing the MAGA party line on anti-democracy, lies, delusions and conspiracy hoaxes.

Alan Journet

Jacksonville