On a same-day visit to both the Holocaust Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), my world view shifted dramatically. The urgency of history, coupled with the current political climate and social unrest, compelled me to write. The time for complacency is over; it's time to engage, learn, and act.
In the labyrinthine corridors of governance, the rule of law stands as a stalwart sentinel, a beacon guiding us through the complexities of democracy. It's akin to the morning ritual of a seasoned executive: reading the news, reviewing strategies, and setting the day's goals. This routine isn't just a way to organize a day; it's a manifestation of a broader governance model within an individual's life. What happens, though, when this sentinel shows signs of faltering? When the morning routine is disrupted by unforeseen challenges, a sense of urgency envelops us. Why? Because we understand that our well-being hangs in the balance. This same sense of urgency should envelop us when we consider the current state of the rule of law in America, a topic that has become as pressing as it is contentious.
Let's not kid ourselves. The rule of law isn't just a lofty ideal from political theory textbooks; it's the bedrock of any functioning democracy. It's what separates us from the chaos that engulfed societies like Nazi Germany, where the degradation of legal norms led to unspeakable atrocities. The United States, born from a revolutionary fight against tyranny and sustained through centuries by the rule of law, finds itself at a crossroads. We're walking a tightrope between upholding our democratic values and capitulating to the pressure of divisive politics, social unrest, and economic instability. As we walk this precarious path, the ghost of history hovers over us, whispering lessons we dare not ignore.
In Nazi Germany, the corrosion of the rule of law didn't happen overnight. It was a gradual process, enabled by complacency and ignorance, which allowed autocratic powers to dismantle democratic institutions. The same could happen here; in fact, in some respects, it already is. Voting rights are under siege, partisan politics are crippling governance, and public trust is eroding at an alarming rate. The parallels are not just eerie; they're a wake-up call.
We've been here before. The Civil Rights Movement, the Women's Suffrage Movement—these were not just moments in history; they were inflection points that redefined the trajectory of the American dream. Today, we find ourselves at another such inflection point. If you think your daily routine is essential, think about this routine: voting in every election, big or small; reading beyond headlines; engaging in civil discourse; holding your representatives accountable. This should be our new normal. Why? Because the alternative is a path we don't want to tread.
In the broader scope of world history, America occupies a unique space—a young democracy that has influenced global politics and human rights in ways both commendable and controversial. But this influence comes with the weight of responsibility, both to ourselves and to the democratic ideals we espouse. The rule of law isn't just an American issue; it's a human issue. And as we navigate the challenges of the 21st century, let us not forget that the world is watching. So, let's give them something worth watching—a democracy that not only preaches the rule of law but steadfastly upholds it, even in the face of unprecedented challenges.