BY JAMES WERNICKE
Candidate for County Council
“Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to eat for lunch.” – Marvin Simkin
“One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is to be ruled by your inferiors.” – Plato
In 1892, Francis Bellamy penned The Pledge Of Allegiance as part of a campaign to instill patriotism and sell an overstock of American flags to public schools. In 2022, researcher Barry Popik found a newspaper clipping of a Kansas school reciting a nearly identical pledge several months earlier than Francis. It may be that a Kansas schoolboy coincidentally named Frank Bellamy was the true author who captured our nation’s founding principles so succinctly:
Most of us recognize these words, but how many of us really think about them? In a republic, elected officials typically represent the interests of its citizens. Liberty is the state of being free from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one’s way of life, behavior, or political views. Justice denotes fairness and impartiality in the treatment of individuals, ensuring that they receive what is rightfully theirs and that wrongdoing is appropriately addressed.
Inseparability catalyzes the civil discourse — bolstering the free exchange of ideas through reasoned, respectful debate without fear of persecution or suppression — to find common ground and mutual prosperity. Our founders carefully chose to form a democratic constitutional republic to embody and preserve these qualities. Do our leaders today still pledge the same allegiance?
Public opinion of our government and political institutions are at record lows. Only 28% of Americans think today’s hyperpartisan system is working. People are increasingly choosing to register as third party or independent. Non-partisan movements like Good Party, No Labels, and Country Over Party are gaining traction despite suppression campaigns. One person even changed their legal name to Literally Anybody Else in protest against the presidential rerun our democratic gatekeepers selected for us. It is a banner year for third parties and independents to gain seats at the table and start working together on solutions.
So why do so many citizens remain complicit in a winner-takes-all binary democracy if it’s incompatible with the diverse needs of its citizens? Are we tyrants? Nihilists? Cowards? We owe it to those who paved the way for us to live in such opportunity to build a more perfect Union for our children. Los Alamos is one of the most politically diverse and literate communities so why not start here? Here are some strategies to consider to diversify our political choices:
1. Vote for candidates who will implement electoral reform such as ranked-choice voting, proportional representation, and non-partisan ballots.
2. Vote for candidates who will reduce barriers to ballot access such as reducing signature requirements, extending filing deadlines, streamlining the administrative process, and establishing clear and consistent standards for qualification.
3. Vote for candidates who will address the influence of money in politics by implementing stricter campaign finance transparency laws, exposing the power of special interest groups and wealthy donors in political campaigns.
4. Foster a culture of critical thinking, civic participation, and media literacy to help citizens make informed decisions and engage meaningfully in the political process.
5. Encourage development of viable third-party and independent candidates by providing them with resources, visibility, and support networks.
6. Support collaboration and coalition building among political parties and movements that seek to address local social and political issues, and build momentum for broader political diversity.
Most importantly, we need people with different perspectives about local issues to win elected office. You’re invited to attend a non-partisan info session from at SALA Event Center on Sunday, April 14, 5:30 – 7:30 PM. Learn how to get on the ballot and campaign for elected office. Learn how to participate in public boards and commissions. Find common ground with fellow citizens, advocacy groups, local media, and candidates who value your opinion.
Refreshments and kids’ entertainment will be provided. Let’s get organized so we can secure a nation – or at least a community – inseparable with liberty and justice for all this November.