Who are the "we" in "We the People?"
Many of my friends were upset by the first so-called Presidential Debate. My response is: Don't let your upset-ness stop you from staying engaged. Instead, channel that energy toward discernment.
If you are an U.S. citizen, you have the power to choice with your vote. The question is: how do you decide? Begin with the first line of the Constitution. Appreciate how radical that is to begin such a nation-forming document with "We the People" and not "I the dictator" or "We the bullies."
Even though the "We" had evolved and changed since the beginning of the nation (see the article The myth of 'We The People'
by Tereneh Idia), too become more inclusive, we are the people who will continue to define the "we" as we move forward as a nation specifically with our votes.
by Tereneh Idia), too become more inclusive, we are the people who will continue to define the "we" as we move forward as a nation specifically with our votes.
To help you focus, please keep "We the People" as your mantra today. Say it regularly as you go about your day - with family, seeing your neighbors, going shopping, walking on main street, in your workplace, at school, in the park and online gatherings.
As you recite this mantra, consider the questions:
Who are the "we" in "We the People?"
Does a candidate's idea of "we" different from yours? How might this difference affect the way you receive the candidate's message/ads/speeches/social media posts?
Which candidate - president, senator, congress-persons - takes "We the People" as we/you understand it today seriously?
Write your reflection and post it on social media and share it with your friends.
Initiate a conversation with at least one other person with the question: Who are the "we" in "We the People?"
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