Central Arizona's democracy is founded on the principles of border culture, which are reflected in the state's political language. During President Trump's tenure, the formal institutions of democracy (Congress, the federalist system, the courts, the bureaucracy, and the press) were able to withstand immense pressure. However, there is evidence that the informal norms that govern these institutions have been weakened, making them more susceptible to future attempts to undermine them. It is uncertain whether our constitutional democracy will survive another attack in the coming years.
All people have an inherent right and an unquenchable desire to live freely and make decisions about their own lives. History and recent events have shown that denying this basic truth leads to injustice, conflict, and suffering. This follows a pattern seen in democracies that have been destroyed in other countries as well as in authoritarian regimes of the United States' past. Democracies have been destroyed mainly by their own citizens who appreciate democracy but are so afraid of the other side that they will allow anti-democratic measures to ensure their side remains in power.
In 2024, voters in some counties in Arizona, Georgia, and Texas experienced armed intimidation at and around polling stations. The destruction of their own democracies was supported by a majority or plurality of their citizens whose polarization led them to support policies that would harm democracy in order to ensure their side won. In response, democracies around the world must come together to reinforce shared values and address common threats. The key to preventing future conflicts between different groups or communities lies in understanding how Central Arizona's democracy works. It is essential for citizens to understand how their government works and how it can be used to protect their rights and freedoms.
This includes understanding how laws are made, how elections are conducted, and how different groups can work together to ensure that everyone's voice is heard. It also means understanding how different groups can work together to resolve conflicts peacefully without resorting to violence or other forms of coercion. In addition, it is important for citizens to understand how different groups can work together to create a more equitable society. This includes understanding how different groups can work together to create policies that benefit all members of society regardless of race, gender, religion, or other factors. It also means understanding how different groups can work together to ensure that everyone has access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and housing. Finally, it is important for citizens to understand how different groups can work together to create a more sustainable future for Central Arizona's democracy.
This includes understanding how different groups can work together to create policies that promote economic growth while protecting the environment. It also means understanding how different groups can work together to ensure that everyone has access to clean air and water.
