Do Americans Still Deserve Democracy?
Franklin¹ and Jefferson² warned us: democracy isn’t a “set it and forget it” system. It’s a system that only works if the people are educated and involved. Jefferson believed that education was the only legitimate defense against tyranny. To him, an uneducated public was an invitation for those in power to overstep their bounds. Franklin’s view was deeply rooted in civic virtue and the practical application of knowledge. For Franklin, being “involved” wasn’t just about voting; it was about the active improvement of society. ➡️ When 87.9 million people (35.9%) choose not to vote, they become a larger force than those who voted for Trump (77.3M) or Harris (75M). Democracy doesn’t just die from external threats; it erodes from internal apathy. It’s not an inherent right—it’s a responsibility we have to earn every single day. At this point in our history, the data suggests a large number of Americans may be apathetic, uninformed, and disengaged. Some seem willing to resist...