Democracy. Do you remember it ?

I hold a debt of gratitude to my history teachers who gave me a profound appreciation for democracy. I was not especially enthusiastic about history, while I was actively learning it. In fact I felt somewhat put out to have to look back, as I was always frantically looking forward. But my teachers - all of them - were able to break through my irrelevant surface and self absorbed concerns about my future, to embed an understanding of the profound fortune we have as Americans, in democracy. As kids, most of us are not worldly, so there is a danger to take democracy for granted. My teachers guided me to a less selfish and more comprehensive realization in the promise of life as an American. So for that, I am grateful..

What infuriates me most about the Bush Administration is its complete lack of respect for democracy, and its repeated actions to thwart it. It is not unfair or incorrect to say that Bush has undermined America and our ideals, by pushing through a self rewarding, narrow and dangerous agenda. Demonstrating, at least a partial, but conscious, disregard for the fair representation and welfare of the American people. The Bush Administration has been as unethical as any dictatorship. We are not killing our own citizens for political gain, but Bush and his party are manipulating financial markets to benefit the wealthiest and 'governizing' moral ideals to his way of thinking - the far right. How did this happen? How and where did our system of check and balance falter? How did the power of one administration overtake and discard the basic principle of democracy - to protect and represent the majority? How is it that those in power were able to distract us from upholding one of the most basic principles of democracy - the definitive and unambiguous separation between church and state as put forth in our Constitution? How did we allow this solid line to be diminished to a wiggly, faint dotted line between government, religion and morality ?

I don't have the answers to these questions, but they are relevant to think about, as we consider what will bring about change, and how we can facilitate it, with our vote for the next president. More importantly, I fear we will perpetuate a vagueness to democratic values if we do not actively and aggressively address these "non democratic" but prevailing conditions. Now.

To say that the challenges facing the next president are daunting is of course a massive understatement. To expect that we will function well, quickly as a democracy with a new administration is delusional. It will take broad thinking, aggressive actions, unwavering commitment, and time - to gain ground toward becoming, again, a democratic world power that others want to emulate.

Largely due to Bush, his policies and his decisions, the global viewpoint has come to the conclusion that "democratic principles and human rights need not be components of a stable, prosperous future. At recent meetings of the United Nations, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran and other leaders of illiberal countries came to the great hall of global humanitarianism sneering at our predicament and hailing the 'end of the American era'." (The New Yorker).

This is as frightening as it gets. Can you imagine living without the power of your voice. Can you imagine living and working in an environment in which you have little control over your livelihood. Where you feel unnoticed. You are so convinced that you will not be heard that you stop speaking out. You might think this is too dramatic. OK. But wouldn't you agree that over the last 8 years, we have been inching closer to apathy or a sense of powerlessness - than ever before, in our life time.

President Bush’s successor will inherit two wars, $10 trillion in debt, global financial instability, the realities of limited resources, decreasing popular will, increasing popular distrust, record low financial prowess of the American family, and the perceived dwindling possibilities of what can be achieved by American power. As we move forward, we should often glance back, so as not to repeat our mistakes. More than anything else we need a leader who can identify pillars of cautious optimism, lead with a sense of calm calculated confidence, act with perspective and demonstrate an unrelenting energy to succeed.

Obama will draw people in. Through collaboration and connection he will create a broad and deep strength that will transform our battered morale into a will to change and a belief that we can, once again, prosper. He will be required to re-ignite the democratic process, enforce its outcome, and stand by it and for it, no matter how gritty it becomes. This is a high bar. It will not be easy, or comfortable.

Its time to live the slogan, join the team, suck it up and "Just Do It".