Dr. Robert M. Fleisher Liberty and Prosperity Award

From childhood nursery rhymes to high school history classes, American democracy has always been an integral part of our lives. The Pledge of Allegiance became second nature along with chanting “Mary Had a Little Lamb” as part of the daily morning routine. James Madison’s Bill of Rights was analyzed more than Hamlet. And of course, Schoolhouse Rock!’s Preamble song was more catchy than any Taylor Swift sensation. In the midst of these encounters with our nation’s governing system throughout our lives, our democracy has faced both challenges and transformations in recent years, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. These horrifying global events make it all the more imperative to reflect on what makes democracy and voting so vital. Merriam-Webster defines democracy simply as “government by the people”, but to those who fought for it, those last three words represent the very essence of our nation’s identity and future. By the people. The words “liberty and justice for all” from the Pledge of Allegiance perfectly embody a fundamental principle of our democracy: individual freedom. While the Constitution directly incorporates inalienable rights into its pages, this liberty goes far beyond the privilege to vote in an election; we also carry the responsibility to engage in protecting the rights of all citizens. This ideology has become especially important in light of social and political movements addressing discrimination, inequality, and prejudice in our marginalized communities. From the civil rights movement to current debates about gender and LGBTQ rights, the right to take a stand as an individual is an empowering aspect of our democracy. In addition to ensuring every citizen has a stake in shaping the nation’s future through independent rights, democracy also prioritizes decision making as a group. The very Supreme Law of our Land, the Constitution, is not the masterpiece of a single person, but rather a shared vision for a just and harmonious society against the authoritarian British monarchy. Collaboration in the US democratic system fosters a culture of open dialogue and debate unlike any other governing body in the world. Ordinary citizens are encouraged to take on the political stage and actually express opinions of all backgrounds and advocate for changes that are meaningful to us and our communities, no matter the race, gender, age, or socioeconomic status. Another cornerstone of our democracy is our emphasis on accountability. Elected officials are held responsible for their decisions and impact on enacting the needs and aspirations of the people. The checks and balances system in essence safeguards our democracy against becoming stagnant or autocratic and are essential components of the democratic framework. The level of transparency in the independent judiciary and branches of government protect the rights of all citizens. Democracy isn’t a static concept: it is a living and breathing entity dependent on the active engagement from its citizens. In a time when division and violence threaten to pull us apart, it is our democracy that binds us together, providing a common goal to achieve. Democracy is more than just a dictionary definition. It’s the heartbeat of our nation, the collective symphony of voices shaping its politics, its economy, and its destiny. It’s the compass guiding us through the labyrinth of liberty, reminding us of the living, breathing commitment to the ideals that unite our strength and diversity, making it a unique and invaluable system of governance. We owe it to ourselves, our fellow citizens, and future generations to protect and nurture the democracy that defines us and to ensure that its light continues to shine brightly in an often tumultuous world.