I am grateful this past week to have had the opportunity to speak on numerous podcasts and radio shows about the challenges facing American democracy. These invitations came in the days leading up to the publication of the book, on March 14, and following it.
Here are four major points I have been making about how to fight the good fight against disinformation, corruption and the menace of authoritarianism:
The first call to action to all Americans is study democracy in order to understand how it works. Democracy is grounded in much more than the “will of the people” as expressed in free and fair elections. There are, in fact, four co-equal cornerstones of democracy: free and fair elections, the rule of law, checks and balances, and ethical leadership. If any of these cornerstones crumbles, the house of democracy collapses. “Ethical leadership,” of course, includes the leadership of news organizations.
The No. 1 threat to American democracy today is disinformation about elections. This claim is based upon a fundamental three-part proof of democracy: Democracy depends upon elections. Elections depend upon trust. And trust depends upon truth.
“The People,” including MAGA Republicans, are not to blame for the beleaguered state of our democracy today. The political and media leaders who deceive, delude, and incite the people are to blame.
Do not hate your fellow Americans. Deplore policies you disagree with, but follow Lincoln and MLK in showing compassionate understanding towards all, irrespective of political beliefs and affiliations. Heed the wisdom of Lincoln in his Second Inaugural Address to live according to the twin principles of “malice towards none” and “charity for all.”
In case you’re interested, here are links to podcasts and radio shows (and several short Twitter clips) that have been posted online thus far:
Dr. Eli Merritt Wants To Save Democracy, On Democracy With FP Wellman (43 minutes)
How to Save Democracy with Eli Merritt, IdeaSphere, Public Radio Exchange (29 minutes)
Time to Get Serious: How to Save Democracy, Keeping Democracy Alive with Burt Cohen (59 minutes)
Eli Merritt on How to Save Democracy, The Paul Miller Morning Show (11 minutes)
On Democracy Lunch Hour, Community Update with Sherman Whitman (30 minutes)
Dr. Eli Merritt on Fox News Disinformation, On Democracy Short With FP Wellman (1:45 minutes)
Dr. Eli Merritt on Truth and Trust in Elections, On Democracy Short With FP Wellman (36 seconds)
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