Looking Back & Ahead

Last year on the 4th of July, I was one of the Boston-By-Foot guides that led 3-hour tours of Boston’s Freedom Trail. So much for last year. This year our country is at a turning point. Do we remain a democracy or do we slip into more chaos and dissent?

Below are the 10 hallmarks of American Democracy as presented on the Rachel Maddow show in November 2016.

A free and independent press.
 
An independent judiciary, that do have the power to correct the other branches.
 
An excellent and professional military that is not used as a political force against our own people, and that answers to the civilian leadership.
 
The freedom and ability to participate as citizens in our civic life, including free and fair elections.
 
An advanced and mature civil society, with organizations to advocate for change and to protect the weak.
 
The freedom of assembly to organize and to speak out.
 
Openness to immigrants.
 
No official religion.
 
No official language.
 
No king, but instead a democratic process and a peaceful transition of power.