The End of American Democracy?

By Lucas F. Tesoriero
Binghamton University

With the recent economic crisis, many have been led to ask the question: Is this the end of American democracy? The answers to this question vary greatly depending upon whom one asks. Historians love to draw parallels to the Roman Empire, economists describe the crisis as normal and already see signs of a rebound and politicians look for people to blame the crisis on in the hopes of winning their next election. But this question has made me think about what the greatest challenge is to our democracy and to ponder whether or not America has a bright future ahead.

Division is the greatest challenge to American democracy today. From watching commentators like Glenn Beck, it is evident that American democracy is rife with both division and mistrust. In order for American democracy to work (or any democracy for that matter) citizens must subscribe to the creed E Pluribus Unum. This Latin phrase, closely meaning "Out of many, one", embodies the spirit of democracy. The different elements of American society must work together as one unit and trust one another. Commentators like Glenn Beck and other fear-mongering "journalists" prefer to promote mistrust and division rather than call for unification. American democracy is based on trust especially when it comes to power sharing. Republicans accept being in the minority based on a trust relationship with Democrats. The unspoken agreement is that Democrats will not abuse the power of the majority and will relinquish power if voters award Republicans a majority, and vice versa.

There is also a trust relationship between the American people and the President. The understanding is that the President will respect the separation of powers and allow for a peaceful transition of power when his term expires or when he is voted out of office. Trust is implicit in these relationships and without trust, American democracy will surely fall.

"Truthers", "birthers" and those who believe President Obama is a socialist/fascist/terrorist who is brain-washing youth to goose-step to school, promote division and present the greatest challenge to American democracy today. These rabble-rousers seek to divide rather than unite, and do so in a way that can undermine the trust relationships upon which America was founded. This is not to condemn those who question the government. Questioning those in power is a civic duty and one that must be carried out in a socially responsible way. Questioning simply for the sake of division and scoring political points is what we must unite against; those who do so are seeking only to promote themselves rather than the good of all Americans.

However, despite these large rifts, there is some cause for optimism. America, throughout its history, has faced and defeated forces of division. America defeated McCarthyism and showed its resolve in a time of great fear and uncertainty. The hope is that Americans will once again unite and not blindly follow ideologues like Glenn Beck or Rush Limbaugh, who through fear-mongering boost only their ratings and profits, instead of boosting the America spirit. The prospects for the future of democracy in America hinge on Americans once again trusting their fellow citizens and working together to create a better America for all. If we can unite, America could once again become the light of the world. Our future is surely not a dim as some of our "journalists".

Lucas Tesoriero is a junior double-majoring in political science and philosophy, politics, and law. Lucas is president and founder of the PPL Community Outreach Initiative and, upon graduation, plans to attend law school.

[Posted 11/16/09]