Democracy is ours to preserve or lose | Letter to the editor

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As the last of the “greatest generation” die off, it is hard not to be pessimistic about the future. 

I will not only mourn the loss of my parents, aunts and uncles, but will also mourn the loss of the values and character that is dying with them.

Ours has become a nation of self-interested narcissists (I know that is redundant, but it deserves the emphasis), who lack either the will or ability to take a long view. Instant gratification informs our decisions, [more often than not] at the expense of future generations. A my-way-or-the-highway mentality has divided us, perhaps irreparably. As the quality of public education continues to decline, so does the national intellect required to address the big problems we face.

Rather than learning from history and past mistakes, we try to erase the memory of them so we can feel better about ourselves, at the same time stifling the free speech that is fundamental to our democratic ideals.

Like so many, I thought America was special, even “exceptional.” Perhaps it was. No one who is paying attention can sincerely think that now. I thought the American ideal was unassailable, that it would endure for the ages. Perhaps I did not adequately learn history myself, as no civilization has endured perpetually. In fact, scholars commonly estimate the average lifespan of a civilization to be 200 to 250 years. Ours is nearing its 246th year.

Democracy is ours to either preserve or lose. If we are to preserve it, thus defying the odds, we will truly have to be exceptional, putting aside the pursuit for instant gratification in favor of near term self-sacrifice to ensure the future for our children and grandchildren. What’s it going to be?

Everett Moran
PORT TOWNSEND