Camp is away this week but since we’re a month away from a great show piece of democracy – an election by the people for the people – I elect to ponder what it is that we are fighting for. So here it goes. 

Ordinary people everywhere want what western democracies offer. Freedom of movement and association, freedom of the press and a judiciary based on principles and the common law, progressive education, equality and liberty. No refugees elect to flee to Russia or China, even though they have plenty of room but do not offer assistance and access to social services as we do nor do they tolerate freedoms like we are used to. Nobody wants to immigrate to China or Russia. Democracies share and assist, support and elevate. Autocracies like Russia and China, Venezuela, Iran and North Korea suppress and restrict, marginalize, reject and punish free thinkers, free speech and critics.

Democracy needs journalism based on fact and integrity not propogandists masquerading as reporters. The population needs to be informed and not lied to. The pod casters, writers and reporters need to tell the factual truth, report scientific findings and expose falsehoods, mis- and disinformation and support the common good and have a heart. Hate, fear and demonization are not part of a democracy but honesty, respect, tolerance, openness and respect are. If this sounds idealistic then that’s because it is. We need to believe in and foster altruism, communal thinking, universal access to healthcare and education and support the common welfare of all people. Only together will we succeed in building a better world for our children; alone we will fail and there will be nobody to clean up the mess.