Evaluating Elected Officials Before Elections
May 30, 2026What America Becomes Is Up to Us
In the near and distant future, what America becomes is up to us as caring and concerned citizens. What are we willing to do to carry out our responsibilities?
The principles, laws and institutions that set America apart from the rest of the world are at risk of being permanently changed or replaced by ones that are less noble, less honorable and less workable.
Where are the defenders of the Constitution and this nation’s values?
What is happening to the respect for and adherence to the rule of law?
What is happening to the basic freedom of the press?
This lethal usurpation of America’s laws and values, like cancer, is spreading. But ultimately, what America becomes is up to us.
Fundamentally, it seems our representative government is losing its way, which should be of the people, by the people and for the people. The voices and defenders of truth and honesty seem to be drowning in a sea of lies, distortions and arbitrary actions.
The values and laws that make America great are being ignored and turned upside down. To whom do we turn?
Some could argue that what is really taking place is that the sheet has been taken off America and the masquerade is being exposed for all the world to see. They would say there have always been two Americas masquerading as one, but both fighting for influence, fighting for dominance when it comes to politics, racial and gender equality, educational achievement, the environment, and economic stability.
What America Becomes Is Up to Us
(sanfel/iStock Images)
Both Americas are being proudly represented under one flag, while tugging and being diametrically opposed forces — both claiming to be the right path toward greatness.
What does it all mean? More importantly, what can we take from it since in the future what America becomes is up to us.
At a minimum, one could argue it means that those who claim to be citizens of one America are tolerant, embracing and believe in the values and qualities America has become known for: a defender and promoter of democracy, respecting the rule of law, individual rights, equality regardless of gender or skin color, improving the plight of humanity, protecting the environment. Citizens of this America honor and believe in the principles, rights and privileges outlined in and guaranteed by the Constitution.
Citizens of the other America believe the country belongs to only them. They are willing to deny, to forget, and to ignore the Native Americans who were here before their ancestors arrived, that this country was built on the backs of Black slaves and other immigrants who hailed from countries near and far in search of a better life.
Which America do you claim as yours?
More importantly, which do you prefer for your family?
We are responsible. We are accountable. What America becomes is up to us.
This contains excerpts from my commentary that appeared in the Missouri Independent
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