What Will Decide If This Is Our Century?

"A republic, if you can keep it."-- Benjamin Franklin's response to a question about the type of government created by the Constitutional Convention in 1787.

Litigation and civil unrest are coming. The 2024 Presidential Election will bring out the best and the worst of those dissatisfied with the election results. The Harris/Trump contest will determine responses from our allies and adversaries, It will inspire democratic initiatives around the world where people continue to struggle for their rights, or it will embolden authoritarian leaders to seize upon the vulnerabilities of their people. More importantly, how the American people respond to the results of this election will set a powerful example for constitutional government and democracy around the globe.

The aftermath of this election will also bring out its share of crazies from both fringes on the Left and the Right, each extreme faction promising not to go gently into the night if the results are unfavorable. People are already poised for action, many even making contingency plans for violence. American politics has descended into little more than surreal reality show. It has become the specter of the American people, who increasingly see themselves as victims of a rigged electoral system that has pre-selected political winners and losers.

We have a lot of work to do to change. The continuity of the peaceful transfer of power will define America's role at the global leadership table in this century.

Chief among what needs to change is our collective understanding of how American elections work. The bedrock of American democracy is rooted in the principle of the peaceful transfer of power. This fundamental aspect emphasizes the credibility of our electoral processes and reinforces public trust in the American government at every level.

The acceptance of election results, regardless of personal preferences, is vital for maintaining the integrity of our political system and ensuring a stable society. We should not participate in civil unrest in today's elections, particularly where safeguards have been implemented to minimize corruption and ballot tampering.

We have a storied history of elections, characterized by fierce competition yet ultimately culminating in peaceful transfers of power. From the earliest days of the republic, where the outcome of elections was sometimes uncertain, the country has evolved to embrace the electoral process as the cornerstone of American democracy. Historical milestones, such as the peaceful transfer of power from John Adams to Thomas Jefferson in 1801, set a precedent that has been upheld through centuries of political evolution.

Remember, this process's integrity is contingent upon the public's willingness to accept electoral outcomes. The notion that every vote counts and that electoral results reflect the collective will of the people affirms the legitimacy of American democratic governance. When civil unrest erupts after elections, it not only challenges this legitimacy but also risks destroying the very foundation of our republic.

Civil unrest is a double-edged sword; while it can be a powerful tool for social change, its implications following elections can be detrimental. The events of January 6, 2021, serve as a poignant reminder of how quickly protests can devolve into violence and chaos. The insurrection starkly illustrated the dangers associated with rejecting the results of a legitimate election process. This time, we need to go further in promoting dialogue and understanding because there will be factions to breed division, distrust, and work diligently towards a breakdown of civil order.

The consequences of civil unrest extend beyond immediate violence. It creates an environment of fear and instability, deterring investment, disrupting business, and eroding the quality of life for American citizens. In our country, the ability to voice dissent is vital; however, it must be exercised within the framework of the Constitution and respect for American democratic values. When protests turn violent, they not only tarnish the reputation of those involved but also cast a shadow over the entire political system.

Our democratic values include the unwritten rules that guide American political behavior and participation. They encompass respect for the electoral process, adherence to the rule of law, and the acceptance of voting outcomes, even when they are not favorable to one's preferred candidate. These values are essential to maintaining our stable political environment- where American citizens can engage in constructive dialogue and dissent without resorting to violence.

In the US, the likelihood of widespread corruption is minimal, as is often the case with modern electoral systems equipped with rigorous checks and balances. In this connection, the justification for civil unrest should diminish. Voter suppression, gerrymandering, and other forms of electoral manipulation do present challenges, but the solutions will depend on reform and advocacy. Engaging in civil discourse, promoting transparency, and working with established channels to address grievances are the hallmarks of a vibrant American republic.

Acceptance of election results is not merely a political necessity, it is a social imperative. In a diverse nation like ours, where differing opinions abound, the act of conceding defeat is important for national unity and healing. Each election cycle brings an opportunity for citizens to reaffirm their commitment to the democratic process, regardless of the outcome.

Post-election unrest will greatly disrupt the healing process. Instead of coming together to discuss future directions and policies, communities will become more fragmented and hostile. This division will continue to have long-lasting effects on our social and political cohesion and impede progress in the US economy. Acknowledging the outcome of a fair election will allow us to move forward, focusing on collaboration rather than conflict.

Our political leaders bear a significant responsibility in setting the tone for public discourse. By consistently advocating for the acceptance of electoral outcomes and modeling respectful behavior, they can help mitigate post-election tensions and foster a spirit of cooperation. When American leaders unequivocally denounce violence and civil unrest, they contribute to a political climate that values stability over chaos.

No reasonable person will deny that a strong, stable American republic is a greater benefit to global security than otherwise. The strength of the American Republic lies in its ability to facilitate the peaceful transference of power and the acceptance of electoral results. A renewed American Century will depend on what happens after November 5-- when the American people anxiously await the results of the election between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump-- two people with very different visions for the US. We must ensure that the legacy of our republic is one of progress and respect for dissent and the Constitution. It is through this commitment that we can preserve the integrity of our political system and nurture a healthier, more resilient democracy for future Americans.