Larry D. Lauer

History doesn’t always repeat itself… but issues and values often linger, and echo.

1. Abraham Lincoln tried to eliminate slavery, but white supremacy continued to echo in American culture.
2. It still resides deep in the subconscious minds of many who consider themselves accepting of all races.
3. And it surfaces in unexpected ways… such as when minorities appear to get special treatment at work… or when a black family moves into a white neighborhood… or when white voters simply allow submerged feelings to surface when voting.
4. Admittedly, some very dangerous groups have always believed that white culture is superior.
5. Therefore, the founders’ dream of equality can only be realized if true patriots continue to champion democracy and equal justice.

It seems clear that the founders knew all along that they would need to rely on future leaders to make “liberty and justice for all” a reality. Saving the American democratic system must therefore be our top priority.

American Core Ideas…

1. “Equal justice” was stated as an essential principle. But it was also realized that slavery, white supremacy, and other serious stumbling stumbling blocks would have to be dealt with over time.
2. A form of democracy called a “republic” was uniquely designed into the American system. This was done with the hope that only leaders of “high virtue” would hold high office. Ben Franklyn famously said… “You have a republic if you can keep it!”
3. The “Declaration of Independence” made it clear there would be no monarchs, autocrats, or dictators in America.
4. “Freedom of speech and the press” were so important to the founders that they were included in the Constitution.
5. “We are a nation of immigrants.” From the very start government leaders have made this obvious fact clear.
6. “Forming a more perfect union” would require avoiding political and social polarization. It was this fear that caused George Washington to declare himself an Independent… a fear which he warned about again in his farewell address!
7. “Access to voting” has always been seen as an important feature of American citizenship.

These core American ideas are what can restore unity to our polarized nation… a prerequisite for regaining international respect, and global leadership.

Recent media revolutions have been huge game-changers for everyone… and most especially for leaders.

1. Institutions, politics, the family, education, and much more, have been changed forever.
2. A daily information explosion now produces a permanent state of confusion.
3. Social media platforms have become weapons for ruthless governments and individuals.
4. Legitimate institutions and governments struggled to be understood. Even those that want to be transparent.
5. Photojournalism and television brought even more drama to news reporting.
6. Television quickly dominated coverage of riots, demonstrations, and shootings.
7. Focusing on the action, and using close-ups and picture montages, TV news can be very deceiving.
8. Consumers are overwhelmed with information… and now tend to chose the outlets that best reinforce what they prefer to think.

Media literacy for consumers has therefore never been more important.

Cracks in our two-party government have been appearing for a long time. Is it now time to suggest we should have multiple political parties?

1. In the Republican Party there are those with both extreme right-wing and traditional thinking.
2. Some Republicans also appear to see benefits in an autocracy.
3. And there are Democrats with centrist, left and right thinking.
4. Some Democrats might even prefer a “green party” focus.

As the political pendulum swung between Democrats and Republicans over the years, various factions were appearing.

1. In the 1930’s a Democratic President (FDR) used government to create infrastructure jobs. But even so his internal party support was not unanimous, especially when it came to foreign affairs.
2. In the 1980’s a Republican President (Reagan) declared big government was the big problem. But internal factions eventually emerged, with more varied ideas about the best role for government..
3. Today a Democratic President (Biden) is using government to end a pandemic, open up schools safely, rescue hurting families, provide other social safety-nets, and bailout failing small businesses. But internal factions on the left and right are already emerging.

Maybe multiple-party politics, recognizing the existence of these various factions, would better serve us now? It’s essential to keep in mind that recent media revolutions will keep these factions visibly on the public agenda… and therefore politically significant.

1. The number of disillusioned Americans… Independents, Republicans, Democrats, middleclass families, and front-line workers… is increasing everyday.
2. We simply must change our national conversation to the founder’s “idea of America.” “Save our incredible democratic republic,” must become our unifying theme.
3. Passionate speeches need to be delivered at every opportunity. Celebration events need to be staged. Everywhere the “buzz” must be about democracy.
4. Topics must include: a nation of immigrants; a nation of strong institutions; a nation of good jobs; a nation of great healthcare; a nation that cares for the environment; a nation of empathetic capitalism; a nation of strong allies; and a nation of individual freedoms.
5. We must use every media-platform, holiday event, and all communication opportunities to focus on America’s democratic republic as the only “big idea” that can truly unite our nation… and help us regain our leadership role in the world.

1. Today, most everyone tends to join only the social media platforms and information sources that reinforce their own beliefs.
2. Thus, we all tend to join a digital media universe that brings us the most comfort.
3. Trump followers have their own universe.
4. Republicans and Democrats can each have their own universe.
5. Independents and others can have theirs too.
6. In fact, everyone probably is already living in their own “media comfort zone.”
7. So, from now on, power-hungry politicians will be using social media platforms and biased news sources to talk directly with their followers, and other people may not have any idea what they are saying to each other…or planning to do!

We must remember most news outlets are businesses, and journalists must find something to report every day.

1. Ironically, our previous president met that need by replacing daily press conferences with headline-grabbing tweets, and by shouting tantalizing sound-bites on his daily walks to his helicopter.

2. Happily, Biden restored daily press conferences and made himself and cabinet members available to the press. However, many observers have been voicing their frustration with very aggressive questioning coming so soon from reporters, and sometimes very contentious stories.

3. Here are four journalism realities: a. Finding something to report everyday inevitably results in aggressive questioning and reporting. b. Finding new ways to report the same topics everyday can result in consumer confusion. c. Reporters are always trying to “scoop” their competitors to earn headlines. d. Opinion bloggers, biased news outlets, and many commercial organizations put their basic interests out front… often resulting in “fake news,” and more confusion,

Bottom line: As news consumers we must all select our information sources and favorite journalists very carefully. Further, the need for media consumer education is more important than ever… in all our schools, community organizations, and associations.

Trump received over 74 million votes. These people will not be going away.

1. Obviously they were willing to accept Trumps erratic behavior because they thought his autocracy would benefit them.

2. However, several of his most visible supporters already see themselves in the presidency… some possibly even by 2024. Dictators around the world are waiting welcome them… a very dangerous global development.

3. Journalist Ann Applebaum, writing in The Atlantic, points out that Biden supporters will need to accept the reality that “74 million Trump voters” are waiting in the wings to know who will lead them. She also wisely advises that in the meantime all democracy champions should find common projects to work with them on and nonpolitical topics to talk with them about.

Bottom line: For the near future peaceful coexistence will be necessary… and winning many more elections will be required.

1. Biden’s main job will be to function everyday as the chief communication officer, and to do it in a way that consistently conveys enthusiasm and energy. He must work closely with his communication and social media experts, and use appropriate media platforms to explain in simple and calming language exactly what is taking place.
2. Showing visible energy will be essential because everyone will notice and report any sign of fatigue or aging.
3. And from the start he must consider his Vice President to be a “President-in-training.” He must quickly share his vast experience, get her up to speed in foreign policy, and introduce her to all the right people.
4. He already has his press secretary holding daily press briefings. But he must also encourage background interviews between his senior officials and influential reporters. In other words, he must use truth and transparency to minimize confusing leaks.
5. He has a highly experienced and talented cabinet and staff. Each one is capable of planning and completing their own work. He must encourage all of them to do just that.
6. Bottom Line: He must accept that everything he wants to do will not get done. But if he prioritizes carefully, he will complete enough…and “enough completed” can save American democracy.