What's the Narrative

Is American Democracy under threat? What are the greatest challenges to democracy and how do you propose we address this at the local level?

I think the greatest challenges to our democracy are poverty and a lack of a commitment to ethics.

Poverty is not only unjust but it is also problematic in that it sorely weakens participation in many aspects of society.

Basic needs must be met before people can be expected to share themselves in the democratic process.  

A second challenge to democracy is a lack of commitment to ethics.  Without a commitment to ethics, competition leads to damaging conduct and confusing communication patterns.  

I think that it may be that we should always consider our democracy to be under threat.

Liberty and Justice are the two most commonly cited principles of democracy.  If the welfare of the people cannot in any way support a full life, and if systems of justice work against themselves instead of with the people, this needs to be righted.