If you want both freedom and a government that is responsive to the needs of its citizens, you must have democracy and a dedication to democratic institutions.
I served on the Ketchikan Borough Assembly from 2000 to 2006. That experience of governing in accord with democratic principles reinforced my belief that democracy, and democratic institutions, work. The Assembly members often did not agree on the policy decisions and the actions we took. But all of us had an equal opportunity to express ourselves, listen to other points of view and try to persuade other members that a certain approach was best for the borough.
I’ve won some and lost some. Yet, I’ve always believed that, however imperfect, and whatever the wins and losses, the principles and benefits of democratic self-government were a rock-solid foundation to our lives as Americans — the foundation for American exceptionalism.
I believe that if you want both freedom and a government that is responsive to the needs of its citizens, you must have democracy and a dedication to democratic institutions. Authoritarian countries may serve the material needs of their citizens, but the price you pay is the sacrifice of freedom of thought, freedom of expression, freedom of worship and so on. Citizens of our great country should think long and hard before sacrificing our democracy and democratic institutions for that bargain.
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